Luxury Train tip: Also check the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam route if you prefer the northbound journey.
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The Ultimate African Odyssey:
Dar es Salaam to Cape Town
Embark on the ultimate southbound African expedition. Board the vintage, wood-panelled carriages of Rovos Rail in Tanzania and spend 17 days traversing the heart of the continent. From the vibrant shores of Dar es Salaam, through the Great Rift Valley, past the thundering Victoria Falls, and down into the majestic Cape, this is the grand dream of trans-African exploration brought to life in unparalleled comfort.
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.
Live Availability and Fares (ZAR)
Please note: The 2026 journeys from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town are almost entirely sold out. We strongly recommend checking 2027 availability below.
Train Bookings
Prices auto-adjusted for exchange rates. WhatsApp Rob at 27824795197 for help.
Availability last updated: 24-Apr-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.
View Booking & Cancellation Terms
Because this is Rovos Rail's best-selling flagship itinerary, it consistently sells out well in advance. We are unable to hold suites without firm sales commitments, as the demand simply does not allow for speculative allocations.
Payment Terms
- 14 Days after booking: 25% of the booking amount is required as a deposit to secure your suite.
- 60 Days before departure: The final 75% of the booking total is due.
Cancellation Terms
Deposits are refundable up to 366 days prior to departure, after which an incremental cancellation charge applies:
- 365 - 91 Days before departure: 10% Cancellation charge of booking total.
- 90 - 61 Days before departure: 25% Cancellation charge of booking total (Deposit is forfeit).
- 60 - 31 Days before departure: 50% Cancellation charge of booking total.
- 30 - 0 Days before departure: 100% Cancellation charge of booking total.
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 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
When to Travel: Regional Climate Guide
Crossing half the African continent means navigating multiple climate zones. Choose your departure based on what matters most to your experience:
❄️ July & August (Winter/Dry)
- Game Viewing: Exceptional. Sparse vegetation in Madikwe and Selous makes spotting the Big Five much easier.
- Weather: Cool, crisp mornings and comfortable days. Expect chilly nights in the Karoo desert.
- Victoria Falls: High water levels with good visibility and slightly less obscuring mist.
☀️ September & October (Spring/Hot)
- Game Viewing: Excellent, as wildlife congregates tightly around the remaining permanent water sources.
- Weather: Rapidly heating up, especially in Zambia and Tanzania (temperatures can exceed 35°C).
- Victoria Falls: Lower water levels, offering a dramatically different, rocky view of the deep gorge.
The 17-Day Southbound 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.
Download the detailed Itinerary PDF here.
On the first day, you will board the Rovos Rail train at the TAZARA Railway Station in Dar es Salaam. In the video and photo below, you can see the platform covered by a very distinctive, large, curved concrete roof constructed in the 1970s.
Days 1 - 4: Tanzania & The Great Rift Valley
- Day 1 (Dar es Salaam): Depart TAZARA Station and travel into the Selous Game Reserve.
- Day 2 (Selous): Enjoy a game visit in the Selous reserve (time permitting) before traversing the Udzungwa Mountains.
- Day 3 (Makambako): Disembark for a stroll through the town of Makambako before descending the spectacular Rift Valley into Mbeya.
- Day 4 (On Board): Cross the border into Zambia and travel towards Kasama.
Days 5 - 8: Zambia & The TAZARA Line
- Day 5 (Chisimba Falls): Disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls.
- Day 6 (On Board): Travel through the Zambian wilderness towards the capital, Lusaka.
- Day 7 (Kafue): Cross the Kafue Railway Bridge (a 477-metre steel girder truss) and travel towards Livingstone.
- Day 8 (On Board): Cross the border into Zimbabwe, heading towards the majestic Victoria Falls.
Days 9 - 11: Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe
- Days 9 & 10 (Victoria Falls): Disembark for a multi-day stop at Victoria Falls. Enjoy sunset cruises on the Zambezi, guided walking tours of the falls, and a stay at a luxury hotel.
- Day 11 (On Board): Re-board the train and travel south, passing Hwange National Park along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km).
Days 12 - 14: Botswana & Madikwe Safari
- Day 12 (On Board): Cross the border into Botswana and travel down towards Gaborone.
- Days 13 & 14 (Madikwe Game Reserve): Cross the border into South Africa and 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 15 - 17: Pretoria, Karoo & Cape Town Arrival
- Day 15 (Pretoria): Stop at the private Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria for a tour.
- Day 16 (Kimberley): Disembark for a tour of the historic diamond mining town and the Big Hole. Proceed south through the Karoo.
- Day 17 (Cape Town): Travel through the Hex River Valley. Expected arrival at Cape Town Station is at 18:00. Journey's end.
🛎️ Extend Your Luxury in Cape Town
Your journey concludes at Cape Town Station at 18:00. Ensure a seamless transition with our post-trip concierge services.
Private Transfers
Chauffeur-driven luxury transfers directly from the platform to your Cape Town hotel or Cape Town International Airport.
St James Manor
Continue the Rovos experience at their exclusive seaside retreat in Kalk Bay, featuring 5-star service and ocean views.
⚠️ 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.
🏥 Mandatory Health & Medical Requirements
A trans-African journey requires strict medical preparation to ensure a seamless border experience and your personal safety.
- Yellow Fever: Because this journey traverses Tanzania and Zambia, South African border control mandates a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry. You must carry the physical booklet.
- Malaria Prophylaxis: The train travels through high-risk malaria areas, specifically the Selous Game Reserve and Victoria Falls. Please consult your physician regarding appropriate anti-malarial medication.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strictly mandatory for this expedition. Proof of insurance may be requested prior to boarding.
Is the 17-Day Expedition Right For You?
This transcontinental journey is the ultimate bucket-list adventure, but it requires a specific type of traveller. Take our 30-second quiz to see if you are ready for the Dar es Salaam epic, or if a shorter route suits you better.
Your Recommended Route:
Related Logistics & Planning
👔 Dress Code Guide
Not sure what to pack? Read our complete guide to daytime smart-casual and formal evening wear.
🛏️ Compare Suites
Explore the differences between Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal suites to find your perfect fit.
Enquire / Book Now
Email "Rovos Rob" at rob@southafrica.to, or use the form below to ask a travel expert for assistance.
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