Day 1: Arrive Matobo Hills
South into the Matobo Hills and Matobo Hills Lodge. Settle in, then sundowners from the granite with the whole valley below you.
Private Tour 6 days New
Rovos Rail, Bulawayo, Matobo & Victoria Falls
Rovos Rail, with Matobo and Khami done properly first
Duration6 Days
Regions5
Max guests8
Activity levelEasy
Priced per personFrom $4,300per person
Best monthsYear-round
Overview
The most famous train in Africa, with the two days beforehand that most people miss. It starts in the granite. Two nights at Matobo Hills Lodge, ours, tracking white rhino on foot and reading San paintings off a cave wall, with a private morning at the UNESCO-listed Khami Ruins outside Bulawayo. Almost nobody who boards this train has seen either. Then you board Rovos Rail in Bulawayo. The line runs north-west through Hwange, with a game-viewing stop on the way, before the grand arrival at Victoria Falls. Wood panelling, white linen, and the country going past the window at the right speed. A short trip that reads much longer than it is, because the two halves could not be less alike. Private guiding on the Matobo section, maximum eight guests. Rovos operates to its own published schedule, so departure dates are fixed and worth booking early. When to go: May to October.
Why book direct with ZimTravellers?
Owner-plannedYou deal with Josh, directly
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Private by defaultYour guide, your vehicle
A direct lineMessages answered by Josh himself
Rovos Rail, Bulawayo, Matobo & Victoria FallsThe route, day by day
Itinerary
Day by day.
MATOBO HILLS
Day 2: Matobo Hills
On foot at first light, tracking white rhino with a ranger. Later, San paintings read off a cave wall by a guide who grew up in these hills.
VICTORIA FALLS
Day 3: On to Victoria Falls
Met on arrival and taken to the most famous train in Africa. The afternoon stays loose: settle in, then a sunset cruise on the Zambezi above the lip of the Falls if the light is worth it.
Day 4: Victoria Falls
The rainforest walk along the rim, timed for the light and the spray, with a guide who can read the geology as well as the view. The afternoon is yours.
Day 5: Victoria Falls
A second day at the Falls, which is what turns a stop into a stay. The gorge below the bridge is where the adrenaline lives, and the quieter options on the upper river are just as good.
Where you will stay
Hand-picked, night by night.
Matobo Hills · ZimbabweMatobo Hills LodgeView the lodge →
Rail journey · Southern AfricaRovos RailDetails in your proposalThings to know
Cancellation policy
25% charge (deposit) — 90+ days out.
50% charge — 61–90 days.
75% charge — 31–60 days.
A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.
Booking basics
Requested and confirmed within one working day.
Prices per person, based on two travelling together.
Private (max 8 guests).
Operated by ZimTravellers (own itinerary; partner lodges as listed).
Participation & safety
Physical level: Easy.
Private and tailor-made journey cancellation
- A 25% deposit is required to confirm your itinerary and is non-refundable.
- If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 25% of the total booking price.
- For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
- For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
- For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or in the event of a no-show, the charge is 100%.
- Certain camps, lodges, private vehicles, permits and special arrangements may impose earlier or higher non-refundable charges. Any such condition will be itemised and disclosed before you pay your deposit and will apply only to the affected component.
- Changes requested after services have been confirmed are subject to availability, supplier charges and repricing. A reduction in the number of travellers may increase the per-person price for those who continue to travel.
How booking works
- Send your dates and party size — we confirm availability within one working day, usually sooner.
- Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation as listed or similar
- Meals and activities as per lodge package
- Private/arranged transfers where specified
- ZimTravellers itinerary support
- Matobo/Khami guided component where included.
- Direct WhatsApp line to Josh — before, during and after the tour
Not included
- International flights unless stated
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Premium drinks unless included by lodge
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature.
Practical
Best timeYear-round
PaceEasy
StartsBulawayo
Group sizePrivate (max 8 guests)
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