Cape Town to Dar es Salaam: Africa’s Most Legendary Rail Journey

From Table Mountain to the Swahili coast, this is Africa’s most storied rail odyssey — 5,800km of landscapes, legends, and luxury. Traverse the continent aboard the Rovos Rail Tanzania route, where each mile whispers history and every suite cradles comfort.

Suite prices for 2026 start at $16,500 per person sharing a Pullman suite. Deluxe suites offer more space at $21,800, while Royal suites — a half coach of pure luxury — are priced at $28,600. A luxury train from South Africa to Tanzania is the ultimate way to explore the continent.

We’re offering a summer special for select departures. Whether you're seeking the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam

Guest Reviews

“Awesome vacation — a must for everyone!”

Sam Frederick — ★★★★★

Itinerary: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Train

  • Day 1: Depart Cape Town Station at 16h00. Travel through the Hex River Valley. Dinner on board. Dress: Formal.
  • Day 2: Explore Matjiesfontein’s museum and vintage rail relics. Traverse the Karoo. Dress: Formal.
  • Day 3: Tour Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. Overnight en route to Klerksdorp.
  • Day 4: Pretoria city tour and station lunch. Visit Rovos workshops. Depart for Zeerust.
  • Day 5: Transfer to Madikwe Game Reserve. Afternoon safari and lodge stay. Dress: Casual.
  • Day 6: Morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight at Tau Lodge in Madikwe.
  • Day 7: Final safari. Rejoin train via Gaborone. Cross Tropic of Capricorn and Kalahari Basin. Dress: Formal.
  • Day 8: Leisure day on board. Historian lectures. Pass Hwange National Park. Border: Plumtree, Zimbabwe.
  • Day 9: Arrive at Victoria Falls. Sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Dinner at Livingstone Room. Dress: Smart Casual.
  • Day 10: Leisure in Victoria Falls. Depart via Victoria Falls Bridge to Zambia. Border formalities.
  • Day 11: Cross the Kafue Railway Bridge. Pass Lusaka. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual.
  • Day 12: Travel the TAZARA Railway through remote Zambia. Historian lectures. Dress: Formal.
  • Day 13: Visit Chisimba Falls. Cross into Tanzania. Descend Rift Valley past baobab forests. Dress: Formal.
  • Day 14: Optional stroll in Makambako. Scenic descent through Udzungwa Mountains.
  • Day 15: Game visit in Nyerere National Park. Traverse Tanzania’s fertile highlands. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual.
  • Day 16: Arrive in Dar es Salaam. End of journey. Optional ferry to Zanzibar completes the rail odyssey.
Start or end your Rovos Rail Trip in Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the journey?
    16 days from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, with optional ferry to Zanzibar.
  • What is included in the price?
    All meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), excursions, game drives, and overnight stays at select lodges and hotels.
  • What is the dress code?
    Formal for dinners, smart casual for excursions. Theme nights include “Africa” and “1920s”.
  • Are visas required?
    Yes. Guests are responsible for securing visas for South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.
  • Is the train air-conditioned?
    Yes. All suites and public areas are fully air-conditioned.
  • Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
    Absolutely. Please notify Rovos Rail in advance.
  • Is Wi-Fi available?
    Limited connectivity on board. Wi-Fi available at select lodges and hotels.
  • What wildlife can I expect?
    Big 5 sightings in Madikwe and Nyerere National Park, plus flamingos, baobab forests, and Hwange edge views.
  • Can I extend my journey to Zanzibar?
    Yes. Rovos Rail offers optional ferry transfer from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
  • How do I book?
    This journey is available exclusively through Luxury Trains & Safaris. My team and I personally curate every itinerary, ensuring seamless travel and exceptional service from start to finish.
  • What’s included?
    All meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), curated excursions, game drives, and overnight stays at select lodges and hotels — plus our signature concierge support throughout.
  • Can I customize my journey?
    Absolutely. We offer tailored extensions to Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and beyond — including handpicked hotels and private safaris.
  • Why book with us?
    Because this is our kryptonite: intuitive service, poetic precision, and a deep love for crafting legacy-worthy journeys. We don’t just sell travel — we curate experience.
  • When should I book?
    Ideally 6–18 months in advance. Peak seasons fill quickly and availability is limited.

Every journey begins with a conversation. If this itinerary stirs something in you — a longing for rhythm, for wilderness, for timeless rail — we’d be honoured to curate it.

My team and I specialize in luxury rail and safari experiences across Africa. We listen, we tailor, we care. Let’s craft something unforgettable.

Start Your Journey

A Symphony of Journeys

Beyond Dar es Salaam lies a constellation of luxury train journeys — each one a curated passage through Africa’s soul. From desert dunes to coastal cliffs, from winelands to wildlife, Rovos Rail offers 10+ immersive itineraries across Southern and East Africa.

These include the reimagined Southern Cross, Dune Express, and African Collage — once part of the Shongololo Express legacy, now elevated under Rovos Rail’s stewardship. Each journey blends 5-star comfort with off-train excursions, cultural depth, and timeless elegance.

If you're searching for Rovos Rail prices, itinerary comparisons, or African rail safaris with bespoke extensions, you're in the right place. My team and I specialize in curating these experiences — tailoring every detail, from train suites to safari lodges, with intuitive care and poetic precision.

Explore All Journeys

Luxury Rail, Safari, and Story

Rovos Rail journeys are more than travel — they’re curated odysseys through Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you're comparing Rovos Rail prices or exploring luxury train itineraries, each experience is tailored for the discerning adventurer.

  • 🍽️ Gourmet Dining
    Enjoy world-class cuisine and fine wines aboard historic coaches, with views that shift from savannah to mountain.
  • 🦁 African Safaris
    Encounter wildlife on guided excursions — intimate, unforgettable, and woven into your rail journey.
  • 🏛️ Cultural Discovery
    Explore heritage sites and local traditions with expert guides, enriching your itinerary with depth and story.

From Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Namibia to Dar es Salaam — every Rovos Rail route offers timeless luxury, curated adventure, and seamless service.

Let’s Begin Your Journey

Whether you're ready to book or simply exploring options, we’d love to hear from you. Every journey starts with a conversation — and we’re here to listen.

Victoria Falls Zambezi cruise

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Trail of Two Oceans

Rovos Rail’s Dar es Salaam to Lobito journey offers a rare coast-to-coast passage across Africa. This 15-night expedition — known as the Trail of Two Oceans — begins in Tanzania and ends in Angola, traversing over 2,600 miles through Zambia and the DRC.

Highlights include a game drive in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in safari to South Luangwa, and heritage tours in Lubumbashi, Luena, and Huambo. It’s a journey of scale, story, and spectacle — ideal for seasoned travelers seeking something truly unique.

Introduced in 2019, this lesser-known route complements the iconic Cape Town–Dar journey and offers new opportunities for luxury rail enthusiasts. If you're exploring Rovos Rail prices or planning a long-form African rail safari, this is a journey worth considering.

What Others Say

From coast-to-coast journeys to intimate safaris, our guests have shared heartfelt reflections on their Rovos Rail experiences. If you're curious about what others have said — or simply seeking reassurance before you book — we invite you to explore their stories.

Read Customer Reviews