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Travel on the Southern Cross – our 11-night panoramic journey through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe – and get three nights’ free accommodation in Pretoria and Victoria Falls, a helicopter flight over the falls with dinner on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and a one-way flight between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg/Cape Town.
Validity: 3-17 November 2025 and 8-22 April 2026 journeys
Embark on an unforgettable rail journey through Southern Africa with Rovos Rail’s Southern Cross expedition. Beginning in Pretoria, the train travels through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery before joining the renowned Panorama Route, where guests experience the rugged beauty of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, and Pilgrim’s Rest. The adventure continues with thrilling game viewing in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves, home to the Big Five and a vast array of other species.
Crossing into Mozambique, guests enjoy a guided city tour of Maputo, its vibrant streets lined with colonial architecture and bustling markets. The journey then heads west to the Kingdom of eSwatini, a land of dramatic mountainous terrain and rich cultural traditions. Guests explore local crafts at Swazi Candles and step back in time at Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum that showcases Swazi heritage.
The safari experience deepens at Kapama Private Game Reserve, where an exciting game drive provides close-up encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife. A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre follows, offering insight into conservation efforts focused on rare and threatened species. Continuing north into Zimbabwe, guests marvel at the ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument, a spectacular archaeological site that once housed a powerful kingdom, rich in trade and history.
At Antelope Park, guests can partake in unique experiences such as horseback safari, canoeing, and bird-watching cruises, alongside a visit to the world-renowned ALERT lion rehabilitation programme. The journey then leads to Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic granite landscapes, ancient rock art, and historical significance, including a visit to the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Venturing into Hwange National Park, guests enjoy an exhilarating game viewing excursion, spotting elephants, lions, and other wildlife in Zimbabwe’s largest national park. The adventure reaches its grand finale at Victoria Falls, where travellers embark on a walking tour of the village before experiencing the awe-inspiring power of the falls. To conclude this extraordinary journey, guests unwind with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, absorbing the golden hues over one of Africa’s most iconic waterways.
This luxurious rail adventure blends wildlife, cultural heritage, and spectacular landscapes, offering a seamless and immersive exploration of Southern Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria (Google Map)
Victoria Falls Station (Google Map)
2026:
13-24 Jan, 9-20 Apr, 21 May-1 Jun, 13-24 Aug, 3-14 Sep, 19-30 Nov
2027:
14-25 Jan, 11-22 Mar, 13-24 Apr, 2-13 Sep, 19-30 Nov
The Southern Cross rail journey with Rovos Rail is a luxurious expedition through some of Southern Africa’s most captivating landscapes and cultural landmarks. Beginning in Pretoria, the train winds through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery before joining the Panorama Route, renowned for its striking geological formations. Guests will embark on a game drive in Kruger National Park, encountering Africa’s Big Five in one of the continent’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.
The journey continues into Mozambique, where a guided city tour of Maputo reveals colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and rich local traditions. Travelling west, the train explores the mountainous Kingdom of eSwatini, with stops at Swazi Candles, where artisans craft intricate designs, and Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing Swazi heritage. In South Africa, a visit to Kapama Private Game Reserve offers another thrilling safari experience, while the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre provides insight into vital conservation efforts.
Crossing into Zimbabwe, guests marvel at the ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument, a remarkable archaeological site that speaks to the region’s rich history of trade and craftsmanship. At Antelope Park, guests can engage in unique wildlife experiences, including horseback safaris, canoeing, and bird-watching cruises, while also learning about lion rehabilitation efforts through the ALERT programme. The expedition then reaches the UNESCO-listed Matobo National Park, where dramatic granite formations, ancient bushman rock art, and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes add to its historic significance.
Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in a game drive through Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, famous for its thriving lion and elephant populations. The grand finale unfolds in Victoria Falls, where guests embark on a walking tour of the village and the awe-inspiring falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. To conclude the adventure in style, guests set sail on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, basking in the golden glow over one of Africa’s most iconic waterways.
Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy elegant dining experiences, refined accommodations, and impeccable service aboard Rovos Rail’s luxurious train, ensuring an unforgettable blend of wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
On the first day of your Southern Cross rail journey, you will depart from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Upon boarding, guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge cars. As the train makes its way along the eastern line, you will pass through the rugged eMalahleni coal-mining region and Middelburg, renowned as the “stainless steel capital of Africa.” This railway route, originally constructed by the Dutch company NZASM between 1893 and 1895, once connected Pretoria with Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).
Lunch will be served in the elegant dining cars, allowing you to savour a refined meal as you take in the scenery. In the afternoon, tea will be available in both the lounge and observation cars, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and socialise. Later in the evening, guests will enjoy a formal dinner in the dining cars, where the dress code ensures a sophisticated dining experience.
