There is a certain romance to train travel, especially when it unfolds at a gentle pace that lets you absorb every detail of the journey. Aboard Rovos Rail, the route from Victoria Falls to Pretoria is more than just transportation. It is an invitation to slow down and witness Southern Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and histories unfold.
Unlike modern high-speed travel, this rail experience draws travellers into the rhythm of the land. The gentle sway of the carriages, the call of distant birds, and the unfolding patchwork of fields and forests all remind passengers of the beauty in unhurried observation. Each kilometre covered becomes a chapter in an ongoing story that links Zimbabwe and South Africa through geography and shared heritage.
What makes this journey truly unique is the chance to discover Zimbabwe from the inside out. Passing through rural villages, rolling farmland, and untouched stretches of bush, passengers glimpse a nation shaped by resilience and natural splendour. The train becomes a moving vantage point for understanding a country that is so often reduced to headlines, yet is rich in culture, history, and warm hospitality.
THE BEAUTY AND HISTORY OF ZIMBABWE
The route through Zimbabwe reveals more than just landscapes; it is also a journey through history. Travellers encounter remnants of colonial-era railway stations that once served as hubs of trade and movement. These stations now stand as quiet monuments, linking past and present. Beyond the tracks, the countryside tells stories of both agricultural tradition and adaptation in the face of modern challenges.
Zimbabwe’s people remain its greatest treasure. From the waving children at railway crossings to the artisans selling crafts in small towns, there is a sense of warmth and welcome that embodies the spirit of the nation. For visitors, this provides a meaningful counterpoint to the grandeur of Victoria Falls, reminding them that Zimbabwe’s richness extends well beyond its most famous natural wonder.
SLOW TRAVEL AS A PHILOSOPHY
Embracing slow travel on Rovos Rail means accepting the journey as the destination. Rather than rushing from one landmark to another, passengers immerse themselves in the landscapes rolling past their windows. This mindful approach allows for a deeper connection, not just with Zimbabwe, but with the very idea of travel itself.
Meals aboard Rovos Rail further complement this philosophy. Served in restored dining cars, dishes are paired with South African wines and prepared with care, turning every meal into an occasion. Between courses, conversations flow easily, and friendships are struck in ways that fast-paced travel rarely allows. This is complemented by the policy of no phones, laptops, or tablets in public areas, so passengers can imagine they are travelling in another era.
SLOW TRAVEL FROM ZIMBABWE TO SOUTH AFRICA
As the train crosses the border and continues south, passengers carry with them the impressions of Zimbabwe’s land and people. The route through Beitbridge and into South Africa provides a new perspective on Southern Africa’s interconnectedness, from wildlife corridors to shared histories.
Arriving in Pretoria, the journey concludes, but the spirit of slow travel lingers. It becomes a reminder that travel is not just about reaching a destination but about the stories, faces, and landscapes encountered along the way.
WHAT PART OF AFRICA WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE FROM THE WINDOW OF A LUXURY TRAIN?
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