Rovos Rail is a private railway company operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, South Africa.
Rovos Rail runs its train-hotel to a regular schedule on various routes throughout Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania. The trains consist of restored Rhodesia Railways (NRZ) coaches with two lounges, two restaurant cars, and private sleeping compartments, each with private ensuite facilities.
The train has three types of accommodation on board, the smallest being a Pullman, at 76 square feet; the largest being the Royal Suite, which is half a train car, and 172 square feet. All types of cabins have ensuite shower, sink, and toilet. The Royal Suite also has a Victorian-style bathtub.
The company was started in 1989 by Rohan Vos and is still family owned.
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As with all the travel tour packages offered by Travel Republic Africa, this African tour package is purely an example of what we can arrange for you. All our vacation packages can be tailored to your specific taste, needs and budgetary requirements. Our goal is, and will always be, to provide you with the best African travel experience for you.
Contact us now to plan your African adventure.
Additional information
| group-type | Adults, Kids |
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| ticket-type | Single Ticket |
This 1 600-kilometre meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights of the north- and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village – founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890 – also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.
Available in reverse.
DAY 1
15h00 Depart from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Dinner and overnight on the train.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
10h00 The train arrives in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum.
12h30 Depart Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein.
08h15 Enjoy a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
10h30 The train departs for Cape Town via Touws River and Worcester.
18h00 Arrive at Cape Town Station’s Platform 24.
10h00 The train departs Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels north through Warmbaths and Nylstroom, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.
Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner en route to Messina and Beitbridge for Zimbabwe border formalities.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
Day at leisure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as the train travels towards Bulawayo via West Nicholson. Overnight stop on board at Mpopoma.
07h00 Breakfast is served as the train departs Mpopoma.
13h00 Enjoy lunch while travelling along the eastern edge of Hwange Park along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres.
15h00 Arrive at Kennedy Siding for a game drive at The Hide.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
06h00 Wake-up call. Tea, coffee, juices and pastries in the dining car/s before embarking on a game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Return to the train for brunch at 11h00 and head for Estcourt.
Breakfast is served as the train descends the escarpment en route to Lions River Station.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Join the nine-day Golf Safari traveling the northeastern reaches of South Africa that will entertain the most discerning golfers with a delightful itinerary for non-playing guests. Travel from Pretoria to Sun City* in the hills of the Pilanesberg for game viewing. Cross the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains to Spionkop*, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Traverse the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban* for a tour of the city and botanical gardens. The game viewing continues at Hluhluwe in Zululand (one of the oldest reserves in the country), Mkhaya* (Swaziland’s refuge for endangered species) and the world-famous Kruger Park in Malelane*, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.
*Course selection is dependent on availability: Sun City Gary Player/Lost City, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club/Beachwood/Zimbali, Royal Swazi, Leopard Creek/White River/Nelspruit.
DAY 1
11h30 Depart Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria and travel to Rustenburg for overnight stop. Day at leisure on the train.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
DAY 2
Golfers: Morning tee off at Lost City or Gary Player Country Club.
Leisure guests: Morning game drive in Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Explore the Lost City followed by lunch at the club.
Dinner on board en route to Heidelberg.
DAY 3
All meals enjoyed on board en route to Estcourt via Ladysmith. Day at leisure on the train.
DAY 4
Golfers: Morning tee off at Champagne Sports Resort.
Leisure guests: Morning lecture about the Spionkop battlefield with lunch at Spionkop Lodge followed by a game drive OR relax at lodge.
Dinner en route to Durban.
DAY 5
Golfers: Morning tee off at Durban Country Club/Beachwood/Zimbali.
Leisure guests: Morning tour of Durban, a visit to the botanical gardens and a coastal lunch.
Dinner en route to Hluhluwe.
DAY 6
Morning game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Dinner en route to Mpaka, Swaziland.
DAY 7
Golfers: Morning tee off at the Royal Swazi Sun.
Leisure guests: Morning game drive in Mkhaya Reserve. Visit Swazi Candles and Mantenga Cultural Village with shopping.
Dinner en route to Malelane, South Africa.
DAY 8
Golfers: Morning tee off at Leopard Creek/White River/Nelspruit.
Leisure guests: Morning game drive in the Kruger Park with lunch and shopping.
Dinner en route to Witbank.
DAY 9
07h00 Enjoy breakfast as the train departs for Pretoria.
