Rovos Rail Dar Es Salaam to Lobito
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 17,500
DELUXE | RAIL: Ride through the heart of Africa on this incredible luxury rail journey aboard the Rovos Rail. Travelling from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll head on safari game drives, tour Central African cities, and enjoy the unmatched luxury of the Pride of Africa as you pass through Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola.
This 15-day luxury African vacation takes you from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Lobito in Angola, passing through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo along the way. It’s a journey for the adventurous traveller who wants to experience the often-inaccessible heart of Africa without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
Your African rail journey begins in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. After taking in the bustling atmosphere of this busy seaport, you’ll board Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, a luxury train that transports globetrotters back to the golden age of train travel. The train’s classically-designed sleeping cars, attentive staff, and gourmet restaurant offer all the comforts of a 5-star hotel along with the romance of the golden age of steam locomotives. As the train only holds up to 72 passengers, you’ll know that you’ll get the intimate and attentive service that befits a luxury journey as you travel from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean.
Your first stop aboard Pride of Africa will be Selous Game Reserve, the largest game park on the continent. You’ll head on a game drive to see the park’s unspoiled stretch of the African wilderness, where over 440 species of birds and an abundance of lions and leopards roam the savannah. It’s also likely you’ll spot some African wild dogs, as the park is home to around 50 percent of the world’s population of this endangered species. From Selous, continue on to Makambako, where you can wander the town’s giant market where the Bena people sell their wares.
Continue your luxury African vacation by passing into Zambia, where you’ll stop off at the majestic Chishimba Falls (known for their impressive 30m drop) and take a game drive through South Luangwa National Park in hopes of spotting hippos bathing in the river or elephants and giraffes crossing the plains. Cross the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo and experience a verdant nation too often overwhelmed by war and internal strife. You’ll pass into Lubumbashi, the country’s second-largest city, to take a city tour that’ll introduce you to the Congo’s vibrant culture and show off some prominent local landmarks, like the botanical garden and Art Deco Palace of Justice. Pass further into the country to tour a copper mine and learn about the Congo’s abundant natural resources. Close out your time in the Democratic Republic of Congo by passing by Kasaji and Malonga before crossing the border into Angola.
Few globetrotters ever venture into Angola, as it has severe travel restrictions and a fragile economy. Luckily, aboard Rovos Rail, you’ll gain access to this elusive country and have the chance to admire its overwhelming beauty. While in Angola, you’ll cross the Kasai River, pass by charming remote villages, and enjoy walking tours in the towns of Luau and Luena, where rebel leader Jonas Savambi was killed at the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002. You’ll also head into the heart of the Ovimbundu Kingdom in Kuito and enjoy a final walking tour in Huamba before passing into Lobito and ending your journey across Africa.
This African rail journey aboard Rovos Rail takes you into parts of Africa that few globetrotters ever access. It’s a luxurious journey with safari game drives and visits to rarely-glimpsed cultural centres that’ll satisfy the most ardent of travellers.
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 17,500
Itinerary View Trip Map
Depart Dar es Salaam
The Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam at 12:00 and travels the TAZARA line. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars as the train travels the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous Game Reserve. Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner will be served in the dining car at 19:30. Overnight at Fuga Halt.
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Rovos Rail Suite Class
| Duration | 14 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Rovos Rail |
| Location | View map |
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Rovos Rail
The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush. These beautifully restored trains consist of up to 20 coaches that can be drawn by steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey. The …
The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush. These beautifully restored trains consist of up to 20 coaches that can be drawn by steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey. The sleeping cars as well as the observation and dining cars have been splendidly refurbished in the style of the period but with an eye for modern comfort. The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers who are attended by highly motivated members of staff, and provides a cuisine of superb standard. Rovos Rail offers unique rail safaris through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa.
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 4
Selous Game Reserve
Today breakfast, lunch and high tea will be taken onboard the train. Time permitting there will be a game drive in the Selous Game Reserve. Selous is the largest game park in Africa. As the train travels the Rift Valley passing the Udzungwa Mountains lunch will be served as it negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. At 16:30 tea is served in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner will be served at 19:30. Overnight Mlimba.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 0 Days |
Makambako
Breakfast will be served this morning from 07:00-10:00 in the dining cars. You will arrive in Makambako at 09:00 and may enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting). Lunch will be served in the dining cars at 13:00 as the train passes Baobab forests. Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars as the train travels via Mbeya to Tunduma for the overnight stop.
NOTE: Please ensure that the train manager is in possession of your passports and completed forms. Remember to have a look at the Victoria Falls activity list and book any of these through the on board lecturer in time for your arrival in the Falls.
PLEASE RETARD YOUR WATCHES BY ONE HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Chisimba Falls
Breakfast will be served this morning from 07:00-10:00 in the dining cars. Tanzanian and Zambian border formalities take place. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars as the train travels in a southwesterly direction across Zambia. At 14:30 disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls. Departing Kasama at 18:00. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Mpika.
NOTE: Please pack a small overnight bag for the two-night stay at the game lodge. For your convenience we have placed bags in your suite. Please note that beverages, phone calls and laundry are for your own account.
