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Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail, Outeniqua Mountains
Clifton Beach, South Africa
Traversing Hex River Valley
Matjiesfontein Rovos Rail excursion
Lounge Car, Rovos Rail
Pretoria City
Rovos Rail in North West Province
Deluxe Suite, Rovos Rail
Elephant, Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Zebras In Front Of The City, Nairobi
Madaraka Express Train Mtito Andei
Elephants, Tsavo East National Park
Diani Beach, Mombasa
Snorkel On The Beach, Mombasa

Great African Rail Adventure

24 day City, Rail & Beach Holiday – from £6029

With flights from £7209

A truly unique African adventure, traversing South Africa and Zimbabwe by train before flying to Kenya for a rail safari and Indian Ocean beach stay.

Highlights:
  • Explore the city sights of Cape Town
  • Travel on the luxurious Rovos Rail to Pretoria, then Victoria Falls
  • Visit two Kenya National Parks on the Madaraka Express
  • Look out for the ‘Big Five’ on Hwange, Amboseli and Tsavo game drives
  • Enjoy a private tour of Victoria Falls and intimate Zambezi sunset cruise

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Clifton Beach, South Africa

Day 1 to 3 – Cape Town

On arrival into Cape Town you will be met and transferred to the luxurious

On arrival into Cape Town you will be met and transferred to the luxurious Table Bay Hotel for a three night stay. Enjoy the hotel’s excellent location amongst the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area with its many shops, restaurants and other attractions.

You will have plenty of time over the coming days to explore the ‘Mother City’ with its scenic Table Mountain backdrop. For some ideas of what to do see and do in this beautiful city and its region, see our South Africa experiences page.

    Table Bay Hotel

Clifton Beach, South Africa
Traversing Hex River Valley

Day 4 – Cape Town

Your 1,600 kilometre journey commences this afternoon from Cape Town, a city cradled by the iconic…

Your 1,600 kilometre journey commences this afternoon from Cape Town, a city cradled by the iconic Table Mountain. The journey continues through spectacular mountain ranges and lush vineyards of the Western Cape. Passing through Worcester in the Hex River Valley, the train climbs over 750 metres up the face of the escarpment, before passing through a series of tunnels on the pass, the last being an impressive 13 kilometres long.

    Onboard

Traversing Hex River Valley
Matjiesfontein Rovos Rail excursion

Day 5 – Matjiesfontein

After breakfast, arrive in the historic village of Matjiesfontein where there is an opportunity to take…

After breakfast, arrive in the historic village of Matjiesfontein where there is an opportunity to take a stroll through the quaint village with historic buildings including the Lord Milner Hotel. There is also a museum on the platform with a collection of historic cars and railway carriages.

Continue through the stark and barren beauty of the Great Karoo, a semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea.  Enjoy the company of your fellow guests amidst the elegant surrounding of your Rovos Rail train.

    Onboard

Matjiesfontein Rovos Rail excursion
Lounge Car, Rovos Rail

Day 6 – Karoo & Kimberley

This morning, arrive at Kimberley where you will enjoy a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum…

This morning, arrive at Kimberley where you will enjoy a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, the town is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. The Big Hole to this day remains as one of the world’s largest man-made excavations.

Lunch is served as the train continues north-east towards klerksdorp and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld that were once the centre of South Africa’s goldrush.

    Your chosen Pretoria hotel

Lounge Car, Rovos Rail
Pretoria City

Day 7 – Pretoria

Arrive into Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities and have the rest of the day…

Arrive into Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

    Your chosen Pretoria hotel

Pretoria City
Rovos Rail in North West Province

Day 8 – Pretoria & Limpopo Province

This morning depart Pretoria on your northbound journey aboard Rovos Rail. Travel through the towns of…

This morning depart Pretoria on your northbound journey aboard Rovos Rail. Travel through the towns of Warmbaths, named after its mineral waters and then Nylstroom, which was once believed to be the source of the Nile by the Voortrekkers. Passing along the escarpment of Limpopo Province, the train then crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Zimbabwean border.

    Onboard

Rovos Rail in North West Province
Deluxe Suite, Rovos Rail

Day 9 – Zimbabwe

Your luxury rail journey crosses the South Africa – Zimbabwe border at Beitbridge and continues through…

Your luxury rail journey crosses the South Africa – Zimbabwe border at Beitbridge and continues through the Zimbabwean landscape towards Bulawayo for its overnight stop.

