From Victoria Falls to the Indian Ocean (2026/2027)
starting at 9.250 €

African Explorer

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16-day special train journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Mozambique

Africa

Eswatini

Mozambique

Zimbabwe

South Africa

50 - 66 people

16 days

Look forward to an extraordinary train journey through four countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Mozambique. On your trip with the African Explorer, the comfortable special train from Rovos Rail, you can expect to see Victoria Falls and the wildlife in Kruger National Park, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park, and Maputo on the Indian Ocean.

Stephanie Gräf

Spezialist für individuelle und erlebnisreiche Reisen rund um den Globus.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

HIGHLIGHTS

Unique route through Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa with the African Explorer from Rovos Rail
Varied landscapes: Highveld plateau and subtropical Lowveld, Drakensberg Mountains, savannahs of Matabele Country and Hwange Park
Exclusive charter with German-speaking tour guide for a maximum of 25 guests and with a doctor on board
Overnight stay in a stylish safari lodge at Victoria Falls
Exciting safaris in Kruger National Park
In the realm of elephants: Hwange National Park
Vibrant metropolis on the Indian Ocean: Mozambique's capital Maputo
South Africa's Panorama Route with Blyde River Canyon and God's Window viewpoint
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Matobo National Park with the grave of Cecil Rhodes
Ruins of Great Zimbabwe
Small Kingdom of Eswatini

route

itinerary

Day 1 Departure from Germany

Day 2 Arrival at the Zambezi

Arrival in Victoria Falls in the early afternoon. You will be greeted by your tour guide at the airport, then driven to your safari lodge. If you have booked this trip without flights, your journey begins today with your arrival at your lodge. In the afternoon, you will explore the Zambezi River by boat. Your welcome dinner: a braai with African specialties around a crackling campfire. (D)

Day 3 Victoria Falls

After breakfast, you will have time to marvel at Victoria Falls. From numerous vantage points, you can look out over the 1.7 km long edge of the falls, where the roaring waters of the Zambezi River rush down. A short walk takes you to the Victoria Falls Hotel, from whose terrace you can enjoy the view across to the Victoria Falls Bridge. If you wish, you can book a helicopter flight over the waterfalls (payable on site). In the afternoon, the train crew will welcome you on board. (FA)

Day 4 Hwange National Park

After breakfast, you will set off on a half-day safari. Hwange National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. With a little luck, you will encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, and even the rare wild dogs. After a lunch break, your train will depart for Bulawayo. (FMA)

Day 5 Bulawayo and Matobo National Park

In the morning, you will take a tour of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city and the center of Matabele country. You can choose to visit the Natural History Museum or the National Railway Museum, which displays historic locomotives and train cars, including Cecil Rhodes' personal saloon car. The museum curators are happy to share their insider knowledge with you. Afterwards, you will drive to Matobo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The name Matobo (translated: the bald ones) comes from the smooth rock ridges on which huge granite balls seem to balance. In the national park, you will meet ranger Ian, who will enthusiastically introduce you to the local nature, history, and culture. Ian lived with the San people for a while, so he can give you first-hand accounts of the everyday life of these indigenous people and talk knowledgeably about their fascinating rock paintings. Another highlight is a visit to Cecil Rhodes' grave, which is located on a hill with spectacular panoramic views. You can reach the summit (World's View) after a short climb. You will learn interesting facts about the life and work of the controversial British conqueror and politician and understand why Cecil Rhodes expressly chose this place as his final resting place. The view over the mountainous landscape, shining in all the colors of the rainbow, invites you to pause and reflect. You will return to the African Explorer for dinner. (FA)

Day 6 Great Zimbabwe

The destination of today's bus trip is the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The largest pre-colonial structure in Africa south of the Egyptian pyramids is over 1,000 years old. The main complex of the site is located on high ground and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Those who shy away from the climb can visit the ruins of the palace of the king's first wife. In Rutenga, you board your train. (FA)

