9:30 AM – Check-in at Serena Hotel
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the elegant Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Guests complete their check-in formalities at the Kivukoni Room before enjoying a short orientation on the adventure ahead.

12:00 PM – Transfer to Tazara Station
After check-in, transfer to the Tazara Station where your Rovos Rail experience officially commences.

1:00 PM – Departure from Dar es Salaam
The train departs Tazara Station, embarking on a 16-day journey through Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Guests may settle into their luxurious suites before meeting fellow travellers in the lounge and observation cars. For the first 72 hours, the observation car is uniquely positioned at the front of the train, offering extraordinary views for rail enthusiasts. Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy has your passport.

Afternoon – Lectures and Lunch
Insightful lectures are hosted in the lounge car during the day, introducing you to the landscapes and cultures along the route. At 1:00 PM, lunch is served in the dining cars, where gourmet dishes are paired with fine wines as you traverse fertile Tanzanian countryside.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Relax over tea, coffee, and light refreshments in the lounge and observation cars while enjoying sweeping views of the passing scenery.

7:30 PM – Dinner
A formal dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt. The evening features refined cuisine, crystal glassware, and polished service, setting the tone for the luxury rail journey ahead.

This first day blends elegant dining, fascinating insights, and the romance of classic train travel—an unforgettable introduction to one of the world’s most iconic rail adventures.

5:30 AM – Breakfast in the Dining Cars
Begin your day with a lavish breakfast in the elegant dining cars. Freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, hot dishes, and aromatic coffee set the tone as the train glides through Tanzania’s early morning landscapes.

7:00 AM – Game Drive in Nyerere National Park
Disembark for a memorable game drive in Nyerere National Park (time permitting), Africa’s largest protected reserve at 30,000 km². Once known as the Selous Game Reserve, this vast wilderness is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Exploring its rugged terrain provides a chance to witness some of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

1:00 PM – Lunch on Board
Return to the train for a delicious lunch prepared by the Rovos Rail chefs. As you dine, the train begins its journey toward the lush Udzungwa Mountains, where dramatic landscapes unfold outside your window.

Afternoon – Scenic Journey
The afternoon ride showcases one of the great feats of African railway engineering. The train negotiates a series of winding switchbacks, impressive viaducts, and long tunnels carved into the escarpment, offering breathtaking views of the Udzungwa Mountains and the surrounding forests.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea & Victoria Falls Briefing
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, accompanied by light refreshments. During this time, guests are invited to a special Victoria Falls activities briefing, outlining options such as helicopter flights, white-water rafting, golf, bungee jumping, and guided tours of the falls. Excursions can be pre-booked on the train or arranged at the hotel.

7:30 PM – Dinner en Route to Mlimba
Conclude the day with a formal multi-course dinner in the dining cars, paired with fine wines. The evening’s refined setting, with polished silver and crystal, enhances the experience as the train makes its way toward Mlimba.

From thrilling wildlife encounters in Nyerere National Park to the engineering marvels of the TAZARA line through the Udzungwa Mountains, this day offers the perfect balance of adventure, education, and luxury rail travel.

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Breakfast in the Dining Cars
Ease into the morning with a leisurely breakfast served in the elegant dining cars. Choose from a spread of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and gourmet hot dishes, complemented by fine teas and aromatic coffee. As you dine, the train glides through the lush landscapes of southern Tanzania, a perfect start to the day.

9:00 AM – Arrival at Makambako
The train arrives in Makambako, a lively town known for its colorful markets and welcoming spirit. Time permitting, step off the train for a short stroll through the town, taking in its vibrant atmosphere and glimpses of daily Tanzanian life. This brief stop offers a cultural interlude before the journey continues.

1:00 PM – Lunch on Board
Return to the comfort of the dining cars for a freshly prepared lunch by Rovos Rail’s talented chefs. As you enjoy your meal, the train moves westward, passing through landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees, their striking silhouettes a timeless emblem of Africa’s savannah.

Afternoon – The Ascent of the Rift Valley
The afternoon brings one of the great highlights of the TAZARA line: the dramatic climb into the Great Rift Valley. Almost exactly at the midpoint between Africa’s two Rift Valley lakes, the train negotiates sweeping escarpments and winding tracks that reveal breathtaking views at every turn. This is both a geological marvel and a photographer’s dream, with scenery that shifts from rolling plains to rugged ridges.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Settle into the lounge or observation cars for a relaxed tea service. With panoramic windows framing the ascent of the Rift Valley, this is the ideal moment to reflect on the day’s experiences while enjoying light snacks, tea, and coffee.

