We are delighted to have chartered the Shongololo Express Private Train from our associates at Rovos Rail, renowned for their exceptional service and world class travel experiences, for this this spectacular journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria which stops along the way to view some remarkable scenery and wonderful locations in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, eSwatini (Swaziland) and South Africa. In spite of all its regional difficulties, Africa still captures the imagination like no other continent. The beauty and the colours truly need to be seen to be believed and are brought right to the compartment doors of our comfortable rolling hotel, all while enjoying the excellent service for which Rovos Rail is renowned.
Our journey begins in Zimbabwe, a country of astounding natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife, with a two night stay at the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel offering dramatic views of the gorges of the spectacular Victoria Falls. From here we start our journey to Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train and during our game drive. For the remainder of our time in Zimbabwe we will step back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Monument as well as visit Antelope Park, home to a lion conservation programme and Matopos National Park, the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Arriving into South Africa we will traverse the Limpopo Province and enjoy a game drive in the Kampama Game Reserve before crossing the border to Mozambique. Here we visit its bustling capital Maputo before exploring the intriguing Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) where we can witness the lively and colourful local culture as people go about their everyday life.
Crossing back in to South Africa we will visit Kruger National Park where, for some, the highlight will no doubt be spotting the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino), whilst for others, it may be seeing the remarkable birdlife or the majestic giraffe that stay longest in memory. We then continue to our final destination of Pretoria via the aweinspiring landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains and along the Panorama Route with visits to historic Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, one of Blyde River Canyon’s most spectacular viewpoints. Watching the changing mood and colours at sunrise is a truly memorable experience.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express, as a rolling hotel, offers sleeping compartments in two categories, two air-conditioned dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. The tempting three course dinners are served in a single sitting. The bar car, open around the clock, is ideal for relaxing over a cocktail or a glass of South African wine and is a popular spot for reading. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board at all times.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Victoria Falls.
Arrive today and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as ‘the grand old lady of the falls’ and a splendid base for our two night stay. We will have some free time this afternoon before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 3 Victoria Falls.
We have a day to relax at the hotel or explore the local area. Maybe join an optional tour such as a helicopter ride over the falls, a game drive in the nearby Chamabonda or Zambezi National Parks, visit a local village or play a round of golf. In the late afternoon we will meet for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi before enjoying an evening at leisure for independent dining arrangements in the hotel or town. (B)
Day 4 Victoria Falls.
Meet after breakfast in the hotel. From here we take a walking tour of the town and Victoria Falls. Forming the largest single curtain of falling water on earth (on average the curtain is 92 metres deep), the Victoria Falls’ 500 metre plume of spray can be seen from as far as 70 kilometres away. The sound of the water can also be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. The vast width of the Falls, extending 1708 metres, allow for many safe vantage points from where you will be able to get different views of the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and whose constant spray maintains the rain forest. The forest is an attraction on its own with many of the trees marked to help identification. These include fig, mahogany, date palm, milkwood and ebony. The bird life is prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful sunbird and large trumpeter hornbill. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Shongololo Express at the Victoria Falls station and depart this evening. (B, D)
Day 5 Hwange Game Reserve.
Covering 1,462,000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium and we spend a full day game viewing in the reserve with a picnic stop for lunch. Situated in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird species but is most well-known for its prolific lion population. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Matopos National Park.
This morning we embark on a full day tour of Matopos National Park. “Matopos” means ‘bald headed ones’ and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. A highlight will be the visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave Zimbabwe its previous name of Rhodesia. Afterwards, we will visit one of the more accessible bushman caves, of which there are many hidden amongst the hills. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Antelope Park.
Set in over 3,000 acres of open savannah grassland, Antelope Park is a unique game reserve and the Park is also home to ALERT’s Lion Conservation Programme. Included will be a unique ‘Lion Feeding’ experience and, standing just metres from the fence line, we can watch in awe as several fully-grown male lions charge towards their meal and tussle for the prime pieces. An adrenaline-filled activity, the lion feeds not only offers a memorable experience but also constitutes a vital part of the research into the lions’ characters and dominance behaviour. Other activities include game drives, horse riding, elephant interaction and a birdwatching experience. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Great Zimbabwe Monument.
