Rovos Rail and Zambezi River Escape
Overview
Unwind and discover more on a rail-and-river voyage through Southern Africa.
Sit back and allow this luxurious adventure to unfold on the ultimate slow travel safari on the Rovos Rail and the Zambezi Queen houseboat. This 12-day journey invites you to discover Southern Africa at a leisurely pace, giving you time to appreciate the smaller, slower, and simpler pleasures while on vacation. Your journey begins in Cape Town, where you can discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on sunset walks and venture further afield on a guided tour of the Winelands. Next, make your way to Pretoria before boarding the iconic Rovos Rail train. Disconnect from the outside world and settle into the pace of a bygone era as the train meanders north through ever-changing landscapes toward its final destination, Victoria Falls. After a night in Victoria Falls, you can relax aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen as it glides past Chobe National Park’s legendary wildlife on a 3-day river cruise. The price excludes flights.
Highlights
- Game drives
- Luxury train travel
- Luxury river safari
- Big game
Destinations
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 10-12
Chobe River
Meandering through Botswana’s northern wilderness, the Chobe River draws some of Africa’s largest elephant populations. Sunset cruises offer front-row seats to dramatic wildlife encounters and golden-hour magic.
Day 1-4
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s most iconic cities, where rugged mountains meet the Atlantic in spectacular style. From world-class dining and design to secret beaches and panoramic drives, it offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and cultural sophistication.
Day 5
Pretoria
South Africa’s administrative capital blends gracious architecture with jacaranda-lined avenues and rich history. It’s the perfect departure point for luxury rail journeys through Southern Africa.
Day 6-8
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, Hwange is famed for its vast elephant herds and predator sightings. Open plains and dense woodlands set the scene for exceptional game viewing year-round.
Day 9
Victoria Falls
Straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Whether viewed by foot or helicopter, its thunderous curtain of water stirs awe and adrenaline in equal measure.
Day 10-12
Chobe River
Meandering through Botswana’s northern wilderness, the Chobe River draws some of Africa’s largest elephant populations. Sunset cruises offer front-row seats to dramatic wildlife encounters and golden-hour magic.
Day 1-4
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s most iconic cities, where rugged mountains meet the Atlantic in spectacular style. From world-class dining and design to secret beaches and panoramic drives, it offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and cultural sophistication.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1-4
Experiences
Discover Cape Town’s unique history before getting in touch with nature on a sunset walk through Table Mountain National Park. Guests can also enjoy leisure time at the hotel’s swimming pool, savor afternoon tea in the lounge, or sip on a refreshing cocktail at the Planet Bar overlooking the property’s gardens.
Day 1-4
Arrive
Cape Town, South Africa
Check-in
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Your slow travel safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and accompany you to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in a private vehicle. An oasis in the heart of Cape Town, this iconic pink hotel is set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and makes for the perfect base to explore the city at a leisurely pace. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on a guided sunset walk on Table Mountain, as well as a half-day excursion through the Cape Winelands.
Accommodation
Belmond Mount Nelson
Belmond Mount Nelson is located in the heart of Cape Town with easy access to the city’s top sights. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, this iconic blush hotel is a tranquil oasis and guests can enjoy access to the Librisa Spa and hair salon, fitness centre, two swimming pools, tennis courts and nine-acre lush garden.
Experiences
Discover Cape Town’s unique history before getting in touch with nature on a sunset walk through Table Mountain National Park. Guests can also enjoy leisure time at the hotel’s swimming pool, savor afternoon tea in the lounge, or sip on a refreshing cocktail at the Planet Bar overlooking the property’s gardens.
Day 1-4
Arrive
Cape Town, South Africa
Check-in
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Your slow travel safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and accompany you to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in a private vehicle. An oasis in the heart of Cape Town, this iconic pink hotel is set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and makes for the perfect base to explore the city at a leisurely pace. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on a guided sunset walk on Table Mountain, as well as a half-day excursion through the Cape Winelands.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5
Accommodation
Castello Di Monte
Located in the heart of the city, Castello Di Monte is the perfect urban oasis for your overnight stay in Pretoria. The Tuscan-style estate features an outdoor pool, manicured gardens, and panoramic city views.
