16 Day Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam Train Tour

This 16 day Cape Town to Dar es Salaam luxury rail safari travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. This epic train trip also runs in reverse from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town.
  • Accommodation: Locomotive, Lodges, Hotel
  • Activities; Game drives, visit the Big Hole, Victoria Falls tour, Zambezi River sunset cruise, visit the exotic Zanzibar, Mount Kilamanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and the wildlife paradise Serengeti
  • Destination: Cape Town, Kimberly, Pretoria, Hoedspruit, (South Africa), Gaborone (Botswana), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Livingstone, Lusaka (Zambia), 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 the famous Kruger National Park 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, Lusaka, the Luangwa Valley and on to the incredible Tazara Railway line 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.

Day 3: Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa

Visit Kimberley for a tour of the Diamond Mine Museum and the 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",

De Beers railway coach, the jewelery and uncut diamond exhibition at the De Beers Hall. Your luxury charter tour continues through the Highveld of South Africa.

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.

Day 5: Madikwe Game Reserve, North West, South Africa

You will stay at the Tau Game Lodge, where you will be accommodated in one of thirty 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

©Roger de la Harpe

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, savor 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 Tau 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 at the Tau Game Lodge will be succeeded 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 excursion 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 161 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. Savor 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 to Kapiri Mposhi through the Kafue Bridge and Lusaka.

Day 12: At Leisure on Board

You will traverse Zambia in a northeasterly direction. 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

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: 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 15: Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Embark on a game drive through the Selous Reserve - one of the largest animal reserves in the world. Spot elephant, hippo, African wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, and a myriad of antelope. You will continue your luxury train travel to Gwata for an overnight stop.

Day 16: 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.

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