Today we tour the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a hugely impressive monument situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau. It is the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids and is a celebrated achievement of the African people. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins here amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people. Discover how these ancient people lived and mined gold and silver which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese traders. This evening we cross the bridge to Messina for South African border formalities. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Spend the day on board as we traverse Limpopo Province, which is located in the far north of South Africa and shares borders with three neighbouring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Limpopo landscape varies from one area to the other from tropical forests, bush and shrubs to semi-desert areas with small trees and bushes and mountains to flat land. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Kapama Game Reserve.
This morning we take a game drive in Kapama Game Reserve which is situated in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo and renowned for its prolific and diverse wildlife. Kapama Private Game Reserve is home to over 40 different mammal species, including the Big Five and approximately 350 bird species and a myriad of smaller species can also be seen here in their natural environment. We then visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, a unique African wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. Founded on passion, the centre has adopted a holistic approach to its conservation activities such as the educating of surrounding communities, tourism, breeding, rehabilitation and anti-poaching. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland).
Today we tour the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) which covers only 17,000 square kilometres making it the second smallest country in Africa. Travel to Mantenga Cultural Village enjoying amazing views of the Ezulwini Valley and the Komati River en route. Our tour of eSwatini (Swaziland) will introduce you to everyday life in Africa’s smallest kingdom. The Swazi Market is a bustling hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skillfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Maputo, Mozambique.
This morning we tour Maputo, the capital of Mozambique and a city of contrasts and an exciting mix of cultures. The city swings along to a beat like no other in Africa offering true African hospitality. Its architecture is a blend of African, Portuguese and early colonial traditions with old Catholic churches side-by-side with mosques, fortresses, Victorian mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. This afternoon we travel to Komatipoort for border formalities as we return to South Africa. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Kruger National Park, South Africa.
We spend the day in the world-renowned Kruger National Park which offers a wildlife experience second to none. Its two million hectares are unrivalled in the diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species: about 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 species of mammals. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Panorama Route.
Today we take a full day tour of the Panorama Route. In 1873, gold was discovered in the area around the quaint town of Pilgrim’s Rest, now a living museum and national monument. The find attracted 1,500 diggers and today many of the restored miners’ houses serve as shops. Further along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge 26 kilometres in length and 800 metres deep, carved into the face of the escarpment. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of Wonder View we gaze across the sweeping landscape of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Pretoria, Soweto & Johannesburg to London.
This morning we take a tour of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa and visit the Union Buildings designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Completed in 1913, it now houses the offices of the President and Ministers and the buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square at the centre of the city. Before leaving the capital behind we visit the Voortrekker Monument which commemorates the Great Trek of the 1830s. Our next stop is Soweto which, comprising one million people, was made famous by the laws of Apartheid. We pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere) and also drive past the only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace Laureates – Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We also visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after the first student to lose his life in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government. This afternoon we transfer to Johannesburg Airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
Day 16 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 18 September to 3 October 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Gold Cabin | £7295 | |
| Emerald Cabin | £8995 | |
| Gold Cabin for sole use | £10295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAVICTORIA23
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel with breakfast • 11 nights aboard the Shongololo Express • Meals as indicated inclusive of house wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) • All drinks on the Shongololo Express (excluding premium brands) • Limited laundry service on the Shongololo Express • Excursions • Entrance fees • Local guides • Onboard Train Manager • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas for Zimbabwe & Mozambique, optional excursions in Victoria Falls, meals other than those shown.
