Luxury Train Holiday in Dar es Salaam in September 2028

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Dar es Salaam to Cape Town (16 nights) on Rovos Rail

Dar es Salaam to Cape Town (16 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Dar es Salaam

Enjoy complimentary accommodation at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel (or equivalent) before your journey, courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com. Check in at the Serena Hotel on Ohio Street at 09h30 before transferring to Tazara Station for your scheduled 12h00 departure. Rail enthusiasts take note: the observation car leads the (deliberately unhurried) charge right behind the locomotive for the first 72 hours. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train traverses the fertile coastal plains of Tanzania to Fuga Halt. Do not stay up too late enjoying the barman's hospitality, as breakfast tomorrow is at 05h00.

Day 2: Nyerere National Park & The Udzungwa Escarpment

Breakfast is served at 05h00 before an early morning game visit into Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), spanning a massive 30,000km² (time and weather permitting). Return to the train for lunch as it approaches the jungled Udzungwa Mountains and climbs the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts, and tunnels of the escarpment. Enjoy afternoon tea and a formal dinner en route to Mlimba.

Day 3: Makambako & The Great Rift Valley

Breakfast is served until 10h00, followed by an optional morning stroll through the highland town of Makambako (time permitting) and lunch on board before departing at 13h30. Spend the afternoon in the lounge and observation cars as the train traverses the Great Rift Valley and baobab forests towards Mbeya and the border town of Tunduma. Dinner is formal. Please remember to turn your watches back by one hour before retiring for the evening.

Day 4: Into Zambia on the TAZARA Line

Breakfast is served until 10h00 while Tanzanian and Zambian border formalities take place. Over lunch and afternoon tea, the train rolls along the TAZARA railway line - a 1,860km engineering tour de force and one of Africa's best-kept secrets, which you will uncover at a wonderfully civilised pace. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual as the train travels to Kanona.

Day 5: Kundalila Falls

After breakfast, disembark to visit Kundalila Falls, where the Kaombe River plunges 70 metres down the scenic Muchinga Escarpment into a natural rock pool. Return to the train for lunch en route to Serenje. During dinner at New Kapiri Mposhi, the train is turned so the observation car returns to its traditional position at the rear of the train. Dress code is formal.

Day 6: Through Central Zambia & Lusaka

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast until 10h00 and lunch in the dining cars as the train travels south towards Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Time permitting, a brief afternoon excursion is offered; otherwise, relax over high tea at 16h30 before a formal dinner en route to Kafue.

Day 7: The Kafue Bridge to Livingstone

After breakfast, the train crosses the 477-metre-long Kafue Railway Bridge - a steel girder truss bridge resting on concrete piers over the Kafue River. Spend a tranquil day on board enjoying lunch, lectures, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train approaches Livingstone.

Day 8: Victoria Falls & Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Please pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Victoria Falls. Breakfast is served until 10h00 while Zambian and Zimbabwean border formalities take place. Glide across the famous Victoria Falls Bridge and arrive at Victoria Falls Station at 11h00. Walk straight across to The Victoria Falls Hotel for a welcome address on the lawn and lunch at Jungle Junction. In the late afternoon, meet in the foyer for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, followed by dinner in the Livingstone Room at The Victoria Falls Hotel (smart casual dress code - strictly no safari-wear, shorts, sandals, or trainers).

Day 9: Victoria Falls & Hwange's Edge

Breakfast is served at Jungle Junction Restaurant until 10h00, leaving the day free to explore Victoria Falls at your own pace, with lunch included at the hotel. Meet on the station platform at 15h00 to depart Victoria Falls at 16h00. Enjoy a formal dinner as the train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line (114 kilometres) bordering Hwange National Park.

Day 10: Into Botswana & The Kalahari Basin

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 and lunch in the dining cars as border formalities into Botswana are completed. Spend the afternoon in the observation car watching the acacia scrubland along the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin drift past before a formal dinner en route to Mahalapye.

Day 11: Tropic of Capricorn & Madikwe Game Reserve

Please pack a small overnight bag for your two-night stay in Madikwe. Breakfast is served until 09h30 as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn - an invisible geographic milestone best celebrated with a visible gin and tonic. Disembark in Gaborone and transfer by road across the South African border to a luxury lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Enjoy lunch on arrival, afternoon tea, an afternoon game drive, and a casual bush dinner at the lodge.

Day 12: Big Five Safari in Madikwe

Head out on an early morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast until 09h30. Relax at the lodge over lunch, then enjoy afternoon tea and another three-hour game drive in search of lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and Madikwe's famous wild dogs. Dinner at the lodge is casual.

Day 13: Rejoining the Train at Zeerust

Enjoy one last early morning game drive and breakfast at the lodge until 09h30 before transferring back to the train at Zeerust. Lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner are served on board as the train travels across the Highveld towards Union.

Day 14: Pretoria & Capital Park Workshops

Following breakfast, transfer to Pretoria for a guided city tour and lunch on the platform at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station, complete with a walking tour of the station museum and locomotive workshops. Reboard the train for a formal dinner as it heads south towards Bloemfontein.

Day 15: Kimberley & The Big Hole

Breakfast is served until 09h00 as the train enters the Northern Cape. After lunch, disembark for a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole before returning to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner as you traverse the Great Karoo.

Day 16: Matjiesfontein & Hex River Tunnels

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before disembarking at Matjiesfontein to stroll through the preserved 1884 Victorian village, including the railway museum and vintage car collection beside the Lord Milner Hotel. About an hour after leaving Matjiesfontein, the train enters the first of four tunnels and descends 750m down the Hex River escarpment towards Worcester. Celebrate your final night on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner.