10h00 Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station.
This panoramic 10-day sojourn winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. After a game drive in Kruger Park* guests travel through Swaziland to Hluhluwe for game viewing and along the coast to Durban* for a city tour. Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop Lodge*, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region.Continue to Port Elizabeth* for a game drive at Addo Elephant Park then on to Oudtshoorn for an ostrich-farm visit followed by an impressive descent through the Outeniqua Mountains to George*. After visiting the natural paradise of Knysna*, the train traverses the spectacular Garden Route to the winelands and Cape mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town. Available in reverse.
*Courses dependent on availability: Leopard Creek/White River/Nelspruit in Kruger, Durban Country Club/Beachwood/Zimbali, Champagne Sports Resort in Ladysmith, Humewood in Port Elizabeth, Fancourt and Ernie Els Oubaai in George.
Available in reverse.
Pretoria-Cape Town
DAY 1
10:00 Depart from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.
Lunch and dinner are served as the train traverses the Highveld to the Drakensberg Mountains.
(Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30)
DAY 2
Golfers: Transfer to Leopard Creek OR White River Country Club OR Nelspruit for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Game drive in the Kruger Park with tea and lunch.
17:00 Rejoin the train at Malelane. Depart for Swaziland.
DAY 3
14:00 Game drive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
18:00 Travel alongside the St Lucia Wetland Park to Durban.
DAY 4
Golfers: Transfer to Durban Country Club OR Durban Beachwood for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy a tour of Durban and the botanical gardens.
15:00 Travel the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Ladysmith across the Drakensberg Mountains.
DAY 5
Golfers: Transfer to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Spionkop battlefield lecture, game drive and lunch.
17:00 Travel across the Highveld.
DAY 6
Day at leisure as the train travel towards the coast.
DAY 7
Golfers: Transfer to Humewood for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Game drive at Addo Elephant Park.
16:30 Travel inland to Willowmore.
DAY 8
Golfers: Transfer to Ernie Els Oubaai for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy an ostrich-farm visit in Oudsthoorn.
18:30 Dinner at Fancourt Estate.
DAY 9
Golfers: Transfer to Fancourt for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy a ferry ride on the Knysna lagoon. Enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Knysna OR a guided walk (60 min) on Leisure Island.
15:00 Travel the Garden Route to Riversdale.
DAY 10
Day at leisure traversing the Cape Fold Mountains.
17:00 Arrive at Platform 23 at Cape Town Station.
Cape Town-Pretoria
DAY 1
09:30 Depart Cape Town Station, Platform 23. Travel the Tulbagh Valley through the Matroosberg Mountains.
(Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30)
DAY 2
Golfers: Transfer to Fancourt for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy a ferry ride on the Knysna lagoon. Enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Knysna OR a guided walk (60 min) on Leisure Island. Enjoy lunch at Salinas Restaurant on the beachfront.
8:30 Dinner at Fancourt Estate.
DAY 3
Golfers: Transfer to Ernie Els Oubaai for tee off.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy an ostrich-farm visit in Oudsthoorn.
14:30 Travel to Port Elizabeth.
DAY 4
Golfers: Transfer to Humewood for tee off with lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy a city tour of Port Elizabeth and an afternoon game drive at Addo Elephant Park.
17:30 Traverse the Fish River Valley to Noupoort.
DAY 5
Day at leisure as the train travels the Highveld and the Drakensberg Mountains to Ladysmith.
DAY 6
Golfers: Transfer to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Spionkop battlefield lecture, game drive and lunch.
17:00 Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban.
DAY 7
Golfers: Transfer to Durban Country Club/Beachwood/Zimbali for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Enjoy a tour of Durban and the botanical gardens.
15:00 Travel the coast and St Lucia Wetland Park to Hluhluwe.
DAY 8
06:00 Game drive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
11:00 Enjoy brunch on board as the train travels north through Swaziland to Malelane, Kruger.
DAY 9
Golfers: Transfer to Leopard Creek OR White River Country Club OR Nelspruit for tee off and lunch.
Leisure Guests: Game drive in the Kruger Park with tea and lunch.
16:30 Travel across the Drakensberg to Waterval Onder.
DAY 10
Day at leisure as the train travels across the Highveld.
