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Rovos Rail: Dar es Salaam journey
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Rovos Train
Credit: Rovos Rail
Credit: Rovos Rail Tours
Credit: Rovos Rail Tours
Kimberley | Credit: Rovos Rail Tours
Kimberley | Credit: Rovos Rail Tours
Pretoria
Pullman Suite | Credit: Roval Rail
South Africa & more

Rovos Rail: Dar es Salaam journey (Tour code: 13570)

Starts and Ends
Cape town to
Dar es Salaam
Travel Periods
09 Jan - 06 Oct 2026
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Holiday Packages
This incredible train voyage traverses the countries of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, making it one of the most renowned global journeys.

Highlights

Scenic bush walk to Chishimba Falls in Zambia and game drive in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Two-night lodge Madikwe lodge stay with daily game drives

A game visit in the Nyerere National Park - the largest in Africa

Victoria Falls Hotel stay on the mighty Zambezi and bridge crossing

17 days
From
AUD 25,943
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on a legendary 16-night rail journey through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Highlights include Cape Town, Kimberley, Pretoria, a safari in Madikwe, and an overnight at Victoria Falls. Travel along the historic Tazara line, visit Chisimba Falls, and cross dramatic escarpments into lush mountain jungles. Traverse the vast Nyerere National Park before concluding this unforgettable African adventure in the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam.

Note: Itinerary available in the reverse direction.

Inclusions

Accommodation onboard Rovos Rail
Victoria Falls Hotel overnight stay
Lodge in Madikwe for two nights
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served onboard
All beverages onboard Rovos Rail except champagne
Off-train excursions and entrance fees
24-hour full room service and bar facilities

Day 1 Cape Town Matjiesfontein

Begin your journey with check-in at the Rovos Rail Lounge in Cape Town before departing the station in the morning and settling into your suite. Enjoy lunch on board as the train winds through the scenic Hex River Valley. In the afternoon, relax with tea in the lounge or observation car. Later, stretch your legs with a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein before returning for a formal dinner in the dining cars.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail. 

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 At Leisure on Board – The Karoo

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the dining cars as the train crosses the hauntingly beautiful Karoo, a vast semi-desert once submerged beneath an ancient inland sea. Spend the day relaxing in the lounge or observation cars, soaking in the wide, open landscapes. Lunch and afternoon tea are served on board, followed by a formal dinner in the elegant dining cars.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Kimberley

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in the dining cars. Enjoy a delectable lunch in the same inviting setting. Explore the history of Kimberley by visiting its Diamond Mine Museum and the iconic Big Hole, uncovering the city's rich heritage rooted in the discovery of diamonds in 1871.

Later in the afternoon, indulge in a relaxing tea session in the lounge and observation cars. As the day winds down, savour a delightful dinner in the dining cars while en route to Klerksdorp, combining culinary excellence with a picturesque journey.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Pretoria

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast in the dining cars. Explore Pretoria with a city tour, followed by lunch on the Rovos Rail Station platform. Weather permitting, enjoy a walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops.

Return to the train for a delightful dinner served in the dining cars as you journey en route to Zeerust.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Madikwe Game Reserve

Start your day with breakfast served in the dining cars. At 11am, transfer to a lodge in Madikwe for a two-night stay, with lunch served upon arrival. Enjoy afternoon tea followed by a 3-hour game drive. End the day with dinner at the lodge. (Dress: casual)

Note: Madikwe is a prime malaria-free Big 5 wildlife reserve bordering Botswana. It lies within a transition zone between the North West Province bushveld and Kalahari thornveld with enormous volcanic intrusions, wide open plains and the riverine environment along the Marico River. As a result, the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems with a rich assortment of vegetation and more than 300 resident and migrant bird species

Overnight stay at the Madikwe.

