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South Africa / Zimbabwe / Mozambique / Eswatini

Southern Africa by Train: South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini & Zimbabwe

Program No. 22912RJ
On an epic train trek across four nations in southern Africa, learn about life and culture in small African villages and capital cities and visit national parks and reserves for safari.
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Train TreksSmall GroupAnimals & Wildlife
Length
17 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
11,149
Flights start at
1,500

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
42 meals ( 14B, 14L, 14D )
7 expert-led lectures
13 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After clearing customs and immigration, we will transfer the short distance to the hotel where we’ll check in and relax before the welcome dinner.
Dinner:
Our welcome dinner at the hotel will be our choice to order off an a la carte menu. Bottled water and a welcome drink will be included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable expert as our Group Leader who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program. In addition, we will have the benefit of local experts who will join us at different sites. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful, rewarding, and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Minimal walking on flat terrain; periods of standing at the museum. Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 45 miles total, approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as breakfast meats and vegetables, plus omelets, eggs and waffles will be cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water will also be included.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach with our Group Leader and a local expert to visit the internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum. This beautiful museum gives a balanced account of 20th century South Africa. It recounts the political upheavals beginning in the last century and moves on to the transition from a racist state into the new era of hope and freedom as a democracy. Discussion: History of South Africa and apartheid. In the late morning, we will reboard our motorcoach and continue to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
Light lunch at a local restaurant; bottled water will be included.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader and local expert, we will explore Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest black residential area in South Africa. They will offer commentary as we go. This “city within a city” consists of 50 suburbs, or sections, and essentially acts as a labor reservoir for the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa. While here, we’ll visit major points of interest such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, and Hector Peterson Memorial. In the late afternoon, we will return to the hotel with time to freshen up prior to dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Minimal walking. Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 40 miles, approx. 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board our motorcoach for the transfer to Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Upon arrival at the colonial-style train station, we’ll check in and board the train. The massive locomotive carriage sheds and workshops command about 10,000 square meters (107,640 square feet) and spread across 15 railway lines. Complete with inspection pits and a diligent repair and maintenance staff to keep things moving with precision, this facility in the old Transvaal (the land north of the Vaal River) holds true to its legacy as a once lively hub for steam trains. The train will depart mid-morning, and we will have time to settle into our suites as the train heads along the eastern line that was built by the Dutch railway building company NZASM (Nederlandsche Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg-Maatschappij).
Lunch:
Aboard train.
Afternoon:
As the train continues east through the mining and industrial areas of eMalahleni and Middleburg, we will take some time to relax, take in the changing scenery of the Mpumalanga Province from our private suites or the observation car, and appreciate the amenities of the Rovos Rail. High tea will be served at 4:30pm, consisting of tea/coffee, scones, cakes and other delicious offerings. The train will continue the journey towards Emgwenya (Waterval Boven), a small town where the train will stop on a siding for the night.
Dinner:
Each evening in the dining car aboard the train, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be included.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, rocky and potentially slippery terrain at certain stops. Walking shoes with good tread recommended (no flip-flops; hiking boots not necessary). Water provided on the coach; sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Driving approx. 175 miles total round trip; about 5 hours total on board, with stops.
Breakfast:
In the dining car aboard the train each morning, the breakfast buffet will offer choices including a variety of cold cereals, yogurt and fruit, plus hot breakfast items that can be ordered off of an a la carte menu; all beverages included.
Morning:
Today, we will discover South Africa's Panorama Route during a full day, off-train field trip. Departing via motorcoach from the train station in Nelspruit, we will drive to Pilgrim's Rest, a small town where, in 1873, the discovery of gold attracted 1,500 diggers to the area. As we drive, we’ll hear commentary covering the history of gold panning in the area with a focus on the discovery’s effects on the region as well as on the geography and geology of the canyon a bit later. While here, we will have the opportunity to stroll down the main street of town, which is now a living museum and national monument. The drive will then continue along the Panorama Route, threading its way along the cliff tops of the high escarpment, which stands 2,600 feet above the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Landmarks along the route include the Pinnacle and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Ultimately, we will discover amazing views and the beautiful scenery of the Lowveld, as seen from God's Window.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant along the Panorama Route, we’ll have a plated meal chosen from a select menu with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue exploring the Panorama Route until late in the afternoon when we will return to the train in Nelspruit and depart for Malelane, our overnight stop.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip will last up to 10 hours. Safari game drives are conducted in open air, 4x4 vehicles along both paved and gravel roads; ride can be bumpy at times. Minimal walking; getting in and out of game drive vehicles.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
The train will stop at the Malelane Station where our game drive vehicles will pick us up for transfer to the Malelane Gate. We will start out the day with a game drive in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, established in 1898. The park is now surrounded to the west by several game reserves, making it part of the largest protected wildlife area in the world. The greater Kruger National Park area is known for its concentration of the "Big Five" and an abundance of other wildlife and birdlife, making it a prime destination for game viewing. Our local safari experts will provide commentary on the wildlife and environment as discovered on the drive. As is the nature of game drives, every vehicle will have a unique experience and subject matter of talks will depend on the animals we see.
