11 days - Rovos Rail to Cape Town, then Victoria Falls
Eleven days by Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town, with the Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain, then a flight to Victoria Falls for four nights on the Zambezi.
The journey
The falls are at their fullest, with heavy spray and mist over the viewpoints. The rains ease and the bush begins to thin. The Cape is mild.
Pretoria, then the Rovos Rail journey to Cape Town, with the first Cape Town nights.
Transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria, where you spend the night in a hotel.
After breakfast, depart from Pretoria for a journey aboard Rovos Rail. Your adventure to Cape Town begins in Pretoria, a city renowned for its striking jacaranda trees, which paint the city purple during October and November. The train will then make its way toward Kimberley.
Dinner will be served on board, followed by an overnight stay aboard Rovos Rail.
After breakfast, arrive at Kimberley Train Station and disembark for a tour of this historic town, including the Diamond Mine Museum and the famous ‘Big Hole’. Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape province, is renowned for the discovery of diamonds in 1871, which led to the town’s establishment. Explore fascinating artefacts at the museum and enjoy bird’s-eye views of the Big Hole, the world’s largest hand-dug excavation, where some of the first diamonds were discovered.
Lunch and dinner will be served on board Rovos Rail, followed by an overnight stay.
After breakfast, disembark at Matjiesfontein for a chance to stroll through this historic village. Be sure to visit the museum on the platform and the collection of historic railroad cars near the Lord Milner Hotel. After your exploration, return to the train. About an hour after departing from Matjiesfontein, the train will pass through the Hex River Valley, arriving at the first of four tunnels. The first tunnel is 13.5 kilometres long, so we advise guests to take extra care when walking through the train and to switch on necessary lights.
Lunch will be served on board as you continue your journey to Cape Town. Upon arrival at Cape Town Train Station, your adventure concludes, and you will be transferred to a hotel.
Full-Day Private Cape Peninsula Tour: Penguins, Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip, and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (Afternoon)
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day, private, guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, where you’ll explore both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. Your first stop is the charming fishing village of Hout Bay, set in a picturesque valley along the Atlantic Ocean. From there, continue along the Atlantic coast to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve and Cape Point, the southwesternmost tip of Africa, where the two great oceans meet. On your return journey, you’ll pass through the naval base of Simon’s Town, the bustling fishing port of Kalk Bay, and the lush suburb of Constantia. The day will conclude with a visit to the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before returning to your hotel.
Hout Bay Boat Cruise to Duiker Island: Board a boat from Hout Bay Harbour for a scenic cruise to Duiker Island, home to thousands of Cape fur seals (actually sea lions from the Antarctic) as well as seabirds like gannets, cormorants, and seagulls. While landing on the island is prohibited, the boat will take you close enough to witness the seals in their natural habitat. Watch as they perform incredible dives and acrobatic displays (weather permitting).
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway: Take in the views of Cape Town from the Aerial Cableway as you ascend Table Mountain. This iconic mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, provides a dramatic backdrop to the city. Part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area, Table Mountain is home to an unusually rich biodiversity. You may spot Rock Hyrax (locally known as ‘dassies’) as they scurry through the scrub. The summit offers wide views of Table Bay, Robben Island, and the Atlantic seaboard. The cable cars, which rotate 360 degrees as they ascend 302 metres, depart every 10 to 15 minutes, offering panoramic views of the city. The five-minute ride to the summit allows you time to take in the sights, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or browse the curio shop. The cableway operates weather permitting.
Overnight at the hotel.
Victoria Falls, with game drives, a helicopter flight, a sunset cruise and a canoe on the Zambezi.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from Cape Town to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at Matetsi Victoria Falls, you’ll be welcomed by the lodge team. This luxurious hotel is known for its stunning modern African interior, beautifully blending with the surrounding nature. The design incorporates polished earth finishes, hand-beaten local copper detailing, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The Zimbabwean architectural designer’s “Life on the River” theme is reflected in elements like clay lighter pots, fish trap-inspired designs, and custom works by local artisans.
Once you arrive at Matetsi Victoria Falls, your team, including your camp manager, personal butlers, and housekeepers, will ensure you are well taken care of. Settle into your elegant home-away-from-home, relax in one of the beautifully designed indoor or outdoor spaces, and enjoy a welcome lunch.
Around 16:00, your ranger guides will meet with you to discuss the day’s activities. Then, around 16:30, depart for an exciting afternoon game drive. You’ll return from the game drive around 19:30.