Please pack a small bag for your 2-night stay in Madikwe. Tog bags have been placed in suites for convenience. Spa facilities available (at an additional cost). Payment in ZAR or by credit card only. Times of meals and activities confirmed on arrival. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Madikwe Game Reserve

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the Madikwe Game Reserve, followed by a relaxed breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and some downtime before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge for a casual dinner under the African sky.

Overnight stay at the Madikwe.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Madikwe Game Reserve

Embark on a thrilling morning game drive, immersing yourself in the captivating wilderness for approximately 2 hours. Following this, savour a delightful breakfast back at the Lodge. Prepare your bags for collection at 10:00am, ensuring a smooth check-out process. Depart from the lodge and transfer to the train at Gaborone in Botswana. Expect border formalities en route, where guests are required to present themselves to border officials, and luggage may undergo a search.

Lunch will be a delightful affair in the dining cars as the train traverses the Tropic of Capricorn and the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin, known as 'Kgalagadi' in Botswana. Covering extensive regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, the Kalahari, though not a true desert, offers unique landscapes experiencing occasional rainfall. 

Indulge in a serene tea session in the lounge and observation cars before a formal dinner served in the dining cars.

Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of your passport.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 At Leisure On Board

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast experience in the dining cars, followed by border formalities. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch served in the dining cars. Later in the afternoon, unwind with tea in the lounge and observation cars while traversing through the vast landscapes.

Enjoy the scenic journey as you pass Gwaai and Dete, experiencing one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line spanning 114 kilometers, along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park. Conclude your day with a delectable dinner served in the dining cars. (Dress: Formal)

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Informative lectures will take place throughout the journey during the morning and/or afternoon in the lounge car.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Afterwards, arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls. Disembark with an overnight bag and walk across to the hotel. Welcome address on the lawn followed by lunch at Jungle Junction. Luggage will be delivered to your rooms. Later in the afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi.

Dinner is served in the Livingstone Room, Victoria Falls Hotel.

Overnight stay at Victoria Falls Hotel.

Guests will be required to pack a small overnight bag for their stay at Victoria Falls Hotel. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Victoria Falls

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the Jungle Junction Restaurant. Following this, enjoy a leisurely exploration of the wonders of Victoria Falls. Savor a delicious lunch at Jungle Junction in the early afternoon. Later, gather on the station platform for departure. Embark on a scenic journey across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, taking time to relax and enjoy tea in the lounge and observation cars. Border formalities will be conducted during this picturesque crossing.

Conclude your memorable experiences for the day with a sumptuous dinner served in the elegant dining cars.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Check-out time is approximately at 10:00am (to be advised). Luggage can be stored at the hotel until it is time to board the train. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 At Leisure On Board

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the train continues its journey through Zambia. Relax with lunch and afternoon tea while crossing the impressive 477-metre Kafue Railway Bridge. In the evening, dine in style with a formal dinner as the train passes by the capital city, Lusaka.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 At Leisure On Board

Embark on a captivating journey, beginning your day with a delightful breakfast. The train travels the Tazara railway line, an engineering tour de force and one of Africa’s best-kept secrets as it passes through remote territory.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely tea session in the lounge and observation cars, immersing yourself in the charm of the journey. As the day progresses, indulge in the evening's culinary delight with a delectable dinner served in the dining cars, all while enroute to the enchanting destination of Kasama. (Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual)

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Chisimba Falls

After breakfast, visit the stunning Chisimba Falls—a trio of waterfalls along the Luombe River. Guests can walk to the rock pools below or enjoy panoramic views from above. Return to the train for lunch as it ascends toward the Zambia–Tanzania border, marking the midpoint between Africa’s Great Rift Valley lakes. Enjoy tea and a formal dinner on board as border formalities take place. 

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 At Leisure On Board - Through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as the train travels through the Rift Valley and baobab forests toward Mbeya. Take in the diverse landscapes of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, from miombo woodlands to Afromontane forests. Lunch and afternoon tea are served on board while you soak up the views. The day concludes with a formal dinner in the dining cars.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Makambako

Start your day with breakfast in the dining cars before optionally exploring Makambako. The train then heads to the Udzungwa Mountains, offering scenic views.

