Rovos Rail Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town

Your once-in-a-life African rail vacation begins today as you arrive in Dar Es Salaam on the Swahili coast, located in the beautiful country of Tanzania. Here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Dar Es Salaam, our handpicked five-star hotel on a B&B basis.

This afternoon is yours to dive into the charm of this historical city, once the capital of Tanzania. Consider visiting Coco Beach, a haven where you can unwind, relish the gentle sea breeze and soak in the splendid views of the Indian Ocean. If you prefer the lively pulse of local life, explore the markets or delve into the rich cultural tapestry at one of the many museums. The choices are as diverse as the city itself, promising an enriching and enjoyable experience.

This morning, an included transfer takes you from your hotel to Tazara railway station to board the exquisite Rovos Rail, one of the most luxurious trains in the world. From the moment you step onboard, you'll feel this iconic train's relaxing atmosphere and endless opulence. Settle into your luxury cabin or join your fellow passengers in the observation car as you begin this incredible journey through Africa.

Lunch is served in the dining car as you travel towards Selous, and this afternoon, enjoy tea in the lounge car, where you can sink into soft sofas and watch the passing scenery. This evening, head back to the dining car for your first formal dinner on Rovos Rail, after which you can relax and delight in the train's ambiance.

The chef prepares an early breakfast this morning before it is time for your first excursion, which takes you to the largest game reserve in Africa. After a few hours spent exploring Selous Game Reserve, lunch is served back onboard the train as it travels toward the Udzungwa Mountains, a dramatic area of incredible scenery.

The train travels through tunnels and over viaducts this afternoon, casting an ever-changing backdrop for afternoon tea in the observation car and this evening's formal dinner. After dining, you can relax with a drink in the bar car.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning before arriving at Makambako, where you'll take a tour of the town. Lunch is served back on the train as you pass Baobab Forests and travel up the Rift Valley, admiring more of the area's breathtaking scenery. Your formal dinner is served in the dining car this evening, after which you can cozy up in your cabin or continue to watch the landscape go by while socializing with your fellow travelers.

Take your time over breakfast this morning as you cross the border into Zambia. The train travels along the Tazara railway line while you have lunch in the dining car, and then, early in the afternoon, you'll visit Chisimba Falls, a series of three waterfalls. Here, you can watch the falls from various vantage points, including from the base, getting an up-close perspective on their power. A themed dinner is served in the dining car this evening, and you can carry over the party in the bar car afterward.

Today, you have a leisure day onboard Rovos Rail as the train continues along its adventurous route. Following lunch in the dining car, the train is turned at Kapiri Mposhi, a spectacle worth watching from the cozy seat of your choosing.

Take afternoon tea in the lounge car and relax in the observation car as the stunning landscapes pass throughout the day. A formal dinner is served this evening, after which you can mingle with your fellow passengers and enjoy a cocktail or two.

Settle in for a second relaxing day onboard the train today, passing through Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. After breakfast, Rovos Rail crosses over the nearly 100-year-old Kafue Railway Bridge, a spectacular feat of engineering. As you have lunch in the dining car, the route proceeds toward Zimbabwe. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge car, and the observation car is the perfect place to watch the scenery go by the train's windows. This evening, another formal dinner allows you to sample the continent's flavors and international favorites. Afterward, you can relax in your cabin for the evening or spend time in the bar car.

Over a leisurely breakfast this morning, the train ventures over the Victoria Falls Bridge and enters Zimbabwe. Upon arriving at Victoria Falls, you'll leave the train with an overnight bag and walk over to the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Following a brief welcome at the hotel, it is on to the next adventure: a majestic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Soak in the scenery and skies painted by the sunset before returning to the Victoria Falls Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Following your relaxed breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, you have a free day to explore Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls has the world's largest body of falling water and is spectacular to witness. The thundering sound of the plunging water is matched only by the haze of spray that dominates the air, sometimes casting beautiful rainbows over the water.

Lunch is served back in the hotel's restaurant, and after, there is more free time to continue soaking in the stunning scenery. You'll leave the hotel later today to board the train again, enjoying a fabulous dinner in the dining car this evening.

Enjoy your breakfast in the dining car this morning as Rovos Rail crosses the border into Botswana. Find a comfortable seat to watch the views unfold, and then head to the dining car for lunch, savoring your meal while crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. Afterward, you might like to head to the observation car, which is the perfect place to admire the scenery of the Kalahari basin.

