Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria, and travel to Zimbabwe. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travelers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel through Warmbaths (so named for its mineral waters) and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north-flowing. The train passes the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously. Tea in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the Zimbabwean border.
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels on the BBR railway line via West Nicholson. Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Bulawayo, the industrial capital of the country. Tea in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels between Gwaai and Dete along with one of the world’s longest stretches of the straight railway line – 114 kilometers – and along the eastern edge of Hwange Park. Disembark at Kennedy Siding. Enjoy a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30. Arrive at journey’s end at the incomparable Victoria Falls.
You will then be met and transferred to Victoria Falls Hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure
If you arrive with the 13:00 and 14:00 transfers from Victoria Falls, you’ll be served lunch, while if you’re transferred at 15:00 or 16:00 you’ll be served a snack before the sunset cruise by tender boat starts. Once all our guests have boarded in the late afternoon, after a safety breathing and if the weather permits, we’ll go in search of some big game by tender boat. This is the perfect time of day to make the most of that golden glow of the African sunset by getting some iconic shots of the animals as they gravitate towards the river before night falls.
Return back to the Zambezi Queen and freshen up before meeting your host on the upper deck with a welcome drink. After taking in the spectacular scenery, you’ll make your way to the dining room where you’ll be served a delectable three-course dinner along with an excellent choice of paired wines. Finish off with an espresso or nightcap at the bar before retiring to the night sounds of Africa in the distance.
We know that some guests like to watch the sunrise as they sip on their coffee while others like to take a more leisurely approach. That’s why we let you choose your morning activities, depending on the type of holiday you’re searching for. Perhaps you want to enjoy a water-based safari or a village tour on the Namibian side of the river?
Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of bird watching or fishing instead? You may even decide to simply remain on board as the luxurious Zambezi Queen glides its way along the banks of the Chobe River.
After your morning activities, enjoy lunch on board while using your unique vantage point to spot wild animals and drink in the expansive views. Join our guide in the afternoon for a water-based safari on a tender boat where you can get up close to an array of wildlife, including some of the 120 000 elephants for which the Chobe is well known. After a delicious dinner, settle down for a restful and tranquil night in your luxurious suite.
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast as you do your last bit of animal spotting and take some memorable pictures. Bid our crew a reluctant farewell and then make your way via tender boat to the Namibian Immigration Office. Once you’ve had your documents stamped you’ll be transferred via tender boat to the Kasane Immigration Office, where you’ll have your documents stamped once again before entering Botswana.
