Rovos Rail – Cape Town – Dar Es Salaam or v.v

Overview

This epic Rovos Rail 15-day train journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. The sojourn begins in Cape Town taking guests to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria for short tours followed by two nights in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Continue through Botswana into Zimbabwe where guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River, the train joins the Tazara line in Zambia and continues to Chishimba Falls. The train then climbs to the Tanzanian border; then descends into the Great Rift Valley negotiating the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the spectacular escarpment. Climbing again, it traverses the Selous Game Reserve before the bustling arrival in Dar es Salaam the following day.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 : Depart Cape Town

Depart from Platform 23 at Cape Town Station. In the evening, visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein. Return to the train for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 2 : Kimberley

Today you will have a tour of Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. Ten minutes after departing Kimberley, you will see a shallow lake appear on the left-hand side of the train. Often flocks of Lesser Flamingos can be seen here. As the train travels from the Karoo to the Highveld, enjoy the spectacular views and scenery. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 3 : Pretoria – Zeerust

Today you will arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Enjoy a walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops (weather permitting) followed by lunch on the platform and a city tour of Pretoria. Depart for Zeerust in the North West Province. Dinner and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

Day 4 : Zeerust – Madikwe

Upon arrival at Zeerust, disembark before being transferred by coach to Madikwe Reserve. Check in at TAU Game Lodge for your two-night stay. Lunch is served upon arrival at the lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy tea and a game drive (approximately 3 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 5 : Madikwe

Enjoy an early morning game drive, afternoon game drive and other guest activities. Overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6 : Madikwe – Gaborone – Plumtree

Rise early for a morning game drive before enjoying breakfast back at the lodge afterwards. Transfer to the train at with border formalities en route to Gaborone, Botswana. Depart Gaborone and travel to Plumtree for border formalities and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 7 : Plumtree – Hwange National Park

Enjoy the day at leisure on-board. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train passes Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park where occasional sightings of animals can occur. The train proceeds towards Thompson’s Junction for the overnight stop. (B, L, D)

Day 8 : Victoria Falls

Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls disembark. Check into the hotel before enjoying lunch. In the evening, you will be taken on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. A buffet dinner will be served at Jungle Junction. Overnight at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 : Victoria Falls – Livingstone

The day is at your leisure in Victoria Falls with many activities available. Choose from tours of the Falls, helicopter over Falls, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc (at own cost). In the afternoon, the train departs Victoria Falls and cross the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia. (B, L,D)

Day 10 : Livingstone – Kapiri Mposhi

Day at leisure on board, enjoy lectures during the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train travels across the Kafue railway bridge – a 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers – towards Kapiri Mposhi and the start of the TAZARA railway line. (B, L, D)

Day 11 : Kapiri Mposhi – Kasama

Enjoy a day at leisure on the train. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama.

Day 12 : Kasama – Tanzania

Disembark at Kasama for a morning excursion to Chishimba Falls. Depart from Kasama and travel towards the Tanzanian border. (B, L, D)

Day 13 : Makambako

Arrive at Makambako where guests may enjoy a stroll through the town – time permitting. Depart and travel towards Mlimba. The train descends into the Rift Valley and through the Udzungwa Mountains as it negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Day at leisure on the train with lectures by the on-board historian. (B, L, D)

Day 14 : Makambako – Gwata

Today, enjoy a game visit in the Selous Reserve (time permitting). The train travels towards Gwata for an overnight stop. (B, L, D)

Day 15 : Arrive Dar es Salaam

The train departs Gwata and travels in an easterly direction towards the coast. Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Arrive at journey’s end in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (B)

Itinerary Highlights

Pricing

Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam or v.v

Pullman from $19,725*
Deluxe from $26,140*
Royal from $34,140*

Terms & Conditions*

From Cape Town: Departs 29 Jun, 28 Sep 2019

From Dar es Salaam: Departs 27 Jan, 26 Sep 2020

*Prices per person twin share – Single supplement applies.

Terms and conditions apply. Please contact African Travel Specialists for full details and departure dates.

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