Afternoon tea is served in the lounge cars as this area of semi-desert drifts by the train's windows. After spending the day curled up with a good book or socializing with fellow travelers, your formal dinner is in the dining car this evening. Conclude your day with a drink in the bar car as the sun sets over the colorful landscape.

Have your overnight bag ready, as after breakfast this morning, you'll transfer from the train to a lodge in Madikwi for a two-night stay. Lunch is served on arrival at the lodge, and after, you'll experience a game drive in this big-five wildlife reserve. The game drive lasts around three hours, after which you'll return to the lodge to have dinner and relax in your new surroundings.

Rising early this morning, you set back out into the wilderness on a thrilling early morning game drive. Venturing out at this hour gives you a better chance of seeing the area's wildlife than safaris that head out later in the day. Following your three-hour game drive, you'll have breakfast back at the lodge and some free time to relax before lunch. Following an afternoon tea, you can take another game drive for another opportunity to see the big five in their natural habitats. Enjoy dinner in the lodge's restaurant this evening.

Begin your day with another early morning game drive, which lasts around two hours, before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterward, you'll leave the lodge and transfer back to the train, leaving nature behind for the old-world luxury of Rovos Rail. Lunch is served in the dining car, and then you can take some time to relax afterward, perhaps relaxing in the observation car and enjoying afternoon tea in the lounge car. A formal dinner is served in the dining car, after which you can turn in for an early night or toast to the adventure over a drink in the bar car.

Linger over a leisurely breakfast this morning as you travel through the Goldfields. Afterward, the journey pauses in Pretoria, and you can disembark for a city tour. Lunch is served on the platform of the Rovos Rail Station today, and then you can tour the station.

You'll return to the train in the afternoon and sit down to afternoon tea in the lounge car. Dinner is served this evening in the dining car, and you can spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the bar car with your favorite drink or wrapped in the comfort of your cabin.

The train arrives in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, after a relaxed breakfast this morning. Stepping off the train, you can tour Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and The Big Hole. Lunch is served back onboard as you travel on to the Karoo. Once an inland sea and now a semi-desert area, the Karoo provides a fascinating landscape to witness as the journey presses forth along its route. After your formal dinner this evening, you are welcome to linger in the observation car or sip a cocktail in the bar car.

Arriving in Matjeisfontein after breakfast this morning, you can take a walk through the historic village. You can also visit the museum on the platform, which has a collection of vintage cars and railway carriages. Back onboard, the train travels through a series of four tunnels and down through the Hex River Valley. Relax with afternoon tea in the lounge car and prepare for your 1920s-themed dinner in the dining car this evening. Carry on the party atmosphere in the bar car after dinner with a drink or two.

Having traveled along an extraordinary route through Africa, your journey aboard the iconic Rovos Rail comes to an end today as you disembark the train after breakfast. Disembark the train for the final time in Cape Town, and get ready for further adventures in the "Mother City." An included transfer takes you to your selected hotel. Choose between our handpicked five-star hotels on a B&B basis, and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in your new location.

Cape Town is an interesting and visually stunning city, as there are breathtaking views wherever you look. Today, you have a chance to get to know your new surroundings better on a half-day guided tour.

Get a better understanding of Cape Town's history as you drive past the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the Slave Lodge. You'll visit the Company Gardens and learn more about the history of the Bo-Kaap and its people as you make your way up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter. Watch a professional diamond cutter at work while visiting a diamond-cutting factory, and drive past the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay as you make your way to Table Mountain. Here, you can admire the views from the lower cable station or buy a ticket to reach the summit. 

Enjoy a full free day in Cape Town to continue your immersion in the city's splendors. Visit a museum or an art gallery to discover the culture and history of the city. Stunning coastlines surround Cape Town, and the perfect place to soak up the scenery is on one of the local beaches, swimming, sunbathing or trying water sports. You could also go shopping for souvenirs, hike in the mountains or visit one of the city's food markets to sample local dishes. For a more structured day, choose one of our optional excursions, which are bookable at a supplement.

After an epic African journey covering multiple countries and breathtaking landscapes, your adventure comes to an end today. An included transfer takes you from your Cape Town hotel to the airport, where you'll board your overnight flight home.