Day 17: Arrival in Cape Town

Breakfast is served until 10h00. Raise a final glass of Cape wine as you roll through the winelands and enjoy lunch on board before arriving at Cape Town Station at 15h00. You will be ushered across to the Rovos Rail Lounge for a complimentary chauffeur transfer to St James Manor (subject to availability, or a 5-star equivalent), owned by Rovos Rail, for a complimentary overnight stay courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com.

Special Offer: 2 nights before at Serena Hotel, 5 nights after at St James Manor (owned by Rovos), guided walk/hike excursion in Cape Town, free transfers.
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
9 Sep 2028 (10h00) 6 Deluxe 4 Pullman
PULLMAN: USD 20,020 per person sharing
DELUXE: USD 26,400 per person sharing
ROYAL: USD 34,650 per person sharing

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Rovos Rail The Blue Train

Suite Categories & Dimensions

Pullman Suite ±7 m²

Wood-panelled cabin with a daytime sofa that converts to twin or double beds (or upper/lower bunks on long hauls) and an en-suite shower, basin, and toilet.

Deluxe Suite ±10 m²

Permanent double or twin beds (no daytime conversion needed), a dedicated lounge seating area, bar fridge, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower.

Royal Suite ±16 m²

Occupies half a carriage. Features a permanent double or twin bed, private lounge area, and a full en-suite bathroom with both a Victorian claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Pacing & Route to Dar es Salaam

16 Nights (17 days) on the legendary Cape Town to Dar es Salaam expedition across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Atmosphere

Victorian Edwardian elegance. Expect rich wood panelling, openable windows in the observation car, traditional silver-service dining, and a classic, romantic ambience where guests dress formally for dinner.

Connectivity

Intentionally devoid of WiFi, televisions, or onboard radios to preserve the historic golden-era atmosphere and encourage a true, inescapable digital detox.

Pretoria Station

Operates from its own magnificent, privately owned Capital Park Station, which functions as a working locomotive restoration depot, railway museum, and exclusive departure lounge.

Excursions

Includes Matjiesfontein, Kimberley, Pretoria, a two-night Big Five safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, an overnight stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel with a Zambezi sunset cruise, Chisimba/Kundalila Falls, the TAZARA railway through the Udzungwa Mountains, and Nyerere National Park (Selous).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, Rovos Rail demonstrated high adaptability by rerouting affected journeys to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), providing guests with a viable luxury travel alternative alongside refund options.

Suite Categories & Dimensions

De Luxe Suite ±8 m²

Elegant daytime lounge that converts into twin beds (with en-suite shower) or a double bed (with three-quarter bath and handheld shower), complete with 24-hour personal butler service.

Luxury Suite ±10 m²

Extended suite offering an extra metre of cabin length, twin or double bed configurations, a full-sized en-suite bathtub with overhead shower, and a private digital entertainment system.

Pacing & Route to Dar es Salaam

The Blue Train does not operate trans-African routes to Tanzania; its scheduled departures run between Pretoria and Cape Town (3 days / 2 nights).

Atmosphere

Contemporary five-star luxury. Think of a modern boutique hotel on wheels with soundproofed carpeted carriages, gold-tinted picture windows, personal butlers, and a dedicated post-dinner Cuban cigar lounge car.

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi and in-suite entertainment screens are available throughout the train for guests who wish to stay connected (or who simply cannot bear to be parted from their inbox).

Pretoria Station

Departs from the main Pretoria Train Station (or occasionally Irene Station in Centurion), where guests are hosted with canapes and live music in a dedicated VIP pre-departure lounge.

Excursions

On its Pretoria - Cape Town route, The Blue Train includes a guided stop at Kimberley (southbound) or Matjiesfontein (northbound).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, The Blue Train maintained a firm focus on its primary Cape mainline schedule, cancelling affected Pretoria - Cape Town services while offering guests full refunds or alternative dates.

The Grand East African Rail Voyage

The legendary journey to Dar es Salaam is a monumental 16-night expedition that captures the true essence of African exploration. Winding through the Great Rift Valley and the vast Nyerere National Park (Selous), arriving at the Tanzanian coast by luxury rail is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Aboard iconic locomotives like Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, guests are immediately immersed in five-star elegance, creating a striking contrast between the rugged African wilderness outside and the refined luxury inside.

Sweeping Vistas and Safari Charm

The on-board experience is designed to be completely effortless. You can expect spacious, wood-panelled suites with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated room service, and impeccable attention to detail. Dining is a grand affair, featuring multi-course meals prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - all expertly paired with award-winning South African wines.

The pace of the journey is deliberately unhurried, encouraging you to disconnect from modern distractions and savour the passing scenery from a dedicated observation car, perhaps with a classic gin and tonic in hand. Depending on your chosen route, the itinerary often includes curated off-train excursions, such as private game drives or historical town tours, adding rich context to your holiday.

How to Secure Your Suite

Securing your suite on these high-demand routes requires careful planning. Cabins - particularly the premium Royal and Deluxe suites - are strictly limited and often book out many months in advance. To make securing your journey as straightforward as possible, we manage all enquiries through a direct, personalised booking service via WhatsApp and email.

When you find a route and date that aligns with your travel plans, simply click the "Book on WhatsApp" button on the relevant itinerary card above. This will automatically open a pre-filled message directly to our dedicated booking team. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email with your preferred travel dates and cabin class.

From that initial contact, we take care of all the logistics. We personally verify real-time availability with the train operators, confirm the exact pricing per person sharing (pps), and place a provisional hold on your suite. Once you review the details and are completely satisfied to proceed, we will guide you through the secure payment process and issue your official travel documents. You pay the exact public rates set by the train operators - there are no hidden markups or booking fees. Our goal is to provide honest, efficient support from your very first enquiry until the moment you disembark.

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