Cape Town to Victoria Falls by rail
Published: 01 September 2008
Cape Town to Cairo with Rovos Rail Few things score higher on a list of unforgettable journeys than a luxury trans- Africa safari. In 2010, distinguished private train company Rovos Rail will be operating two incredible 28-day journeys – one from Cape Town to Cairo, the other from Cairo to Cape Town – a rare opportunity to travel in style through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan and Egypt.
Taking time to travel and making friends along the way is what Rovos Rail is all about. From Cape Town to Victoria Falls you’ll ride in the Pride of Africa – widely considered the most luxurious train in the world. From there it’s a mixture of private plane (staffed by the same crew throughout the trip) and luxury cruiser. The result is a journey that promises adventure, style and wonderful scenery, not to mention world-class service and accommodation.
DAYS 1–3 CAPE TOWN & AROUND
Granted, the views of Table Mountain from the Cape Grace Hotel (to which you’re whisked by private car from the airport) are good, but the ones from the mountain’s summit are even better. See for yourself on day two, along with some scheduled wine tasting. Then soak up some sun on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula.
DAYS 4–9 PRIDE OF AFRICA: CAPE TOWN– VICTORIA FALLS
If this is your first trip on a Rovos Rail train then prepare to be astonished. Service is so slick the butlers could be on castors. Suites are unfathomably spacious and boast handsome wood panelling, Edwardian features and queen-size beds. Dressing for dinner is expected, and seems appropriate when entrees like Cape rock lobster are paired with the region’s best wines. Besides the thrill of the ride, you’ll get to stop in Matjiesfontein (an historic colonial town) and in Kimberley (to see the Big Hole and Diamond Museum) as you journey from Cape Town to Pretoria. After a night in the capital, you’ll continue by rail to Victoria Falls.
DAYS 9–11 VICTORIA FALLS
The accommodation at Victoria Falls is simply breathtaking. For over 100 years royalty, statesmen and celebrities have chosen to stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel. Its corridors reflect the past glories of the Empire, its suites are furnished in the finest Edwardian style. Best of all it has its own private path to the Falls. Within ten minutes you can be walking beside them, watching rainbows erupting into the skies above and monkeys carousing in the trees around you.
There’s a whole day at leisure to explore the area. Optional activities range from bungee jumping and rafting to helicopter flights and visits to a traditional village. End the day with a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi, then a boma dinner beneath the stars, to the accompaniment of traditional drumming and dancing.
DAYS 11–12 ZANZIBAR
It’s only three hours by private plane to Zanzibar. The air is suffused with an aroma of cloves and cinnamon. Smiling villagers cross talcum powder beaches on bikes laden with spiky jack fruit and enormous fish. Skies slip from powder blue through azure to cobalt, and shallow seas spread out in a warm electric sapphire.
Relax in Stone Town’s Serena Hotel, ideal for your tour of the city, with its mosques and palaces, narrow streets and crooked passages.
DAYS 12–16 NGORONGORO & SERENGETI
Admire the snows of Kilimanjaro on the short flight from Zanzibar to mainland What follows are four days of safari heaven. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unflooded caldera, home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth. Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, lions and rhinos are all plentiful. Enjoy game drives and picnics on the crater floor. The vast plains of the Serengeti are also home to huge numbers of animals. To optimise your chances of seeing them, you’ll stay in mobile tented camps that follow their movements. Bedouin-style tents have double beds and en suite facilities, and private butlers are always on hand.
DAYS 16–18 UGANDA
On arrival in Entebe, passengers will be split into two groups. One will visit the chimpanzees of Ngamba Island, the other the source of the White Nile near Jinja. You’ll exchange excursions the following day. Ngamba Island is a protected sanctuary where orphaned chimpanzees can live out their lives. Not only will you get to see the chimps, but money from your visit will help to conserve their habitat and contribute to the preservation of the species. An alternative option is a two-night trip in search of mountain gorillas. Holding the gaze of an adult silverback is a wildlife encounter unlike any we know. Rates are available on request.
DAYS 18–20 SUDAN
The Sudanese capital Khartoum is right on the confluence of the White and Blue Nile. See the spectacle from the comfort of the ultramodern Burj Al Fateh Hotel. There’ll also be a chance to go souk shopping in the old district of Omdurman, and a day trip to the ancient city of Meroe, the former centre of the Nubian kingdom and home to a number of pyramids.
DAYS 20–23 LAKE NASSER CRUISE
The journey continues with a short flight to Abu Simbel and the Sun Temple of Ramses II. The pharaoh built the colossal statues to discourage the Nubian tribes from encroaching on his empire, but UNESCO had them relocated during the building of Lake Nasser and the Aswan Dam. It’s to this lake you’ll head next, boarding a luxury cruiser that will take you to Aswan. Visit the temples of Amada and Derr, the tomb of Penout and the preserved antiquities of Wadi El Seboua, Dakka and Meharaka.
DAYS 23–25 LUXOR
From Aswan you’ll travel by road to Luxor, the most important historical site in all of Egypt. Magnificent tombs are filled with treasures for the afterlife and vast temples surpass anything else in the ancient world. The names may be familiar – Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Colossi of Memnon – but the sites themselves will leave you awestruck.
DAYS 25–28 CAIRO
Reboard your private plane for the last time, enjoying the service of the familiar crew as you fly over apricot-coloured dunes toward Cairo. In front of the Great Pyramid and giant Sphinx is an ideal place to reflect on your incredible journey. And as you look around you, the chances are you’ll be among new friends. There are two 28-day itineraries available in 2010. Cape Town to Cairo departs 08 Jan 2010. Cairo to Cape Town (the above itinerary in reverse) departs 26 Jan 2010.
Tailormade travel: To book, or for more information, call an Africa specialist on 020 7838 5968 or email africa@wexas.com.
Editor: Pete Mathers
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