17:00 Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
This nine-day 3 400-kilometre journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Departing from Pretoria, the first stop is Kimberley, centre of one of the world’s famous diamond rushes where there is an opportunity to savour the 1870s atmosphere of the mine village. The train traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape to the Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon – and Garas Park with its Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground. Guests continue across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to Namibia’s capital for a tour; Windhoek is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavour. Then it’s a short flight to Sossusvlei, a stunning pan in the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay followed by a night in the game-rich Etosha National Park. On the last morning, the train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Available in reverse.
Pretoria – Walvis Bay
DAY 1
15h00 Depart Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria and travel south towards the goldfields of the Witwatersrand.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
DAY 2
09h45 Arrive Kimberley for Big Hole and Diamond Museum.
12h30 Depart for Upington and travel the Karoo semi-desert.
DAY 3
08h00 Optional two-hour walking tour of Upington.
23h00 Arrive at Holoog after border formalities at Nakop
DAY 4
08h00 One-hour transfer to visit the Fish River Canyon.
11h00 Depart for Keetmanshoop. Traverse the Kalahari.
15h00 Visit Garas Park (Quiver Tree Forest/Giant’s Playground).
DAY 5
09h00 Arrive in Windhoek for a city tour.
11h00 Depart in light aircraft for 1-hour flight to Sossusvlei Lodge for lunch, desert drive, bush dinner and overnight.
DAY 6
06h00 Sossusvlei drive with breakfast in the vlei.
12h00 Depart Sossusvlei for one-hour flight to Windhoek.
14h00 Depart Windhoek and travel north towards the game-rich Etosha National Park.
DAY 7
09h30 Transfer to a lodge in the Etosha National Park for lunch, game drive and overnight.
DAY 8
06h00 Early morning game drive in the Etosha National Park.
13h00 Enjoy lunch on board en route to the Atlantic.
DAY 9
07h00 Enjoy breakfast as the train traverses the Namib.
12h30 Arrive at journey’s end in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Walvis Bay – Pretoria
DAY 1
12h00 Depart Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch as the train leaves the Atlantic and traverses the Namib Desert to Etosha.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
DAY 2
09h30 Transfer to a lodge in the Etosha National Park for lunch, a game drive and overnight.
DAY 3
06h00 Early morning game drive in the Etosha National Park.
13h00 Return to the train and travel south to Windhoek.
DAY 4
08h00 Arrive in Windhoek for a city tour.
11h00 Depart in light aircraft for 1-hour flight to Sossusvlei for lunch, desert drive, bush dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
06h00 Sossusvlei drive with breakfast in the vlei.
12h00 Depart Sossusvlei for 1-hour flight to Windhoek.
14h00 Depart Windhoek. Travel south through the Kalahari.
DAY 6
08h00 Visit Garas Park (Quiver Tree Forest/Giant’s Playground). Depart for Holoog.
15h00 One-hour transfer to visit the Fish River Canyon.
19h30 Dinner on board. Travel along the southern reaches of the Kalahari Basin to the South African border.
DAY 7
08h00 Optional two-hour walking tour of Upington. Day at leisure as the train travels into the Great Karoo.
DAY 8
14h30 Arrive Kimberley for Big Hole and Diamond Museum.
16h00 Depart Kimberley and travel north into the Highveld
DAY 9
07h00 Enjoy breakfast as the train travels the goldfields.
12h00 Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
This epic 15-day train journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and is one of the most famous in the world. 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 Chisimba Falls where guests enjoy a bush walk. The train 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 – the largest on the continent and a vision
of timeless Africa – before the bustling arrival in Dar es Salaam the following day. Available in reverse. Please note that depending upon the railway’s capacity this journey could be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe. *Or Kwa Maritane in Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Cape Town – Dar es Salaam
DAY 1
11h00 Depart Cape Town Station on the Pride of Africa.
18h00 Arrive in Matjiesfontein and explore the quaint village. Dinner and overnight on the train.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
DAY 2
14h00 Tour of Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. Ten minutes after departing Kimberley a shallow lake appears on the left-hand side of the train where, on most occasions, there are spectacular flocks of Lesser Flamingos (approximately 23 000). Travel from the Karoo to the Highveld. Dinner and overnight on board.
DAY 3
10h00 Arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, 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 at 14h15.
18h00 Depart for Zeerust in the North West Province. Dinner and overnight on board.
DAY 4
11h00 Disembark at Zeerust and transfer by coach to Madikwe Reserve for a two-night stay at TAU Game Lodge*. Lunch is served upon arrival at the lodge. Afternoon tea and game drive (approximately 3 hours). Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 5
Enjoy an early morning game drive, afternoon game drive and other guest activities. Overnight at the lodge.
