Rovos Rail’s luxury train The Pride of Africa runs between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam several times annually. This 14-day private rail tour stretches across South Africa and Botswana, touches Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls, and crosses Zambia to Tanzania. From Kimberley’s diamonds to a deluxe South Africa game lodge, from the very British Victoria Falls Hotel to Africa’s Great Rift Valley, every day is unique. One highlight: a two-night stay at the five-star Tau Game Lodge with many game drives. Combine with the Blue Train, another South African luxury train, for a unique view of the African subcontinent’s diverse, spectacular scenery.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Depart Cape Town Station aboard Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa this morning. Arrive Matjiesfontein this evening; time to explore this Victorian village before dinner and overnight on the train.
Day 2: Kimberley
Breakfast and lunch on board before afternoon arrival in Kimberley. Visit Big Hole and Diamond Museum with historic tram ride. Return to train for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Pretoria
Arrive Pretoria this afternoon. A light lunch is followed by a city tour. Dinner and overnight on the train.
Day 4: Tau Game Lodge
Arrive in Zeerust for full board, two-night stay at the five-star Tau Game Lodge.
Day 5: Tau Game Lodge
Optional early morning game drive, evening game drive or other activities. Overnight at lodge.
Day 6: Tau Game Lodge; Botswana
Early morning game drive. Transfer to the train for a noon departure from Gaborone, Botswana. Border formalities en route.
Day 7: Zimbabwe
After border formalities, travel through Zimbabwe, with lectures by a historian in the morning and afternoon.
Day 8: Victoria Falls
Arrive Victoria Falls this morning. Transfer from station to the Victoria Falls Hotel. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River followed by African Spectacular Show. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Victoria Falls
Day at leisure. Optional activities include tour of the Falls, round of golf, helicopter tour of the Falls, more. Depart Victoria Falls late afternoon and complete border formalities for entry to Zambia.
Day 10: On board
Pass through Lusaka, Zambia. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board with lectures in the morning and afternoon.
Day 11: Kundalila Falls
Arrive Kanona for brunch outing at Kundalila Falls. Depart mid-afternoon. Dinner on board, passing through Mpika and Kasama overnight.
Day 12: Arrive Tanzania
Arrive Nakonde/Tunduma for Zambian/Tanzanian border control. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 13: Mlimba
Arrive Makambako. Descend spectacular pass to Mlimba.
Day 14: Dar es Salaam
Arrive Kiduna and continue journey through Mzenga to Dar es Salaam. Breakfast on board before arrival (scheduled for 10 a.m.)
2009 Dates:
July 4-17 (NB)
July 20-Aug. 2 (SB)
Aug. 15-28 (NB)
Aug. 31-Sept. 13 (SB)
Sept. 26-Oct. 9 (NB)
Oct. 12-25 (SB)
2010 Dates:
Jan. 23-Feb. 5 (NB)*
Feb. 8-21 (SB)*
July 3-16 (NB)
July 19-Aug. 1 (SB)
Sept. 25-Oct. 8 (NB)
Oct. 11-24 (SB)
*Jan. & Feb. departures only have deluxe suites
Accommodations on the train are as follows:
There are three types of accommodation on the train. All cabins are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
Pullman: These are the newest and most “Spartan.” There are very few of these, and they sell out quickly. They are 76 feet square. A comfortable, daytime sofa-seat converts to double or twin beds (one up, one down) for evening. They also have ensuite, private shower, sink and toilet.
Deluxe: For years, these were Rovos Rail’s standard cabins, but they are huge and beautifully appointed, in comparison with other luxury trains. There are three to each train carriage. Deluxe suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and ensuite toilet, sink and shower. They are about 118 square feet.
Royal Suites: Royal Suites take up half a train car. Special features include en-suite bathroom with Victorian bathtub and shower, and a separate, private lounge. These are about 172 square feet.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Pullman twin: $7,800 per person
Pullman single: $10,530
Deluxe twin: $10,800 per person
Deluxe single: $14,580
Royal Suite twin: $13,950
Royal Suite single: $27,900
2010 rates available upon request.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Local Culture
Railway Trips
Cultural Journey
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