Day 7: Northeast South Africa

On its way through Limpopo Province, the African Explorer passes through the Soutpansberg region and the land of the Rain Queen Modjadji. Try the popular dried meat during a biltong tasting. (FMA)

Day 8 In the Makalali Conservation Area

In the morning, you will leave your train for a game drive in the Makalali Game Reserve. Numerous animals, including the famous Big Five, have been brought here as part of an animal relocation program. Today's bush brunch is a special experience before the crew welcomes you back on board. (FMA)

Day 9 In the Drakensberg Mountains

Today, you will travel by bus along the natural wonders of the Panorama Route. This will be followed by a game drive in open safari vehicles in the world-famous Kruger National Park. In the afternoon, you will leave the park and drive to your safari lodge, where you will spend the night. Your large luggage will remain safely stored in the train compartment. A stylish finale awaits you in the form of dinner under the African starry sky. (FA)

Day 10 Kruger National Park

In the morning, a full-day safari awaits you: you will travel through Kruger Park in an open safari vehicle. After lunch, you will continue the safari. In the late afternoon, you will reach your train. (FMA)

Day 11 Maputo

Your train has reached Maputo overnight. You will explore the Mozambican capital on a city tour. Lunch consisting of freshly caught fish and seafood awaits you. Your train will continue its journey in the late afternoon. (FMA)

Day 12 Small Kingdom of Eswatini

From Mpaka, you will set off on a day trip by bus to Eswatini. After 50 years of independence, the former Swaziland was renamed by its king. The journey takes you through the picturesque Ezulwini Valley, via the capital Mbabane to Piggs Peak, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. You can look for souvenirs for your loved ones at one of the lively markets. Your special train will be waiting for you in Kaapmuiden in the early evening. Enjoy dinner on board as your train rolls towards Pretoria. (FA)

Day 13 On the special train

Today, enjoy the amenities of your special train. The open viewing platform of the cozy lounge car offers you an unobstructed view of the wilderness – a paradise for photographers and nature lovers! Relax with a cool Windhoek Lager in the bar car. (FMA)

Day 14 Pretoria

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the train crew you've grown fond of. On a city tour, you'll explore South Africa's capital, Pretoria. Nelson Mandela was sworn in here in 1994 as the country's first black president and greets visitors as a larger-than-life sculpture. You'll spend the night in a lodge that welcomes you with extensive, lush green gardens. A farewell dinner awaits you in the evening. (FMA)

Day 15 Farewell to Africa

Relax at your lodge in the morning. In the late afternoon, say goodbye to your tour guide and fly back to Germany. If you booked this trip without flights, your trip ends when you check out of the hotel. (B)

Day 16 Arrival in Germany

Information

Included services:

Flights Frankfurt – Victoria Falls and Johannesburg – Frankfurt in Economy Class, with connecting flights if necessary
Travel on the African Explorer special train with 10 nights in your reserved sleeping compartment
1 night in a stylish safari lodge near Victoria Falls
1 night's accommodation in a safari lodge in Kruger National Park
1 night's accommodation in a lodge near Pretoria
Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Specialty meal Braai and biltong tasting
Permanent German-speaking chief tour guide from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
German-speaking tour guide for up to 25 guests from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
Doctor on board
Visit to Victoria Falls
Game viewing drive in Hwange National Park
Game viewing drives in Kruger National Park by safari vehicle
Excursion to Matobo National Park with a visit to Cecil Rhodes' grave
City tour of Bulawayo and visit to the Natural History Museum and the Railway Museum
Tour of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe
Day trip by bus through Eswatini
City tour of Maputo with a traditional seafood lunch
Panoramic route bus tour with Blyde River Canyon and God's Window
City tour in Pretoria
Visit to the private Makalali Game Reserve
Excursions and transfers in air-conditioned buses
Luggage transfer service from/to Victoria Falls/Johannesburg airports
Entertaining short lectures on board
Logbook created specifically for this trip, Southern Africa travel guide