From Victoria Falls to the Indian Ocean (2027)

starting at 9.250 €

(If you booked without flights, your trip begins on Day 2)

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

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)

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)

In the morning, you’ll take a sightseeing tour of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and the heart of Matabele country. You can choose to visit either the Natural History Museum or the National Railway Museum, which features historic locomotives and railcars, including Cecil Rhodes’s personal parlor car. The museum curators are happy to share their insider knowledge with you. Afterward, you’ll drive to Matobo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The name Matobo (translated as “the Bald Ones”) refers to the smooth, polished rock ridges on which huge granite spheres appear to balance. In the national park, you’ll meet Ranger Ian, who will enthusiastically introduce you to the local nature, history, and culture. Ian lived among the San for a time, so he can speak firsthand about the daily lives of these indigenous people and give an insightful talk about their fascinating rock art. Another highlight is a visit to Cecil Rhodes’ grave, which sits on a hilltop with spectacular panoramic views. You’ll reach the summit (World’s View) after a short climb. You’ll learn insightful details about the life and work of the controversial British explorer and politician, and you’ll come to understand why Cecil Rhodes specifically chose this spot as his final resting place. The view over the mountainous landscape, glowing in all the colors of the rainbow, invites you to pause and reflect. For dinner, you’ll be welcomed back to the African Explorer. (FA)

The destination of today’s bus tour is the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The largest pre-colonial structure in Africa south of the Egyptian pyramids is over 1,000 years old. From the elevated main complex of the site, you can enjoy a wonderful view stretching into the distance. Those who prefer not to make the climb can visit the ruins of the palace of the king’s first wife. In Rutenga, you’ll board your special train again. (FA)

On its journey through Limpopo Province, the African Explorer passes through the Soutpansberg region and the land of Modjadji, the Rain Queen. Try the popular dried meat during a biltong tasting. Late in the evening, you’ll cross the border into South Africa. (FMA)

In the morning, you’ll leave your train for a game drive in the Makalali Game Reserve. As part of a wildlife relocation program, numerous animals—including the famous Big Five—have been brought here. Today’s bush brunch is a special experience before the crew welcomes you back on board. (FMA)

Today, you’ll travel by bus along the natural wonders of the Panorama Route. Afterward, you’ll go on a game drive in open safari vehicles through the world-famous Kruger National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll leave the park and head to your safari lodge, where you’ll spend the night. Meanwhile, your large luggage will remain safely stored in your train compartment. To cap off the day in style, a romantic dinner by the campfire awaits you. (FA)

A full-day safari awaits you in the morning: You’ll ride through Kruger National Park in an open-top safari vehicle. After lunch, you’ll continue the safari. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the train. (FMA)

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)

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)

Today, enjoy the amenities of your special train. The open observation deck of the cozy lounge car offers an unobstructed view of the wilderness—a paradise for photographers and nature lovers! In the bar car, you can relax with a cool Savanna Dry. (FMA)

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)

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)

(If you booked without flights, your trip ends on Day 15)