Enjoy lunch onboard, followed by a leisurely tea time in the lounge. Conclude the day with a sumptuous dinner in the dining cars, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and charming town vibes. (Dress: Formal)

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 Nyerere National Park

Start with breakfast on board before a game drive and lunch in Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest protected area. After your safari, the train continues through Tanzania’s fertile landscapes toward Gwata. The day ends with dinner in the dining cars, with a dress code of 1920s theme or smart casual.

Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Dar es Salaam

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00am. Travel in an easterly direction towards the coast. Arrive at the end of your journey and disembark at Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 
 

Breakfast

Accommodation

Rovos Rail (Pullman Gold)

Upgrade available

Enjoy the extravagant elegance of rail travel on Rovos Rail, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations.

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. 

The Pullman Golds, used on long journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites are setup with split twin beds configured as sofa-seats (optional) with a conversion to split twin or double beds for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Pullman Gold Double
Pullman Gold Twin
Pullman Gold ensuite
  • Double or twin beds
  • Day time sofa setting
  • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
  • Fold-up writing desk
  • Luggage shelf
  • Cupboards
  • Safe
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea facilities
  • Bespoke amenities
  • Robes and slippers
  • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
  • Shaver plugs (2-pin)
  • USB ports
  • Safety glasses
  • Emergency torch
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Laundry bag
  • Shoe bag
  • Internal telephone system
  • Room service

Room Upgrades

Deluxe Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Deluxes accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. 

Deluxe Suite

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Royal Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Royals each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is always available and services the suites daily. 

Royal Suite

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Please dress accordingly for excursions/game drives: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.

2026 Departure dates:

  • 09 January - 25 January
  • 02 July - 18 July
  • 06 October - 22 October
  • October 6 - October 22

Excluded

  • All off-train beverages, International sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre-and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights
  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the price?

All onboard accommodation, meals, all beverages except champagne, and off train excursions are included. Some items such a pre & post transfers, flights, gratuities, and personal expenses are not included.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Rovos Rail?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. We can accommodate guests with walking difficulties although we recommend an able-bodied passenger accompany guests. We regret that the train is not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers. Should you have mobility impairments/restrictions or special requirements, we urge you to inform your Agent at time of booking.

Are children permitted onboard?

We do accommodate children, but we kindly ask parents to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train. Long journeys are not recommended for under 13s. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard Rovos Rail?

To maintain the spirit of travel of a bygone era, the use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of suites only.

The signal strength may be weak while the train is in motion, so it is recommended to consult your phone service provider and verify the proper network settings are enabled – as there is no Wi-Fi onboard.

Can Rovos Rail accommodate special dietary preferences?

We cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at that time of your reservation. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board. We regret we are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Is there a dress code when onboard Rovos Rail?

  • Days on board are smart casual: Neat, conventional yet relatively informal in style combining casual and formal clothing pieces.
  • Dinner on board is formal: For gentlemen, a collar and tie are mandatory while a jacket is optional. For ladies, a cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please respect this dress code.
  • On long journeys guests enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual: 1 x “AFRICA” evening and/or 1 x “1920s” evening. See itineraries.
  • Off-train excursions: It's recommended to have comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats. If required, blankets and rain capes are available.
  • Game drives are on open vehicles so please dress accordingly: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Please look up average temperatures as a guide.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Club Car is used to host the smokers on the train in a public area and as an overflow facility adjoining the Observation Car. With a glass passage wall, guests can comfortably watch the scenery on both sides of the train.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour. Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.

Are there luggage restrictions?

It is possible to store luggage in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. On selected long journeys, guests are provided with a Rovos Rail Tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft. A soft bag is preferable on plane transfers with a luggage weight restriction of 15kg.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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