From the Indian Ocean to the Victoria Falls

Evening departure from Zurich for South Africa

After breakfast, you will have time to marvel at the Victoria Falls. From numerous vantage points, you can see the 1.7 km long edge of the falls, where the thundering waters of the Zambezi River rush down. A short walk takes you to the Victoria Falls Hotel, from whose terrace you can enjoy the view across to the Victoria Falls Bridge. If you wish, you can choose from the range of activities on offer: Helicopter flight over the falls or tour on the Victoria Falls Bridge. In the afternoon, the train crew will welcome you on board. (FA) Overnight stay: African Explorer special train

After breakfast, you set off on your morning game drive. Known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. With a bit of luck, you may encounter rare wild dogs as well as elephants, giraffes and lions. After a lunch break, the safari continues in an open vehicle. Return to the train in the afternoon. (FMA) Overnight stay: African Explorer special train

our of Bulawayo awaits you in the morning. Alternatively, you can visit the Natural History Museum or the National Railway Museum. Afterwards, you will head to Matobo National Park. Here you will visit the grave of the British conqueror and politician Cecil Rhodes. You will be expected on board for dinner. (BA) Overnight stay: African Explorer special train

The destination of today's excursion by bus is the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The largest pre-colonial structure in Africa south of the Egyptian pyramids is over 1,000 years old. In Rutenga you board your train. (FA) Overnight stay: African Explorer special train

On its way through the Limpopo Province, the African Explorer passes through the Soutpansberg region and the land of the rain queen Modjadji. Sample the popular dried meat at a biltong tasting. (FMA) Overnight stay: African Explorer special train

In the morning you leave your train for a game drive in the Makalali Conservation Area. Numerous animals, including the famous Big Five, have been brought here as part of an animal relocation program. Today's bush brunch is a special experience before the crew welcomes you back on board. (FMA)

Today you travel by bus to the mountain world of the Panorama Route. Afterwards, you will go on a game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park. In the afternoon you leave the park and drive to your safari lodge, where you will spend the night. In the meantime, your large luggage remains safe and sound in the train compartment. At dusk, an exciting night safari in open jeeps takes you once again on the tracks of the wild animals. A dinner under the African starry sky awaits you as a stylish finale. (FA) Overnight stay: Safari lodge at Kruger National Park

A full-day safari awaits you in the morning: you drive through the Kruger Park in an open safari vehicle. After lunch, you continue the safari. You will reach your train in the late afternoon. (FMA) 

Your train has reached Maputo overnight. You explore the Mozambican capital on a city tour. A lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood awaits you on the waterfront. Your train continues its journey in the late afternoon. (BLD) 

From Mpaka, you set off on a day trip by bus to Eswatini. After 50 years of independence, the former Swaziland was renamed Eswatini by its king. The journey takes you through the picturesque Ezulwini Valley via the capital Mbabane to Piggs Peak, surrounded by beautiful hilly country. You can look for souvenirs for your loved ones at one of the lively markets. Your special train will be waiting for you in Kaapmuiden in the early evening. Enjoy dinner on board as your train rolls towards Pretoria. (FA) 

Today you can enjoy the comforts of your special train. The open viewing platform of the cozy lounge car offers you an unobstructed view of the wilderness - a paradise for photographers and nature lovers! Listen to the on-board lectures by your tour guide, devote yourself to your on-board reading or have stimulating conversations with your fellow passengers. You can relax in the bar car with a cool Windhoek Lager. (BLD)

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your beloved train crew. On a city tour, you will explore the capital of South Africa, Pretoria. Nelson Mandela was sworn in here in 1994 as the first black president of his country and greets visitors as a larger-than-life sculpture. You spend the night in a lodge that welcomes you with extensive, lush green gardens. A farewell dinner awaits you in the evening. (BLD) 

Relax at your lodge in the morning or visit the Soweto township, the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived: Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. In the late afternoon, say goodbye to your tour guide and fly to Switzerland. (BL)