7:30 PM – Dinner en Route to the Border
The day concludes with a formal dinner in the dining cars, where a multi-course menu highlights regional and international flavors. Fine china, polished silverware, and crystal stemware create an atmosphere of refined elegance as the train heads towards the border. Dress is formal, adding to the sense of occasion.

Time Change – Set Clocks Back One Hour
Before retiring for the evening, adjust your watches back by one hour as the train enters a new time zone.

From the bustling markets of Makambako to the awe-inspiring climb into the Rift Valley, this day blends cultural encounters, luxurious dining, and dramatic scenery—an unforgettable chapter of your Rovos Rail adventure.

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Breakfast and Border Formalities
Begin the morning with a relaxed breakfast in the dining cars, where a spread of pastries, fresh fruit, cereals, and hot dishes awaits. While you enjoy your meal, border formalities are conducted on board, ensuring a seamless transition as the train continues its journey between Tanzania and Zambia. This quiet part of the morning offers time to settle into the rhythm of train life, gazing out at the shifting landscapes as the day begins.

1:00 PM – Lunch and Scenic Journey
A refined multi-course lunch is served in the dining cars as the train follows the legendary TAZARA Railway Line. This 1,860-kilometre line, completed in the 1970s, is regarded as one of Africa’s most ambitious engineering feats. Built to cross rugged mountains, sweeping valleys, and vast plains, it provides a rare perspective on landscapes few travelers ever see. As you dine, enjoy uninterrupted views of wilderness and remote terrain, a window into Africa’s raw and unspoiled beauty.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
In the lounge and observation cars, afternoon tea is served with light pastries and scones. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow guests or simply relax while the train winds its way through untamed countryside. The observation car’s open views allow you to fully appreciate the grandeur and remoteness of the regions traversed by the TAZARA line.

7:30 PM – Dinner on Board
Dinner this evening is served in the dining cars, with an “Africa” theme or smart casual dress code. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, with interiors subtly styled to reflect African heritage. Guests enjoy a carefully prepared gourmet menu paired with fine wines, the service attentive yet relaxed. As night falls outside the window, the sense of traveling deep into Africa’s heart is palpable.

From the morning’s seamless border crossing to an afternoon immersed in the wild beauty of the TAZARA railway, this day on Rovos Rail offers a balance of comfort, cultural richness, and scenic wonder.

6:00 AM – Breakfast in the Dining Cars
Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast in the dining cars before departure. Choose from an array of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, and hot dishes, all served in an elegant setting as the train rolls through Zambia’s highlands. The calm of the dining cars is the perfect prelude to today’s adventure.

8:00 AM – Visit to Kundalila Falls
Disembark for a guided excursion to Kundalila Falls, a spectacular natural wonder perched high on the Muchinga Escarpment. Here the Kaombe River tumbles in stages over rocky outcrops before plunging 70 metres in a shimmering veil into a crystal-clear natural pool below. The surrounding scenery is as dramatic as it is serene, with white granite ridges and rolling hills marking the divide between the Zambezi basin flowing to the Indian Ocean and the Congo basin flowing to the Atlantic.

Scenic Views: From the summit, enjoy sweeping vistas over the Luangwa Valley, part of the Albertine Rift.

Hiking & Swimming: A moderately steep trail leads to the base of the falls for unforgettable photographs and, conditions permitting, a refreshing swim in the natural pool.

1:00 PM – Lunch on Board
Return to the train for a gourmet lunch crafted by Rovos Rail’s culinary team. As you dine, the train continues its westward journey, the passing landscapes of Zambia providing a captivating backdrop.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, accompanied by scones and pastries. This is a chance to relax, socialize, and take in panoramic views as the train traverses diverse terrain.

7:30 PM – Dinner and Turning at Kapiri Mposhi
Dinner is served in the dining cars with a formal dress code. The evening unfolds with a multi-course gourmet menu paired with fine South African wines. During dinner, the train is turned at Kapiri Mposhi, ready for the next stage of the journey westward.

This day seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with onboard refinement. The visit to Kundalila Falls is a rare opportunity to experience one of Zambia’s hidden gems, while life on Rovos Rail provides the comfort, elegance, and sense of timeless travel for which it is renowned.

