Rovos Rail — the promise of this journey
This is a luxury experiential travel experience designed for discerning clients who want more than a holiday: they want a story to tell, a sequence of unforgettable moments stitched together by expert planning, local knowledge and impeccable service. The 9 Nights: South African Safari, Rovos Rail & Victoria Falls package blends three nights of Big Five safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve with a sumptuous three‑night Rovos Rail journey and two nights at the iconic Victoria Falls.
It is a journey of contrasts — the intimate hush of dawn drives, the slow elegance of a heritage train, and the thunderous spectacle of one of the world’s great natural wonders. From £5799 per person, this package is ABTA and ATOL protected, backed by 24‑hour customer assistance and more than 30 years of combined travel expertise . Call Louise the Travel Artist on 01428 856 020 to begin planning.
for the latest travel advise
for my latest travel blog
Rovos Rail
Why experiential travel matters for luxury clients
Experiential travel is the art of designing holidays that are immersive, meaningful and tailored to the traveller’s values. For high‑end clients, luxury is not measured only by the price of a suite or the exclusivity of a transfer; it is measured by the quality of the encounters, the authenticity of the local connections and the depth of the memories created. This itinerary is built around:
- Authentic wildlife encounters with expert rangers and trackers who read the land and the animals’ behaviour.
- Slow travel moments on Rovos Rail where the journey itself is the destination — time to read, to dine, to watch the landscape change.
- Conservation and community engagement that ensures your travel supports local economies and wildlife protection.
- Seamless logistics and 24‑hour support so your focus is on the experience, not the details.
- Financial protection through ABTA and ATOL so you travel with confidence.
If you value privacy, personalised service and experiences that linger long after you return home, this journey is for you. Call Louise on 01428 856 020 to discuss bespoke options.
Package snapshot
Duration: 9 Nights From price: £5799 per person Travel period: 1 – 30 April 2026 (call for other travel dates) Book by: 31 January 2026 Quote Reference: 77503 | Our Reference: SLT877692
Highlights:
- 3 Nights: Sabi Sand Game Reserve — Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Rondavel, full board.
- 2 Shared game drives a day; daily guided bush walks; sundowners.
- 1 Night: Pretoria — Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Standard Suite, bed & breakfast.
- 3 Nights: Rovos Rail Pullman Suite — fully inclusive on board (meals, selected beverages).
- Off‑train excursions including a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.
- 2 Nights: Victoria Falls — Ilala Lodge, Classic Room, bed & breakfast; guided tour of the Falls and Zambezi River cruise.
- Return international flights on Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow – Johannesburg – Heathrow; regional flights included.
- Airport taxes and surcharges included; regional supplements may apply.
Included protections and services: ABTA and ATOL financial protection; 24‑hour customer assistance; over 30 years’ combined travel expertise at Hays Travel.
Full itinerary — day by day (what to expect, how it feels)
Days 1–3: Sabi Sand Game Reserve — Elephant Plains Game Lodge (3 nights)
Your journey begins with arrival into South Africa and a private transfer to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private concession bordering Kruger National Park renowned for its density of wildlife and exceptional guiding. Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers intimate rondavel accommodation, warm hospitality and a programme of twice‑daily shared game drives and guided bush walks.
Morning drives are when predators are most active; expect the thrill of tracking lions and leopards, watching elephant herds move with purpose, and seeing buffalo and rhino in their natural habitat. Afternoon drives lead to heart‑stopping sundowners — a chilled glass of wine as the sun melts into the horizon and the bush comes alive with nocturnal sounds. Guides are expert naturalists who interpret animal behaviour and share conservation insights.
Meals are a celebration of local flavours and international finesse: bush breakfasts, al fresco lunches and candlelit dinners under the stars. The lodge’s commitment to conservation and community ensures your stay supports local initiatives.
Included experiences: two shared game drives per day, daily guided bush walks, sundowners, full board accommodation, expert guiding.
Day 4: Pretoria — Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel (1 night)
After your final morning drive and a relaxed transfer to the airport, you fly to Pretoria for an overnight stay at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel. This chic, intimate hotel offers a restful interlude and a chance to experience South African hospitality in a different register — boutique design, personalised service and a comfortable bed before boarding Rovos Rail.
Days 5–7: Rovos Rail — Pullman Suite (3 nights)
Board the legendary Rovos Rail for a three‑night journey that is as much about the art of travel as it is about the destination. The Pullman Suite is a study in classic elegance: polished wood, crisp linens and attentive service. Onboard, all meals and beverages (including preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks) are included, and the dining experience is refined and convivial.
The train winds through landscapes that shift from highveld escarpments to rolling plains. Off‑train excursions are woven into the schedule: quaint town explorations, scenic viewpoints and a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park — a rare opportunity to see Zimbabwe’s elephant populations up close. The train’s pace allows for conversation, reading, photography and the simple pleasure of watching the world pass by.
