Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Luxury Train Journey
Travel on the most luxurious train in the world on an epic 15-night train tour. This flagship Rovos Rail journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and has become one of the most famous train journeys in the world.
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.
Key Highlights
One of the world’s most famous luxury train journeys
Cross five countries from South Africa to Tanzania
Big Five safari, Victoria Falls, and African wilderness exploration
Ideal for rail enthusiasts, adventurers, and romantic travellers alike
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Dar es Salaam Route Description
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.
At a Glance: Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam (16 Nights / 17 Days)
Route: Cape Town → Matjiesfontein → Kimberley → Pretoria → Madikwe → Botswana → Victoria Falls → Zambia → Chisimba Falls → Nyerere Game Reserve → Dar es Salaam
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania
Off-Train Highlights:
Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve
Victoria Falls stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel
Visit to Chisimba Falls, Zambia
Game drive in Nyerere (Selous) Game Reserve, Tanzania
Historic tours in Matjiesfontein, Kimberley, and Pretoria
Onboard lectures and cultural encounters throughout
Accommodation: Choice of Pullman, Deluxe, or Royal Suites (all en suite)
Pullman suite (smallest compartment size)
Deluxe suite (more spacious)
Royal suite (more spacious with a bath in the en suite bathroom).
Departure Dates for the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam
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
Tailor This Journey
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.
Good to Know
Journey duration: 16 nights / 17 days.
All meals, beverages, and guided excursions included in the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar trip.
Limited Pullman Suites — early booking recommended.
Operates in both directions between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam.
This is a sample itinerary using specific hotels and lodges. However most of these sample tours can be adapted to suit you. If applicable, it includes domestic seat-in-charter flights. But it excludes any regional and domestic scheduled flights (as these are subject to change and specific routing). These are added to a specific quotation once we have your dates.
INCLUDES
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.
EXCLUDES
International sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers; items of a personal nature.
Jan 2026 - Dec 2026 Pullman
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 12,168
Jan 2026 - Dec 2026 Deluxe
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 16,077
Jan 2026 - Dec 2026 Royal
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 21,092
Jan 2027 - Dec 2027 Pullman
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 13,422
Jan 2027 - Dec 2027 Deluxe
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 17,699
Jan 2027 - Dec 2027 Royal
PP SHARING FROM ₤ 23,230
In Pictures
Leanne Koopman-Monk
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Hi I'm Leanne, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
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Key Highlights