07:00 – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the elegant dining cars until 10:00. Guests may also take this time to finalize any bookings for Victoria Falls activities with the on-board historian. Please note that cash is accepted for these arrangements.

13:00 – Lunch
A gourmet lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels north toward Lusaka, Zambia’s bustling capital city. Time permitting, an excursion into Lusaka will be offered, giving guests the chance to experience its vibrant culture and atmosphere. Otherwise, afternoon tea will be enjoyed in the lounge and observation cars, providing a relaxing interlude as the journey continues.

19:30 – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal. This elegant multi-course meal, prepared by the train’s expert chefs and paired with fine wines, offers a sophisticated close to the day as the train continues its journey through Zambia.

6:00 AM – Cross the Kafue Railway Bridge
The day begins with a highlight of Zambian rail travel as the Rovos Rail train crosses the Kafue Railway Bridge, one of the most impressive structures along the TAZARA line. Stretching 477 feet, this steel girder truss bridge is supported by 13 spans of 108 feet each, resting on solid concrete piers. As the train glides smoothly over the Kafue River, guests are treated to sweeping views of this remarkable engineering achievement against the backdrop of Africa’s untamed landscapes.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of freshly baked pastries, fruits, cereals, and hot dishes while watching the Zambian countryside roll by. The elegant dining cars, complete with fine china and attentive service, provide a relaxed yet sophisticated setting to start the day.

Morning at Leisure
Spend the morning at leisure as the train continues its journey through Zambia. Retire to your suite to enjoy the comfort of private travel, or make your way to the lounge or observation car. With panoramic windows, the observation car offers uninterrupted views of the ever-changing landscapes, making it the perfect place to socialize with fellow passengers or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of luxury rail travel.

1:00 PM – Lunch
A gourmet lunch is served in the dining cars as the train makes its way towards the Zimbabwean border. Dishes prepared by the Rovos Rail culinary team highlight both regional flavors and international inspirations, with the passing scenery providing a dramatic backdrop to the dining experience.

Afternoon at Leisure
The afternoon is yours to relax on board. Take a stroll through the beautifully restored train carriages, or simply unwind with a book while gazing at the vast African plains. This leisurely segment offers a chance to slow down and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Rovos Rail travel.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, complete with a selection of teas, coffee, pastries, and freshly baked scones. This is an ideal time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers while taking in the views as the train approaches the border region between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress code: Formal. End the day with a refined multi-course dinner accompanied by fine South African wines. The elegant ambiance of the dining cars, paired with impeccable service, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era of rail travel. As the train makes its way into Zimbabwe, the evening offers the perfect conclusion to another unforgettable day aboard Rovos Rail.

A Day of Leisure in Style
This leg of the journey combines relaxed train travel with unforgettable scenery. From crossing the Kafue Railway Bridge to enjoying gourmet dining and unhurried moments in the lounge and observation cars, every detail reflects the elegance and tranquility of Rovos Rail’s celebrated Cape Town to Dar es Salaam route.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Start your day with a leisurely meal featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, hot dishes, and gourmet beverages as the train makes its way toward one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.

Morning – Prepare for Your Stay
Pack a small overnight bag for your stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Convenient tog bags have been provided in your suite. Your main luggage will remain safely on the train until rejoining you the following day. All meals during your stay will be taken at the Victoria Falls Hotel. The hotel offers currency exchange without a passport, along with a business centre and Wi-Fi throughout. If you plan to cross into Zambia, you may collect your passport from the Train Manager or Administration Deputy.

11:00 AM – Border Formalities and Bridge Crossing
Border formalities are completed as the train crosses the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. Built in 1905, this engineering marvel spans the Zambezi River and offers dramatic views of the gorge and the spray from the falls below.

12:00 PM – Arrival at Victoria Falls
Disembark the train with your overnight bag and walk across to the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel, where a warm welcome awaits on the manicured lawns. Lunch is served at Jungle Junction, with sweeping views of the gorge and the spray rising from the falls. Your luggage will be delivered directly to your room so you can settle in with ease.

Afternoon – Leisure at Victoria Falls Hotel
Take time to explore “the grand old lady of the falls,” a hotel that blends Edwardian-era elegance with modern comfort. Wander through the lush gardens, admire the colonial architecture, or relax in one of the lounges before your afternoon excursion.

