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Northbound Rovos Rail:
Cape Town TO Dar es Salaam Prices & Availability
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.
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.
Live Availability and Pricing (ZAR)
This is Rovos Rail's best-selling itinerary and consistently sells out well in advance. As a result, we are unable to hold suites without firm sales commitments. Should you wish to proceed, a 25% deposit on the total is required to secure your suite. Please note that the 2026 journeys are almost entirely sold out.
Exclusive The ZAR Pricing Advantage
Only SA Travel Online prices this epic route dynamically in Rands (ZAR). Depending on the current exchange rate against the US Dollar or Euro, paying in ZAR can offer significant savings. See our live ZAR pricing and suite availability below.
Train Bookings
Prices auto-adjusted for exchange rates. WhatsApp Rob at 27824795197 for help.
Availability last updated: 19-Jun-26
Official USD Rates
Rates are one way, per person sharing.
| Suite Type | Rate (Per Person Sharing) | Single Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pullman Gold | $18,200.00 | $26,400.00 |
| Deluxe | $26,400.00 | $34,700.00 |
| Royal | $31,500.00 | P.O.R (Price on Request) |
Bookings on this page qualify for SA Travel Online's exclusive "travel vouchers for reviews" programme.
Choose Your Suite
For a 17-day transcontinental journey, your suite is your sanctuary. We highly recommend securing a Deluxe or Royal suite early, as the extra space is invaluable on an expedition of this length.
Pullman Gold Suite
Size: 7 sq metres (76 sq ft)
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- Daytime sofa converts to bed
Deluxe Suite
Size: 10 sq metres (108 sq ft)
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- Permanent bed & private lounge area
Royal Suite
Size: 16 sq metres (172 sq ft)
- Victorian bathtub & shower
- Unmatched space and premium privacy
The 17-Day Expedition Itinerary
The journey has recently been extended to 16 nights (17 days), allowing more time at the Zambia/Tanzania border and an additional day on board the train to enjoy the scenery.
Download the detailed Itinerary PDF here.
Days 1 - 4: Cape Town, Karoo & Kimberley
- Day 1 (Cape Town): 07:30 - Arrive at the Rovos Rail Lounge. 09:30 - Depart 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): Disembark for a tour of the historic diamond mining town.
- Day 4 (Pretoria): Stop at the private Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.
Days 5 - 7: Madikwe Game Reserve Safari
- Days 5, 6 & 7: Transfer to the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for a spectacular multi-day luxury safari experience, featuring daily game drives to spot the Big Five.
Days 8 - 10: Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls
- Day 8 (On Board): Pass Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) bordering Hwange National Park.
- Days 9 & 10 (Victoria Falls): Disembark to experience the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls. Enjoy sunset cruises on the Zambezi and guided walking tours.
Days 11 - 13: Zambia & The TAZARA Line
- Day 11 (Kafue): The train travels across the Kafue Railway Bridge (a 477-metre steel girder truss) and passes through Lusaka.
- Day 12 (On Board): Traverse the historic TAZARA railway line through remote and stunning territory.
- Day 13 (Chisimba Falls): Disembark for an excursion to Chisimba Falls.
Days 14 - 17: The Great Rift Valley & Tanzania
- Day 14 (On Board): The train descends into the Rift Valley, navigating baobab forests towards Mbeya.
- Day 15 (Makambako): Town visit (time permitting).
- Day 16 (Nyere National Park): Game viewing in one of the largest untouched reserves in Africa.
- Day 17 (Dar es Salaam): 11:00 - Scheduled arrival at Tazara Station, Dar es Salaam. Journey's end.
Regional Climate & Weather Guide
Traversing the continent over 17 days means passing through distinct climate zones - from the Mediterranean conditions of Cape Town to the tropical humidity of Dar es Salaam. Below is the historical weather data to help you pack appropriately.
Cape Town
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 25 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 15 | 15 | 20 | 40 | 70 | 95 | 100 | 80 | 40 | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| Rainy Days | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Humidity (%) | 70 | 70 | 72 | 75 | 78 | 80 | 80 | 78 | 75 | 72 | 70 | 68 |
Kimberley
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 33 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 32 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 18 | 17 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 70 | 65 | 35 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 35 | 45 | 50 |
| Rainy Days | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Humidity (%) | 45 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 42 |
Pretoria
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 22 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 130 | 100 | 80 | 40 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 70 | 100 | 110 |
| Rainy Days | 14 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| Humidity (%) | 65 | 68 | 68 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 45 | 55 | 60 | 63 |
Madikwe Game Reserve
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 26 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 26 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 32 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 19 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 18 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 105 | 90 | 75 | 40 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 15 | 45 | 70 | 85 |
| Rainy Days | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| Humidity (%) | 60 | 65 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 |
Victoria Falls
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 28 | 32 | 34 | 33 | 31 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 160 | 130 | 80 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 80 | 150 |
| Rainy Days | 14 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 14 |
| Humidity (%) | 75 | 76 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 35 | 55 | 70 |
Lusaka
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 32 | 30 | 27 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 230 | 190 | 140 | 40 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 90 | 160 |
| Rainy Days | 19 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 16 |
| Humidity (%) | 82 | 82 | 78 | 70 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 40 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
Dar es Salaam
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp (°C) | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Max Temp (°C) | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 65 | 130 | 250 | 190 | 35 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 100 | 100 |
| Rainy Days | 8 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 |
| Humidity (%) | 78 | 77 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 78 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 78 | 79 |
Border Crossings & Visas
Border crossings are part of the authentic African adventure. Usually, they are seamless as you relax in the luxury of the lounge car. However, occasionally officials may request a "special payment" - if refused, passengers and crew may be asked to carry their baggage off the train and clean their feet at a disinfection station. It's all part of the story!
⚠️ IMPORTANT ZIMBABWE IMMIGRATION UPDATE
Zimbabwe has introduced a new mandatory online immigration system (ETA), effective immediately at all border posts, including rail borders. This replaces manual declaration forms.
- As there is no WiFi at rail borders, travellers MUST complete the online process before departure to prevent delays.
- Who: All nationalities must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
- When: Submit the application 60 to 20 days prior to train departure.
- At Check-In: You must provide a printed eVisa with a QR code or email it to reservations prior to check-in.
General Passport Requirements
- Must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date.
- Must have a minimum of five blank VISA pages.
- Visas for Zimbabwe, DRC, and Angola MUST be obtained before you travel.
- Please carry a minimum of US$200 in cash for incidentals at borders.
Historical Context: The TAZARA Line
TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority) is also known as the "Great Uhuru Railway". Built by Zambia's President Kaunda, who did not want to be dependent on transporting exports through Rhodesia and South Africa, he approached China to fund a railway line running to the port at Dar es Salaam (built between 1970 and 1975). During the bush war, the Rhodesian government targeted supply lines, and in 1979 the Selous Scouts blew up the Chambeshi River Bridge, which took a year to rebuild.
News Update: TAZARA Revitalisation
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 upgraded line will compete directly with the Lobito Corridor (backed by the US and EU) to transport copper and cobalt from Central Africa.
Experience the Journey
"They had exquisite wood-panelled 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."
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