Lunch:
At a local lodge, we will enjoy a buffet lunch with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Our exploration of Kruger National Park will continue this afternoon as we embark on our continued game drive. We will then travel back to Malelane to re-board the train and depart for Mozambique.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
We will complete Mozambique border formalities, entering Mozambique at the Ressano Garcia border post, before continuing on towards Maputo.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip is approximately 6.5 hours, with opportunities to exit the vehicle and explore at various spots. Driving about 10 miles total; heavy traffic in city; up to approx. ½ hour spent aboard between multiple stops. Walking less than 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, paved, busy city streets.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
After getting off the train, we will begin our day with an exploration via motorcoach of Mozambique's capital, Maputo, a city that has an exciting history and varied culture. Our local train expert will lead us throughout the city where we will see African, Portuguese and early colonial influences and traditions, Catholic churches, mosques, fortresses, Victorian mansions, and other buildings reminiscent of times-gone-by. Our first stop today will be at the city’s municipal market where we’ll explore this bustling, colorful marketplace with its rows upon rows of vendors. Next, we will visit the Fortaleza de Maputo, which dates back to 1769. A walk along the top wall of the fort provides stunning views across the Bay of Maputo, out to the islands in the distance. Further, a drive along the Marginal will take us along the Costa do Sol, a beautiful road along the ocean, lined with palm trees. During the field trip, we will see some of the city’s major sites of interest as we pass including the Catholic Cathedral, the Civic Centre, Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, Samora Machel Statue, the Jardim Tunduru (Botanical Gardens) and Eiffel's Iron House (Casa do Ferro). Commentary on recent events in Maputo and history of Mozambique will be provided by our expert train leader.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Maputo, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will return to the train in the mid-afternoon where high tea will be served as we begin our journey towards Eswatini. Our Group Leader will then lead a lecture on the history, culture and current events of Mozambique and Eswatini.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
The train will exit Mozambique via the Goba border post and continue to Eswatini.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip is approximately 7 hours, with opportunities to get off the vehicle and explore in various spots. Driving time today is approximately 3 hours total, which will include winding, mountainside roads. Walking less than 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, paved surfaces.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
Today, we will be introduced to the second-smallest country in Africa, Eswatini. After disembarking the train in Mpaka, we'll board our motorcoach for our journey through the stunning Ezulwini Valley ("Ezulwini" means "place of heaven"). We will pass through Manzini, the Hub of Eswatini, en route to Swazi Candles, a fair-trade business started in 1981 by two young South Africans. In the workshop, each and every candle is made by hand using the millefiore ("thousand flowers") technique perfected by talented artisans, many of whom are liSwati, before being shipped to customers around the world. From here, we will continue to Mantenga Cultural Village, which brings liSwati traditions and lifestyles from the 1800’s to life. We will gain valuable insight to the classic liSwati traditions, customs, dance, language and art as we explore this sixteen-hut traditional homestead.
Lunch:
At a local lodge in Eswatini, we’ll enjoy a plated lunch with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We will return to the train at Mpaka Station. Commentary throughout the day will discuss liSwati culture and traditions, the monarchy and current events. Upon reboarding the train, we will enjoy high tea with our fellow participants as the train departs for Klaserie, near Hoedspruit, for our overnight stop in South Africa.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip lasts approximately 6 hours. Game drives conducted in open-air, 4x4 vehicles; getting in/out of vehicles. Minimal walking.
Breakfast:
Early continental breakfast aboard the train.