3:45 PM (Winter) / 4:15 PM (Summer) – Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
Meet in the hotel foyer for transfer to the river. A sunset cruise along the Zambezi offers a tranquil perspective of this mighty waterway. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife while the river glows in shades of gold and crimson.

Evening – Dinner at the Livingstone Room
Dinner is served at the hotel’s iconic Livingstone Room. Dress code is smart casual (no safari-wear, shorts, sandals, or sneakers). Known for its impeccable service and fine dining, this elegant venue provides a refined atmosphere in which to enjoy a gourmet meal, accompanied by excellent wines and the quiet charm of a bygone era.

A Day of Elegance and Wonder
From crossing the historic Victoria Falls Bridge to relaxing at one of Africa’s most celebrated hotels, this day seamlessly combines cultural history, natural beauty, and timeless luxury. A sunset on the Zambezi and an evening at the Livingstone Room mark a truly unforgettable chapter in your Rovos Rail journey.

6:30 AM – Breakfast at Jungle Junction
Begin your day with breakfast at the Jungle Junction Restaurant, served until 10:00 AM. This open-air venue offers a vibrant buffet featuring everything from freshly baked pastries and tropical fruits to made-to-order omelets and traditional African specialties. The backdrop of lush gardens, alive with birdsong, sets a relaxed and atmospheric start to your morning.

10:00 AM – Check-Out and Morning Activities
Standard hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM (to be reconfirmed). If you have arranged morning activities such as a helicopter flight over the falls, a guided market visit, or a nature walk, please ensure you have completed check-out beforehand. Complimentary luggage storage is available—simply contact reception, and a porter will collect your bags for safekeeping until departure.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Jungle Junction
Return to Jungle Junction for a leisurely buffet lunch. The restaurant is known for its blend of international and African cuisine, served in a picturesque garden setting. It’s an ideal moment to relax and reflect on your time at Victoria Falls before rejoining the train.

Afternoon – Leisure at Victoria Falls
The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Options include a walk to the falls themselves, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders,” where sheets of water plunge dramatically into the gorge. You may also browse local craft markets, stroll across the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, or simply relax by the hotel pool before departure.

4:00 PM – Rejoin the Train
Meet on the station platform, ensuring your luggage has been collected from reception. The Train Manager or Administration Deputy will once again hold passports for border formalities.

5:00 PM – Departure from Victoria Falls
Settle back into the comfort of Rovos Rail as the train departs. Take time to freshen up in your suite or head to the lounge or observation car to enjoy the scenery as the journey continues.

6:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, with a choice of teas, coffees, and light pastries. The relaxed setting provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the changing landscapes as evening approaches.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal. Conclude your stay at Victoria Falls with a refined multi-course meal, prepared by Rovos Rail’s chefs and paired with fine South African wines. The atmosphere of vintage elegance, complete with crisp linens and crystal, ensures a memorable evening as you continue your journey into Zimbabwe.

A Seamless Transition
This day balances the freedom to enjoy Victoria Falls at your own pace with the elegance of rejoining Rovos Rail. From a final walk by the falls to the evening’s formal dinner, it offers both adventure and indulgence, drawing one chapter to a close as the next begins.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Choose from freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, made-to-order omelets, and classic hot dishes. The elegant dining cars provide the perfect setting to enjoy your meal while the train glides through the morning light across southern Africa’s landscapes.

Morning – Border Formalities
As the train continues its journey, border formalities take place. Passports should be with the Train Manager or Administration Deputy to ensure a smooth process. Use this time to relax in your suite, journal your experiences, or visit the lounge and observation cars to meet fellow travelers and enjoy wide-open views.

1:00 PM – Lunch
Lunch is served in the dining cars, featuring dishes created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As you savor each course, the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, a geographic milestone that signals your entry into the vast Kalahari Basin.

Afternoon – Traversing the Kalahari Basin
Spend the afternoon watching the train wind along the eastern edge of the Kalahari, known as Kgalagadi in Botswana. This immense basin covers about 900,000 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Though often described as a desert, the Kalahari receives modest rainfall, creating a mosaic of arid plateaus, grasslands, and sandy expanses. The greater basin stretches more than 2.5 million square kilometers into Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with the Okavango River bringing life to its northwest corner, where it spreads into the iconic Okavango Delta.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Sip on a selection of teas and coffees while enjoying pastries and light snacks. The observation car offers panoramic views of the changing Kalahari scenery—an endless horizon of ochre sand, sparse trees, and occasional wildlife that make this region so distinct.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal. The evening brings an elegant multi-course meal, blending African and international flavors, complemented by fine South African wines. The polished wood interiors, crisp linens, and attentive service create an atmosphere of timeless refinement.

