Rovos Rail: Pretoria - Victoria Falls Prices

Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of the world's great natural wonders. Safety and comfort are the highest priorities on this route. The railway is continuously monitored, and Rovos Rail has successfully and safely completed this journey over 1,000 times, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the luxury experience with complete peace of mind.

We feature the 4 - night Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey as our default because it offers better value - it generally costs the same as the 3 - night journey but includes an extra day of luxury. You can easily filter for specific directional routes or durations (3 vs 4 nights) using the buttons below.

Note that October and November are the busiest travel months for this route; if you can, try to time your departures outside of those months (they are also just after the annual price increase on 1 October).

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A 3 - Night vs a 4 - Night Expedition

Both the 3 and the 4 - night journeys are scheduled to cover 1,400km from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. However, the 3 - night journey has a unique logistical twist: if the primary railway line is too busy with freight, it will route through Botswana so it can arrive in 3 nights.

• It could go from Pretoria to Musina and Beitbridge to Bulawayo (crossing the Limpopo River).
• Or, it could be routed through Botswana, starting in Pretoria and passing through Mafikeng, Gaborone, and Plumtree on its way to Bulawayo.

Matobo National Park (Exclusive to the 4 - Nighter)

On the 4 - night journey, there isn't the urgency to get to Bulawayo. It follows a set path (via Musina and Beitbridge) and features an exclusive excursion at Matobo National Park. Here, you can view ancient San rock art in the caves and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.

Itineraries

4 - Night Rovos Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Main stations & highlights passed:

• Pretoria Capital Park Station: Day 1 departure (Usually 18:00).
• Warmbaths (Bela-Bela): Passed en route.
• Louis Trichardt: Day 2, crosses Tropic of Capricorn.
• Beitbridge: Zimbabwean border station, crosses Limpopo River.
• Gwanda: Overnight stop in Zimbabwe.
• Matobo: Siding for Matobo National Park transfer and excursion.
• Hwange National Park: Siding for an off-train game drive at The Hide.
• Victoria Falls: Day 5 arrival.

Download the full detailed itinerary here.

3 - Night Rovos Pretoria to Victoria Falls

• Day 1: Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria (Usually 10:00). Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and the Limpopo River to Beitbridge.
• Day 2: At leisure on board. Travel through baobab country towards Bulawayo.
• Day 3: Travel between Gwaai and Dete along 114 kilometres of straight railway line. Enjoy a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.
• Day 4: Arrive at journey's end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Check your actual departure time on your booking form, as it may differ depending on the season.

Looking for a longer expedition? The 11 - night Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey via eSwatini and the Kruger National Park is an exceptional trans-African route.

Connectivity & eSIMs for Zimbabwe

Rovos does not offer Wi-Fi on board. Mobile signals are strongest when the train is near major cities (Pretoria, Polokwane, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls). Connectivity is worse in Zimbabwe and non-existent for long stretches.

Best eSIM for Zimbabwe

The local network Econet has the best and most extensive coverage in Zimbabwe. Since Econet doesn't widely distribute their own eSIMs, the only way to get service is via Global Data eSIM providers who have roaming agreements with Econet.

• Airalo typically roams Telecel in Zimbabwe (not ideal, as it's the smallest of the 3 operators).
• Do not use Nomad, as their eSIM uses the Telecel network and does not cover Victoria Falls.
• Always double-check network details on the provider's website immediately before purchase to confirm the local partner.

Arrival & Hotels in Victoria Falls

Guests disembark the train right in front of the Victoria Falls Hotel, as per the map below. Address: Victoria Falls Hotel and Station, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls.

The most convenient option is to stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel itself. It offers a picture-postcard view from its lawns of the "smoke that thunders". However, you can stay at any hotel; there will just be a slightly longer transfer from the train station. View our full list of Victoria Falls hotels here.

• Victoria Falls Hotel (Zimbabwe): The "Grand Old Lady". Historic, colonial elegance with private access to the Falls path. Unbeatable location.
• Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): Located in a private game reserve 15 minutes outside town, offering a more exclusive safari-style stay. Requires a transfer for town activities.
• Royal Livingstone by Anantara (Zambia): This hotel is in Zambia. Staying here requires crossing the border (and paying visa fees) every day if your focus is the Zimbabwe side. Not recommended if your primary itinerary is in Zimbabwe.

Chobe Safari Extensions (Botswana)

After your stay in Victoria Falls, we highly recommend a 4 - night extension to Chobe National Park in Botswana, famous for its massive elephant herds and river safaris.

• Chobe Game Lodge: The only permanent lodge located inside Chobe National Park on the riverfront. Premium price point, but unbeatable for game viewing density and avoiding gate queues.
• Ngoma Safari Lodge: Located outside the park on an escarpment with breathtaking panoramic views over the Chobe River floodplains. Quieter and more exclusive.
• Cresta Mowana: Less deep in the bush just outside Kasane, offering the most stable and reliable Wi-Fi in the area.

The Transfer Process: A Zimbabwean driver will take you on the 1.5 - hour drive to the Kazungula border post. After border formalities, a new Botswanan driver will meet you to transfer you to your lodge. Fun fact: Kazungula is a geographic anomaly where four countries meet (Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia) within a 150m space.

Related Logistics & Planning