We recently travelled on the Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls to Pretoria. This was a step into a world of opulence and wonder. This extraordinary expedition combines the majesty of Victoria Falls, enriching outings to Matobo National Park, and wildlife encounters in Hwange National Park.
Rovos Rail is the very essence of luxury rail travel
Picture a nostalgic voyage, disconnected from the daily hustle and surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Luxury rail travel in Southern Africa offers a unique blend of old-world charm and unparalleled experiences. Rovos Rail stands as the epitome of this timeless appeal, inviting its guests to immerse themselves in a world of luxury, privacy, and personalized experiences.
Our adventure began with a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls
We spent a few wonderful hours exploring this awe-inspiring natural wonder. This was my first experience of the falls and I was in awe of the cascading waters and feeling of the mist which completely enveloped my senses and left me completely delighted. The magnificence of Victoria Falls set the tone for the extraordinary journey that lay ahead.
Stepping aboard Rovos Rail’s vintage-style carriages
Stepping aboard Rovos Rail’s vintage-style carriages, which have been meticulously restored transport you to a bygone era of luxury and refinement. You are immersed in the elegant surroundings, where attention to detail is so obviously paramount. The staff’s impeccable service ensured that our every need was met, while the gourmet dining experience onboard completely tantalized our taste buds. A special mention needs to be made of the incredible list of “obviously carefully” curated selections of fine local wines. Meals included special wine pairings, or you can order any bottle from the collection of rare and hard-to-find South African wines.
During our Rovos Rail journey, we made captivating stops that added wonderful depth to our experience. One such stop is Matobo National Park, where we visited sights with ancient rock art created by the San people. On the summit of Malindidzimu, known as the ‘hill of the spirits’ or the World’s View, we visited the burial site of Cecil Rhodes. Here, history and spirituality intertwine, offering a profound connection to Zimbabwe’s past.
We also visited Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife destination. We had the most exhilarating game drive, where we saw not only fantastic general game but also wonderful lion and elephant sightings. Hwange was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the untamed beauty of the landscape and to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa’s iconic wildlife.
Conclusion
As we concluded our extraordinary journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria aboard Rovos Rail, I was able to reflect on the moments of splendour and enchantment that filled our days. The union of luxury, natural wonders, and cultural encounters creates an experience like no other. This was a personalized adventure, tailored to our desires, that allowed us to explore the untamed beauty of Southern Africa in absolute safety and privacy and in the most unique way possible.