Morning:
After getting off the train and transferring a short distance to the gate, our game drive vehicles will pick us up to set out on our adventure in Kapama Game Reserve. The reserve is a vast, private concession located west of the famous Kruger National Park. The Reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino and elephant) as well as over 40 species of mammals and 350 types of birds. Following the game drive, we will visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, where our local staff will show us around the center (via our 4x4 vehicles) and teach us about the rehabilitation and conservation efforts being undertaken at the center. The center has a number of rare and endangered species on site, including the king cheetah and African wild dog. We will have the opportunity to learn about these species and see them up close. We will return to the train by mid-day in time for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard the train, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be included.
Afternoon:
The train will continue north, towards Tzaneen and Louis Trichardt, the destination for the overnight stop. As the train continues its journey, our Group Leader will lead a lecture on elephant behavior and social structure; in a few days’ time, we will likely see many of these great grey giants during our visit to Hwange National Park.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard the train.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
On this full day of travel aboard the train, take some time to relax, take in the beautiful changing scenery of the Limpopo Province and appreciate the amenities of the Rovos Rail. In the mid-morning, we’ll gather with our Group Leader for a lecture on the significant colonial influences in the early development of South Africa.
Lunch:
Aboard train.
Afternoon:
As the train continues the journey north, we will join our Group Leader for an overview of Zimbabwe including its history and current political situation.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
The train will arrive at Beitbridge for Zimbabwe border formalities, after which it will continue to Oreti for the overnight stop.
Activity Note
Field trip duration approx. 9 hours. Driving about 200 miles total. Walking up to 2-3 miles over the course of 2-3 hours. Two choices for visiting ruins. Choice 1: Shorter, less strenuous hike to lower ruins, museum, and Karanga Village; about 2 miles; approx. 1.5 hours; relatively flat terrain and dirt pathways. Choice 2: Same as Choice 1, plus upper ruins on top of hill complex to add 1 mile and 1 hour; uneven and rocky terrain, ancient stone steps, pathways, inclines.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
After getting off the train, we will board a motorcoach and drive through granite hills en-route to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the largest ancient monument in Africa south of the Egyptian pyramids. Though much about Great Zimbabwe remains a mystery, the site is impressive to behold, with its granite walls, turrets, towers and platforms still standing. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the city remains a source of pride for Zimbabweans, due to the advanced engineering techniques evidenced there. As we explore the site itself accompanied by local experts, we will learn about Great Zimbabwe's role in African history and about the archaeological discoveries that have been made over the years.
Lunch:
At a local lodge, we will enjoy a lunch buffet with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Next, we will drive back to Oreti where we will rejoin the train. Once boarded, our Group Leader will facilitate a two-part discussion. First, we will learn about lion behavior and social structure. Then, we will continue our discussion, shifting to current events and the effects of local conservation projects on wildlife. There are long-standing debates regarding specific projects and initiatives and whether or not they actually benefit the wildlife. We will be encouraged to see the debate from all sides, and will be presented with the arguments both for and against projects of this nature.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip lasts approximately 8 hours. Minimal walking for group activities; more dependent on personal preference; mostly flat ground. Driving approx. 40 miles round trip to/from Antelope Park; ½ hour each way.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
After getting off the train and transferring the short way via motorcoach, we’ll set out for a full day in Antelope Park, a private game reserve set on over 3,000 acres of open savanna grassland in Zimbabwe. The morning will begin with a short introduction to the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) program, where we will be introduced to the program’s initiative and have a chance to view the project’s facilities in the company of a local volunteer. ALERT describes itself as a conservation program, but there is large debate in the conservation community as to if projects such as this one actually benefit the species. Later this morning, we will have an opportunity to spend time and interact with Antelope Park’s four resident elephants. We’ll learn about each elephant individually, as they all have their own histories, personalities and daily routines. Before lunch, we will join our Group Leader to discuss the explorations of David Livingstone and the formation of Victoria Falls.
