Travel Type
Rail & Hotels
Duration
16 Days/15 Nights
Country
ZAMBIA
This voyage sets off from the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam (a city familiar to Rovos Rail as it has been running its Cape to Dar trip there since 1993), and includes a game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter it joins the Benguela line for short walking tours detailing Angola’s recent history with journey’s end in Lobito.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Travel the Benguela Railway
• Chishimba Falls visit
• Dar es Salaam
• Kolwezi copper mine visit
• Optional walk at Makambako
• Travel through the Rift Valley
• Selous Reserve game drive
• South Luangwa game drives and overnight stays
• Travel the Tazara Railway
• Traverse the Udzungwa Mountains
Inclusions
13-night accommodation in selected suites on board of the Rovos Rail
2-night accommodation in a camp in the South Luangwa National Park
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) – Except of lunch on day 7 and 10
All beverage on board (except of international sparkling wines)
Room service on board
Limited laundry on board
Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
On-board historian and doctor
Entrance fees and park fees as per itinerary
Flights to/from South Luangwa
Government tax
Exclusions
International airfare – Transfers from/to airport or to/from the hotel – Pre and post tours – Lunch on day 7 and 10 – Off-train beverages such as premium wines, champagne and spirits – International sparkling wines on board – Gratuities to personnel & guides – Personal expenses – Visa if required – Travel insurance
Additional Information
Note
• Excursions may be changed according to the schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
• Meals on board (unless adjusted): Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30.
• Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit the Rovos Rail Museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour.
• Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.
1
DAY 1 DAR ES SALAAM
12:00 Depart from Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car and observation car, which will be at the front of the train for the first 72 hours – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy.
Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of passport. Lectures will take place throughout the journey during the morning and/or afternoon in the lounge car. Please consult Lecture Sheets for details.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of passport. Lectures will take place throughout the journey during the morning and/or afternoon in the lounge car. Please consult Lecture Sheets for details.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Selected suites – Rovos Rail for 13 nights
2
DAY 2 SELOUS GAME RESERVE
05:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 07:00.
07:00 Enjoy a game visit in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55 000km2 (time permitting).
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels towards the jungled Udzungwa Mountains and negotiates the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels of the escarpment.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mlimba for overnight. Dress: Formal.
07:00 Enjoy a game visit in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55 000km2 (time permitting).
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels towards the jungled Udzungwa Mountains and negotiates the dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels of the escarpment.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mlimba for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
DAY 3 MAKAMBAKO (optional)
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting).
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes baobab forests and ascends the Rift Valley to the border, almost exactly the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting).
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes baobab forests and ascends the Rift Valley to the border, almost exactly the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
PLEASE TURN YOUR WATCHES BACK BY ONE HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
DAY 4 CHISIMBA FALLS (border: Tunduma, Tanzania / Nakonde, Zambia)
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Border formalities take place.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels the TAZARA railway line, an engineering tour de force and one of Africa’s best-kept secrets as it passes through remote territory.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to Chisimba Falls where guests can take a pleasant walk down to the rock pools at the
base of the falls or admire them from various viewpoints. Return to the train by 18:00.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels the TAZARA railway line, an engineering tour de force and one of Africa’s best-kept secrets as it passes through remote territory.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to Chisimba Falls where guests can take a pleasant walk down to the rock pools at the
base of the falls or admire them from various viewpoints. Return to the train by 18:00.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
Chisimba Falls is a series of three waterfalls named Mutumuna, Kaela and Chishimba (Chisimba), which are separated over 300m along the Luombe River. According to Bemba tradition, the nature spirit “Chishimba” lives in a cave behind the falls therefore no bad behaviour (including fights, insults and arrogance) is allowed in this area. Though the Bemba people arrived here in the 17th century, they weren’t the first as the land surrounding the falls is dotted with evidence of Iron Age activities including kilns, smelting pipes and iron ore deposits.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
DAY 5 AT LEISURE ON BOARD
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels from Serenje to Kapiri Mposhi.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train is turned at New Kapiri Mposhi.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Ndola. Dress: Formal.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train is turned at New Kapiri Mposhi.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Ndola. Dress: Formal.
Most of the territory of Zambia forms part of the great plateau of south and east Africa displaying a gently rolling and somewhat monotonous surface, relieved at intervals by hills, small escarpments of resistant rock formations and deep valleys that form part of the great African Rift system. The countryside, although high, is thick with Miombo woodland and Raffia palms. The Continental Divide, separating the drainage to the Atlantic and Indian oceans, forms the Zambia-DRC boundary as far as the southern tip where the DRC intrudes into Zambia. It then trends northeast to leave the country about halfway between lakes Tanganyika and Malawi. The railway, in fact, follows this line very closely. In this comparatively short section of the divide are the sources of the Congo and Zambezi rivers, two of the four largest rivers on the continent.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
DAY 6 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Please pack a small overnight bag for a two-night stay in South Luangwa National Park. For your convenience we have placed bags in your suite. Please ensure you have warm clothing for the game drives. Walking safaris are available so please ensure you have the correct shoes if you would like to participate. Time of game drives confirmed on arrival. See inclusions/exclusions. Please ensure you have obtained your passport from the Train Manager or Administration Deputy.
06:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:45.
09:00 Transfer to Ndola Airport for a chartered flight (±60 min) to South Luangwa National Park, initially founded as the Luangwa Game Park in 1904 and converted to one of three game reserves in 1938. The impressive park covers about 9050km2 of the Luangwa Valley floor and lies anywhere from 500-800m above sea level. With its western and northwestern edge bounded by the Muchinga Escarpment, and the southern border lined with the meandering Luangwa River, there is no shortage of dramatic and fascinating topography in this beautiful game-rich park.