DAY 6
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast until 09h30.
10h30 Transfer to the train at with border formalities en route to Gaborone, Botswana.
13h30 Depart Gaborone and travel to Plumtree for border formalities and overnight.
DAY 7
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 heads for Thompson’s Junction for the overnight stop.
DAY 8
12h00 Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls and walk across to the hotel. Enjoy lunch.
16h00 Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Buffet dinner at Jungle Junction. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 9
Day at leisure in the Victoria Falls with activities (tour of Falls, helicopter over Falls, elephant-back safari, walk with lions, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc).
16h00 Depart Victoria Falls and cross the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia.
DAY 10
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 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.
DAY 11
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
08h00 Disembark at Kasama for a morning excursion to Chisimba Falls.
11h00 Depart from Kasama and travel towards the Tanzanian border.
DAY 13
09h00 Arrive at Makambako where guests may enjoy a stroll through the town – time permitting.
10h30 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.
DAY 14
Game visit in the Selous Reserve (time permitting).
Travel towards Gwata for an overnight stop.
DAY 15
06h30 Depart Gwata in and travel in an easterly direction towards the coast.
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 09h30.
10h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam – Cape Town
DAY 1
12h00 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 000km². For a few hours wild animals can be seen from the train. Overnight on board at Mlimba. (Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
DAY 2
Game visit in the Selous Reserve (time permitting).
Descend into the Udzungwa Mountains and Rift Valley.
DAY 3
The train travels the Rift Valley to Makambako.
09h00 Guests may enjoy a stroll through the town of Makambako – time permitting.
Day at leisure on board. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian as the train travels via Mbeya to Tunduma for the overnight stop.
DAY 4
Tanzanian and Zambian border formalities take place.
14h30 Disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls.
18h00 Return to train and depart Kasama. Overnight on board at Mununga.
DAY 5
Enjoy a day at leisure on the train. Lectures will be given by the on-board historian.
The train passes through Kapiri Mposhi to Ngwerere for the overnight stop.
DAY 6
The train travels through Lusaka, capital of Zambia and crosses the Kafue railway bridge – a 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers. Lectures will be given by the on-board historian as the train makes its way to Zimbabwe and overnights at Makoli.
DAY 7
10h00 Arrive at Livingstone then cross the bridge and arrive at Zimbabwean border for passport formalities.
11h00 Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls. Disembark and walk across to the hotel. Enjoy lunch.
16h00 Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Buffet dinner at Jungle Junction. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 8
Day at leisure in the Victoria Falls with activities (tour of Falls, helicopter over Falls, elephant-back safari, walk with lions, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc).
16h00 Meet on the platform and depart Victoria Falls. Travel southeast along the edge of Hwange Park towards Bulawayo.
DAY 9
Enjoy a day at leisure on the train. Lectures will be given by the on-board historian. The train heads southwards through Francistown and Serule, crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and continues via Mahalapye to Gaborone.
DAY 10
10h00 Disembark at Gaborone and transfer by coach to Madikwe Reserve for a two-night stay at TAU Lodge*. Border formalities will take place en route and guests are required to present themselves to the officials.
Lunch is served upon arrival at the lodge. Afternoon game drive (approximately 3 hours). Dinner and overnight at lodge.
DAY 11
Enjoy an early morning game drive, afternoon game drive and other guest activities. Overnight at the lodge.
DAY 12
Early morning game drive (approximately 2 hours) followed by breakfast until 09h30.
11h00 Depart the lodge and transfer to the train at Zeerust. The train traverses the Magaliesberg Mountains – a range of low hills stretching 120 kilometres due east-west from Pretoria to Rustenberg. Dinner and overnight on board.
DAY 13
10h00 Arrive at Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria. Disembark for city tour.
13h00 Lunch on the platform followed by a walking tour of the station and the locomotive workshops (weather permitting).
15h00 Depart Pretoria and travel south towards Kimberley. Dinner and overnight on the train.
DAY 14
10h00 The train arrives in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum.
12h30 Depart Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein.
DAY 15
08h30 Enjoy a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
10h30 The train departs for Cape Town via Touws River and Worcester.
18h00 Arrive at Cape Town Station’s Platform 24.
