Epic Luxury Africa Rail Journey

16 Days

This epic luxury 16-day rail journey aboard Rovos Rail travels through Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa and is one of the most famous train journeys in the world.

  • From $13,600 per person
  • Departure date in October
  • Limited space

Overview

This epic 16-day rail journey aboard Rovos Rail travels through Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa and is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. Your sojourn begins in Dar es Salaam and travels into the Selous Game Reserve, the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa. Descend into the Rift Valley and witness spectacular scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. After passing the Tanzania/Zambia border – almost the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes – guests can enjoy a bush walk at Chisimba Falls before crossing the mighty Zambezi for an overnight stay at the colonial Victoria Falls Hotel. Continue south through Botswana to the Madikwe Game Reserve for two nights before crossing the border into South Africa. Enjoy tours of Pretoria, the diamond-mining town of Kimberley and the historic village of Matjiesfontein before traveling the winelands to your journey’s end in Cape Town.

*Please note: tour can be taken in reverse from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

Highlights

  • Game visit in the Selous Reserve
  • Stroll in Makambako
  • Excursion to Chisimba Falls
  • Sunset cruise on Zambezi
  • City tour of Pretoria
  • Tour of Kimberly's Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum
  • Services of a train host throughout

Itinerary

The Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam and travels the Tazara line. During the late afternoon the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve - the largest in Africa at 55,000 square kilometers. For a few hours wild animals can be seen from the train. Overnight on board en route to Mimba.

Visit the Selous Game Reserve, one of the world's largest game reserves. Later, descend into the Udzungwa Mountains and Rift Valley. Overnight train.

Day 3 :
Makambako

The train travels the Rift Valley to Makambako. Enjoy a stroll in Makambako before the train travels via Mbeya to Tunduma by train. Overnight train.

Descend from the highland valley of Mbeya to the Tanzanian and Zambian border. Disembark at Kasama for an afternoon excursion at Chisimba Falls. Chisimba Falls is believed to be a sacred place of power by the Bemba people. The nature spirit of Chisimba is said to live in the cave under the falls. Overnight train.

Traverse Zambia en route through Kapiri Mposhi to Ngwerere. The day is at leisure on the train with optional lectures by the on-board historian. Overnight train.

Travel through Lusaka, one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, to Zimbabwe via the Kafue Bridge. Take some time to relax in the lounge car. With its deep cushioned couches and wingback chairs, it's the perfect place to relax with your fellow travelers. Overnight train.

Arrive at Livingstone then cross the bridge to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, the fourth longest river in Africa, followed by dinner. Overnight Victoria Falls.

Day at leisure for activities such as a tour of the Falls, a golf game, a helicopter ride, a walk with the lions or river rafting. Transfer to the rail station and depart at 4:00 pm, traveling southeast along the edge of Hwange National Park to Bulawayo. Overnight train.

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Gaborone, Botswana. Enjoy a leisurely day aboard the train. Overnight train.

Arrive in Gaborone at 10:00 am and transfer, with border formalities en route, to the Tau Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve for a full-board two-night stay. The Madikwe Reserve is home to what is known to the "Big Five," lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and cape buffalo. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive. Overnight Madikwe Game Reserve.

Day 11 :
Madikwe

Begin the day with an early morning game drive and then proceed on another in the afternoon, along with other guest activities. Overnight Madikwe Game Reserve.

Embark on an early morning game drive. After breakfast transfer to the train at Zeerust and depart for Pretoria at 1:00 pm. Overnight Train.

Day 13 :
Pretoria

Arrive in Pretoria at 10:00 am and embark on a city tour followed by a platform lunch at the Rovos Rail Station. Depart at 3:00 pm for Kimberley. Overnight train.

Day 14 :
Kimberley

Arrive in Kimberley at 10:00 am and set off on a tour of the Big Hole and visit the Diamond Mine Museum. This unique museum is meant to take visitors back to Victorian Kimberley, with unique shops, taverns and a transport hall that houses displays of uncut diamonds, precious stones and jewelry. This afternoon, depart Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein. Overnight train.

Arrive in the historic Matjiesfontein at 8:30 am with time to explore this perfectly-preserved railway village. Continue your onward journey towards Cape Town with the train passing through four tunnels and descending around 750m down an escaprment to the Hex River Valley. Overnight train.

Breakfast is served on board as you make your way into Cape Town station where your African adventure ends and you are free to carry on your journey.

Inclusions

What's Included

  • Overnight train travel aboard Rovos Rail (12 nights on train)
  • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights including a 2-night stay at Madikwe Game Reserve
  • All meals

What's not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Tour Map

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    From $13,600
    / Adult