A Day in the Kalahari
This day highlights the remarkable contrasts of the Kalahari Basin, where desert meets life-giving waterways and endless skies frame the journey. Between the luxury of Rovos Rail and the landscapes unfolding outside, it is a day that captures both the wildness of Africa and the romance of train travel.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast in the dining cars, served until 9:30 AM. Fresh fruits, pastries, cereals, and hot dishes are prepared to order, setting the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Morning – Prepare for Madikwe
Pack a small overnight bag for your stay at the lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve. Tog bags have been placed in your suite for convenience. Please note that spa facilities are available at the lodge (own account) and accept ZAR or credit cards. Final schedules for meals and activities will be confirmed upon arrival.

10:00 AM – Transfer to Madikwe Lodge
Depart the train and transfer by vehicle to your lodge in Madikwe, approximately a 90-minute journey. During this time, border formalities will be completed. Guests must present themselves to officials, and luggage may be subject to search. Please ensure your documents are ready.

12:00 PM – Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at the lodge and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, showcasing regional flavors and ingredients. Take some time to settle into your accommodations and explore the lodge’s amenities before the afternoon activities.

3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea
Gather for afternoon tea, served with light refreshments and beverages. This relaxed break provides the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and chat about the wildlife you hope to see.

4:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Head out on an exhilarating game drive in Madikwe Game Reserve. Covering over 75,000 hectares, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest and most diverse reserves, renowned for its thriving populations of the Big Five as well as wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, and abundant birdlife. This three-hour safari offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife encounters.

7:00 PM – Dinner
Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars. Enjoy a multi-course menu that blends African and international cuisine, accompanied by fine South African wines. Dress is casual, allowing you to fully relax after a day of adventure.

Evening in Madikwe
End your day with time to unwind by the fire or under the starlit sky. The sounds of the African bush provide the perfect soundtrack as you reflect on the day’s experiences in one of the continent’s premier wildlife reserves.

7:00 AM – Morning Game Drive
Begin your day with an exhilarating early morning game drive, lasting around three hours. As dawn breaks over Madikwe, the reserve comes alive with activity. This is the best time to witness predators returning from the hunt, elephants heading to waterholes, and antelope grazing in the cool morning light. Your expert guide will share insights into the reserve’s ecosystems and the behaviors of the wildlife you encounter.

9:30 AM – Breakfast
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Choose from a wide selection of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, and hot dishes cooked to order. The serene setting of the lodge makes breakfast a relaxed and rewarding experience after your morning safari.

Midday – At Leisure
The late morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. Spend time unwinding at the pool, book a spa treatment for relaxation (own account), or simply rest in the comfort of your suite while taking in the peaceful bush surroundings.

12:30 PM – Lunch
Gather for a delicious lunch featuring fresh local ingredients and regional flavors. The lodge’s chefs craft meals that celebrate both African and international cuisine, providing the perfect pause before the afternoon’s activities.

3:00 PM – Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is served with a tempting selection of light snacks and refreshments. This is an ideal time to relax with fellow travelers, recounting the morning’s sightings before heading out again.

4:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Set off for another thrilling three-hour safari as the afternoon light softens across the landscape. Wildlife behavior shifts as the day cools—predators grow active, herds move toward water, and the bush becomes alive with anticipation. Each drive offers a fresh perspective and new photographic opportunities.

7:00 PM – Dinner
Return to the lodge for a relaxed, multi-course dinner beneath the African sky. Casual dress keeps the atmosphere comfortable while you savor expertly prepared dishes accompanied by fine wines.

Evening in Madikwe
Conclude your day by the fire or on your veranda, listening to the calls of nocturnal wildlife. Whether you retire early or enjoy a quiet nightcap, the wilderness ambiance ensures a restful and memorable end to your day in Madikwe.