Dinner will be served, showcasing delicious, regionally sourced ingredients, prepared by Matetsi’s exceptional chef team.
Overnight: Matetsi Victoria Falls.
Morning Activities and Helicopter Tour:
If you wish to start the day with an early morning activity, such as a game drive, your wake-up call will be around 06:00. Your personal butler will serve tea or coffee before you head out at approximately 06:30. The manager or butler will confirm the details with you the evening before. You’ll return to the lodge around 09:30 for a delicious breakfast.
Helicopter Ride over Victoria Falls:
At around 11:00, the team will arrange for a safari vehicle to take you to the nearby helipad for your helicopter pickup. You’ll embark on a thrilling flight over the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, following the Zambezi River, and soaring above the Batoka Gorge. The highlight of the flight will be the spectacular "Flight of Angels" over the magnificent Victoria Falls.
After your flight, you’ll land at the helipad in Victoria Falls town, where your tour guide will meet you. Together, you’ll head to the Victoria Falls Rainforest for a guided walking tour of this Natural Wonder of the World. Learn about the history and geological significance of the Falls.
Afternoon Tea and Leisure:
Following your tour, around 15:00, enjoy a complimentary high tea at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. Afterwards, your road transfer will return you to the lodge by approximately 16:00.
You’ll have the rest of the evening to relax at your leisure or opt for another activity, such as a game drive or boat cruise.
Dinner and Overnight:
Dinner will be served, showcasing delicious, regionally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared by Matetsi’s exceptional culinary team.
Overnight: Matetsi Victoria Falls.
Morning Activity and Breakfast:
Your morning wake-up call will be around 06:00, with tea or coffee served through the butler’s hatch before departing for a game drive. After your morning activity, enjoy a peaceful breakfast on the banks of the Zambezi River, taking in the tranquility of this soulful river.
Day at Leisure:
The rest of the day is at your leisure. Relax in your luxurious suite, explore the shopping boutique, or take advantage of the gym and lap pool. Spa treatments can also be pre-booked, either in your room or at the spa area.
Evening Sunset Cruise:
At 16:30, meet your guides for a serene evening sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As you drift along the river, enjoy the stunning views and the sounds of the wilderness. Dinner is served under a star-filled African sky.
Overnight: Matetsi Victoria Falls.
Early Morning Walking Safari:
Your wake-up call will be around 06:00, with tea or coffee served through the butler’s hatch before heading out for an early morning walking safari at approximately 06:30. You’ll return around 09:00 for a delicious breakfast.
Sunset Canoeing on the Zambezi River:
In the afternoon, meet your guides at 15:30 for a peaceful sunset canoeing experience on the tranquil Zambezi River, taking in the natural beauty and wildlife along the way.
Dinner:
In the evening, enjoy dinner prepared by Matetsi’s exceptional culinary team, featuring delicious, locally sourced ingredients.
Overnight: Matetsi Victoria Falls.
A flight back to Cape Town and a final night before the flight home.
Enjoy a private transfer from Matetsi to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport for your onward journey.
End of Services.
The detail
This eleven-day journey begins aboard Rovos Rail, travelling from Pretoria to Cape Town through Kimberley, the Karoo and the Hex River Valley, with time off the train at the Big Hole in Kimberley and the village of Matjiesfontein.
In Cape Town you spend two nights with a private tour of the Cape Peninsula and a ride up Table Mountain by cableway, before flying to Victoria Falls for four nights at Matetsi. Game drives, a helicopter flight over the falls, a sunset cruise and a canoe on the Zambezi fill the days, and a final night in Cape Town closes the trip.
Good to know
Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.
Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.
The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.
You spend two nights on the train, with meals served on board. On day 4 the train passes through the Hex River Valley, whose first tunnel is 13.5 km long, so take care walking through the carriages and switch on lights as needed.
You step off at Kimberley for the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole, and at Matjiesfontein to walk the historic village. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat for the sun.
The cableway operates only when the weather permits, and wind is the usual cause of a closure. Carry a jacket for the summit.
The flight over the falls depends on weather and weight limits. Wear light, close-fitting clothing and secure hats and loose items.
Morning activities begin around 06:30 after tea or coffee, and you are back by about 09:30 for breakfast. Bring a warm layer for the open vehicle.
The rainforest walk is wet in the high-water months from about March to June. Bring a light rain jacket and keep cameras in a waterproof cover.
Lodge, train and tour staff are customarily thanked with a tip. Your final documents give a guide to amounts.
Plan this journey
Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.