Lunch:
At the restaurant in Antelope Park, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch and a bit of relaxation on the terrace, we will drive a few minutes into the reserve to the rhino enclosure. From a safe distance, we will have the chance to view these special creatures up close while our Group Leader provides commentary on their behavior and social structure. We will return to the train in the late afternoon, after which the train will depart for Bulawayo, today’s overnight stopping point.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Off-train field trip lasts approximately 7 hours. Walking about 2 miles total throughout the day; approx. 1 mile from the parking lot to the grave site; rocky, dirt paths uneven terrain with inclines/declines; periods of standing. Driving from train to Matobo Gate is approx. 25 miles each way; additional driving within the park in 4x4 vehicles dependent on roads taken but can be up to 6 hours in the vehicles.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
After getting off the train we’ll travel to the park via motorcoach, then board our 4x4 safari vehicles for the day. In the stunning Matobo National Park, we will explore the dramatic hills and rocky, granite formations that lead to the summit of Malindidzimu, the 'hill of benevolent spirits,' where Cecil John Rhodes is buried. His grave is masterfully carved into the solid granite hill and is surrounded by massive boulders. We will stretch our eyes out to the horizon from atop the hill and consider how Rhodes and his explorations impacted the history of the African continent. Our expert local rangers will provide commentary on Cecil Rhodes, Zimbabwean history and Matobo Park. As time allows, we will visit one or more caves, formerly home to Zimbabwe's earliest inhabitants, the San "Bushmen." The caves serve as art galleries, showcasing the early wall paintings of the Bushmen, which date back thousands of years. Our local experts will provide information on the historical and cultural context of the Bushmen.
Lunch:
At a local lodge in the park, we will enjoy a buffet lunch with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our visit at Matobo National Park before returning to the train and continuing to Dete.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Off-train excursion lasts up to 9 hours. Walking less than 1 mile throughout the day. Morning and afternoon game drives conducted in open-air, 4x4 vehicles; total driving distance varies according to sightings in the park; up to 6 hours of game drives; bumpy terrain, dirt roads.
Breakfast:
Early aboard the train.
Morning:
Getting off the train at Kennedy siding near the entrance to the park, we’ll board our 4x4 vehicles and embark on a full-day of safari game drives in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier safari destination. Hwange, in the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe, is the country’s largest national park, covering more than 5,600 square miles (14,650 square km). The volume and range of wildlife is extraordinary with more than 100 species of mammals and almost 400 bird species. Foremost among them are elephant herds that are among the largest in the world, as well as great herds of Cape buffalo. Seasonally, predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog, and cheetah prey on vast numbers of migrating antelope. Wildlife viewing is generally reliable around shallow pans and waterholes throughout the park.
Lunch:
At a picnic area in Hwange, taking a break from our game drive, we will enjoy a packed lunch with bottled water included.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will continue our game viewing on a second safari drive in Hwange National Park in search of wildlife that may have eluded us this morning. We will return to the train in the late afternoon in time for tea on board.
Dinner:
Aboard train.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out from the train and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles in order to see the Falls from all viewpoints; about 2 hours; paths may be slick from mist, but are mostly flat. Standing for extended periods of time at the community visits. Driving approx. 15 miles throughout the day; about 1 hour total with stops.
Breakfast:
Aboard train.
Morning:
The train will arrive in the town of Victoria Falls in the mid-morning. Upon disembarking the train, we will transfer by minibus to visit a community project in Victoria Falls. Here, we will have the chance to meet members of the community and see how they live. Visits to these projects are done on a non-commercialized, authentic and interactive basis with a view to a genuine and meaningful interaction. We will then be driven to our nearby lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a nearby local restaurant with scenic views, we’ll have a 2-course plated meal from a select menu with bottled water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will transfer by minibus to the magnificent Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here, in the company of our Group Leader, we will see how through the millennia the forces of nature have created this marvelous spectacle, Africa’s greatest waterfall. We will view the Falls today from the Zimbabwean side, with commentary from our Group Leader. We will head to our lodge in the late afternoon to check in and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
Our farewell dinner at the lodge will be a 3-course, set menu meal including water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out mid-morning. Drive to the airport is approx. 13 miles; about 20 minutes. Flight duration from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg is approx. 1.5 hours. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.
Breakfast:
At the lodge, we’ll enjoy an expansive buffet with a variety of choices including cereal, fruit, bread, and cold meat and cheese, plus hot items including eggs and breakfast meats. Fruit juice, tea, coffee and water provided.
Morning:
We will have some time to pack before our mid-morning transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for our flight to Johannesburg.
Lunch:
A light snack will be provided on board the flight.
Afternoon:
We will board the early afternoon commercial flight to Johannesburg, arriving in Johannesburg mid-afternoon; in Johannesburg, connect to your international return flight. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Morning:
Early morning arrivals to North America.
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