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

16 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
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.
From$9,999
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    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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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

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Itinerary

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Johannesburg

Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m.

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.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introducti...

Day 3 Soweto, Pretoria, Board the Shongololo Express Shongololo Train

Minimal walking on flat terrain. Getting on/off motorcoach; drive about 62 miles from Johannesburg to Pretoria; approx. 1 hour.

After checking out of the hotel, we will set out via motorcoach with our Group Leader and a local expert to explore Soweto (SOuth WEst...

Day 4 Pilgrim’s Rest, Panorama Route Shongololo Train

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 recommende...

Day 5 Safari in Kruger National Park Shongololo Train

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.

The train will stop at the Malela...

Day 6 Maputo – Mozambique, City Exploration Shongololo Train

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 th...

Day 7 Eswatini, Swazi Candles, Mantenga Cultural Village Shongololo Train

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; most...

Day 8 Safari in Kapama Game Reserve, Cheetah & Wild Dog Project Shongololo Train

Off-train field trip lasts approximately 6 hours. Game drives conducted in open-air, 4x4 vehicles; getting in/out of vehicles. Minimal walking.

After getting off the train and transferring a short distance to the gate, our game drive vehicles will pick us up to ...

Day 9 Travel Northern Limpopo Province, Enter Zimbabwe Shongololo Train

Full day aboard the train.

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 Shongololo Express. In the mid-morning, we’ll gather with our Grou...

Day 10 Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Conservation Projects Shongololo Train

Field trip duration approx. 8 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 hou...

Day 11 Antelope Park, Elephant Interaction and Game Drive Shongololo Train

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.

After getting off the train and transfe...

Day 12 Matobo National Park, Cecil Rhodes' Grave, Cave Paintings Shongololo Train

Off-train field trip lasts approximately 8 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 ...

Day 13 Hwange National Park Game Drives Shongololo Train

Off-train excursion lasts up to 8 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, ...

Day 14 Disembark Train, Victoria Falls, Local Community Projects Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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 s...

Day 15 Fly to Johannesburg, Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out mid-morning. Drive to the airport is approx. 15 miles; about ½ hour. 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 “...

Day 16 In Transit from Program In Flight

Early morning arrivals to North America.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,999
Price per day$625
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 13
  • Number of Lunch: 13
  • Number of Dinner: 13
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-2835767

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