The Ultimate African Odyssey

Embark on Rovos Rail's Epic Journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

Answer the call of a bygone era of travel. Step aboard a vintage, wood-panelled train for an adventure few will ever experience: a 17-day sojourn across the heart of the African continent. From the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain to the vibrant shores of Tanzania, this is more than a trip—it's the grand dream of trans-African exploration brought to life in unparalleled comfort and style.

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Highlights of Your Trans-African Safari

• Traverse five magnificent countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.
• Witness breathtaking landscapes, from the stark beauty of the Karoo to the teeming wildlife of the Selous Game Reserve.
• Enjoy off-train excursions, including a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls (the smoke that thunders) and insightful city tours.
• Indulge in five-star cuisine, fine South African wines, and exceptional service in the elegant dining and lounge cars.
• Create your perfect holiday with seamless pre- and post-journey add-ons in Cape Town and Dar es Salaam.

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Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

This journey sells out far in advance. For current availability, detailed itineraries, and personalised advice, contact our dedicated Rovos Rail specialist, "Rovos Rob." He can help you craft the perfect African rail holiday.

Email: rob@southafrica.to
WhatsApp: Message Rob Directly (inquiries may be made day or night)

Note that the 2026 journeys from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam are almost sold out.

• Only SA Travel Online prices this route in Rands. Rand prices are subject to change if there is a depreciation of the Rand against the US Dollar.
• Also done in the opposite direction : Dar es Salaam to Cape Town with Rovos Rail

 

Suite	2027 Rate
Pullman Gold	$18,200.00 pp sharing $26,400.00 Single Occupancy
Deluxe	$26,400.00 pp sharing $34,700.00 Single Occupancy
Royal	$31,500.00 pp sharing Single Occupancy P.O.R

This is the best-selling itinerary and consistently sells out well in advance. As a result, we’re unable to hold suites without firm sales commitments.  Should you wish to proceed, a 25% deposit on the total would be required to secure the suites.

"They had exquisite wood paneled train cars and 5-star dining. The staff waited on us hand and foot. There was a sommelier with a wine train for every lunch and dinner. Impeccable service! I shook hands with Mr. Rohan Vos at the end of the journey (from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam)." Royce Biddle from Modesto, California.

Online luxury train forum!

Bookings on this page qualify to take part in SA Travel Online's exclusive "travel vouchers for travel reviews" program. Email rob@southafrica.to for details.

Rovos Rail train in the North West Province of South Africa:

Itinerary Cape to DAR

2026 & 2027 itinerary

Starting in 2026 onwards, the journey will be extended to 16 nights, allowing more time at the Zambia/Tanzania border, as well as an additional day on board the train. Please note that there will be a difference in the falls visited in Tanzania on the two routes as of 2026: the northbound route will include a visit to Chisimba Falls, while the southbound route will feature Kundilila Falls.

 

Click here to see the 2026 itinerary for Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

• Day 1: Cape Town
  • 07h30 to 08h00. Arrive at the Rovos Rail Lounge at 1 Adderley Street, Paul Sauer Building, Cape Town.
  • 09h30 is departure time from Cape Town Station.
• Day 2: On board
  • The train traverses the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea.
• Day 3 : Kimberley
• Day 4 : Pretoria
• Day 5 : Madikwe Game Reserve
• Day 6 : Madikwe Game Reserve
• Day 7 : Madikwe Game Reserve
• Day 8 : On board
• Before dinner, pass Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – and along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park.
  
• Day 9 : Victoria Falls (also see our Rovos Rails Victoria Falls train journeys page).
• Day 10 : Victoria Falls

• Day 11 : On board
• 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.
• The train passes Lusaka in Zambia.
  
• Day 12 : On board
• The train travels the TAZARA railway line as it passes through remote territory.
  
• Day 13 : Chisimba Falls
• Day 14 : On board
• The train traverses the Rift Valley and baobab forests towards Mbeya.
  
