Rovos: Dar es Salaam to Cape Town

Your journey begins with a seamless check-in at the Serena Hotel before boarding the Rovos Rail at Tazara Station. Settle into your suite and join fellow travelers in the lounge and observation cars, uniquely positioned at the front of the train for the next 72 hours. Enjoy lectures, a delicious lunch, and afternoon tea as the train traverses the fertile lands of Tanzania towards Nyerere. End the day with a delightful dinner en route to Fuga Halt, soaking in the stunning scenery as you anticipate the adventures ahead.

Check-in reception at the Kivukoni Room, Serena Hotel, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam. Transfer to Tazara Station. Depart from Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car and observation car, which will be at the front of the train for the first 72 hours – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy. Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of your passport. Lectures will take place throughout the journey during the morning and/or afternoon in the lounge car. Please consult Lecture Sheets for details.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the dining cars before heading into the vast expanses of Nyerere National Park for an exciting game drive (time permitting). Marvel at Africa's largest park, which stretches over 30,000 km², and experience the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Return to the train for a delicious lunch as the train heads towards the Udzungwa Mountains, negotiating dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels along the escarpment. Indulge in afternoon tea in the lounge and observation car and then enjoy a gourmet dinner in the dining cars en route towards Mlimba, reflecting on the day's memorable experiences.

In the morning arrival in Makambako and take a stroll through the town if time allows. Lunch will be served onboard as we pass through baobab forests and ascend the Rift Valley towards the midpoint between Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes. Relax with afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars before dinner in the dining cars, continuing our journey through stunning landscapes.

The train proceeds along the remarkable TAZARA railway line, an impressive engineering achievement nestled within the remote landscapes of Africa. Upon reaching Chisimba Falls, immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this captivating site. Explore the falls, where you can leisurely stroll to the rock pools at the base or admire them from different vantage points, enveloped in the tranquil ambiance. Return to the train by 18:00. As night falls, gather in the dining cars for a delightful dinner, sharing stories of the day's escapades and admiring the enchanting beauty of Chisimba Falls. Delve into the falls' rich history and cultural significance, deeply rooted in Bemba tradition, and surrounded by remnants of ancient Iron Age activities.

Enjoy a visit to Kundalila Falls. Set high on the Muchinga Escarpment, the Kaombe River falls in multiple stages over a cumulative 30m and eventually over a lip about 70m in thin veils to a deep, lush, natural swimming pool. The rolling hills and white rocky outcrops of the Muchinga Escarpment serve as a divide between the drainage basins of the Zambezi River (Indian Ocean) and the Congo River (Atlantic Ocean). From the top of the falls, there are sweeping views over the Luangwa Valley, which is part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Guests may take the moderate but steep hiking trail to the base of the falls for an amazing photographic opportunity or enjoy a swim.

Enjoy breakfast as the train departs Lusaka, the vibrant capital of Zambia. Admire the engineering wonders as the train crosses the Kafue Railway Bridge, a spectacular 477-meter-long steel girder truss bridge with 13 spans of 33 meters each, resting on sturdy concrete pillars. Lunch is served as we journey towards Zimbabwe. Relax with afternoon tea in the lounge, taking in the scenic views. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner in the dining cars.

The train crosses the Kafue Railway Bridge – a 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers.

Today, spend a leisurely day exploring the wonders of Victoria Falls at your own pace.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel amidst the historic elegance of the surroundings. Meet back on the platform in the afternoon to bid farewell to Victoria Falls and embark on the next leg of our journey. Enjoy a delicious dinner served in the dining cars as the train continues its unforgettable journey.

Plunging over the lip of the Victoria Falls is the largest body of falling water on earth. The mighty Zambezi, fourth longest river in Africa, is about 2kms wide above the falls and cascades dramatically over a precipice 1.6km in length and 108m at its deepest, compressing the vast volume of water into a chasm 50m wide. The sound can be deafening, the aspect magnificent and the memory indelible. In autumn, the spray is so great it inhibits photography while in spring the seasonal flow considerably reduces leaving large slabs of brown basalt exposed on the lip.

Start your day with breakfast served in the dining cars before border formalities take place. Indulge in a delicious lunch served onboard as the train continues its journey, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and traversing the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin. As we journey through the Kalahari, also known as 'Kgalagadi' in Botswana, marvel at its vast expanse spanning over 900,000km². Although not a true desert, the Kalahari receives minimal rainfall, sustaining diverse ecosystems across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The surrounding basin covers over 2,500,000km², blending desert and plateau landscapes and hosting the Okavango Delta, a haven for wildlife. Relax with afternoon tea in the lounge. Conclude the day with dinner in the dining cars.

Embark on a transfer (approximately 90 minutes) to a lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve for a two-night stay, with border formalities taking place en route. Madikwe Game Reserve, a prime malaria-free Big 5 wildlife sanctuary, is a captivating blend of bushveld and Kalahari thornveld, characterized by volcanic intrusions, expansive plains, and the lush Marico Riverine environment. Explore this diverse ecosystem, home to over 300 bird species and an abundance of wildlife, for an unforgettable safari experience. Upon arrival, savor a delicious lunch at the lodge before an exciting afternoon awaits. Experience a thrilling game drive lasting approximately 3 hours, where you'll have the chance to encounter Africa's iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Wake up early and embark on an exhilarating morning game drive, heading deep into the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve as the wilderness greets the sunrise. Return to the lodge and enjoy a lavish breakfast to recharge your batteries for the day's activities. Use the lunch break to relax at the lodge, or treat yourself to a spa treatment (optional). In the afternoon, set off on another exciting game drive, accompanied by experienced rangers who will guide you in search of Africa's famous wildlife.

Start your day with another early game drive at the reserve and keeping an eye out for elephants, lions, zebras and many more! After breakfast say goodbye to the lodge and hop on the train at Zeerust, Enjoy the rest of the day on the train reminiscing about the unforgettable moments spent in Madikwe Game Reserve.

As the train winds its way through the historic goldfields, start your day with a leisurely breakfast. Upon arrival in Pretoria, embark on a transfer for a captivating city tour, immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture. Indulge in a delightful lunch served on the platform of the Rovos Rail Station, soaking in the nostalgic ambiance and enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops (weather permitting). Return back to the train to embark on the last leg leg of the tour.

Embark on a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the iconic Big Hole, delving into the rich history of this city that rose to prominence following the discovery of diamonds in 1871. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as the train continues its journey, traversing the vast expanse of the Karoo, a semi-desert landscape with a fascinating geological history. Reflect on the day's discoveries with afternoon tea in the cozy lounge and observation cars, taking in the ever-changing scenery outside. As evening begins, gather in the dining cars for a delightful dinner, savoring the flavors of South Africa while reminiscing about the day's adventures in Kimberley and the Karoo.

During breakfast, guests have the opportunity to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and embark on a scenic 5km walk into the historic village of Matjiesfontein, accompanied by a knowledgeable staff member. Upon arrival in Matjiesfontein, disembark for a leisurely stroll through the charming village. Explore the museum on the platform and admire a collection of historic cars and railway carriages. As the journey continues, the train enters the awe-inspiring Hex River Valley, descending approximately 750m down the escarpment, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Indulge in a final breakfast served in the dining cars until 09:30, treasuring the remaining moments aboard the Rovos Rail. With a blend of nostalgia and excitement, we reach the journey's end at Cape Town Station, marking the end of our unforgettable adventure.