Included experiences: fully inclusive Pullman Suite, all meals and beverages on board, guided excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary, scenic rail travel through Warmbaths (Bela‑Bela), Nylstroom and across the Limpopo River.
Days 8–9: Victoria Falls — Ilala Lodge (2 nights)
Your rail journey culminates at Victoria Falls, one of the planet’s most dramatic natural spectacles. Stay at Ilala Lodge in a Classic Room on a bed & breakfast basis. Explore the Falls via a rainforest trek that hugs the edge of the gorge, visit iconic viewpoints such as Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and experience the thunderous roar and spray that define this place.
A Zambezi River cruise at sunset is a highlight — wildlife sightings, golden light and the slow rhythm of the river. Optional activities include helicopter flights over the Falls, guided rainforest walks, and visits to Livingstone Island for a privileged perspective.
Included experiences: guided tour of the Falls, Zambezi River cruise, bed & breakfast accommodation, regional flights and transfers as specified.
What’s included (comprehensive list)
- 3 Nights: Sabi Sand Game Reserve — Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Rondavel, full board.
- 2 Shared game drives per day; daily guided bush walks; game drive sundowners.
- 1 Night: Pretoria — Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Standard Suite, bed & breakfast.
- 3 Nights: Rovos Rail — Pullman Suite, fully inclusive (all meals and beverages on board including preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks).
- Guided excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary (including game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park).
- 2 Nights: Victoria Falls — Ilala Lodge, Classic Room, bed & breakfast.
- Return international flights on Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow – Johannesburg – Heathrow.
- Regional flights: Johannesburg – Hoedspruit Airport – Johannesburg & Victoria Falls – Johannesburg included.
- Airport taxes and surcharges included (regional supplements may apply).
- Private and group transfers as specified.
- 24‑hour customer assistance while on holiday.
- ABTA and ATOL financial protection for package and flight‑inclusive elements.
- Charitable and conservation contributions where applicable.
- Local taxes and service charges where specified.
What’s not included (common exclusions)
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary (e.g., helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, private guided experiences).
- Gratuities and personal purchases.
- Visa fees where applicable.
- Any items not explicitly stated as included.
Pricing table
| Package | Duration | Board Basis | From Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South African Safari, Rovos Rail & Victoria Falls | 9 Nights | Sabi Sand full board; Rovos Rail fully inclusive; Victoria Falls B&B | £5799 |
| Private vehicle & guide (Sabi Sand, per day) | Optional | Guide & vehicle | From £350 |
| Rovos Rail suite upgrade (Royal Suite) | Optional | Fully inclusive | From £1200 supplement |
| Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls | Optional | Activity | From £220 per person |
| Single supplement | Optional | Varies by hotel | From £650 |
Luxury, conservation and community — the ethical promise
Luxury travel today must be responsible. This itinerary partners with lodges and operators who prioritise conservation, anti‑poaching initiatives and community development. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a leader in habitat protection and responsible tourism; Rovos Rail supports local employment and heritage tourism; Victoria Falls operators contribute to conservation and community projects. When you travel on this itinerary, a portion of the experience supports local economies and conservation efforts.
Personalisation and bespoke upgrades
High‑end travellers expect options. Louise will work with you to personalise every detail:
- Private game drives and specialist guides for photography or conservation interests.
- Luxury suite upgrades on Rovos Rail (Pullman to Royal Suite).
- Private transfers and charter flights for maximum convenience.
- Special occasion arrangements: private dinners, sundowner experiences, spa treatments.
- Extended stays or multi‑destination itineraries (e.g., add Cape Town, Seychelles or Mauritius).
Call Louise the Travel Artist on 01428 856 020 to discuss bespoke upgrades and receive a tailored quote.
Practical travel advice and preparation
Passports & visas: Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your return date. Check visa requirements for South Africa and Zimbabwe well in advance. Louise can advise on visa processes.
Health & vaccinations: Consult your GP or a travel clinic for up‑to‑date advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for Sabi Sand and surrounding regions. Carry any required documentation.
Packing: Neutral, lightweight clothing for safari; warm layers for early morning drives; comfortable shoes for rainforest walks; swimwear and resort wear for leisure time; binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for wildlife photography.
Money & tipping: Local currency and tipping customs vary. Guidance on tipping and local costs will be provided in your final travel pack.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Louise can advise on suitable policies and optional add‑ons.
Testimonials — real experiences from discerning travellers
“From the moment we called Louise, the service was exceptional. The Sabi Sand guides were world‑class and the Rovos Rail journey was pure romance. Victoria Falls left us speechless.” — A. & J., repeat clients
“We wanted a private, conservation‑focused safari and Louise delivered beyond expectation. The off‑train game drive in Hwange was a highlight.” — M. & S., honeymooners
These testimonials reflect the personalised service, attention to detail and deep supplier relationships that define Louise’s approach.