Trail of Two Oceans
TANZANIA ~ ZAMBIA ~ DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ~ ANGOLA
An east-west African adventure uniting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
In July 2019 Rovos Rail set off on a new 15-day expedition traversing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It was the first time in history that a passenger train travelled the famous east-to-west copper trail on this route. The trip was a great success. Read the story here >>
This voyage sets off from the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam (a city familiar to Rovos Rail as it has been running its 15-day Cape to Dar trip since 1993), and includes a game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter it joins the Benguela line for short walking tours detailing Angola’s recent history with journey’s end in Lobito. Available in reverse.
DAY 1
DEPART DAR, TANZANIA
12h00 The Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam and travels the TAZARA line.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous Game Reserve.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt.
DAY 2
SELOUS GAME RESERVE VISIT and LECTURES
05h30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure at 07h00.
07h00 Game visit in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55 000km² (time permitting).
12h30 Return to the train.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes the Udzungwa Mountains.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mlimba.
DAY 3
MAKAMBAKO VISIT and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00. The train ascends the escarpment negotiating the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels.
09h00 Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting).
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes Baobab forests.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Tunduma.
Trail of Two Oceans
TANZANIA ~ ZAMBIA ~ DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ~ ANGOLA
An east-west African adventure uniting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
In July 2019 Rovos Rail set off on a new 15-day expedition traversing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It was the first time in history that a passenger train traveled the famous east-to-west copper trail on this route. The trip was a great success.
This voyage sets off from the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam (a city familiar to Rovos Rail as it has been running its 15-day Cape to Dar trip since 1993), and includes a game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter it joins the Benguela line for short walking tours detailing Angola’s recent history with journey’s end in Lobito. Available in reverse.
Dar es Salaam to Lobito
DAY 1
DEPART DAR, TANZANIA
12h00 The Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam and travels the TAZARA line.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous Game Reserve.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt.
DAY 2
SELOUS GAME RESERVE VISIT and LECTURES
05h30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure at 07h00.
07h00 Game visit in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55 000km² (time permitting).
12h30 Return to the train.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes the Udzungwa Mountains.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mlimba.
DAY 3
MAKAMBAKO VISIT and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00. The train ascends the escarpment negotiating the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels.
09h00 Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting).
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes Baobab forests.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Tunduma.
DAY 4
CHISIMBA FALLS VISIT and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00. Tanzanian and Zambian border formalities take place.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels in a southwesterly direction across Zambia.
14h30 Disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls.
18h00 Depart Kasama.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpika.
DAY 5
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK STAY
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h30.
10h00 Disembark and transfer to Mpika Airport for a chartered flight to the South Luangwa National Park.
12h00 Transfer to respective camps. Enjoy lunch and check-in on arrival.
15h30 Afternoon game drive in the Luangwa Valley.
19h30 Dinner and overnight at camps.
DAY 6
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK STAY
06h00 Wake-up call and continental breakfast.
06h30 Early morning game drive (approximately 3 hours).
10h00 Brunch is served at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure.
15h30 Afternoon game drive (approximately 3 hours).
19h30 Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 7
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, a morning game drive (approximately 2 hours) and check-out times will be confirmed.
Transfer to the airport for the chartered flight to Ndola, Zambia.
12h00 On arrival, transfer to Ndola Station to rejoin the train.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels towards Misundu.
15h00 Arrive at Sakania for Zambian/DRC border formalities.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train travels through Kabemba en route to Mushoshi.
DAY 8
LUBUMBASHI VISIT and LECTURES
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08h00.
08h00 Enjoy a drive through Lubumbashi.
11h00 Rejoin the train and travel towards Lukuni.
13h00 Lunch served in the dining cars. The train passes Luishia, an old open-pit copper and cobalt mine.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Tenke.
DAY 9
COPPER MINE VISIT and LECTURES
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure at 08h00.
08h00 Enjoy a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources.
10h30 Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge
10h00 Return to the train and depart for Kasombo.
15h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mutshatsha.
DAY 10
DAY ON BOARD WITH LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes Kakopa en route to Malonga.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
17h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Dilolo on the DRC/Angola Border.
DAY 11
LUAU WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00. Border formalities take place with Angola.
11h00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luau, the start of the Benguela line.
12h00 The train departs for Luena.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served as the train travels alongside the Kasai River. The catchment of the Kasai River encompasses a vast eco-region of 900 000km2 with an incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fisherman at work.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luena.
