Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 11-night rail adventure aboard Rovos Rail's Southern Cross, traversing the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Southern Africa from Pretoria to the majestic Victoria Falls. This meticulously planned journey takes you through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, offering a blend of luxurious train travel and immersive off-train excursions.
Your journey begins in Pretoria, South Africa, before heading east into the coal-mining heartland and the historic town of Middelburg. The first full day takes you on the scenic Panorama Route, exploring natural wonders like Pilgrim's Rest, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the breathtaking Graskop Gorge. A highlight is a game drive through the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to the iconic Big Five and an impressive array of wildlife.
The train then ventures into Maputo, Mozambique, a city rich with Portuguese and colonial history, followed by a visit to the Kingdom of eSwatini for cultural experiences at Swazi Candles and Mantenga Cultural Village. Wildlife encounters continue with a game drive at Kapama Private Game Reserve and a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, dedicated to conservation. As you travel north, you'll cross the Limpopo River valley, entering Zimbabwe to discover the ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument, a testament to a bygone era.
The journey continues with wildlife experiences at Antelope Park and the geological marvels of Matobo National Park, where you'll see bushman caves and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. A final grand game drive awaits in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife area, known for its prolific lion population. The expedition culminates at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the falls and a serene sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. This Southern Cross itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Southern Africa's natural beauty, history, and vibrant cultures, all from the comfort and elegance of a luxury train.
Itinerary
Itinerary
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Terms & Conditions
Payment Terms
25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking. 75% balance due no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date. All reservations are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit. A provisional booking will be held for 14 days, after which the 25% deposit is due.
Cancellation Fees
| Timeframe Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 95 days | 10% of total tour price |
| 95–66 days | 25% of total tour price |
| 65–36 days | 50% of total tour price |
| 35 days or less / failure to travel | 100% of total tour price (no refund) |
A 5% Administrative Fee will be charged by Palace Tours on any applicable refunds. All cancellation fees apply to the full tour price before any discounts or coupons. Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Change of Date / Name / Occupancy
Changes may be requested up to 125 days prior to departure and are subject to availability and supplier approval. No changes will be permitted within 65 days prior to departure. Any request within this period will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the applicable cancellation fees. All changes may incur additional costs, which will be advised prior to confirmation. No changes will be processed without written authorization and payment of any applicable fees.
Payment Methods
Payments may be made via bank transfer or credit card. All payments must reference the booking number and be supported by proof of payment. Refunds, when applicable, will be processed to the original form of payment. Any exchange rate fluctuations or bank charges are the responsibility of the client.
What's Included
- Accommodation on board
- All meals on board
- All beverages on board
- Room service
- Limited laundry
- Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Government tax
- Flights to/from Sossusvlei
- Overnight bag
- Off-train accommodation (Sossusvlei and Etosha) including meals, water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices
What's Not Included
- All off-train beverages (excluding water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices at lodges)
- International sparkling wine
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is required to cover cancellation fees, medical emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. Clients are responsible for securing their own insurance coverage and should travel with a copy of their policy including the insurance company name, policy number, and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.
Passports & Visas
Valid passports and any required visas are the sole responsibility of the client and must be obtained prior to departure. Passports must have at least five blank visa pages and must be valid for at least six months from the return-home date. This tour passes through South Africa and Namibia; please confirm visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.
Health & Medical
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for certain areas visited on this itinerary, including Etosha National Park. Please consult your clinic or doctor for the latest medical advice prior to travel.
General Conditions
All services are provided subject to availability and supplier terms and conditions. Schedules, routing, and excursions are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Times are approximate and excursion arrangements may be altered due to operational, weather, or other factors beyond our control. The operator is not liable for loss, damage, injury, delays, or unforeseen events beyond its control. Participation in tours and related activities is voluntary and at the client's own risk.
Guest Indemnity
Although certain limited insurances have been arranged, the operator and its agents, servants, or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage to passengers' luggage or effects. The passenger waives any claim against the operator, its servants, agents, employees, or subcontractors for any injury and/or loss of any nature whatsoever (including consequential loss) arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of the tour, including any form of transport used. This waiver binds the passenger's executors, heirs, trustees, and dependants. The passenger accepts all services and facilities voluntarily, with full knowledge that they may expose them to injury, danger, or loss.
Important Note
All timeframes are based on the local time of the destination. To allow sufficient processing time, clients must submit payment or cancellation requests with a minimum 5-day advance margin prior to the applicable deadlines.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Your Tour Price Includes
- Accommodation on board
- All meals served in the dining cars
- All beverages on board, including selected local wines, beers, and soft drinks on excursions
- Room service
- Limited laundry service (10 items/day, 48-hour turnaround)
- Guided excursions as per itinerary (where applicable)
- Entrance fees to parks and attractions as per itinerary
- Government taxes
Your Tour Price Excludes
- All other beverages not listed as included (e.g., international sparkling wine)
- Gratuities (suggested amounts: ±ZAR450/US$25 per guest per night on board, and ±ZAR450/US$25 per guest per day for game lodges)
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights
Accommodations
Accommodation Overview
Rovos Rail suites offer privacy, comfort, and modern conveniences, featuring double or twin beds with soft and hard mattress sides. All pillows are faux-down microfiber with cotton down-proof casings. Double beds are made up with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets. All suites have an ensuite bathroom, linen, amenities, adequate suitcase storage, small cupboards with hangers and shelves, and are serviced daily. Some Royal and Deluxe Suites include a room divider. Suite layouts may differ from images.
