How to Travel From Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Tshwane, South Africa by Rail

In Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), you can visit the pandas and other animals in the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. You can also hike and bike, or drive around, the Groenkloof Nature Reserve. Enjoy the landscape from the air as you take a balloon ride over the Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow these steps to start planning your unforgettable trip rom Victoria Falls to Tshwane.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Book Train Tickets

1. Visit the Rovos Rail Web site (see Resources below) to take a look at train schedules, or contact your travel agent.
2. Make reservations by telephone. Rovos Rail can be reached at 011 ([phone]. Book as early as possible to get the suite you want.
3. Depart Victoria Falls on Sunday at 10 a.m. for Tshwane. The trip will take about 2 1/2 days.
4. Arrive in Tshwane on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Capital Park Station.

Choose Your Accommodations

5. Book a Pullman suite on the luxury train for around $1,300 per person. These suites have twin or double beds that convert to couches or chairs during the day. Each also has a private bathroom with shower.
6. Go all out and take a "Deluxe suite" with twin or double beds for about $2,000 per person. The extra space gives you an expanded living area, as well as an en-suite bathroom with shower.
7. Enjoy the luxurious "Royal suite" with twin or double beds for about $2,600 per person. Have a nice cup of tea while soaking in the Victorian tub, or have a shower instead. Revive yourself in the roomy lounge area.

Enjoy the Ride

8. Eat, drink and be merry since all food and drinks (alcoholic beverages, too) are included in your train fare. Enjoy full meals and snacks throughout the day.
9. Find common ground with your fellow passengers as you watch the native flora and fauna go by. Take a moment to soak in the scenery from the observation car.
10. Relax in a club car. Write cards and letters to the folks back home and tell them of your grand time in Victoria Falls.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes in phone numbers given here are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Trains may experience delays due to track maintenance (a factor not under the control of the rail company). Keep your schedule flexible.
• Check for travel advisories on the U.S. Department of State Web site.
• You can look up prices and schedules on the Rovos Rail Web site, but you can't book tickets through it.

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