DAY 12
LUENA WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00.
10h00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola.
11h00 Depart for Tchicala Tcholohanga.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kuito.
DAY 13
KUITO WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00.
09h00 Enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom.
11h00 Depart for Huambo.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Huambo.
DAY 14
HUAMBO WALKING TOUR
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00.
09h00 Enjoy a walking tour of Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the old kingdoms on the central plateau.
11h00 Depart for Lépi.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Caimbambo.
DAY 15
ARRIVE LOBITO, ANGOLA
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h30.
10h00 Arrive at journey’s end, Lobito Station, Benguela Province, Angola.
Optional Extension: Rates TBA
14h30 Transfer to Hotel Terminus for check-in and lunch. Enjoy a city tour of Benguela. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Lobito to Dar es Salaam
Lobito to Dar es Salaam
DAY 1
DEPART LOBITO, ANGOLA
12h00 The Pride of Africa departs from Lobito.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels through the Benguela province.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car. Afternoon lecture in the lounge car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train crosses into the Huambo province.
DAY 2
HUAMBO WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00.
09h00 Enjoy a walking tour of Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the old kingdoms on the central plateau.
12h00 Depart for Boas Agus.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kuito.
DAY 3
KUITO WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00.
09h00 Enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom.
11h00 Depart for Savinguila.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luena.
DAY 4
LUENA WALKING TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00.
09h00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola.
11h00 Depart and travel towards Cameia.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels alongside the Kasai River. The catchment of the Kasai River encompasses a vast eco-region of 900 000km2 with an incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fisherman at work.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luau on the Angolan border.
DAY 5
DAY ON BOARD WITH LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00. Border formalities take place in DRC.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars en route to Malonga.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malonga.
DAY 6
DAY ON BOARD WITH LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00 as the train travels towards Mungulunga.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train passes Mutshatsha.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kolwezi.
DAY 7
COPPER MINE VISIT and LECTURES
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08h00.
08h00 Enjoy a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources.
10h30 Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge.
13h00 Return to the train and depart for Kazembe.
15h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Lubumbashi.
DAY 8
LUBUMBASHI TOUR and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
15h00 Enjoy a drive through the city of Lubumbashi.
18h00 Return to the train and depart for Mushoshi.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Sakania on the DRC border.
DAY 9
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK STAY
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h30 as the train travels to Ndola. Border formalities take place.
10h00 Disembark and transfer to Ndola Airport for a chartered flight to the South Luangwa National Park.
12h00 Transfer to respective camps. Enjoy lunch and check-in on arrival.
15h30 Afternoon game drive in the Luangwa Valley.
19h30 Dinner and overnight at the camps.
DAY 10
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK STAY
06h00 Wake-up call and continental breakfast.
06h30 Early morning game drive (approximately 3 hours).
10h00 Brunch is served. Afternoon at leisure.
15h30 Afternoon game drive (approximately 3 hours).
19h30 Dinner and overnight at the camps.
DAY 11
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, a morning game drive (approximately 2 hours) and check-out times will be confirmed.
Transfer to the airport for the chartered flight to Mpika, Zambia.
12h00 On arrival, transfer to Mpika Station to rejoin the train.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels towards Kasama.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kasama.
DAY 12
CHISIMBA FALLS VISIT and LECTURES
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure at 08h00.
08h00 Disembark the train at Kasama for a morning excursion to Chisimba Falls.
11h30 Depart for the border.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car as the train passes Chozi.
17h40 Arrive in Nakonde for Zambian border formalities. Continue to Tunduma on the Tanzanian border.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train heads for Mbeya and descends into the Rift Valley.
DAY 13
MAKAMBAKO VISIT and LECTURES
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10h00.
09h00 Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting).
10h30 Depart for Mlimba and the Udzungwa Mountains and negotiate the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels towards the Selous Game Reserve.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kisaki.
DAY 14
SELOUS GAME RESERVE VISIT
07h00 Continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:00. The train descends into the highlands and traverses the fertile lands of Tanzania towards Dar es Salaam.
10h30 Brunch is served in the dining cars until 11:45.
12h00 Game visit to the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55 000km2 (time permitting).
18h00 Return to the train.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Gwata.
DAY 15
ARRIVE DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
05h45 Depart Gwata in and travel in an easterly direction towards the coast.
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h30.
11h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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