Experience one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world aboard the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam expedition, This is an epic 16-night, 5,530km adventure across five countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and onto Tanzania.. This legendary route, often described as the most luxurious train journey on Earth, captures the romance, beauty, and wild spirit of vintage Africa in supreme comfort and style.
This 16-night/17 day trip is the ultimate African safari, carrying a band of intrepid adventurers through the heartlands five countries. This grand voyage takes you through some of the continent’s most diverse and dramatic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll discover historic towns, world-famous natural wonders, and wildlife reserves. All whilst enjoying Rovos Rail’s timeless elegance, fine dining, and exceptional service.
The journey first travels through South Africa, visiting historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley, and the capital city of Pretoria for short tours followed by two nights in Madikwe Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big Five haven. You then continue on via Botswana to Victoria Falls where you stay overnight at the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel.
After time enjoying the various delights of Victoria Falls, you cross the mighty Zambezi River and travel through Zambia visiting the cascading Chisimba Falls where you enjoy a bush walk.
The train climbs to the Tanzanian border – almost exactly the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes – then negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the spectacular escarpment to the jungled Udzungwa Mountains. Climbing again, it traverses the one of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Selous (now Nyerere Game Reserve), where a game drive marks the final highlight of this extraordinary expedition. Your adventure concludes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling coastal city on the Indian Ocean.
On board you enjoy various lectures by an entertaining historian during the journey as well as plenty of off-train excursions. This luxury train trip is also available in reverse, ending in Cape Town.
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam:
2026: 9-25 Jan, 2-18 July, 6-22 Oct (16 nights)
2027: 27 Feb-15 Mar, 3-19 Jul, 9-25 Oct
Dar es Salaam to Cape Town:
2026: 28 Jan-13 Feb, 21 July-6 Aug (16 nights)
2027: 22 Jul-7 Aug, 9-25 Sept, 28 Oct-13 Nov
We recommend enhancing your adventure with a pre-train stay in Cape Town; exploring Table Mountain, the Winelands, and the Cape Peninsula, Or a post-train safari in Tanzania, combining the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Zanzibar for a perfect finale.
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation; all meals; all beverages on board; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; on-board historian and doctor; government tax.
EXCLUDESInternational sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers; items of a personal nature.
Only the best African travel advice, tidbits and tours. No nonsense.