Day 5
Transfer to
Pretoria
Check-in
Castello Di Monte, Pretoria
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your driver will meet you to transfer you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. From here, you can enjoy a private transfer to the luxurious Castello Di Monte in Pretoria. The Tuscan-style property is surrounded by landscaped gardens and boasts panoramic views of the city. Unwind after your travels with an in-room wellness treatment or relax by the Roman-style swimming pool with a refreshing drink from the bar.
Accommodation
Castello Di Monte
Located in the heart of the city, Castello Di Monte is the perfect urban oasis for your overnight stay in Pretoria. The Tuscan-style estate features an outdoor pool, manicured gardens, and panoramic city views.
Day 5
Transfer to
Pretoria
Check-in
Castello Di Monte, Pretoria
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your driver will meet you to transfer you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. From here, you can enjoy a private transfer to the luxurious Castello Di Monte in Pretoria. The Tuscan-style property is surrounded by landscaped gardens and boasts panoramic views of the city. Unwind after your travels with an in-room wellness treatment or relax by the Roman-style swimming pool with a refreshing drink from the bar.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 6-8
Experiences
Enjoy the day unfold at a leisurely pace, soak up the ever-changing scenery from the observation car, and relish in world-class culinary experiences at the dining car. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a safari.
Day 6-8
Transfer to
Rovos Rail Station
Check in
Rovos Rail
Today, your driver will accompany you to the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Step back in time as you board the luxurious Rovos Rail for a bespoke 4-day journey north to Zimbabwe. Immerse yourself in the ultimate slow travel experience and sit back and relax as the train ambles from Pretoria through Warmbaths, Nylstroom, and the Tropic of Capricorn before traversing Hwange National Park to your final destination, Victoria Falls. Life on board is effortless, and you can enjoy the charm of a bygone era while mingling in the lounge car, watching the scenery unfold with the wind in your hair from the open-air observation deck, and sipping on bubbles before a culinary experience in the dining car. In Hwange, you can enjoy an afternoon game drive at The Hide, home to herds of elephants, buffalo, and lions.
Accommodation
Rovos Rail
Recapture the atmosphere of a bygone era aboard the Rovos Rail, a reconditioned train. The train features luxurious suites, an old-world dining car, and an observation carriage—the perfect spot to watch the world go by.
Experiences
Enjoy the day unfold at a leisurely pace, soak up the ever-changing scenery from the observation car, and relish in world-class culinary experiences at the dining car. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a safari.
Day 6-8
Transfer to
Rovos Rail Station
Check in
Rovos Rail
Today, your driver will accompany you to the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Step back in time as you board the luxurious Rovos Rail for a bespoke 4-day journey north to Zimbabwe. Immerse yourself in the ultimate slow travel experience and sit back and relax as the train ambles from Pretoria through Warmbaths, Nylstroom, and the Tropic of Capricorn before traversing Hwange National Park to your final destination, Victoria Falls. Life on board is effortless, and you can enjoy the charm of a bygone era while mingling in the lounge car, watching the scenery unfold with the wind in your hair from the open-air observation deck, and sipping on bubbles before a culinary experience in the dining car. In Hwange, you can enjoy an afternoon game drive at The Hide, home to herds of elephants, buffalo, and lions.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 9
Experiences
The highlight of your stay will be meandering through the manicured garden to Victoria Falls. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Heritage Tour, tea overlooking the Victoria Falls bridge, and relaxing beauty treatments.
Day 9
Arrive
Victoria Falls Station
Check-in
Victoria Falls Hotel
Today marks the end of your luxury train safari. As the train pulls into Victoria Falls Station, you will meet a representative who will accompany you to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Located in Victoria Falls National Park and within walking distance of the Falls, the 1904 Edwardian-style hotel is the perfect base for your night in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon, follow the direct footpath to the Falls or enjoy a traditional afternoon high tea served on Stanley’s Terrace with spectacular views of the spray from the Falls below.
Accommodation
Victoria Falls Hotel
Built in 1904, the historic Victoria Falls Hotel exudes an old world charm and is ideally located a short 10 minute walk from the Falls. The hotel is renowned for impeccable service, luxurious accommodation and exceptional facilities.
