- Departure; Scheduled departure dates
- Duration; 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Lodging; Aboard Rovos Rail
- Group Size; Minimum 1
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Day 1: Matjiesfontein
- 11h00 Depart Cape Town Station on the Pride of Africa.
- 18h00 Arrive in Matjiesfontein and explore the quaint village.
- Dinner and overnight on the train.
Day 2: Karoo
- 14h00 Tour of Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum.
- Ten minutes after departing Kimberley a shallow lake appears on the left-hand side of the train where, on most occasions, there are spectacular flocks of Lesser Flamingos (approximately 23 000).
- Travel from the Karoo to the Highveld.
- Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3: North West Province
- 10h00 Arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria. Enjoy a walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops (weather permitting) followed by lunch on the platform and a city tour of Pretoria at 14h15.
- 18h00 Depart for Zeerust in the North West Province.
- Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Madikwe Game Reserve
- 11h00 Disembark at Zeerust and transfer by coach to Madikwe Reserve for a two-night stay at TAU Game Lodge.
- Lunch is served upon arrival at the lodge.
- Afternoon tea and game drive (approximately 3 hours).
- Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Madikwe Game Reserve
- Enjoy an early morning game drive, afternoon game drive and other guest activities.
- Overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Botswana
- Early morning game drive followed by breakfast until 09h30.
- 10h30 Transfer to the train at with border formalities en route to Gaborone, Botswana.
- 13h30 Depart Gaborone and travel to Plumtree for border formalities and overnight.
Day 7: Zimbabwe
- A day at leisure on board.
- Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the onboard historian.
- The train passes Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park where occasional sightings of animals can occur.
- The train heads for Thompson’s Junction for the overnight stop.
Day 8: Victoria Falls
- 12h00 Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls and walk across to the hotel.
- Enjoy lunch.
- 16h00 Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River.
- Buffet dinner at Jungle Junction
- Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Victoria Falls
- A day at leisure in the Victoria Falls with activities (tour of Falls, helicopter over Falls, an elephant-back safari, walk with lions, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc).
- 16h00 Depart Victoria Falls and cross the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia.
Day 10: Zambia
- A day at leisure on board.
- Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the onboard historian.
- The train travels across the Kafue railway bridge – a 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers – towards Kapiri Mposhi and the start of the TAZARA railway line.
Day 11: Zambia
- Enjoy a day at leisure on the train.
- Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the onboard historian.
- The train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama.
Day 12: Chisimba Falls
- 08h00 Disembark at Kasama for a morning excursion to Chisimba Falls.
- 11h00 Depart from Kasama and travel towards the Tanzanian border.
Day 13: Tanzania
- 09h00 Arrive at Makambako where guests may enjoy a stroll through the town – time permitting.
- 10h30 Depart and travel towards Mlimba.
- The train descends into the Rift Valley and through the Udzungwa Mountains as it negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment.
- A day at leisure on the train with lectures by the onboard historian.
Day 14: Safari ends Dar es Salaam
- 06h30 Depart Gwata in and travel in an easterly direction towards the coast.
- 07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 09h30.
- 10h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITINERARY ALSO RUN IN REVERSE
Rates from US$12 450.00 pp sharing
- Per person sharing
- Rates are in USÂ Dollars
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- All meals
- All local alcoholic and other beverages
- 24-hour full room service
- Bar facilities
- Limited laundry service
- Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide (where applicable)
- Entrance fees to places of interest, per itinerary
- Government tax
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Flights (domestic and international)
- Staff gratuities
- French Champagne
- Memorabilia purchases
- Off train costs and purchases
- Fully comprehensive travel insurance
- Sabi Sand Lodges
Nestled in the southwestern corner of the legendary Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve is a jewel of the African wilderness. This pristine sanctuary is not only renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for hosting some of Africa's most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges. Famed for its exceptionally high density of wildlife and intimate, up-close animal encounters, the Sabi Sand is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings.
Iconic safari names like Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi, and Singita call this reserve home, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences, particularly for the elusive leopard, thanks to years of careful conservation and habituation. These lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing guests with world-class service, exquisite dining, and intimate encounters with the Big Five, making every safari an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.
- Timbavati Lodges
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's bushveld, within the greater Kruger National Park area, Timbavati Private Game Reserve offers a safari experience like no other. The reserve is not just a destination; it's a vibrant, breathing canvas where the wild roams free and nature unfolds in its timeless rhythm. Safari lodges and camps within Timbavati are more than mere accommodations; they are gateways to an immersive adventure into the wilderness.
The allure of staying at a safari lodge or camp in Timbavati lies in the unparalleled access to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. Guests wake up to the sounds of nature, with mornings greeted by birdcalls and evenings underscored by the distant roar of lions. These establishments are committed to conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that every safari drive, guided walk, or night under the stars contributes to preserving this untouched ecosystem for future generations.
- Cape Town Game Reserves
Experience the thrill of a "Big 5" safari near Cape Town! With the magnificent Karoo as a backdrop and the unique Fynbos biome, the Western Cape province offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.
Visitors can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, Buffalo and leopards amongst other wildlife along with some pretty amazing birdlife.
There are several Malaria-free game reserves within a 2-3 hours' drive from Cape Town offering luxury accommodation options with private air charters available at some reserves.
- MalaMala Lodges
MalaMala is more than just a game reserve; it's the blueprint for luxury photographic safaris in South Africa. Established in 1927, it's considered one of the best reserves in Africa, consistently offering incredible wildlife viewing. This vast, thriving wilderness covers an impressive 13,300 hectares, providing an unspoiled habitat for a diverse range of species.
Bordered by the Sabie River, a permanent water source, this area attracts an incredible concentration of animals, including the "Big Five." Its unique location offers exciting and exclusive wildlife encounters, without the usual crowds. Within the reserve are four exceptional camps, designed to blend with the natural environment while providing top-tier comfort, service, and immersive safari adventures.
- Shamwari lodges
Shamwari Game Reserve is a premier wildlife and safari destination in the Eastern Cape, home to the famous "Big Five" and numerous other plains game and bird species; this malaria-free game reserve has been recognized for its incredible conservation efforts and luxury lodges.
With miles of untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, the Shamwari Game Reserve offers visitors an unforgettable experience that will surely be cherished for years to come.
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Shamwari provides something extraordinary that can not be found anywhere else.
- Singita Lodges
For decades, the Singita lodges within this exquisite portfolio have unquestionably epitomized the absolute pinnacle of luxury safari, consistently setting unrivaled standards in accommodation, conservation, and impeccable, personalized service. Each lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment while offering world-class amenities.
If your quest is for the finest, most unforgettable experience imaginable—the very best that the safari industry offers—then your search culminates magnificently with any one of these extraordinary Singita lodges. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, they promise an unparalleled journey into the heart of the wild.