• Day 15 : Makambako (if possible, time permitting)
• Day 16 : Nyere National Park
• Day 17 : Arrival at Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
  • 11h00 is the scheduled arrival time at Dar es Salaam Station.
    • Tazara, Julius K. Nyerere Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

2025 itinerary

Click here to see the 2025 itinerary for Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

 

Cape Town add on experiences

Hiking experiences on Table Mountain..

Dar es Salaam experiences

At additional cost:

• Serengeti - hot air ballooning.
• Kilimanjaro; highest mountain in Africa.

Border crossings

Border crossings can be interesting.  usually it isn't an issue as who minds spending a few hours to cross the border if you are inside the luxury of a Rovos Rail train Less fun is when officials request a “special payment”; and once refused they make all passengers and crew carry their baggage off the train and clean their fee at a disinfection station.

Important Passport & Visa Information for Your Journey

You are responsible for ensuring your travel documents are in order before departure. Please review the following requirements carefully.

Passport Requirements
Your passport must:

• Be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date.
• Have a minimum of five blank VISA pages.

Visa Requirements
Our journeys may travel through: South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, DRC, and Angola.

• Mandatory Pre-Arranged Visas: Visas for Zimbabwe, DRC, and Angola MUST be obtained before you travel.
• Recommended Pre-Arranged Visas: To prevent delays at border crossings, we strongly recommend you obtain all other required visas before your departure.
• Visas on Arrival: Some nationalities may be eligible to purchase visas upon arrival. Please verify your eligibility in advance.

Additional Requirements

• Cash: Please carry a minimum of US$200 in cash for visas or other incidentals.
• Immigration Forms: These will be provided to you on board.

For Detailed Information
Regulations can change. Please check with the relevant embassies in good time and visit rovos.com/visas for the most current details, including specific ports of entry and exit.

IMPORTANT ZIMBABWE IMMIGRATION UPDATE

Zimbabwe has introduced a new mandatory online immigration system, effective immediately at all border posts, including rail borders (which were previously exempt). This system permanently replaces manual declaration forms.

⚠️ Key point: As there is no WiFi or online support at rail borders, travelers must complete the online process before departure to prevent delays.

Application Requirements

• Who: All nationalities must apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
• When: Submit the application 60–20 days prior to train departure.
• Payment (if applicable): Complete online at least 15 days before departure. Visa costs begin at approximately US$30.
• Monitoring: Track applications directly on the portal, as confirmation emails are not always sent.

Group Applications

• Tour leaders may include up to 12 travelers per application.
• Multiple applications can be submitted concurrently.

At Check-In

• Provide a printed eVisa with QR code.
• Alternatively, email the eVisa to reservations@rovos.co.za prior to check-in.
• Note: Printing or proper viewing may only be possible from a PC, not a mobile device.

For port-of-entry/exit details and further guidance, visit rovos.com/visas.

News

• 29 Sep 2025. After years of underinvestment, the TAZARA railway line is set for significant revitalisation following China's signing of a $1.4 billion modernisation agreement with Tanzania and Zambia. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has committed to initially invest S$1.1bn and then later a further S$0.238bn. This marks China's renewed commitment to the infrastructure project it originally financed and constructed in the 1970s.

  The upgraded TAZARA line will compete directly with the Lobito Corridor, a $3-4 billion rail and port initiative backed by the United States and European Union. The Lobito project also aims to transport copper and cobalt from Central Africa's mineral-rich Copperbelt region but to Angola's Atlantic coast. Interestingly enough, there is also a Rovos Rail journey from Lobito to Victoria Falls.

The Historical importance of the Cape

The second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902

The Historical importance of the TAZARA line

TAZARA = "Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority" aka ""Great Uhuru Railway"". Built by Zambia's President Kaunda who did not want to be dependent on transporting exports through Rhodesia and South Africa, so approached China to fund a railway line running to the port at Dar es Salaam. The following video provides a sense of the geopolitical situation when the railway line was built (1970 to 1975).

During the bush war; the Rhodesian government targeted the revolutionary army's supply lines from Tanzania; and government forces destroyed 3 railway bridges. In 1979 the Selous Scouts blew up the Chambeshi River Bridge; which required one year to rebuild.

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