On the second day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars, offering a delightful start to the day. Guests will then embark on a full-day exploration of historic sites, including Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Graskop. Lunch is included during the tour, allowing travellers to enjoy a meal amidst the fascinating landscapes.
At Graskop, an optional experience awaits—the Graskop viewing lift, which descends 51 metres down the gorge face into the forest below. Here, wooden walkways and suspension bridges wind through a 600-metre trail, offering an immersive journey through the indigenous forest and interactive exhibits that highlight the area’s natural beauty.
In the late afternoon, guests will return to the train in Mbombela, covering a distance of 140 kilometres before the journey continues towards Malelane. As the evening settles in, dinner will be served in the dining cars, with a formal dress code ensuring a refined and elegant dining experience.
On the third day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars, preparing you for an exciting day of wildlife encounters. Guests will then embark on a full-day game viewing experience in the renowned Kruger National Park, where they will have the opportunity to witness Africa’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Lunch will be provided during the excursion, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.
Upon returning to the train, guests can enjoy tea in the lounge and observation cars, taking in the scenery as the journey continues. In the afternoon, the train will depart for Maputo, Mozambique, where border formalities will be conducted. As the evening sets in, dinner will be served in the dining cars, maintaining the formal dress code for a sophisticated dining experience.
On the fourth day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars, providing a pleasant start to the day. Guests will then embark on a guided city tour of Maputo, Mozambique, where they will explore the vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks that define this fascinating coastal city. A leisurely lunch is included, allowing time to soak in the local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, tea will be available in the lounge and observation cars, offering a chance to unwind as the train continues towards Mpaka in eSwatini. Border formalities will take place as the journey transitions into the evening. To conclude the day, guests will enjoy a formal dinner in the dining cars, maintaining the refined and elegant ambiance that defines this experience.
On the fifth day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars before guests disembark at Mpaka. From here, a scenic transfer of approximately 90 minutes will take you to Swazi Candles, where artisans craft unique hand-moulded candles. Visitors are invited to interact with the craftsmen and browse a selection of woodcarvings, colourful textiles, and intricate basketwork, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of eSwatini.
The journey continues through the Ezulwini Valley to Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum that preserves the traditions and lifestyle of 19th-century Swazi culture. With traditional artefacts on display, the village illustrates various aspects of social, economic, and religious life. Guests will enjoy lunch at Mantenga Lodge, which is nestled in the mountains with striking views of ‘Execution Rock.’
After lunch, guests will return to the train, covering a distance of approximately 75 minutes before the journey continues towards Hoedspruit. Border formalities will take place en route. In the late afternoon, tea will be available in the lounge and observation cars, providing a moment of relaxation before dinner is served in the dining cars. The evening meal will maintain the formal dress code, ensuring an elegant and refined dining experience.
On the sixth day of your journey, a continental breakfast will be available in the dining cars until 05:30, ensuring an early start for the day’s wildlife adventures. Guests will then embark on an exhilarating game drive through Kapama Private Game Reserve, a sanctuary renowned for its rich biodiversity. Spanning South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo, Kapama is home to over 40 mammal species, including the iconic Big Five, along with approximately 350 bird species and numerous smaller wildlife species that contribute to the region’s vibrant ecosystem.
Following the game drive, guests will visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, an esteemed conservation facility dedicated to the protection and sustainability of Africa’s rare, vulnerable, and threatened species. The centre operates with a holistic approach, incorporating education programs for surrounding communities, tourism initiatives, breeding programs, rehabilitation efforts, and anti-poaching strategies.
Guests will return to the train for a well-deserved lunch before the journey continues towards Tzaneen and Louis Trichardt. In the afternoon, tea will be served in the lounge and observation cars, providing a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s experiences. The evening culminates with dinner in the dining cars, where guests are invited to dress in the “Africa” theme or smart casual attire, embracing the spirit of the journey while enjoying a refined dining experience.
On the seventh day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars until 10:00, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely morning aboard the train. The day will be spent travelling through the diverse landscapes of Limpopo Province, renowned as South Africa’s northern gateway to neighbouring Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The region is characterised by a striking variety of environments, ranging from tropical forests and bushland to semi-arid plains, mountainous terrain, and open flatlands.
Limpopo is divided into five culturally distinct regions, each reflecting the traditions of its inhabitants. Capricorn, at the heart of the province, is predominantly home to the Bapedi people, while Waterberg, the largest region, is primarily occupied by the Tswana. In the far north, Vhembe is dominated by the Vhavenda and Vatsonga communities, whereas the Mopani region, near Kruger National Park, is largely Vatsonga. Sekhukhuni, meanwhile, is home to a mix of Bapedi and Ndebele people. Limpopo is unique in South Africa for its ability to sustain multiple cultural groups in their original habitats, living together harmoniously. Other ethnic communities in the region include English and Afrikaans speakers, contributing to the province’s rich cultural tapestry.
