Rovos Rail – Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

14 days, 13 nights

+- Overview

We offer you one of the most famous train journeys in the world.  This epic journey now operates thrice annually during January, July and September and is offered as the Ultimate African Safari, designed for travelers who wish to re-live true adventure and romance in complete luxury, comfort and security.

Travel in great comfort and style with Rovos Rail on an epic 3,800-mile journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania.  Starting in Cape Town and ending in Dar Es Salaam, you will have a life-times worth of adventures, from seeing the famous diamond mine at Kimberley to visiting the capital buildings in Pretoria, from 2 days of exciting game-viewing while staying in a 5-star lodge to marveling at the great natural spectacle of Victoria Falls.  Journey through stunning and varying countryside where mountain ranges, great rivers and open African savannah pass by your window every day.  And to make this experience complete, enjoy informative lectures given by guest lecturers on board the train.

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Cape Town
Arrival

This morning board the Rovos Rail train in Cape Town. Travel through beautiful mountain scenery and over the Hex River Pass via a series of dramatic tunnels.  Late evening arrival at Matjiesfontein where there will be time of a stroll through this quaint and historic village.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 2 Kimberley Pretoria

Spend a relaxing morning travelling across the Great Karoo before arriving in Kimberley just after lunch. Disembark for a tour of the town and to see the ‘Big Hole’, where diamonds were first discovered in 1871.  Also visit the fascinating Mine Museum.  Re-board the train traveling towards Pretoria through the open plains of the Orange Free State.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 3 Pretoria

This morning pass by Krugersdorp, Johannesburg and Germiston before arriving at Pretoria.  After a light lunch, a tour of the city that is the administrative capital of South Africa.  Visit the impressive Union Buildings as well as the Voortrekker Monument, built to commemorate the Afrikaner pioneers who in the 19th Century, trekked through, and settled in much of the country.  The evening, depart Pretoria, travelling across the High Veldt.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 4 Madikwe Game Reserve

There will be a spectacular descent this morning down the Escarpment into the lowveld bush country.  On arrival in Zeerust, transfer for a 2-night stay at the 5-star Tau Game Lodge. Tau is South Africa’s premier Luxury Safari Lodge in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve offering the Big 5 game watching experience. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive in an open vehicle. Enjoy dinner under the stars in a ‘boma’, a traditional reed enclosure.

Overnight Accommodations

Tau Game Lodge – Pullman Suite
Tau Game Lodge – Deluxe Suite
Tau Game Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 5 Madikwe Game Reserve

Experience thrilling early morning and late afternoon game drives.  From the ‘Big Five’; lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo and elephant to giraffe, many species of antelope, monkeys and wonderful bird life, the reserve offers an unforgettable game-viewing experience.

Overnight Accommodations

Tau Game Lodge – Pullman Suite
Tau Game Lodge – Deluxe Suite
Tau Game Lodge

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 6 Madikwe Game Reserve Gaborone

After a final early morning game drive, and following breakfast transfer to the train for a noon departure from Gaborone, Botwana.  Border formalities en-route.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 7 En route

The entire day is spent travelling northwest across Zimbabwe.  During the day there will be lectures given by an on-board historian. 

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 8 Victoria Falls

Arrive by mid-morning at Victoria Falls.  Disembark and be transferred to the famous, Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel.  Enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on the Zambezi River before having dinner at the hotel and being entertained by an African musical and dance show

Overnight Accommodations

Victoria Falls Hotel – Pullman Suite
Victoria Falls Hotel – Deluxe Suite
Victoria Falls Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 9 Victoria Falls Livingstone

The day is at leisure.  There are a number of optional excursions (at additional cost) available from a tour of the Falls to a game of golf or a flight-seeing tour over the falls known as the ‘Flight of the Angels’.  In the late afternoon, re-board the train and cross into Zambia at the town of Livingstone.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 10 En route

Spend the day admiring the lovely countryside as you travel through Zambia, passing the capital, Lusaka in the early afternoon.  Again there will be a selection of lectures.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 11 Kanona Kasama

