Excitement is building here at Viva Expeditions as we announce an incredible adventure for 2025. Hilary Barry, one of New Zealand’s most beloved media personalities, is joining us on an extraordinary journey through southern Africa! This one-off, extraordinary journey combines stunning destinations and bucket-list experiences with luxurious train travel.
Soak up the beauty of southern Africa aboard the Rovos Rail.
For fans of Hilary's charm, wit, and energy, this is a chance to get to know her beyond the screen as you share unforgettable moments aboard the world-famous Rovos Rail on classic African safaris in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
This is set to be a unique adventure, and we would be delighted to have you join us.
Set to depart in August 2025, our exclusive Africa by Rail tour will blend awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling safari adventures with the sophistication of classic train travel.
Aboard the internationally celebrated Rovos Rail, the itinerary offers a luxurious exploration of the most coveted highlights in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Join us, and you’ll have the chance to spot the "Big 5" in Kruger National Park, venture off-road in a private game reserve, marvel at the incredible wildlife gathering around Hwange National Park’s waterholes, savor a serene sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, and witness the majesty of Victoria Falls up close.
With a width of 1.7km and a height of 80-100m, Victoria Falls is the biggest “curtain” of water on earth..
Though the 10-day Africa by Rail journey is filled with experiences, its carefully curated pace will ensure a perfect balance of activity and relaxation. You will still have plenty of time to enjoy Rovos Rail’s elegant onboard amenities and the warm camaraderie of your fellow adventurers—including the delightful presence of special host Hilary Barry.
Rovos Rail - An Exquisite Way to See Africa
Often called the "Pride of Africa," Rovos Rail combines classic elegance with indulgent, modern comfort. Some of its carriages, impeccably restored, are from the 1920s and 1930s.
The Rovos Rail is a work of art, with polished wood, stylish Edwardian furniture, and a charming atmosphere that takes you back in time.
With just 36 suites on board, Africa's Rovos Rail ensures a very intimate and comfortable experience. The suites, ranging from Pullman to Royal, feature private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and plush beds. Social spaces include dining cars, lounges, bars, and a stunning open-air observation car.
Renowned for its five-star service, delightful local cuisine, and intricate details—such as monogrammed china—the Rovos Rail is considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
Enjoy the indulgent comforts of a five-star hotel on wheels, while exploring southern Africa's most incredible landscapes.
Hilary's connection to Africa
For Hilary, this trip will be a brand-new adventure, one that combines new horizons with deep personal connections. While Barry has travelled to Africa before, her previous visits were for work, including reporting on humanitarian crises in Kenya and Somalia. This will be the first time Hilary will set foot on the continent as a holiday-maker, and her eagerness is infectious.
"I've always been fascinated by Africa," Hilary shares. "The landscapes, the wildlife, the people—it's one of the most stunning places on earth, and I can't wait to explore it in a completely different way."
Hilary is also excited about the prospect of traveling by train, something she's done extensively in Europe but never in Africa.
"The idea of seeing these incredible places from the comfort of the Rovos Rail is astonishing. It's such a unique way to travel."
Check out what is Hilary most looking forward to seeing and doing below!
Why Hilary Barry Might Just Be Our Dream Travel Companion
When we started planning this journey, we knew we needed someone special to host it. As Rachel Williams, our CEO, explains, "Hilary Barry is a fantastic choice. She's warm, full of energy, and so much fun to be around—an ideal travel companion. She's well-known, well-liked, and respected throughout New Zealand, and she brings such infectious enthusiasm to everything she does."
Rachel admits she thought getting Hilary on board might be a long shot, but after sharing the details over coffee, Hilary was immediately hooked. "The chance to explore Africa and connect with others on this kind of adventure? Who wouldn't say yes?!"
Hilary's love of travel and ability to roll with the unexpected make her a dream companion for this trip. Years of live TV have taught her to handle surprises with grace and humour, so although she prides herself on being well-organised, Hilary knows that anything can happen, especially in Africa.
It’s those unexpected surprises that usually turn out to be the most memorable.
What makes Hilary Barry such a dream travel companion, though, is the fact that she absolutely cherishes sharing experiences with others. Hilary is a consummate people-person and her sociable and outgoing personality is tailor-made for a group tour.
The journey begins with an overnight stay in one of the most sought-after boutique spa hotels inJohannesburg, South Africa. You may join us there or depart with us from Auckland - the choice is yours. The day after arrival, you’ll head to Pretoria’s private Rovos Station, where a welcome reception and a visit to the railway museum set the stage for the incredible journey ahead aboard the Rovos Rail.
The first stop is Kruger National Park, perhaps the most famous game reserve in Africa, for a full-day safari. The park is teeming with wildlife, including the iconic Big 5—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard.
The following day, enjoy an off-road safari in the privateKapama Game Reserve, another of South Africa’s Big Five hot-spots.
Stop by for a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, to learn more about local conservation efforts and enjoy close encounters with cheetahs and rhinos.
Crossing into Zimbabwe, the journey continues to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 1100 CE, rich with ancient legends. Next, visit Hwange National Park, timed perfectly for the dry season, a time when vegetation is sparser and large wildlife herds gather at waterholes.
The journey culminates at Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and a sight that is guaranteed to take your breath away. Join us on a guided walking tour to experience the power and awe-inspiring beauty of this natural treasure and, for an extra thrill, take an optional helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view. End your journey with a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, toasting to the unforgettable adventure you've shared with your travel companions, including Hilary Barry.
Best Add-on Tours
There are plenty of easy opportunities to extend your trip and make it even more unforgettable. You could head into Chobe National Park after your time at Victoria Falls for some incredible wildlife experiences, or enjoy a fantastic 11-day culinary tour of Zambia. Zipping up to Kenya and Tanzania is incredibly easy from Victoria Falls too or, perhaps, you're craving some time in a stunning city. Why not spend a few extra days soaking up the sights and culture of Cape Town? Whatever you choose, there’s no shortage of amazing add-on tours we can help you plan.
Want to Join Us?
No matter how often you've visited Africa - if ever at all - Viva's Africa by Rail with Hilary Barry promises to be a truly epic adventure. If you’d love to join us, and Hilary Barry, on this Viva Expeditions adventure, you’ll be gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime. Just a heads-up, though – our Royal and Single cabins are nearly sold out, but there are still a few Pullman and Deluxe suites available if you’re keen to join us! Plus, if you book before 31 March, you'll get access to an exclusive discount on published Qantas return airfares* from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch in both Economy and Business Class.
* conditions apply
If you’d like more details about the journey, or to book your spot aboard the Rovos Rail Journey with Hilary Barry, Contact our Africa Specialists today.