    Onboard

Deluxe Suite, Rovos Rail
Elephant, Hwange National Park

Day 10 – Hwange National Park

Experience one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line as you skirt the eastern…

Experience one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line as you skirt the eastern edge of the famous Hwange National Park between Gwaai and Dete. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive to seek out the park’s prolific game which includes impressive elephant herds, prides of lion and a wild dog population.

    Onboard

Elephant, Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 11 to 13 – Victoria Falls

Arrive into Victoria Falls station, where you will be transferred to the historic

Arrive into Victoria Falls station, where you will be transferred to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel for a three night stay.

A private tour of the Falls has been included where you will be amazed by the sheer volume of water plunging into the gorge below, then enjoy an unforgettable Zambezi sunset cruise on the small and intimate Ra Ikane boat.

    Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Zebras In Front Of The City, Nairobi

Day 14 – Arrive Nairobi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi which will take you from Southern to…

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi which will take you from Southern to Eastern Africa. On arrival, transfer to your Nairobi hotel which begins the Kenya Rail Safari.

    Eka Hotel, Nairobi

Zebras In Front Of The City, Nairobi
Madaraka Express Train Mtito Andei

Day 15 – Amboseli

This morning transfer to the modern Nairobi Terminus Station on the outskirts of the city for…

This morning transfer to the modern Nairobi Terminus Station on the outskirts of the city for the 0820 departure aboard the Madaraka Express train.

Inaugurated in 2017, this modern rail service travels along the new Nairobi to Mombasa standard gauge rail line. You will travel in the comfort of First Class with recliner seats and plenty of leg room and there is an informal dining car where snacks and drinks can be purchased. The journey to Emali takes around 1.5 hours so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the Kenyan countryside as it rolls past. A vehicle from Serena Amboseli Lodge will be waiting at the station to transfer you into Amboseli National Park.

Lunch is served at the lodge, before heading off on an exciting game drive to seek out the large herds of elephants with the ever present scenic splendour of Mt. Kilimanjaro forming a backdrop. Return to the lodge as the sun sets where this evening you will enjoy a bush barbeque dinner.

    Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Madaraka Express Train Mtito Andei
Elephants, Tsavo East National Park

Day 16 – Tsavo

There is another chance to spot some wildlife on a morning game drive, before transferring by…

There is another chance to spot some wildlife on a morning game drive, before transferring by road to Tsavo West National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the Kilaguni Serena Lodge. Enjoy some time to relax, before an afternoon game drive. Tsavo has an impressive variety of wildlife including the Big 5 and numerous bird species and a visit will be made to Mzima Springs where you may see hippos in the lagoon and other game.

    Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Tsavo West

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Elephants, Tsavo East National Park
Diani Beach, Mombasa

Day 17 to 23 – Mombasa

Your Kenya Rail Safari finishes this afternoon with a transfer from the station to your luxury…

Your Kenya Rail Safari finishes this afternoon with a transfer from the station to your luxury Mombasa beachfront Hotel. The Serena Beach Resort will provide a relaxing place to unwind after your rail adventure with its excellent range of facilities and superb service.

    Serena Beach Resort

Diani Beach, Mombasa
Snorkel On The Beach, Mombasa

Day 24 – Farewell

Today, enjoy the beach one last time before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Today, enjoy the beach one last time before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Snorkel On The Beach, Mombasa

Your Itinerary

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1 to 3

|

Cape Town

On arrival into Cape Town you will be met and transferred to the luxurious Table Bay Hotel for a three night stay. Enjoy the hotel’s excellent location amongst the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area with its many shops, restaurants and other attractions.

You will have plenty of time over the coming days to explore the ‘Mother City’ with its scenic Table Mountain backdrop. For some ideas of what to do see and do in this beautiful city and its region, see our South Africa experiences page.

    Table Bay Hotel

Clifton Beach, South Africa

Day 4

|

Cape Town

Your 1,600 kilometre journey commences this afternoon from Cape Town, a city cradled by the iconic Table Mountain. The journey continues through spectacular mountain ranges and lush vineyards of the Western Cape. Passing through Worcester in the Hex River Valley, the train climbs over 750 metres up the face of the escarpment, before passing through a series of tunnels on the pass, the last being an impressive 13 kilometres long.

    Onboard

Traversing Hex River Valley

Day 5

|

Matjiesfontein

After breakfast, arrive in the historic village of Matjiesfontein where there is an opportunity to take a stroll through the quaint village with historic buildings including the Lord Milner Hotel. There is also a museum on the platform with a collection of historic cars and railway carriages.

Continue through the stark and barren beauty of the Great Karoo, a semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea.  Enjoy the company of your fellow guests amidst the elegant surrounding of your Rovos Rail train.

