Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam - An Authentic African Adventure: Rovos Rail (Northbound)

This northbound journey lasts 16 nights and covers about 5,800 km. It crosses five countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. It starts in Cape Town and ends at Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, and it is one of the longest luxury rail journeys in the world.

Check in at least 90 minutes before departure at the train's lounge at 1 Adderley Street, Cape Town. The train leaves from Cape Town Station, with lunch served in the dining cars as it heads through the Western Cape towards Worcester.

The train arrives on the morning of Day 17 at Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, after breakfast on board. Have your luggage ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and keep your passport with you. Onward flights and hotels in Dar es Salaam are not included.

On Day 2 you stroll through the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein and its platform museum. Day 3 brings a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. On Day 4 there is a city tour of Pretoria, lunch on the train's own station platform and, weather permitting, a walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops.

From Day 5 you spend two nights at a lodge in Madikwe, a malaria-free Big 5 reserve on the Botswana border. Several game drives of about 3 hours are included, along with meals at the lodge. Pack a small overnight bag (tote bags are left in your suite). Spa treatments are available at your own expense.

You arrive at Victoria Falls on Day 9 and stay overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Day 10 is at leisure until the afternoon departure, when the train crosses the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia. You can book extra Victoria Falls activities through the onboard historian before lunch on Day 8, paid in cash.

The TAZARA line is an engineering feat through remote country that few travellers ever see. On this stretch the train crosses the 477-metre Kafue Railway Bridge and stops for a visit to Chisimba Falls. It then climbs through the Rift Valley and baobab forests and winds down the switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels of the escarpment near the Udzungwa Mountains.

Yes. On Day 16, weather permitting, there is a game visit in Nyerere National Park, which covers about 30,000 square km. It adds a final wildlife experience before the train continues across the farmland of Tanzania to Dar es Salaam.

The journey crosses four borders: South Africa to Botswana, Botswana to Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe to Zambia at Victoria Falls, and Zambia to Tanzania. At the Botswana crossing you present yourself to the officials, and luggage may be searched. For other crossings the Train Manager or Guest Services Manager may hold your passport so formalities run smoothly.

Visas are not included in the fare, and it is your responsibility to make sure your passport and any required visas are valid before departure. Requirements depend on your nationality, and a visa can be needed even when you are only passing through a country. Check with the relevant embassies in good time. We are happy to help you work out what applies to you.

There are three suite types, each with double or twin beds and a private bathroom. Pullman Suites are about 7 square metres, Deluxe Suites about 10 square metres, and Royal Suites about 16 square metres, with only two Royal Suites per carriage. The departure list on this page shows the fare for each suite type.

Fares start from about US$18,200 per person sharing, in the entry suite category. Deluxe and Royal Suites cost more. Fares vary by departure and suite, so the exact fare for each departure is shown on this page.

Yes. Single fares start from about US$26,400 per person for sole use of a suite. The exact single fare for each departure and suite type is shown on this page, or ask us to quote a specific date.

The fare includes your suite, all meals, all beverages on board, room service and limited laundry. It also covers guided excursions, entrance fees as listed in the itinerary, an onboard historian and doctor, and government tax. During the Madikwe lodge stay and the Victoria Falls Hotel night, meals and guided excursions are also included.

Visas, travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Nor are flights, or transfers and hotel nights before or after the journey. Beverages outside the included selection, and meals at venues not listed in the itinerary, are also extra. Laundry is not included during the off-train stays.

Most evenings on board are formal. Casual dress is fine at the Madikwe lodge, and there are two themed evenings: an Africa theme and a 1920s theme, with smart casual always acceptable. For excursions and game drives, dress in layers with comfortable shoes, a hat and sun protection, because mornings and evenings can be cool. Rain capes are available.

A 25% deposit secures your suite, and the balance is due 65 days before departure. Because this long journey runs only a few times a year, early booking gives you the widest choice of suites.

We currently have 9 northbound departures on sale, from 27 February 2027 to 9 October 2027. The journey runs only a handful of times each year, so check the departure list on this page for live availability and fares.

Children can be booked in two age bands, based on age at departure: under 2, and from 2 up to (but not including) 12. Child fares are not listed as a standard discount, so contact us with the ages of your children and we will confirm what is possible and the price for your date.

You can email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610. A travel specialist or our AI assistant will reply. You can also book any date in the departure list on this page directly: choose your date and suite type and reserve online.