Travel through four African countries in style as you take the super-luxurious Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. This unforgettable trip is Inspired by the glory days when a more glamorous approach to travel was taken using rail, this luxurious train journey also includes a tropical beach getaway on glorious Pemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar.
Day 1: Arrive to Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Ellerman House, your home for the following four nights. Situated on the upscale Atlantic Seaboard in the quiet neighborhood of Bantry Bay, this is the perfect location from which to explore this vibrant city.
Days 2 – 3: Explore and discover the Mother City
There are many ways to spend your days in this diverse city. Bask in the sun on famous beaches like Camps Bay, enjoy a hike up Table Mountain (or take the rotating cable car) or go on a tour to the beautiful Cape Wine lands and sample some of the region’s exquisite wines.
If you are up for a shopping spree for African keepsakes, there is no better place than the V&A Waterfront, which has a wide range of high-end stores and boutiques. A visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium comes highly recommended (its Atlantic kelp forest is mesmerizing), as does a ferry ride to Robben Island for a tour of the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Many enjoyable hours can also be spent strolling around the cosmopolitan city centre, relaxing at the pavement cafes and browsing exciting art galleries.
Day 4: Board your luxury Rovos train
Today you will travel to Cape Town Station where you will board the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa. This famous train – perhaps better viewed as a luxury hotel on railway tracks – will be your home for the next 14 nights.
Days 5 – 17: Watch the landscape roll by
Your Rovos journey winds its way through some of the most fascinating, breath-taking landscapes in Africa. The train passes through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania to its final destination – Dar es Salaam – stopping along the way so you can explore and sightsee on scheduled tours and excursions. Highlights include a 2-night Big 5 safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, history lectures, museum visits and a tour of Victoria Falls.
Sit back and take in the scenery from the comfort of the lounge and viewing area, enjoy delicious meals in the dining car or nap in your comfortable and spacious compartment – every day will provide new views, stories and experiences.
Day 18: Disembark the train and fly to Zanzibar
Arrive in Dar es Salaam today, a bustling port city on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. After disembarking, you transfer to the airport and board a scheduled flight to the island of Zanzibar. Here you’ll be met and transferred to Kilindi Zanzibar on the island’s beautiful north coast. The last days of your tour will be spent here, relaxing in a tropical exotic beach paradise.
Days 19 – 21: Sun, sand and beach on Zanzibar
After a long train journey, Kilinidi Zanzibar is truly the perfect place to kick back and unwind. Spend your days soaking up the sun in this idyllic destination, lounging on powdery beaches and swimming in warm tropical waters.
Pamper yourself at the spa, enjoying a range of relaxing treatments and massages or just relax on the resort’s beautiful beach or beside the shimmering infinity pool.
If you feel like getting active, the hotel offers a wide range of exciting activities. Go scuba diving or snorkeling, enjoy a dhow cruise or take a historical tour of Stone Town.
Day 22: Departure from Dar es Salaam International Airport
After one last breakfast in paradise, your transfer will take you back to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam. Here you can catch your connecting flight back home or continue your travels with another destination.
This marks the end of what we hope will be an adventurous trip- Thank you very much!!