Bottled water and a limited wine selection will be available during lunch and dinner compliments of Rovos Rail. WiFi and spa facilities available (bookings essential). Time of game drives will be confirmed on arrival.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Mfuwe Game Lodge
Breakfast will be served between 07:00-9:30 in the dining car. At 10:00 disembark and transfer to Mpika Airport for a chartered flight to the South Luangwa National Park. Transfer to Mfuwe Game Lodge is at 12:00. Enjoy lunch on arrival followed by check-in. Afternoon game drive will start 15:30 in the Luangwa Valley. Dinner will be served at 19:30 and overnight at the lodge.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Mfuwe Lodge |
| Location | View map |
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Mfuwe Lodge
Ease yourself into Luangwa life with a stay at the award winning Mfuwe Lodge. Set inside the park, just five minutes' drive from the main gate, the lodge's allure is instantly obvious. Beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany, its thatched buildings are arranged around …
Ease yourself into Luangwa life with a stay at the award winning Mfuwe Lodge. Set inside the park, just five minutes' drive from the main gate, the lodge's allure is instantly obvious. Beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany, its thatched buildings are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where an endless stream of wildlife will keep you enthralled as you lounge on the open deck or take a dip in the swimming pool. The airy interior of the lodge is an exquisite complement to its natural surroundings. This region of the park is renowned for its prolific game - giraffe, buffalo, antelope, crocodile are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge's lagoon, whilst in November the local elephants regularly wander right through the lobby, lured by a nearby wild mango tree.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Library
- Lounge(s)
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Game Lodge
Wake-up call and continental breakfast is at 6:00. Early morning game drive starts at 6:30 (approximately 3 hours). 10:00 brunch is served at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure. High tea and game drive is at 15:30 (approximately 3 hours). Dinner at the lodge at 19:30.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Trasfer to Mfuwe Airport
Wake-up call and continental breakfast is at 6:00. Early morning game drive starts at 6:30 (approximately 2 hours). At 8:30 breakfast is served at the lodge.
NOTE: Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection at 10:00.
Transfer to Mfuwe Airport for the chartered flight to Ndola, Zambia at 10:00. Upon arrival at 12h00, transfer to Ndola Station to rejoin the train.
NOTE: Please ensure the Train Manager/Gift Shop has your passport for border formalities.
Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars as the train travels towards Misundu. Arrival at Sakania for Zambian/DRC border formalities is 15:00. Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars as the train travels through Kabemba. Overnight Mushoshi.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Lubumbashi
Breakfast will be served this morning from 07:00-10:00 in the dining cars. 10:30 enjoy a city tour of Lubumbashi. Lunch served at 13:00 in the dining cars. Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge and observation car as the train passes Luishia, an old open-pit copper and cobalt mine. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars as the train travels through Mutaka. Overnight Tenke.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Visit to a Copper Mine
Breakfast is served at 6:00 in the dining cars until departure at 8:00. Enjoy a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world's largest known copper and cobalt resources. At 10:00 return to the train and depart for Kolwezi. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars.
NOTE: Afternoon lecture in the lounge car. Please consult your Lecture Sheet for details.
Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Mutshatsha.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Kasaji en route to Malonga
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 10:00. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars as the train passes Kasaji en route to Malonga. Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 17:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Dilolo on the DRC/Angola Border.
NOTE: Lectures during course of morning and/or afternoon in lounge car. Please consult Lecture Sheet for details.
PLEASE TURN YOUR WATCHES BACK AN HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Luau Walking Tour
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 10:00. Border formalities take place with Angola. At 11:30 Enjoy a walking tour of Luau, the start of the Benguela line. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars as the train departs for Luena. Tea is served at 16:30 as the train travels alongside the Kasai River. The catchment of the Kasai 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 fisherman at work. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Luena.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Luena Walking Tour
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 10:00. Then enjoy a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola. Depart for Tchicala Tcholohanga at 12:00. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars.
NOTE: Afternoon lecture in the lounge car. Please consult your Lecture Sheet for details.
Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars as the train travels towards Kuito for overnight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kuito
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 9:00. Then enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom. Depart for Huambo at 11:00. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars.
NOTE: Afternoon lecture in the lounge car. Please consult your Lecture Sheet for details.
Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Huambo.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Huambo Walking Tour
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 9:00. Then enjoy a walking tour of Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the old kingdoms on the central plateau. Depart for Lépi at 11:00. Lunch is served at 13:00 in the dining cars.
NOTE: Afternoon lecture in the lounge car. Please consult your Lecture Sheet for details.
Tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars. Overnight Caimbambo.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Arrive at Lobito
Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 7:00 until 9:30. Arrive at 10:00 to journey's end, Lobito Station, Benguela Province, Angola.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES*:
2022: Jul 19 & 5 Aug*
*This trip operates in the reverse direction. Please inquire for details
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 12 nights deluxe accommodation aboard Rovos Rail in a Pullman Suite*
- 2 nights deluxe accommodation in South Luangwa National Park
- Game drive in the Selous Game Reserve (max 6 guests)**
- Self-guided walking tour of Makambako
- Self-guided visit to Chisimba Falls
- Shared morning game drives in South Luangwa National Park (max 7 guests)**
- Shared afternoon game drives in South Luangwa National Park (max 7 guests)**
- Shared Lubumbashi city tour
- Shared guided visit to a Copper mine
- Shared guided walking tour of Luau
- Shared guided walking tour of Luena
- Shared guided tour of Kuito
- Shared guided tour of Huambo
- Entrance fees
- Limited laundry
- Room service
- On-board historian & doctor
- Internal light aircraft flight Mfuwe - Ndola including taxes
- All beverages (excluding International/French champagne) while aboard Rovos Rail
- Standard bar beverages while in off rail accommodations (premium brands excluded)
- 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
* Upgraded cabins also available. Please enquire
**Please note maximum vehicle capacities are subject to change without notice
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals & beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
19 Jul 2022