Throughout the day, guests will enjoy lunch in the dining cars, followed by tea in the lounge and observation cars, offering ample opportunities to relax while admiring the passing scenery. In the evening, dinner will be served in the dining cars with a formal dress code, ensuring a refined and elegant dining experience as the train continues towards Rutenga, Zimbabwe.
On the eighth day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars before guests disembark for a tour of the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Travelling through picturesque granite hill country, you will arrive at this extraordinary site, which stands as the largest precolonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. The ruins, built by the Rozwi people, are a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of early African civilizations.
The Great Zimbabwe Monument has inspired numerous legends, including stories such as King Solomon’s Mines, adding to its historical allure. As you explore the ancient city, you will uncover insights into the lives of its inhabitants, their impressive craftsmanship, and their mining activities. Gold and silver extracted from this region were once traded beyond Africa by Arabic and Portuguese merchants, leaving behind a legacy of economic and cultural exchange.
Guests will enjoy lunch during the excursion before rejoining the train at Oreti Siding. In the afternoon, the journey continues towards Gweru, allowing time to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries. As evening sets in, dinner will be served in the dining cars, with a formal dress code ensuring an elegant dining experience.
On the ninth day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars before guests depart for a full-day excursion at Antelope Park. Nestled within 3,000 acres of open savannah grassland, this unique game reserve offers a tranquil retreat for travellers and volunteer eco-tourists alike. It is home to the renowned African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) lion rehabilitation programme, Africa’s first authentic initiative working towards the ethical reintroduction of captive-bred lion offspring into the wild.
During the visit, guests will have the opportunity to explore the park and enjoy a variety of optional activities, including canoeing, game drives, horseback game viewing, elephant interactions, and bird-watching cruises. Lunch will be provided, offering a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters.
In the afternoon, guests will return to the train for tea in the lounge and observation cars as the journey continues towards Bulawayo. As evening falls, dinner will be served in the dining cars, with a formal dress code ensuring a refined and elegant dining experience.
On the tenth day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars before guests set off on a full-day tour of Matobo National Park. Named ‘bald heads’ by the Ndebele King Mzilikazi, the park is famed for its dramatic granite hills and striking rock formations. Mzilikazi himself is buried within the Matobo hills, just beyond the park’s borders, adding to the region’s historical and cultural significance.
One of the tour’s key highlights is a visit to the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, located atop Malindidzimu, known as the ‘hill of benevolent spirits.’ Rhodes described the site as offering a “view of the world,” and his final resting place is carved from solid granite, surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of immense boulders. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore one of the more accessible bushman caves, where ancient rock art provides a glimpse into the traditions and beliefs of early inhabitants.
Matobo National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of remarkable historical and natural significance, blending stunning landscapes with rich cultural narratives. Following lunch, guests will return to the train for tea in the lounge and observation cars, enjoying a moment of relaxation as the journey continues towards Kennedy. In the evening, dinner will be served in the dining cars, with a formal dress code ensuring an elegant conclusion to the day.
On the eleventh day of your journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars before guests depart for a full-day game viewing experience in Hwange National Park. Spanning an impressive 1,462,000 hectares in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange is the country’s largest wildlife reserve, offering diverse ecosystems that support an array of animal and bird species. The park is particularly renowned for its thriving lion population, providing excellent opportunities for sightings throughout the day.
A packed lunch will be provided during the excursion, allowing guests to enjoy a meal while immersed in the natural beauty of the park. In the afternoon, guests will return to the train for tea in the lounge and observation cars, offering a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters. As evening falls, dinner will be served in the dining cars, with guests invited to dress in a “1920s” theme or smart casual attire, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the night’s experience. Later, the train will depart for Thompson’s Junction, continuing its journey across Zimbabwe.
On the final day of your Southern Cross rail journey, breakfast will be served in the dining cars until 09:30, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed morning before arriving at Victoria Falls Station. Upon disembarking, guests will check out of the train and take a short walk to the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, with the option to store luggage on the train for convenience.
The day’s explorations begin with a guided walking tour of the village and the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The falls have undergone significant geological transformations over the past two million years, with multiple cascades carving their way through the lower gorges of the Zambezi River. Presently, erosion continues northward from Devil’s Cataract, shaping the landscape for future generations. Despite spanning just over 1.7 kilometres, the falls are punctuated by small islands, including the renowned Livingstone Island, and reach a depth of 108 metres at Rainbow Falls. Often compared to the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, and volcanic eruptions in terms of sheer spectacle, Victoria Falls offers an unforgettable experience.
Following lunch, guests will gather at the Victoria Falls Hotel for a serene sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, a fitting conclusion to this remarkable journey. As the day draws to a close, guests will be transferred back to the hotel, marking the end of the tour with a final evening of relaxation and reflection on the adventure.
Rovos Rail