Visa Information: Visas are not required for entry into South Africa or eSwatini (Swaziland). Visas are required for entry into Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The visa for Zimbabwe will be issued on arrival for British citizen passport holders for a fee of approximately $55 US Dollars per person. You can obtain the visa for Mozambique independently before travel through your nearest embassy/ consulate or via a visa agency for a fee of approximately £60 per person. You may also be able to obtain this locally and further information including the exact fee for each visa along with any updates will be provided to booked passengers approximately 12 weeks prior to departure.
Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express, as a rolling hotel, offers sleeping compartments in two categories, two air-conditioned dining cars, a bar car and an observation car. The tempting three course dinners are served in a single sitting. The bar car, open around the clock, is ideal for relaxing over a cocktail or a glass of South African wine and is a popular spot for reading. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board at all times.
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Train Directory
Train Directory
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences and we are delighted to offer their elegant train, the Shongololo Express, for your African adventure. The train has two accommodation categories consisting of comfortable en-suite Gold and Emerald Cabins while the historically appointed dining cars set the scene for meals where modern and traditional cuisine is on offer with a selection of fine South African wines. Other public areas include a lounge car and observation car with wingback chairs, large picture windows and an open-air balcony, ideal for relaxing over a cold beverage and a book or chatting to fellow guests. Step aboard and recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.
ACCOMMODATION
The cabins are refined and spacious offering passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suite bathrooms with toilet, basin and shower, tea facilities, safes, air-conditioning, and cabins are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. There are a total of 14 Emerald Cabins, measuring approx. 10 square metres and 24 Gold Cabins, measuring approx. seven square metres.
AIR-CONDITIONING
All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each cabin has an individual air-conditioner with temperature controls that can also be set to heat mode. Windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit. Electric under-blankets are fitted on the bed (season dependent).
AMENITIES
A complete amenity bag is available in your en-suite bathroom with the following South African products: conditioning shampoo, body and hair bar, shower gel, soap, body lotion, hand sanitiser, insect spray, shower cap, tissues and a vanity kit with nail file, paper-made cotton buds and cotton pads. Products are 100% natural and biodegradable. All bottles are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled rPET, and are returned to the factory for recycling after a journey. Other products are wrapped in cardboard, which is sustainably sourced. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-departure announcements will be made prior to boarding the train by the Train Manager. Once on board, any important information will be communicated to you by your onboard hosts.
BAR
The bar is open daily from 7.00 am until 1.00 am.
COMMUNICATIONS
In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. There is an internal telephone system in most of the coaches. The use of mobile phones, laptops and anything else that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your cabin. Please note that the reception can be poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated before you travel as there are no internet facilities on the train. Guests are welcome to use their devices in silent mode in areas being toured. Wi-Fi is available at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. The train can be contacted by email at reservations@rovos.co.za. Please indicate the passenger name and departure date as the subject.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A day-to-day itinerary is placed in all cabins detailing the arrangements. This will be available on board and any updates will be communicated as necessary.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board only. Please note that the chefs are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation. Once on board, please speak with the chef to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every needs are catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are four courses and an afternoon tea is served in the lounge cars. Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars, which are air-conditioned and non-smoking. Dress is casual for all meals apart from dinner, which is strictly smart casual. Meal times depend on the activities planned for the day, but are generally at the following times:
Breakfast: 7.00 am - 10.00 am Lunch: 1.00 pm Tea: 4.30 pm Dinner: 7.30 pm. A gong heralds lunch and dinner. All meals are included with a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks.
DISEMBARKATION
Guests should wait in public areas or in their cabin until an announcement is made with instructions for disembarking.
DRESS CODE
Days on board are casual while dinner is strictly smart casual. There are two theme evenings – “AFRICA” and “1920s” – where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current on board is 220V. Each cabin is fitted with a round 3-pin socket (South African). Adapter plugs are available from the Assistant Train Manager. Please treat sockets as live at all times. A generator supplies power. Please be aware that certain breaks in power are necessary when servicing is required.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. There are large extinguishers at the end of each carriage for staff application. The train will be brought to a halt for the required action. Do not jump from a moving train.
GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop on board which is located in the lounge car and is open between mealtimes. The host/ess on duty here has a basic first aid kit and a limited supply of personal essentials.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a limited laundry service (10 items per day) on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so the staff are not able to handle a week’s worth of laundry. There are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board. Please note that while this a complimentary service, Noble Caledonia and Rovos Rail cannot be held responsible for items that may be damaged or lost in the process.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
It is possible to store luggage in your cabin under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. Guests are provided with a Shongololo Express tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft where a soft 15kg bag is required.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your cabin carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MAGAZINES, MAPS & GAMES
There are board games, playing cards, a card table (dependent), books and magazines available for your use in the lounge and observation cars while on board. Kindly return any books before the end of the trip. In your cabin is a map, itinerary and the Journeys magazine featuring articles of interest related to the route. If the map supplied is not comprehensive enough you may purchase a more detailed map from the Gift Shop.
MAIL
Stamps are available for sale from the Gift Shop. Postcards may be handed to the Administration Deputy for posting. They may not be able to do so straightaway. Rovos Rail and Noble Caledonia are not responsible for mail that may be delayed or lost en-route to its destination.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated external defibrillator and a wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. Outside of South Africa, private hospitals are not guaranteed. The train can organise evacuation either by road or air to a medical facility should this be required (own account). The Train Managers have completed First Aid up to Level 3 and are trained in emergency situations.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Guests will be requested to sign for onboard purchases made during the trip. This includes signing for drinks and purchases of a personal nature. All accounts are to be settled on the evening before departure. Please note that drinks purchased on the last night of the trip will be settled on a ‘cash bar’ basis and that any additional excursions booked also need to be settled in cash. Account payment can be settled by South African Rand, major foreign currencies or credit cards. Regrettably debit cards are not accepted.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will also provide necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey. Costs of any visas required will be borne by the passengers.
PUBLIC AREAS
On board there is a non-smoking dining car, an observation car at the rear of the train and a coach next to it containing a small gift shop and smoking lounge. A unique feature of the observation car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. All public areas are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the end of stay questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Please also help Rovos Rail & Shongololo Express evaluate their success in meeting your expectations by completing the comment sheet provided in your cabin.
SAFE
An electronic safe is provided in the cupboard in each cabin.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Whilst on board, passengers are encouraged to close shutters (and preferably windows as well) in the cabins and passengers are specifically requested to close windows and shutters when not in the cabin. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your cabin door can also lock from the inside. It is requested that guests adhere to the following:
• Never open exterior doors while the train is moving.
• Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving.
• An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be heavily fined.
• When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. Safety goggles are provided in your cabin.
• Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it is not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your cabin you must make certain that your windows and shutters are closed.
• Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark.
• Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only.
SERVICE
If you require service between 12.00 am and 6.00 am, please call your host using the internal telephone system. Your cabin is cleaned daily and there is a nightly turn-down service. Linen is changed every third day. If you wish to have your towels changed, please place them in the shower basin.
SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with the Southern African Smoking Act, designated smoking areas are provided. On board the train, smoking is allowed in the smoking area only. Smoking of vapes and e-cigarettes is allowed in your cabin. However, please be mindful of other guests who do not smoke, that the train is generally made up of wood and do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train. Bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.
TRACK
The track over which the train travels is inconsistently maintained. The train is therefore restricted to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections the speed is reduced to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available.
WAKE-UP CALL
Wake-up calls can be requested via your host/ess.
WATER
The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Water inside the cabins has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Click below to download a copy of the Information Directory
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Itinerary at a glance
- Walvis Bay / Swakopmund / Otjiwarongo / Etosha National Park / Kranzberg / Windhoek / Sossusvlei / Sesriem Canyon / Namib-Naukluft Park / Keetmanshoop / Garas Park / Quiver Tree Forest / Kolmanskop / Luderitz / Fish River Canyon / Upington / Kimberley / Pretoria
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000