- Accommodation: Locomotive, Lodges, Hotel
- Activities; Wildlife safari game drives, visit the Big Hole, Victoria Falls tour, Zambezi River sunset cruise, visit Chisimba Falls
- Destination: Cape Town, Matjiesfontein, Kimberly, Pretoria, Madikwe (South Africa), Gaborone (Botswana), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone, Chisimba Falls (Zambia), Makambako, Nyerere National Park, Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania)
What you can expect from this Rail Safari Tour in Africa
You are invited to travel on the most luxurious train in the world. This epic journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and is destined to become a world renowned train excursion. This is the ultimate African safari, designed for travellers who wish to re-live true adventure in complete luxury, comfort and security.
This magnificent safari will take you through South Africa with short tours of the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria. Then you visit Madikwe Game Reserve and go on game drives, before crossing through Botswana and into Zimbabwe. You will enjoy an overnight stop at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Your excursion continues from Victoria Falls into Zambia, Livingstone, Chisimba Falls and on to the incredible Tazara Railway line and explore Makambako and Nyerere National Park before arriving at Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. Once there, guests have the option of visiting exotic Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater or the wildlife paradise of the Serengeti.
Opposite direction possible This Rovos Rail safari tour is also available in the opposite direction from Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town (please enquire about specific departure dates and itinerary).
Day 1 & 2: Cape Town to Matjiesfontein, South Africa
Upon arrival at Platform 23 in Cape Town, the Rovos Rail staff will serve refreshments and carry your luggage to your luxury suite. You will depart Platform 23 at 11h00 to embark on a journey beyond your wildest imagination. Enjoy the scenic views and savor lunch before your first stop at the historic village Matjiesfontein.
Explore the Edwardian town and stroll the streets in search for classic buildings such as the Old Courthouse.
The train traverses the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region on its way to Kimberley.
Day 3: Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa
Visit Kimberley for a tour of the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole (biggest man-made excavation in the world). The museum is a world renowned tourist attraction and has a number of interactive activities. The notable highlights of this exciting day tour are the traditional pub called "Digger's Rest",
Your luxury charter tour continues through the Highveld of South Africa to Pretoria.
Day 4: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Explore the Rovos Rail private station at Capital Park in Pretoria, when you arrive at the train depot at 10h00 for a tour of the colonial-style railway. Visit the station museum and savor a light lunch before your tour of Pretoria. The city has an abundance of historic buildings and landmarks for you to see.
The metropolis captures the hearts of visitors with its enchanting Jacaranda trees that line the streets and serves a colourful backdrop for the historical attractions such as the Union Buildings, the National Cultural Museum and the Voortrekker Monument.
The train continues onwards to Zeerust in the North West Province of South Africa.
Day 5: Madikwe Game Reserve, North West, South Africa
You will stay at a luxury safari lodge in Madike Game Reserve, where you will stay for 2 nights in thatched chalets that boast picturesque views of the wildlife occupied waterhole. Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot the abundance of nocturnal animals that roam by night. Witness the magical African sunset while enjoying refreshments.
After an afternoon of game spotting, sit around the traditional boma and indulge a bush meal under the glistening African skies.
Day 6: Madikwe Game Reserve, North West, South Africa
A gentle knock on the door will indicate the start of a new day. Freshen up and venture on a game excursion to track the Big Five and other wildlife. Upon return from the excursion, savour a delicious buffet breakfast served in the main building or on the verandah next to the plunge pool.
Spend the afternoon at your own leisure to revitalize your strengths for the afternoon game drive. Optional afternoon activity is a visit to the spa. Choose from a selection of massages to reduce tension and relieve the cumulative effects of everyday stress.
Day 7: Madikwe Game Reserve
Your last morning in Madikwe Game Reserve will end with a morning game drive to spot the myriad of birds and wildlife. Track elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, giraffe and warthog to name a few. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before an excursion to board your train in Botswana.
Your railway trip continues north from Gaborone as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn on your way to the Zimbabwe border.
Day 8: At Leisure on Board
Enjoy a day at leisure on the train and enjoy the spectacular views from the observation car. Expand your knowledge through the morning lectures conducted by the on-board historian. The train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama.
Dress up for a dining experience beyond your wildest imagination. Indulge a deliciously prepared meal by the Rovo Rail's expert chefs. Each flavoursome meal is complemented by a fine selection of South African wine.
Day 9: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
You will arrive at Victoria Falls at noon, where a representative will take you on an excursion to the Victoria Falls Hotel. You will be accommodated in sheer luxury in one of the Edwardian-style suites.
Embark on a sunset cruise of the Zambezi River while visiting Victoria Falls. Sip sundowners and observe the immaculate scenery while listening to the sounds of the savannah. Savour scrumptious canapes and unwind.
Day 10: Victoria Falls, Zambia
You can spend the entire day at leisure. The Victoria Falls Hotel offers a selection of fun activities for you to take pleasure in. Tour the Victoria Falls in a Flight of Angels.
This heavenly experience involves a helicopter flight over the Falls. Golfers can delight in round of golf at the golf course. Enjoy all your options. You will depart Victoria Falls at 15h00 for Zambia.
Day 11: At Leisure on Board
After a hot shower, make your way to the dining car for a hearty breakfast. You can spend the entire afternoon at your own leisure. Enjoy the picturesque views from the observation car or participate in the lectures conducted by the historian.
Enjoy an afternoon tea and nibble scrumptious delicacies as you rest and unwind. You will travel across the Kafue Railway Bridge on your way past Lusaka in Zambia.
Day 12: At Leisure on Board
You will traverse Zambia in a northeasterly direction along the Tazara Railway Line as it heads to Kasama. Enjoy the scenic views of the Zambian landscape from your observation car. Get enlightened by the knowledge of the on-board historian who will continue his lectures.
Day 13: Chisimba Falls (Zambia)
Wake up early for an excursion to one of the most sacred places on earth - the Chisimba Falls in Kasama.
The rugged beauty of the Zambia waterfall will leave you breathless. Your train will climb the slopes to the Tanzanian border and the highland valley of Mbeya - known as the Scotland of Africa.
Day 14: At Leisure on Board
The train traverses the Rift Valley and baobab forests towards Mbeya. Enjoy the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania which are covered with grasslands, savannas, woodlands and forests as you travel onwards to Makambako.
Day 15: Makambako, Tanzania
You will arrive in Makambako approximately at 09h00 descend the spectacular pass into the Rift Valley along the Udzungwa Mountains and enter the Selous Game Reserve. The on-board historian will continue his illuminating lecture.
Day 16: Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), Tanzania
Day 17: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
You will arrive at Tazara Station at Dar es Salaam approximately at 10h00. At the station, you will meet your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