Experiences
The highlight of your stay will be meandering through the manicured garden to Victoria Falls. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Heritage Tour, tea overlooking the Victoria Falls bridge, and relaxing beauty treatments.
Day 9
Arrive
Victoria Falls Station
Check-in
Victoria Falls Hotel
Today marks the end of your luxury train safari. As the train pulls into Victoria Falls Station, you will meet a representative who will accompany you to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Located in Victoria Falls National Park and within walking distance of the Falls, the 1904 Edwardian-style hotel is the perfect base for your night in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon, follow the direct footpath to the Falls or enjoy a traditional afternoon high tea served on Stanley’s Terrace with spectacular views of the spray from the Falls below.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 10-11
Experiences
Your time onboard the Zambezi Queen can be designed according to your mood. Join your guide on a unique boat safari, fishing expedition or work on your photography skills. Land-based activities include visiting Africa’s most ancient baobab trees and a tour of the local village.
Day 10-11
Transfer
Chobe River
Board
Zambezi Queen
Your slow travel safari continues on the luxurious Zambezi Queen, a world-class floating hotel designed with all the creature comforts for the discerning traveler. Your guide will meet you at the Victoria Falls Hotel and transfer you from Kasane to the Namibian banks of the Chobe River. Here, you will enjoy two nights on board the Zambezi Queen as it glides by wallowing hippos and elephants drinking from the shores. There are an array of water-based safari activities on offer including tiger fishing, photographic safari expeditions, water-based birding excursions, and guided river safaris. After adventurous days exploring the banks of the Chobe, return to your floating hotel and relax in the spacious lounges, enjoy the pool on board and world-class dining.
Accommodation
Zambezi Queen
An elegant floating hotel, the Zambezi Queen features 14 pristine suites, a swimming pool and luxurious dining area. Guests can enjoy their very own front facing private deck – the perfect vantage point to watch the landscape unfold with plenty of big game viewing opportunities.
Experiences
Your time onboard the Zambezi Queen can be designed according to your mood. Join your guide on a unique boat safari, fishing expedition or work on your photography skills. Land-based activities include visiting Africa’s most ancient baobab trees and a tour of the local village.
Day 10-11
Transfer
Chobe River
Board
Zambezi Queen
Your slow travel safari continues on the luxurious Zambezi Queen, a world-class floating hotel designed with all the creature comforts for the discerning traveler. Your guide will meet you at the Victoria Falls Hotel and transfer you from Kasane to the Namibian banks of the Chobe River. Here, you will enjoy two nights on board the Zambezi Queen as it glides by wallowing hippos and elephants drinking from the shores. There are an array of water-based safari activities on offer including tiger fishing, photographic safari expeditions, water-based birding excursions, and guided river safaris. After adventurous days exploring the banks of the Chobe, return to your floating hotel and relax in the spacious lounges, enjoy the pool on board and world-class dining.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 12
Day 12
Departure
Transfer to
Kasane International Airport
As the Zambezi Queen returns to the riverbank of the Chobe River, your guide will accompany you through the Namibia Immigration Office and transfer you to Kasane International Airport for your onward journey home.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
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Slow travel safari in Africa: FAQs
/01
What is slow travel?
+/02
Is slow travel sustainable?
+/03
What are the rules of slow travel?
+- Travel less and experience more.
- Choose sustainable transportation options.
- Support local economies by choosing boutique luxury lodges and guesthouses rather than large hotel chains.
/04
What are the benefits of a slow travel safari experience in Africa?
+/05
What destinations in Africa are best for a slow travel experience?
+- Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Tarangire National Park
- Kenya, including Laikipia and The Great Rift Valley
- South Africa, including the Western Cape and Drakensberg
- Rwanda and Uganda, including gorilla trekking safaris
- Botswana, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
- Namibia, including Sossusvlei and Damaraland
- Zambia, including Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa
/06
Can I witness the Great Migration during a slow travel safari?
+/07
What are some slow travel safari experiences?
+- Walking safaris
- Bush walks
- Game drives
- Hot-air balloon rides
- Water safaris
- River cruises
/08
What accommodation can I expect on a slow safari?
+/09
Why choose us for a slow travel safari experience in Africa?
+