    Onboard

Matjiesfontein Rovos Rail excursion

Day 6

|

Karoo & Kimberley

This morning, arrive at Kimberley where you will enjoy a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, the town is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. The Big Hole to this day remains as one of the world’s largest man-made excavations.

Lunch is served as the train continues north-east towards klerksdorp and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld that were once the centre of South Africa’s goldrush.

    Your chosen Pretoria hotel

Lounge Car, Rovos Rail

Day 7

|

Pretoria

Arrive into Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

    Your chosen Pretoria hotel

Pretoria City

Day 8

|

Pretoria & Limpopo Province

This morning depart Pretoria on your northbound journey aboard Rovos Rail. Travel through the towns of Warmbaths, named after its mineral waters and then Nylstroom, which was once believed to be the source of the Nile by the Voortrekkers. Passing along the escarpment of Limpopo Province, the train then crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Zimbabwean border.

    Onboard

Rovos Rail in North West Province

Day 9

|

Zimbabwe

Your luxury rail journey crosses the South Africa – Zimbabwe border at Beitbridge and continues through the Zimbabwean landscape towards Bulawayo for its overnight stop.

    Onboard

Deluxe Suite, Rovos Rail

Day 10

|

Hwange National Park

Experience one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line as you skirt the eastern edge of the famous Hwange National Park between Gwaai and Dete. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting game drive to seek out the park’s prolific game which includes impressive elephant herds, prides of lion and a wild dog population.

    Onboard

Elephant, Hwange National Park

Day 11 to 13

|

Victoria Falls

Arrive into Victoria Falls station, where you will be transferred to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel for a three night stay.

A private tour of the Falls has been included where you will be amazed by the sheer volume of water plunging into the gorge below, then enjoy an unforgettable Zambezi sunset cruise on the small and intimate Ra Ikane boat.

    Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 14

|

Arrive Nairobi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi which will take you from Southern to Eastern Africa. On arrival, transfer to your Nairobi hotel which begins the Kenya Rail Safari.

    Eka Hotel, Nairobi

Zebras In Front Of The City, Nairobi

Day 15

|

Amboseli

This morning transfer to the modern Nairobi Terminus Station on the outskirts of the city for the 0820 departure aboard the Madaraka Express train.

Inaugurated in 2017, this modern rail service travels along the new Nairobi to Mombasa standard gauge rail line. You will travel in the comfort of First Class with recliner seats and plenty of leg room and there is an informal dining car where snacks and drinks can be purchased. The journey to Emali takes around 1.5 hours so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the Kenyan countryside as it rolls past. A vehicle from Serena Amboseli Lodge will be waiting at the station to transfer you into Amboseli National Park.

Lunch is served at the lodge, before heading off on an exciting game drive to seek out the large herds of elephants with the ever present scenic splendour of Mt. Kilimanjaro forming a backdrop. Return to the lodge as the sun sets where this evening you will enjoy a bush barbeque dinner.

    Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Madaraka Express Train Mtito Andei

Day 16

|

Tsavo

There is another chance to spot some wildlife on a morning game drive, before transferring by road to Tsavo West National Park, arriving in time for lunch at the Kilaguni Serena Lodge. Enjoy some time to relax, before an afternoon game drive. Tsavo has an impressive variety of wildlife including the Big 5 and numerous bird species and a visit will be made to Mzima Springs where you may see hippos in the lagoon and other game.

    Kilaguni Serena Lodge, Tsavo West

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Elephants, Tsavo East National Park

Day 17 to 23

|

Mombasa

Your Kenya Rail Safari finishes this afternoon with a transfer from the station to your luxury Mombasa beachfront Hotel. The Serena Beach Resort will provide a relaxing place to unwind after your rail adventure with its excellent range of facilities and superb service.

    Serena Beach Resort

Diani Beach, Mombasa

Day 24

|

Farewell

Today, enjoy the beach one last time before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Snorkel On The Beach, Mombasa

This Holiday Includes

14 nights hotel accommodation
Experiences and activities in Victoria Falls
2 day time rail journeys in Kenya and 2 all inclusive luxury Rovos Rail journeys
Airport transfers

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • Extra nights in Cape Town, Victoria Falls or by the Indian Ocean
  • A day tour to the Cape of Good Hope or Robben Island

Next Step

Please get in touch with our Africa Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Great African Rail Adventure

24 day City, Rail & Beach Holiday – from £6029

With flights from £7209

Guide prices shown are per person based on two people sharing standard accommodation and include full ABTA/ATOL protection. Prices vary according to season and standard of accommodation chosen.

Map

Great African Rail Adventure Map

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