Rovos Rail Luxury Tour: Dar es Salaam to South Africa

Embark on a magnificent journey with Rovos Rail, one of the world’s most luxurious train services. This remarkable tour spans several countries, taking you from the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to the scenic landscapes of South Africa. Experience, unparalleled comfort, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking views as you traverse through the heart of Africa. We have two private hire possibilities to choose from: CHARTER TRAIN or EVENTS TRAIN.

JOURNEY CHARTERS

In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of Africa’s greatest destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains – which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives – carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are available for charter on any scheduled journey.

CHARTER TRAIN PACKAGES

There are many itinerary options combining our 42- or 72-bed train with other entertaining products for bespoke charters including incentive groups, historical expeditions, cycling tours and private gatherings. We are happy to advise clients of these options to help construct exciting and practical itineraries to suit the available time and budget.

EVENTS TRAINS

The EVENTS TRAIN is a perfect venue for weddings, private gatherings, incentives, conferences and product launches accommodating up to 250 guests. Limited only by time and distance, there are many alternative uses for the train, which include a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours’ rail travel time from Pretoria. Only suitable for day trips and depending on the number of guests, the Events Train can host – with full bar facilities – a four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests OR for up to 250 guests, canapés served for the duration of the journey.

The Events Train is also an ideal venue for WEDDING couples looking for something old-world, enchanting and romantic. Depending on the number of guests, it can host – with full bar facilities – a four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests for the duration of the three-hour journey. Guests are greeted at our private station in Pretoria by a sparkling wine reception before the bride makes a grand entrance in the cab of a steam locomotive. After the ceremony in the charming Edwardian station, guests step on board to enjoy five-star hospitality and the gentle rocking of the train as it winds its way through Jacaranda City.

Day 1: Dar es Salaam

  • 09:30 – Check-in at Kivukoni Room, Serena Hotel, Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam. Transfer to Tazara Station.

  • 12:00 – Depart from Tazara Station. Settle into your suite, enjoy the lounge and observation cars, and hand your passport to the Train Manager. Lectures available during the journey.

  • 13:00 – Lunch served in the dining cars. Travel through Tanzania’s fertile lands towards Nyerere.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt. Dress: Formal


Day 2: Nyerere National Park

  • 05:30 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • 07:00 – Morning game drive in Nyerere National Park, Africa’s largest at 30,000 km² (time permitting).

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Travel towards Udzungwa Mountains and navigate escarpments, tunnels, and viaducts.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars en route to Mlimba. Dress: Formal

Optional: Book Victoria Falls activities (tour, helicopter, rafting, bungee-jump, golf) with the on-board historian between 16:30–18:00. Cash only.


Day 3: Makambako (Optional Stop)

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • 09:00 – Arrive at Makambako. Enjoy a town stroll (time permitting).

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Travel past baobab forests and ascend the Rift Valley.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Reminder: Turn watches back by one hour before bed.


Day 4: Chisimba Falls (Border: Tunduma, Tanzania / Nakonde, Zambia)

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Border formalities.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Travel along the TAZARA railway line through remote territory.

  • 14:30 – Visit Chisimba Falls. Walk to the rock pools or admire views from lookout points. Return by 18:00.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Africa Theme or Smart Casual


Day 5: At Leisure on Board

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Train turned at Kapiri Mposhi.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Reminder: Book Victoria Falls activities with the historian before dinner. Cash only.


Day 6: At Leisure on Board

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Depart Lusaka and cross the 477-metre Kafue Railway Bridge.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Travel towards Zimbabwe.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 7: Victoria Falls (Border: Livingstone, Zambia / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Border formalities. Cross Victoria Falls Bridge.

  • 11:00 – Arrive at Victoria Falls. Disembark with overnight bag, walk to hotel, and enjoy welcome address and lunch at Jungle Junction.

  • 15:45 (Winter) / 16:15 (Summer) – Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

  • 19:30 – Dinner at Livingstone Room, Victoria Falls Hotel. Dress: Smart Casual (no safari-wear, shorts, sandals, sneakers)


Day 8: Victoria Falls

  • 06:30–10:00 – Breakfast at Jungle Junction Restaurant. Morning at leisure in Victoria Falls.

  • 12:00 – Lunch at Jungle Junction Restaurant.

  • 16:00 – Meet on station platform.

  • 17:00 – Depart Victoria Falls. Ensure the Train Manager has your passport.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 9: At Leisure on Board (Border: Plumtree, Zimbabwe / Francistown, Botswana)

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Border formalities.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and the Kalahari Basin.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 10: Madikwe Game Reserve (Border: Gaborone, Botswana / Kopfontein, South Africa)

  • 07:00–09:30 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • 10:00 – Transfer (±90 min) to lodge in Madikwe for two-night stay. Border formalities en route. Lunch upon arrival.

  • Afternoon – Tea and 3-hour game drive.

  • 19:00 – Dinner at the lodge. Dress: Casual


Day 11: Madikwe Game Reserve

  • Early Morning – 3-hour game drive.

  • 07:00–09:30 – Breakfast at the lodge.

  • 12:30 – Lunch at the lodge.

  • Afternoon – Tea and 3-hour game drive.

  • 19:00 – Dinner at the lodge. Dress: Casual


Day 12: Madikwe Game Reserve

  • Early Morning – 2-hour game drive.

  • 07:00–09:30 – Breakfast. Bags ready by 10:30.

  • 11:00 – Depart lodge, transfer to train at Zeerust.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 13: Pretoria

  • 06:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Train travels through the goldfields.

  • 08:30 – Transfer (±60 min) to Pretoria for city tour and lunch at Rovos Rail Station platform. Walking tour of station and locomotive workshops (weather permitting). Return (±60 min) to train.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 14: Kimberley

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • Morning – Tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Travel through the Karoo semi-desert.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: Formal


Day 15: Matjiesfontein

  • 07:00–10:00 – Breakfast in the dining cars. Optional 5 km walk from Whitehill Siding to Matjiesfontein. Explore the historic village, museum, and vintage collections.

  • 13:00 – Lunch in the dining cars. Descend escarpment through Hex River Valley, passing tunnels.

  • 16:30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.

  • 19:30 – Dinner in the dining cars. Dress: 1920s Theme or Smart Casual


Day 16: Cape Town

  • 07:00–09:30 – Breakfast in the dining cars.

  • 10:00 – Arrive at Cape Town Station. Journey ends.

Tour Includes

  • All meals and beverages, including fine wines and spirits
  • Excursions and guided tours as outlined in the itinerary
  • Onboard entertainment and activities
  • 24-hour room service

Tour Excludes

  • International flights to and from Dar es Salaam and Pretoria
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance

Pricing

Prices vary depending on the suite category and season. Please contact Good Time Heroes Safaris for the latest rates and availability.

Booking Information:

To book this unforgettable journey, visit the Good time heroes Transfers or contact their customer service team. Ensure to book well in advance, as this popular tour tends to sell out quickly.

Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Good Time Heroes Safaris, where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination. Experience the ultimate in luxury and comfort as you traverse the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Africa.

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