Perfect the art of slow travel on a luxury Rovos Rail and Zambezi Queen safari to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Rovos Rail and River Slow Travel Safari
Sit back and allow this luxurious adventure to unfold on the ultimate slow travel safari on the Rovos Rail and the Zambezi Queen houseboat. This 12-day journey invites you to discover Southern Africa at a leisurely pace, giving you time to appreciate the smaller, slower, and simpler pleasures while on vacation. Your journey begins in Cape Town, where you can discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on sunset walks and venture further afield on a guided tour of the Winelands. Next, make your way to Pretoria before boarding the iconic Rovos Rail train. Disconnect from the outside world and settle into the pace of a bygone era as the train meanders north through ever-changing landscapes toward its final destination, Victoria Falls. After a night in Victoria Falls, you can relax aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen as it glides past Chobe National Park’s legendary wildlife on a 3-day river cruise. The price excludes flights.
Your slow travel safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and accompany you to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in a private vehicle. An oasis in the heart of Cape Town, this iconic pink hotel is set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and makes for the perfect base to explore the city at a leisurely pace. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on a guided sunset walk on Table Mountain, as well as a half-day excursion through the Cape Winelands.
Belmond Mount Nelson is located in the heart of Cape Town with easy access to the city’s top sights. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, this iconic blush hotel is a tranquil oasis and guests can enjoy access to the Librisa Spa and hair salon, fitness centre, two swimming pools, tennis courts and nine-acre lush garden.
Discover Cape Town’s unique history before getting in touch with nature on a sunset walk through Table Mountain National Park. Guests can also enjoy leisure time at the hotel’s swimming pool, savor afternoon tea in the lounge, or sip on a refreshing cocktail at the Planet Bar overlooking the property’s gardens.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your driver will meet you to transfer you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. From here, you can enjoy a private transfer to the luxurious Castello Di Monte in Pretoria. The Tuscan-style property is surrounded by landscaped gardens and boasts panoramic views of the city. Unwind after your travels with an in-room wellness treatment or relax by the Roman-style swimming pool with a refreshing drink from the bar.
Today, your driver will accompany you to the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Step back in time as you board the luxurious Rovos Rail for a bespoke 4-day journey north to Zimbabwe. Immerse yourself in the ultimate slow travel experience and sit back and relax as the train ambles from Pretoria through Warmbaths, Nylstroom, and the Tropic of Capricorn before traversing Hwange National Park to your final destination, Victoria Falls. Life on board is effortless, and you can enjoy the charm of a bygone era while mingling in the lounge car, watching the scenery unfold with the wind in your hair from the open-air observation deck, and sipping on bubbles before a culinary experience in the dining car. In Hwange, you can enjoy an afternoon game drive at The Hide, home to herds of elephants, buffalo, and lions.
Today marks the end of your luxury train safari. As the train pulls into Victoria Falls Station, you will meet a representative who will accompany you to the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Located in Victoria Falls National Park and within walking distance of the Falls, the 1904 Edwardian-style hotel is the perfect base for your night in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon, follow the direct footpath to the Falls or enjoy a traditional afternoon high tea served on Stanley’s Terrace with spectacular views of the spray from the Falls below.
Your slow travel safari continues on the luxurious Zambezi Queen, a world-class floating hotel designed with all the creature comforts for the discerning traveler. Your guide will meet you at the Victoria Falls Hotel and transfer you from Kasane to the Namibian banks of the Chobe River. Here, you will enjoy two nights on board the Zambezi Queen as it glides by wallowing hippos and elephants drinking from the shores. There are an array of water-based safari activities on offer including tiger fishing, photographic safari expeditions, water-based birding excursions, and guided river safaris. After adventurous days exploring the banks of the Chobe, return to your floating hotel and relax in the spacious lounges, enjoy the pool on board and world-class dining.
An elegant floating hotel, the Zambezi Queen features 14 pristine suites, a swimming pool and luxurious dining area. Guests can enjoy their very own front facing private deck – the perfect vantage point to watch the landscape unfold with plenty of big game viewing opportunities.
As the Zambezi Queen returns to the riverbank of the Chobe River, your guide will accompany you through the Namibia Immigration Office and transfer you to Kasane International Airport for your onward journey home.
Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our LuxVenture® Designers who can create something unique, just for you!
Slow travel offers a unique opportunity to truly soak up each destination. Rather than rushing through multiple locations, slow travel adopts an approach that lets you spend more time in each destination to appreciate its magic. This relaxed pace fosters deeper connections with destinations, cultures, and local communities. Slow travel also avoids rigid itineraries, allowing for more spontaneous adventures.
Yes, slow travel can be sustainable as it often means embracing local transport options like trains, buses, or walking.When you book a luxury safari with us, you can be reassured that you will leave a positive legacy in Africa as we only work with operators that adhere to high standards of sustainability and conservation.
Slow travel is about savoring the journey. While there are no set rules, embracing slow travel means to travel less and experience more, choosing sustainable transportation options, and supporting local economies by choosing boutique luxury lodges and guesthouses rather than large hotel chains. If you want to experience a slow travel safari in Africa, we can help. Contact our luxury travel experts today to learn more about booking a slow travel safari.
Slow travel offers a more relaxed pace and the time to soak up the culture and experiences in each destination. By taking your time in each destination you will gain a deeper appreciation and have the time to properly absorb and observe wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.
Africa offers an incredible selection of destinations to enjoy a slow travel experience. Some top safari destinations include:
If you want to enjoy a slow safari in Africa, we can help. We boast in-depth knowledge of the best safari destinations in Africa for slow travel and can craft a bespoke itinerary that precisely meets your needs. All our safari experiences include experienced guides, tailored adventures, and personalized service. Contact our luxury travel consultants to learn more about enjoying a slow safari in Africa, where you can immerse yourself in Africa’s pristine wilderness and fascinating culture.
Yes, you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration during a slow travel safari. Let us know what bucket-list experiences you would like to tick off your list, and we can curate a bespoke slow safari just for you.
Slow travel safari experiences include walking safaris, bush walks, game drives, hot-air balloon rides, water safaris, and river cruises, enabling you to see some of Africa’s most majestic animals and rare species in their natural habitats. If you wish to experience Africa’s wilderness on a slow safari, we can help.
We have access to the best luxury accommodation in Africa, each handpicked and vetted by us, including tented camps, luxury safari lodges, and boutique hotels. All our luxury accommodations enable you to savor each destination and truly relax and experience Africa at your own pace. Whether you want to enjoy a slow safari in East Africa or Southern Africa, we can help. Contact us today.
We have been pioneering luxury slow travel in Africa for decades. Our deep-rooted expertise of the African continent ensures incredible experiences that will leave lasting memories. We work to create bespoke itineraries that enable you to connect with Africa while leaving a positive legacy. Every one of our tailored itineraries is planned to perfection, allowing you to slow down, relax, and enjoy everything Africa offers. If you wish to enjoy a slow travel safari in Africa, contact our luxury travel consultants today.