The day is at leisure with breakfast, lunch and dinner on board and lectures in the morning and afternoon.  The train continues north eastward through Mpika into Kasama.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 12 Kasama Tunduma

Disembark at Kasama for an exciting excursion to Chisimba Falls, one of the many beautiful waterfalls of Zambia. Late afternoon cross the border from Zambia into Tanzania at Tunduma and start travelling through southern Tanzania. En route the train passes by Mbeya, which is surrounded by high mountains.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 13 En route Mimba

Tanzania’s countryside is typical African savannah with great forests of Baobab trees and the flat-topped acacias dotting the horizon.  There will be a spectacular descent from the highlands towards the coast as the train drops down through the pass to Mlimba.

Overnight Accommodations

Pullman Suite – Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite Rovos – Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ - Day 14 Dar Es Salaam

Arrive this morning at Tazara Station in Dar Es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania and the end of this epic Rovos Rail journey.

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

Additional Information

Pre-train Journey – Cape Town Explorer

Arrive in Cape Town and spend 3 nights at the Cape Grace Hotel located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.  The balance of the day is at leisure and dinner is at the hotel.  The next day you will be take on a full day tour of the Cape Winelands to visit a famous wine estate.  After lunch, visit the lovely town of Franschhoek, the vineyards at Boschendal and the university town of Stellenbosch, famous for its Cape Dutch architecture.  Return to Cape Town and dinner at the hotel. The next day enjoy a full day tour, of the Cape Peninsula including the Cape of Good Hope, the beautiful coastal drives around Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, Fishhoek and Simonstown.  A light lunch will be served before visiting the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the base of Table Mountain.  Dinner is at the hotel and the evening is at leisure.  Please ask us for details.

Post-train Journey – Tanzania Explorer

After leaving the train in Dar Es Salaam, you will be taken to the Royal Palm Hotel with the balance of the day at leisure.  Lunch and dinner is at the hotel.  Next day fly to Grumeti in the famous Serengeti Reserve and spend 2 nights at the Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp where you will have 2 days of exceptional game-viewing.  Then fly to Manyara and transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for 2 nights.  One morning will be spent in Crater enjoying an unprecedented game drive.  Finally, fly to Zanzibar on the Indian Ocean and spend 2 nights at the Zanzibar Serena Inn.  Here you can explore the fascinating old Stone Town and take a Spice tour.  On the final day fly back to Dar Es Salaam.  All meals are provided during this 7-night package. Please ask us for details.

Please contact us for rates and availability

A Medical Practitioner, Hair Stylist & Historian accompany the train at various stages. Entry Visas, if applicable, must be purchased and paid for prior to departure for Africa. Passengers are advised to take anti-malarial precautions as might be prescribed Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by your selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

+-Pullman Suite
+ - Pullman Suite

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Pullman suite is +/-7 square meters (+/-76 sq ft) in size and while it includes the identical bathroom to that of the deluxe suites, the bedroom is smaller with a one up one down bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch.

+ - Tau Game Lodge

LOCATION – Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 

The décor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Thirty rustic thatched chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank.  Each chalet has its own wooden game viewing deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower.

+ - Victoria Falls Hotel

LOCATION – Established in 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel is set in The Victoria Falls National Park with a private path to the Victoria Falls.

The ambiance of the hotel is steeped in history, with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe’s colonial era. It has 161 rooms comprising 37 standard rooms, 58 traditional rooms, 48 deluxe rooms, 7 junior suites, 4 honeymoon suites, 6 executive suites and the Royal Suite. The latter, as the name suggests, has seen reigning monarchs, presidents and, more recently, many famous Hollywood stars among its privileged occupants. The corridors reflect and tell the history of this unique part of Africa, with particular reference to the building of the railway from Cape Town to what is now Zambia. It is very much part of the unrealized “Cape to Cairo” dream of Cecil John Rhodes. The Victoria Falls Hotel offers many options when it comes to dining. There is the famous Livingstone Room for fine dining, as well as Stanley’s Terrace for lunch and tea and Jungle Junction for a more casual meal. The hotel also offers a gorgeous Edwardian swimming pool, a private path to the Falls, tennis courts, golf course and casino.

