Compare 9-Day South Africa and Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail by Ker & Downey Africa vs Classic Zimbabwe explorer by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 7,229 | $ 8,535 |
| Price Per Day | $ 803 | $ 657 |
| Highlights |
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N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
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| Description |
Experience the richness of southern Africa in a way that you haven't before. Embark on an unforgettable journey on the world's most luxurious train. Your journey begins in an enchanted forest in South Africa where you will learn about Zulu Zen and search for the Big 5 before soaking up the African sun on beautiful beaches. You will then board the train and meander your way northwards through the captivatingly diverse African scenery before reaching the pinnacle of your trip - the Victoria Falls. |
Increasing numbers of visitors are returning to Zimbabwe thanks to its newfound stability and impressive range of things to see and do. Its many attractions include abundant wildlife, untouched wilderness and significant cultural sights. A game drive in Hwange National Park is one of the most rewarding activities and one of the best ways in Africa to see the Big Five. Alternatively, set off on foot in Mana Pools National Park for a walking safari, view the thundering Victoria Falls or take a day trip to see the cascading water from different viewpoints. Elsewhere you can explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Day 1-2: Johannesburg - KwaZulu-Natal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Andbeyond Phina Forest Lodge
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Phinda Game Reserve
After arriving at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, you will take a flight to Phinda.
Cradled among the forest trees, this lodge exuberates private luxury despite the floor to ceiling glass walls. These walls provide a sweeping view of the unique ecosystem that surrounds your suite whilst the dense, fertile canopy provides all the privacy you need. The eco-designed luxury suites provide a serene and reflective space to observe all that the forest has to offer.
Morning and evening game drives will offer the opportunity to spot the Big 5 as well as enjoy sun-downers with the setting African sun - a timeless favorite.
Included in your stay is a half day rhino tracking experience. You will walk through the reclusive animal's habitat searching for signs that they have left behind. An expert ranger will be sharing all their knowledge about these fascinating creatures as you track them.
Day 3-4: Phinda Forest Lodge - Durban
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Oyster Box Luxury hotel located in or near Ballito
Drinks not included
Main Destination: Ballito (South Africa)
After your last breakfast in the forest, you will transfer by road to the exclusive Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. This is about a 3 hour transfer. The Oyster Box Hotel is stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, discover our timeless elegance. Enjoy a multitude of dining options, including our famous curry feast and High Tea, and indulge in our award-winning spa amid tropical gardens. There is lots to do at the hotel and in and around Durban. We suggest you book a spa treatment at the hotel as well.
Day 5-7: Pretoria - Victoria Falls by train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners
Accommodation: Rovos Rail
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Victoria Falls
Mid-range train suite located in or near the park
This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will have a transfer to the Rovos Rail station in Pretoria, you will board the luxurious Rovos Rail.
The following 3 nights will be spent at your own leisurely pace as the train travels northwards to the majestic Victoria Falls. Simply enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of the bygone era and soak up the stunning and diverse African scenery.
On your third day, after entering Zimbabwe, you will have the opportunity to go on a game drive at The Hide. The Hide is situated in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest National Park and offers the opportunity to spot the Big 5. Hwange National Park is a haven for over 100 mammals and 400 bird species and the park protects populations of all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species.
This evening, the Rovos Rail will stop overnight at Thompsons Junction before taking you to witness a natural wonder of the world.
Day 8: Victoria Falls overnight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel
Luxury hotel located in or near Victoria Falls
Drinks not included
Main Destination: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Arrival in Victoria Falls at 10h00 and then take a short walk to Victoria Falls Hotel for your overnight. One of the world’s Classic five-star hotels commands prime location overlooking Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, an acclaimed Natural Wonder of the World. A proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Edwardian-style hotel, built in 1904, was splendidly redecorated in 2013 to combine its traditional majesty with modern sophistication. For more than 110 years The Victoria Falls Hotel has been a luxury icon in Africa.
Day 9: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Main Destination: Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe)
Drinks not included
After breakfast this morning, you will transfer by road to the Victoria Falls Airport, along with all your unforgettable memories, for your onward journey.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Harare.
Day 2 : Lake Kariba
On arrival in Harare you will be met and assisted through immigration to join your light aircraft flight to Lake Kariba. It is just a short drive up the hill from the airstrip to the little oasis that is Bumi Hills.
Day 3 : Lake Kariba
Today you can explore the lake by boat, cruising around the petrified forests and small channels in search of wonderful birdlife and animals drinking in the shallows. Game drives are also on offer or you can simply relax on your balcony, soaking up the expansive views of this enormous lake.
Day 4 : Hwange National Park
You will fly by light aircraft to the Hwange National Park today. On arrival you will be met and taken on a game drive back to the camp where you'll spend the next three nights.
Day 5 : Hwange National Park
Today is your first full day on safari in Hwange. Enjoy game drives and walking safaris, returning to camp during the midday heat where you can enjoy views of the waterhole, a magnet for game, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.
Day 6 : Hwange National Park
Another day on safari today. You may wish to head further afield to visit some ancient ruins stopping to game view at the many waterholes along the way.
Day 7 : Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe
You will leave Hwange by game drive and continue the journey to Victoria Falls. Gorges Lodge is situated just out of town and offers dramatic views over the gorges and down to the river below.
Day 8 : Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe
You have a full day to explore the Victoria Falls and surrounding areas today. If you're feeling adventurous you can walk down to the river and up again, enjoying a dramatic sunset this afternoon.
Day 9 : Zambezi Waterfront
You will be transferred by road to the Zambezi riverfront for three nights at Zambezi Sands today.
Day 10 : Zambezi Waterfront
There are lots of varied activities on offer here, including game drives, night drives, boat cruises - sunset cruises are a must - walking and canoeing.
Day 11 : Zambezi Waterfront
Another day to enjoy at Zambezi Sands. Each room has great views of the river and you can head out for picnics on the islands too.
Day 12 : International return flight
You will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight today.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
