Overview
Embark on an epic 15-night Rovos Rail journey from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town, tracing an extraordinary route that spans the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. This 5530km odyssey on 'The Most Luxurious Train in the World' is designed for discerning travelers who seek an immersive and elegant exploration of the African continent.
Your adventure begins in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a transfer to Tazara Station. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be enveloped in timeless luxury, with exquisite dining experiences, attentive service, and panoramic views from the lounge and observation cars. The train travels through the fertile lands of Tanzania, offering a game visit in the vast Nyerere National Park and navigating the dramatic switchbacks and viaducts of the Udzungwa Mountains. You'll have the opportunity to stretch your legs with a stroll through Makambako and witness the engineering marvel of the TAZARA railway line as it carves a path through remote territories to the impressive Chisimba Falls.
The journey continues across borders into Zambia, where you'll cross the Kafue Railway Bridge and spend two nights in the Livingstone area, allowing for an unforgettable stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Here, you'll marvel at the sheer power of Victoria Falls, one of the largest bodies of falling water on earth, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As the train traverses Zimbabwe and Botswana, you'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn and skirt the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin. A highlight is the three-night stay at a luxury lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, offering multiple game drives to spot the iconic Big Five within its unique transition zone ecosystem.
Rejoining the train in Zeerust, you'll journey into South Africa, visiting Pretoria for a city tour and an exclusive look at the Rovos Rail Station and workshops. The historic diamond city of Kimberley awaits, where you can explore the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. The route then winds through the vast semi-desert Karoo and the charming historic village of Matjiesfontein, before descending through the scenic Hex River Valley. The journey culminates in the vibrant city of Cape Town, leaving you with indelible memories of an unparalleled rail safari across the heart of Africa.
Itinerary
Itinerary
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Terms & Conditions
Payment Terms
25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking. 75% balance due no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date. All reservations are subject to availability and will be confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit. A provisional booking will be held for 14 days, after which the 25% deposit is due.
Cancellation Fees
| Timeframe Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 95 days | 10% of total tour price |
| 95–66 days | 25% of total tour price |
| 65–36 days | 50% of total tour price |
| 35 days or less / failure to travel | 100% of total tour price (no refund) |
A 5% Administrative Fee will be charged by Palace Tours on any applicable refunds. All cancellation fees apply to the full tour price before any discounts or coupons. Cancellation insurance is compulsory as these fees will not be waived. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Change of Date / Name / Occupancy
Changes may be requested up to 125 days prior to departure and are subject to availability and supplier approval. No changes will be permitted within 65 days prior to departure. Any request within this period will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the applicable cancellation fees. All changes may incur additional costs, which will be advised prior to confirmation. No changes will be processed without written authorization and payment of any applicable fees.
Payment Methods
Payments may be made via bank transfer or credit card. All payments must reference the booking number and be supported by proof of payment. Refunds, when applicable, will be processed to the original form of payment. Any exchange rate fluctuations or bank charges are the responsibility of the client.
What's Included
- Accommodation on board
- All meals on board
- All beverages on board
- Room service
- Limited laundry
- Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Government tax
- Flights to/from Sossusvlei
- Overnight bag
- Off-train accommodation (Sossusvlei and Etosha) including meals, water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices
What's Not Included
- All off-train beverages (excluding water, tea/coffee, and breakfast juices at lodges)
- International sparkling wine
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is required to cover cancellation fees, medical emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. Clients are responsible for securing their own insurance coverage and should travel with a copy of their policy including the insurance company name, policy number, and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.
Passports & Visas
Valid passports and any required visas are the sole responsibility of the client and must be obtained prior to departure. Passports must have at least five blank visa pages and must be valid for at least six months from the return-home date. This tour passes through South Africa and Namibia; please confirm visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.
Health & Medical
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they are capable of undertaking the tours and activities. Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, physical disabilities, or allergies. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for certain areas visited on this itinerary, including Etosha National Park. Please consult your clinic or doctor for the latest medical advice prior to travel.
General Conditions
All services are provided subject to availability and supplier terms and conditions. Schedules, routing, and excursions are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Times are approximate and excursion arrangements may be altered due to operational, weather, or other factors beyond our control. The operator is not liable for loss, damage, injury, delays, or unforeseen events beyond its control. Participation in tours and related activities is voluntary and at the client's own risk.
Guest Indemnity
Although certain limited insurances have been arranged, the operator and its agents, servants, or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage to passengers' luggage or effects. The passenger waives any claim against the operator, its servants, agents, employees, or subcontractors for any injury and/or loss of any nature whatsoever (including consequential loss) arising directly or indirectly from any aspect of the tour, including any form of transport used. This waiver binds the passenger's executors, heirs, trustees, and dependants. The passenger accepts all services and facilities voluntarily, with full knowledge that they may expose them to injury, danger, or loss.
