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Rovos Rail

Southern Cross

A grand Southern African rail journey linking dramatic landscapes, wildlife, historic places and Rovos Rail’s signature slow luxury.

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Journey Overview

A sweeping rail journey across Southern Africa

Southern Cross is one of Rovos Rail’s longer, more immersive journeys, designed for travellers who want a deeper experience of Southern Africa from the comfort of a luxury train.

The journey blends changing landscapes, elegant onboard service and carefully planned excursions, creating a rich sense of place without sacrificing comfort.

Duration

11 nights / 12 days

Route

Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Style

Grand rail expedition

Rovos Rail observation car at sunset

The Experience

Slow travel with serious atmosphere

Days unfold through fine dining, private suites, lounge-car conversations and observation-car views. It is a journey built for travellers who want time to settle into the rhythm of the train.

Highlights

Big landscapes, wildlife and classic Rovos service

Southern Africa

Travel through a changing mix of landscapes, cultures and historic destinations.

Wildlife experiences

Add a safari feel to the rail journey with excursions that bring Africa’s wilderness into focus.

Luxury onboard life

Refined dining, polished service and private suites make the train itself a major part of the experience.

Rovos Rail locomotiveRovos Rail lounge carRovos Rail onboard service

Accommodation

Private suites designed for life on the rails

Rovos Rail offers a choice of Pullman, Deluxe and Royal Suites, each combining traditional style with modern comfort, private facilities and attentive onboard service throughout the journey.

Rovos Rail Pullman Suite

Pullman Suite

A comfortable private suite with elegant furnishings, seating that converts for the evening and a private en-suite bathroom.

Rovos Rail Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

A spacious suite with a permanent bed, dedicated lounge area and a private en-suite bathroom with a shower.

Rovos Rail Royal Suite

Royal Suite

The most generous suite onboard, with an expansive private living area and a full bathroom featuring a Victorian-style bath.

Official Itinerary

Southern Cross Expedition

An unforgettable eleven-night rail expedition across Southern Africa, combining historic towns, wildlife reserves, dramatic scenery and Rovos Rail's signature luxury.

Days 1–2

Pretoria & the Highveld

Depart Pretoria and settle into life aboard Rovos Rail as the train heads north through South Africa's Highveld, enjoying fine dining, afternoon tea and elegant observation-car views.

Pretoria & the Highveld

Days 3–5

Zimbabwe & Great Zimbabwe

Cross into Zimbabwe, visiting the remarkable UNESCO-listed ruins of Great Zimbabwe while travelling through ever-changing landscapes and historic towns.

Zimbabwe & Great Zimbabwe

Days 6–9

Matobo & Hwange National Park

Explore Matobo National Park before continuing to Hwange National Park for outstanding wildlife viewing, one of Southern Africa's finest safari destinations.

Matobo & Hwange National Park

Days 10–12

Victoria Falls

Complete the journey at magnificent Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River after one of the world's great luxury rail adventures.

Victoria Falls
Route Map

Southern Cross Route

Rovos Rail Southern Cross route map

Start Planning

Ready to experience the Southern Cross?

Speak to Outsyda Rail about availability, journey dates, suite options and creating a tailor-made Southern Africa rail itinerary.

Enquire About Southern Cross

Financial Protection

Travel Trust Association

Book with confidence through Outsyda Rail, an independent travel agent affiliated with the Travel Trust Association.