12:00 Transfer to respective camps. Enjoy lunch and check-in on arrival.
15:30 Afternoon game drive in the Luangwa Valley (approximately 3 hours).
19:30 Dinner and overnight at the camps. Dress: Casual.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Camp in the South Luangwa National Park for 2 nights
7
DAY 7 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
06:00 Enjoy a continental breakfast.
06:30 Early morning game drive (±180 min).
10:00 Brunch is served. Afternoon at leisure.
15:30 Afternoon game drive (±180 min).
19:30 Dinner and overnight at the camps. Dress: Casual.
06:30 Early morning game drive (±180 min).
10:00 Brunch is served. Afternoon at leisure.
15:30 Afternoon game drive (±180 min).
19:30 Dinner and overnight at the camps. Dress: Casual.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
8
DAY 8 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK (border: Ndola, Zambia / Sakania, Drc)
Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection.
Breakfast, a morning game drive (±120 min) and check-out times will be confirmed.
Breakfast, a morning game drive (±120 min) and check-out times will be confirmed.
Transfer to the airport for the chartered flight (±60 min) to Ndola.
12:00 Transfer to Ndola Station to rejoin the train.
Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of passport.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels towards the border.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Lubumbashi. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
DAY 9 LUBUMBASHI
06:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:00.
08:00 Enjoy a drive through the city of Lubumbashi.
11:00 Rejoin the train and travel towards Lukuni.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Luishia, an old open-pit copper and cobalt mine.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kolwezi for overnight. Dress: Formal).
08:00 Enjoy a drive through the city of Lubumbashi.
11:00 Rejoin the train and travel towards Lukuni.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Luishia, an old open-pit copper and cobalt mine.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kolwezi for overnight. Dress: Formal).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
DAY 10 COPPER MINE
06:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:00.
08:00 Disembark at Kolwezi for a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources.
10:30 Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge.
13:00 Return to the train. Depart for Kasombo.
15:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mutshatsha for overnight. Dress: Formal.
08:00 Disembark at Kolwezi for a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources.
10:30 Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge.
13:00 Return to the train. Depart for Kasombo.
15:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mutshatsha for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
11
DAY 11 AT LEISURE ON BOARD
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Kakopa en route to Malonga.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Dilolo. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Kakopa en route to Malonga.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Dilolo. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual.
PLEASE TURN YOUR WATCHES BACK AN HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12
DAY 12 LUAU (border: Dilolo, Drc / Luau, Angola)
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Border formalities take place.
11:00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luau, the start of the Benguela line.
12:00 The train departs for Luena.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train travels alongside the Cassai River. The catchment of the Cassai River encompasses a vast eco-region of 900 000km2 with an incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia, there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fishermen at work.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luena for overnight. Dress: Formal.
11:00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luau, the start of the Benguela line.
12:00 The train departs for Luena.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train travels alongside the Cassai River. The catchment of the Cassai River encompasses a vast eco-region of 900 000km2 with an incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia, there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fishermen at work.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luena for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13
DAY 13 LUENA
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
10:00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola.
11:00 Depart for Tchicala Tcholohanga.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kuito for overnight. Dress: Formal.
10:00 Enjoy a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola.
11:00 Depart for Tchicala Tcholohanga.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Kuito for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14
DAY 14 KUITO
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00.
09:00 Enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom.
11:00 Depart for Huambo.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Huambo for overnight. Dress: Formal.
09:00 Enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom.
11:00 Depart for Huambo.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Huambo for overnight. Dress: Formal.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15
DAY 15 HUAMBO
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00.
09:00 Enjoy a tour of Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the old kingdoms on the central plateau.
11:00 Depart for Lépi.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Cubal for overnight. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual.
09:00 Enjoy a tour of Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the old kingdoms on the central plateau.
11:00 Depart for Lépi.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Cubal for overnight. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16
DAY 16 LOBITO
Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection by 09:45 and that you have your passport.
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.
10:00 Arrive at journey’s end, Lobito Station, Benguela Province, Angola.
The above itinerary is available in reverse too (Lobito to Dar es Salaam).
Meals : Breakfast
ROVOS RAIL
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars (±42 seats), a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop, smoking lounge (±11 seats) and observation car (±32 seats) with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites available – Pullman (7sqm), Deluxe (10sqm) and Royal (16sqm) – offer passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.
The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. The lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days.
Days on board are smart casual while evening attire is more formal. On long journeys you can enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. The bar menu is comprehensive although special items such as French Champagne would need to be requested in advance. Breakfast: 07:00-10:00 • Lunch: 13:00 • Tea: 16:30 • Formal Dinner: 19:30. Bar service is from 07:00-±01:00. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the itineraries.
PULLMAN SUITES
The Pullmans, used on the short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. Please note in the animation that we indicate a bar fridge, however, these have been removed from the Pullmans.
DELUXE SUITES
The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
ROYAL SUITES
The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
| Dates of departures 2025 – DAR ES SALAAM TO LOBITO | |||
| July 22 | |||
| Dates of departures 2025 – LOBITO TO DAR ES SALAAM | |||
| August 9 |
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Train Package | ||
| Departures 2025 | Double | Single | |
| Pullman Suites | 23229 | 33549 | |
| Deluxe Suites | 30799 | 44169 | |
| Royal Suites | 34819 | NA | |
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Trail of two oceans – Detailed itinerary
Trail of two oceans – Detailed itinerary