Important Note
All timeframes are based on the local time of the destination. To allow sufficient processing time, clients must submit payment or cancellation requests with a minimum 5-day advance margin prior to the applicable deadlines.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Your Tour Price Includes
- Accommodation on board the train
- All meals served in the dining cars
- All beverages on board (excluding international sparkling wine and special requests)
- Room service
- Limited laundry service (10 items/day, 48-hour turnaround)
- Guided excursions as per itinerary
- Entrance fees for all scheduled activities
- Onboard historian and doctor (on Dar es Salaam journey)
- Government tax
- Overnight bag for off-train accommodation (where applicable)
- Meals during off-train accommodation stays
- Preselected local wines, beers, and soft drinks during off-train excursions
- Snacks and drinks on sunset cruise (where applicable)
Your Tour Price Excludes
- Other beverages not specified as included
- International sparkling wine
- Gratuities (suggested: ±ZAR450 / ±US$25 per guest per night onboard, and ±ZAR450 / ±US$25 per guest per day at lodges)
- Personal expenses
- Visas for all countries visited
- Travel insurance
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation
- Flights and transfers to/from the train
- Meals at unspecified venues during off-train accommodation
- Laundry during off-train accommodation stays
Accommodations
Accommodation Overview
Each Rovos Rail train features accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, a small gift shop, a smoking lounge, and an observation car with an open-air balcony. The suites are designed for elegance and spaciousness, prioritizing privacy, comfort, and luxury. All suites feature en-suite facilities, tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen, and amenities, serviced daily, and offer ample storage with hangers and shelves.
ROYAL SUITES
At 16m² (172ft²), Royal Suites occupy half a carriage, offering a private lounge area and a spacious en-suite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, bath, and shower
Bed Configurations
Double Lengthways: 200×189cm; Split Twin Lengthways: 200×75cm
DELUXE SUITES
The Deluxe Suites, measuring 10m² (108ft²), include a comfortable lounge area and an en-suite bathroom.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, and shower
Bed Configurations
Double Lengthways: 189×189cm; Split Twin Lengthways: 189×75cm; Double Crosswise: 189×160cm
PULLMAN GOLD SUITES
These suites, at 7m² (76ft²), are designed for longer journeys. During the day, they are configured with split twin beds that serve as comfortable couches.
Amenities
- Minibar
- Air conditioning
- Fold-out writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- En-suite bathroom with toilet, basin, and shower
Bed Configurations
Double Lengthways: 189×189cm; Split Twin Lengthways: 189×75cm; Double Crosswise: 189×150cm
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Check-in Information
For your Dar es Salaam departure, check-in at the Kivukoni Room, Serena Hotel, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam, by 09:30. This allows for a smooth transfer to Tazara Station for your 12:00 departure. Passports are required at check-in, but no vouchers are needed. If your journey involved a Rovos Rail Station tour in Pretoria, you would arrive two hours prior to departure for the full experience.
Dining Schedule
Meals on board are served in one sitting in the dining cars. Breakfast is available from 07:00-10:00, Lunch at 13:00, Tea at 16:30, and Formal Dinner at 19:30. The bar service operates from 07:00 until approximately 01:00. A gong sounds to announce lunch and dinner. All meals and most beverages are included, with special requests like international sparkling wine available at an additional cost if pre-ordered 30+ days in advance.
Dress Code
During the day on board, the dress code is smart casual – neat, conventional, yet relatively informal. For dinners, a formal dress code applies: gentlemen are required to wear a collar and tie (jacket optional), while ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Themed evenings, such as 'Africa' or '1920s', offer an opportunity to dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual. For off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion, and hats are recommended. Rain capes are available. For game drives, dress in layers as mornings can be cool, warming up considerably, and afternoons can cool down again.
Electricity & Connectivity
The train provides 220V AC 50Hz 3-point round-pronged wall plugs, and 110V/220V 2-pin plugs suitable for shavers and chargers. USB ports are available in each suite, and international adaptors are provided. Power is supplied by a generator, and occasional breaks in power are necessary for servicing. Please note that there is no radio, television, or WiFi on board the train itself. Mobile phone use is confined to your suite. WiFi is available at Rovos Rail lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria, and at most off-train accommodation.
Climate & Weather
The journey crosses various climates. Temperatures can range significantly. For example, Dar es Salaam sees average highs of 28°C in January/February and lows of 18°C in July/August. Cape Town averages highs of 28°C in Jan/Feb and lows of 7°C in July/August. All public cars are air-conditioned and suites have individual controls for heating. Electric under-blankets are fitted on beds. Always pack layers, comfortable shoes, hats, and sun protection. Rain capes are available.
Onboard Amenities
Your suite is equipped with a range of South African biodegradable and/or recyclable amenities, including soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion, lip balm, insect repellent, bamboo tissues, rounds, and ear buds. Plug-in hairdryers are available. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort, and gowns can be purchased from the Gift Shop. A limited laundry service (10 items/day) with a 48-hour turnaround is available, though dry-cleaning is not. A small gift shop on board offers stamps, basic first aid, and personal essentials. Earplugs are available in your amenities bag and the Gift Shop.
Medical Information
Guests are responsible for their health; please inform Rovos Rail of any medical conditions or disabilities at the time of reservation. A doctor is on board for the Dar es Salaam to Cape Town journey. Anti-malarial precautions are recommended for areas like Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and parts of South Africa. Recommended immunisations include Hepatitis A+B, Polio, Tetanus, and Cholera (low risk). A Yellow Fever/Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if traveling to/from DRC and Angola, or if your onward travel requires it. Consult your doctor or Travel Doctor Africa (+27 (0)11 214 9030).
Luggage
Ample storage is available under the bed or on a luggage rack in your suite. While there are no strict restrictions, it's recommended to limit luggage to two large suitcases. A Rovos Rail tog bag is provided for overnight trips or as hand luggage for plane transfers, for which a soft bag is preferable due to potential 15kg weight restrictions.
Currency
South African Rands are accepted in South Africa, Namibia, and eSwatini. US Dollars are accepted in Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Dar es Salaam only), DRC, and Angola, with cash highly recommended. US Dollar notes printed before 2013 or worn notes will not be accepted. Low denominations are best for shopping and gratuities, while larger denominations may offer better exchange rates for local currency, especially in Tanzania.
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