Booking process — simple, secure, bespoke
- Initial call: Phone Louise the Travel Artist on 01428 856 020 to discuss dates, group size and special requirements.
- Tailored proposal: Receive a detailed itinerary, pricing breakdown and ABTA/ATOL documentation.
- Confirm & protect: Secure your booking with the deposit and receive confirmation of ABTA and ATOL protections and 24‑hour assistance details.
- Pre‑departure: Receive a comprehensive travel pack with flight details, packing list, health advice and contact numbers.
- On holiday: 24‑hour customer assistance is available for any queries or support.
Call now: 01428 856 020 — Louise will guide you through every step.
High ranking keywords (separate list)
- luxury travel
- experiential travel
- South African safari
- Rovos Rail
- Victoria Falls holiday
- Sabi Sand safari
- bespoke safari
- luxury train journey
- ABTA protected holidays
- ATOL protected holidays
- 24 hour customer assistance
- Hays Travel luxury
- Louise the Travel Artist
- tailor-made holidays
- conservation travel
- Big Five safari
- Hwange National Park
- Zambezi River cruise
- Ilala Lodge Victoria Falls
Suggested WordPress tags (separate list)
luxury-travel, experiential-travel, south-africa-safari, rov os-rail, victoria-falls, sabi-sand, bespoke-holidays, abta, atol, 24-hour-assistance, hays-travel, louise-the-travel-artist, luxury-train, conservation-travel, big-five-safari
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I book the South African Safari, Rovos Rail & Victoria Falls package?
Call Louise the Travel Artist on 01428 856 020 to check availability, confirm travel dates and request a bespoke booking proposal. You will receive a full itinerary, pricing breakdown and ABTA/ATOL documentation.
What is included in the price of £5799 per person?
The price includes accommodation as listed, return international flights on Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, regional flights as specified, transfers, meals and beverages on Rovos Rail, guided excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary, airport taxes and surcharges. Final inclusions and availability will be confirmed at time of booking.
Are flights and regional transfers included?
Yes. Return international flights on Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Johannesburg and regional flights (Johannesburg – Hoedspruit – Johannesburg and Victoria Falls – Johannesburg) are included as specified. Private transfers and additional flights can be arranged at a supplement.
What financial protections do I have when booking?
This package is ABTA protected and ATOL protected where applicable. ABTA provides consumer protection and assistance for package holidays and travel services; ATOL protects flight‑inclusive holidays and ensures repatriation in the unlikely event of an operator failure. Full documentation will be provided at booking.
Is there 24‑hour customer assistance while I am on holiday?
Yes. All travellers on this itinerary receive 24‑hour customer assistance for the duration of their trip, ensuring support for any unforeseen issues or last‑minute needs.
Can I upgrade my Rovos Rail suite or lodge accommodation?
Yes. Upgrades such as the Rovos Rail Royal Suite, luxury tent or suite upgrades at Sabi Sand, private guides and private transfers are available subject to availability and supplements. Contact Louise to discuss options and pricing.
Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included by default. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellation and baggage. Louise can advise on suitable policies.
Are there conservation or community contributions included?
Where applicable, operators and partners on this itinerary support conservation and community initiatives. Details of contributions and partnerships will be provided in your booking documentation.
What is the booking deadline and travel period?
Travel period: 1 – 30 April 2026. Book by: 31 January 2026. Alternative travel dates may be available on request.
Terms & conditions (summary)
- Prices are per person (unless stated otherwise) and are not live; they are subject to change at any time.
- Where applicable, prices include any advertised discounts.
- Holidays are subject to availability and the tour operator/supplier’s booking conditions apply.
- Offers can be changed or withdrawn without notice.
- Latest price/availability and operator details will be confirmed at time of enquiry.
- Quote Reference: 77503 | Our Reference: SLT877692.
Why call Louise the Travel Artist?
Louise combines deep supplier relationships, a passion for experiential travel and a commitment to personalised service. With more than 30 years of combined travel expertise at Hays Travel, Louise offers:
- Bespoke itinerary design tailored to your interests and pace.
- Access to exclusive upgrades and private experiences.
- Clear explanation of ABTA and ATOL protections and 24‑hour assistance.
- A single point of contact who manages every detail from booking to return.
Call Louise the Travel Artist on 01428 856 020 to begin planning your Southern African odyssey.
If you seek a journey that balances the thrill of wildlife, the romance of a heritage train and the awe of one of the world’s great waterfalls — all arranged with meticulous care, financial protection and 24‑hour support — this South African Safari, Rovos Rail & Victoria Falls package is designed for you. Call Louise the Travel Artist now on 01428 856 020 to request a personalised proposal, confirm availability and secure your place.
Call now: 01428 856 020 — ABTA protected, ATOL protected, 24‑hour assistance, 30+ years’ expertise.
ROVOS RAIL ROVOS RAIL ROVOS RAIL ROVOS RAIL ROVOS RAIL ROVOS RAIL