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite occupies half a carriage, offering a spacious private lounge area and an opulent ensuite bathroom. These suites are the largest and most luxurious on board.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Bath
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Double: 200×189cm, Split Twin: 200×75cm
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite features a comfortable lounge area and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Double: 189×189cm, Split Twin: 189×75cm, Crosswise Double: 189×160cm
Pullman Gold Suite
Primarily used on longer journeys, the Pullman Gold Suite features a fold-out writing desk and an ensuite bathroom. On arrival, a lengthways-bed suite is set up with lengthways split twin beds configured as sofas that can be converted into a lengthways double.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Fold-out writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Double: 189×189cm, Split Twin: 189×75cm, Crosswise Double: 189×150cm
Pullman Suite
Mostly used on shorter journeys, the Pullman Suite features a comfortable sofa during the day that can be converted into various sleeping options at night. It includes a fold-out writing desk and an ensuite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Fold-out writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Shower
- Toilet
- Basin
Bed Configurations
Night-time Lower Bunk: 189×94cm, Night-time Upper Bunk: 189×60cm, Night-time Crosswise Double: 189×150cm
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Check-in Information
Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. If Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria is your starting point and you wish to do a station tour, it is suggested to arrive two hours before departure to join a tour of the Rovos Rail Station and museum. Passports and relevant visas are required at check-in. No vouchers are needed. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite, where a full itinerary pack awaits. The Pretoria Rovos Rail Station is located at 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria, South Africa. Other check-in locations include: Cape Town Rovos Rail Lounge, Durban Station Lounge, Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Walvis Bay Station, Hotel Terminus (Lobito), Lobito Central Station, Serena Hotel (Dar es Salaam), and Tazara Station (Dar es Salaam).
Dining Schedule
Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars. Breakfast is served from 07:00-10:00, Lunch at 13:00, Tea at 16:30, and Dinner at 19:30. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. Bar service is available from approximately 07:00-01:00 daily. Rovos Rail caters for food allergies if a detailed request has been made at the time of reservation; otherwise, chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with available ingredients. Strict religious observance meals cannot be guaranteed.
Dress Code
For days on board, the dress code is smart casual, combining neat, conventional, yet relatively informal clothing. Dinner on board requires formal attire: a collar and tie are mandatory for gentlemen (a jacket is optional), and ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits. The Southern Cross journey includes themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual: one 'AFRICA' evening and one '1920s' evening. For off-train excursions and game drives, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, hats, and warm clothing are recommended. Rain capes are available.
Electricity & Connectivity
The train is equipped with 220V AC 50Hz 3-point round-pronged wall plugs and 110V/220V 2-pin plugs for shavers and chargers. USB ports are available in each suite. International adaptors are available. A generator supplies power, but certain breaks are necessary for servicing. In keeping with the spirit of train travel, there is no radio, television, or WiFi on board. Mobile phones, laptops, and other devices that may disturb passengers are confined to the privacy of your suites. WiFi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation (though not guaranteed).
Climate & Weather
Mornings on game drives/excursions can be cool, warming up considerably by afternoon, which then cools down. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats, and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Temperature ranges vary significantly by month and region. For example, Pretoria experiences average minimums of 4°C in July/August and maximums of 30°C in Jan/Feb. Victoria Falls ranges from 7°C min in July/August to 29°C max in Jan/Feb.
Onboard Amenities
South African biodegradable and/or recyclable products are provided, including all-natural soap, shampoo, hand and body wash, hand and body lotion, and insect repellent spray (for journeys over four days). Chemical-free lip balm, bamboo tissues, reusable bamboo rounds, bamboo ear buds, bamboo natural-bristle toothbrushes, natural toothpaste tablets, and compostable shower caps are also available. Plug-in hairdryers are available. A limited laundry service (10 items/day) with a 48-hour turnaround is offered. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for each guest. A small gift shop on the train sells South African-made items.
Medical Information
All guests are responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking tours and activities. Malaria precautions are recommended for areas like Kruger Park, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Recommended immunisations (not required) include Hepatitis A+B, Polio, Tetanus, Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if traveling to/from DRC and Angola. Consult your clinic or doctor. Rovos Rail trains are equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator, and a wheelchair. All management are First Aid Level 3 trained, and general staff Level 1. For medical emergencies, evacuation can be arranged (own account).
Luggage
Luggage can be stored under the bed or on a rack above the door in your suite. No luggage restrictions on board, but two large suitcases are not recommended. For plane transfers, a soft bag with a 15kg weight restriction is recommended.
Currency
In South Africa, Rands (ZAR) are accepted. Outside South Africa, Rands are accepted in Namibia and Eswatini. US Dollars are accepted in Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC, and Angola. Cash is highly recommended. US Dollars printed before 2017 or worn notes will not be accepted. Low denominations are recommended for shopping/gratuities, while larger denominations are better for exchanging money to local currency.
Media Gallery
Photo gallery coming soon.