Day 1 - Depart Tazara Station
12:00 pm The Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam and travels the Tazara line. During the late afternoon the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve - the largest in Africa at 55,000 square kilometers. For a few hours wild animals can be seen from the train. Overnight on board en route to Mimba. (L, D)
Day 2 - Selous Game Reserve
Visit the Selous Game Reserve, one of the world's largest game reserves. Later, descend into the Udzungwa Mountains and Rift Valley. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Makambako
The train travels the Rift Valley to Makambako. Enjoy a stroll in Makambako before the train travels via Mbeya to Tunduma by train. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Chisimba Falls
Descend from the highland valley of Mbeya to the Tanzanian and Zambian border. Disembark at Kasama for an afternoon excursion at Chisimba Falls. Chisimba Falls is believed to be a sacred place of power by the Bemba people. The nature spirit of Chisimba is said to live in the cave under the falls. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Traverse Zambia by Train
Traverse Zambia en route through Kapiri Mposhi to Ngwerere. The day is at leisure on the train with optional lectures by the on-board historian. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Lusaka to Zimbabwe
Travel through Lusaka, one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, to Zimbabwe via the Kafue Bridge. Take some time to relax in the lounge car. With its deep cushioned couches and wingback chairs, it's the perfect place to relax with your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Victoria Falls
Arrive at Livingstone then cross the bridge to Victoria Falls and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, the fourth longest river in Africa, followed by dinner. Overnight Victoria Falls. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Victoria Falls
Day at leisure for activities such as a tour of the Falls, a golf game, a helicopter ride, a walk with the lions or river rafting. Transfer to the rail station and depart at 4:00 pm, traveling southeast along the edge of Hwange National Park to Bulawayo. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Onboard Rovos Rail
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Gaborone, Botswana. Enjoy a leisurely day aboard the train. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Madikwe Game Reserve
Arrive in Gaborone at 10:00 am and transfer, with border formalities en route, to the Tau Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve for a full-board two-night stay. The Madikwe Reserve is home to what is known to the “Big Five,” lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and cape buffalo. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive. Overnight Madikwe Game Reserve. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Madikwe
Begin the day with an early morning game drive and then proceed on another in the afternoon, along with other guest activities. Overnight Madikwe Game Reserve. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Magaliesberg
Embark on an early morning game drive. After breakfast transfer to the train at Zeerust and depart for Pretoria at 1:00 pm. Overnight Train. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Pretoria
Arrive in Pretoria at 10:00 am and embark on a city tour followed by a platform lunch at the Rovos Rail Station. Depart at 3:00 pm for Kimberley. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - Kimberley
Arrive in Kimberley at 10:00 am and set off on a tour of the Big Hole and visit the Diamond Mine Museum. This unique museum is meant to take visitors back to Victorian Kimberley, with unique shops, taverns and a transport hall that houses displays of uncut diamonds, precious stones and jewelry. This afternoon, depart Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Matjiesfontein
Arrive in the historic Matjiesfontein at 8:30 am with time to explore this perfectly-preserved railway village. Continue to Cape Town with a scheduled arrival at 6:00 pm. (B, L)
Itinerary also available in reverse.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