+-Deluxe Suite
+ - Deluxe Suite Rovos

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Deluxe suites (+/-11 sq metres/+/-118 sq feet) and accommodates two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

+ - Tau Game Lodge

LOCATION – Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 

The décor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Thirty rustic thatched chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank.  Each chalet has its own wooden game viewing deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower.

+ - Victoria Falls Hotel

LOCATION – Established in 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel is set in The Victoria Falls National Park with a private path to the Victoria Falls.

The ambiance of the hotel is steeped in history, with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe’s colonial era. It has 161 rooms comprising 37 standard rooms, 58 traditional rooms, 48 deluxe rooms, 7 junior suites, 4 honeymoon suites, 6 executive suites and the Royal Suite. The latter, as the name suggests, has seen reigning monarchs, presidents and, more recently, many famous Hollywood stars among its privileged occupants. The corridors reflect and tell the history of this unique part of Africa, with particular reference to the building of the railway from Cape Town to what is now Zambia. It is very much part of the unrealized “Cape to Cairo” dream of Cecil John Rhodes. The Victoria Falls Hotel offers many options when it comes to dining. There is the famous Livingstone Room for fine dining, as well as Stanley’s Terrace for lunch and tea and Jungle Junction for a more casual meal. The hotel also offers a gorgeous Edwardian swimming pool, a private path to the Falls, tennis courts, golf course and casino.

+-Royal Suite
+ - Royal Suite

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring +/-16 sq metres in size (+/-172 sq ft). Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.

+ - Tau Game Lodge

LOCATION – Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 

The décor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Thirty rustic thatched chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank.  Each chalet has its own wooden game viewing deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower.

+ - Victoria Falls Hotel

LOCATION – Established in 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel is set in The Victoria Falls National Park with a private path to the Victoria Falls.

The ambiance of the hotel is steeped in history, with all suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe’s colonial era. It has 161 rooms comprising 37 standard rooms, 58 traditional rooms, 48 deluxe rooms, 7 junior suites, 4 honeymoon suites, 6 executive suites and the Royal Suite. The latter, as the name suggests, has seen reigning monarchs, presidents and, more recently, many famous Hollywood stars among its privileged occupants. The corridors reflect and tell the history of this unique part of Africa, with particular reference to the building of the railway from Cape Town to what is now Zambia. It is very much part of the unrealized “Cape to Cairo” dream of Cecil John Rhodes. The Victoria Falls Hotel offers many options when it comes to dining. There is the famous Livingstone Room for fine dining, as well as Stanley’s Terrace for lunch and tea and Jungle Junction for a more casual meal. The hotel also offers a gorgeous Edwardian swimming pool, a private path to the Falls, tennis courts, golf course and casino.

+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • 13 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations for 10 nights on board the train and 3 nights accommodation at a lodge/hotel with private en-suite facilities, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with all meals on board the train. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Included Drinks

    We provide you with all alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages on board the train.

  • Daily Transfers

    We cover your transportation by air-conditioned vehicles each day during off-rail excursions.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

  • Air conditioning

    Included in your rooms and transportation. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended.

Not Included

  • International & Domestic Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our prices are inclusive of land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare. Airport taxes and security related fees are subject to change with or without notice.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

+- Booking

Dates & Pricing

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

Display prices in Hide this box

+-Pullman Suite

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Deluxe Suite

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Royal Suite

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.

Booking Details

Departures

Join in Cape Town on selected departure dates below
This 13-night rail journey can also be taken in reverse from Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town. Return journeys depart Mar 12; Jul 16; & Oct 15, 2012. Please contact us for details.

Departures 2012

January 16
June 30
September 29