7:00 AM – Morning Game Drive
Begin your day with an early morning game drive, lasting about two hours. As the first light touches the reserve, wildlife stirs into action—predators return from their night hunts, antelope graze in the cool air, and bird calls fill the bush. Your guide will share fascinating details about the ecosystem and the species encountered, making this a fitting farewell to Madikwe.

9:30 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for a final, leisurely breakfast. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, fruits, cereals, and hot dishes made to order. It’s the perfect chance to soak in the tranquility of your surroundings one last time.

10:30 AM – Check-out and Farewell
Have your bags ready for collection and take a moment to bid farewell to the lodge staff. A last look across the bushveld offers a lingering memory of your stay before departure.

11:00 AM – Transfer to the Train
Depart the lodge and transfer to Zeerust Station, where Rovos Rail awaits. The scenic drive through the South African countryside provides a gentle transition from the wilderness back to the comfort and luxury of the train.

1:00 PM – Lunch on Board
Settle back into life on the rails with a gourmet lunch in the dining cars. Prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this meal is the perfect opportunity to share your Madikwe highlights with fellow travelers.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, accompanied by light snacks. The relaxed setting and panoramic views make this a delightful time to unwind with a book or enjoy quiet conversation.

7:30 PM – Dinner on Board
Dress formally for another exquisite multi-course dinner in the dining cars. With fine wines, elegant surroundings, and the gentle rhythm of the train, the evening is a celebration of Rovos Rail’s signature style.

Evening Reflections
As the train rolls through the night, reflect on your unforgettable days in Madikwe. The soft rocking of the carriages and the sounds of the African night ensure a restful sleep, preparing you for the next stage of your journey.

7:00 AM – Breakfast on Board
Begin your day with breakfast served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Choose from a wide selection of hot dishes, freshly baked pastries, and seasonal fruits, all enjoyed in the elegant atmosphere of Rovos Rail’s vintage dining cars. As you dine, the train glides through South Africa’s historic goldfields, a region steeped in mining heritage that shaped much of the country’s history.

8:30 AM – Pretoria City Tour
Disembark for a transfer of about one hour into Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. A guided tour introduces you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the stately Union Buildings—the seat of government—and the Voortrekker Monument, a towering tribute to the pioneering spirit of South Africa’s early settlers. Lush gardens and jacaranda-lined avenues lend Pretoria its distinctive charm.

1:00 PM – Lunch at Rovos Rail Station
Return to Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, where a delightful lunch awaits on the platform. This nostalgic setting is rich with atmosphere, blending fine dining with the historic backdrop of restored locomotives and carriages.

2:00 PM – Station and Workshop Tour
After lunch, take a walking tour of the Rovos Rail Station and its locomotive workshops (weather permitting). This behind-the-scenes visit reveals the artistry and dedication behind the restoration of Rovos Rail’s vintage rolling stock. Witness firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship required to maintain the world’s most luxurious train.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Reboard the train and enjoy tea served in the lounge and observation cars. Light snacks, tea, and coffee accompany sweeping views of the South African countryside as the journey resumes.

7:30 PM – Dinner on Board
Dress formally for dinner and indulge in a multi-course menu, thoughtfully prepared by Rovos Rail’s chefs. Pair your meal with fine South African wines as you enjoy the refined ambiance of the dining cars.

Evening Reflections
The day’s blend of cultural exploration, behind-the-scenes insight, and luxurious dining highlights the uniqueness of the Rovos Rail experience. As the train rolls gently into the evening, relax in your suite or the lounge, looking ahead to the adventures still to come.

7:00 AM – Breakfast on Board
Begin your day with breakfast served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Choose from freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and a variety of hot dishes, all presented in the refined atmosphere of Rovos Rail’s dining cars. With elegant décor and attentive service, it’s the perfect start to a day filled with discovery.

1:00 PM – Kimberley Excursion
Disembark for a fascinating tour of Kimberley, the capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape. Here, the Diamond Mine Museum brings to life the city’s glittering past, showcasing the tools, artifacts, and stories of the diamond rush that began in 1871. The highlight is the Big Hole, one of the largest hand-dug excavations in the world, a dramatic reminder of the frenzy that transformed this once-quiet settlement into a hub of wealth and ambition.

1:00 PM – Lunch on the Train
Return to Rovos Rail for a leisurely lunch as the train sets out across the Karoo. This vast semi-desert region, once an ancient inland sea, reveals layers of geological history in its stark yet mesmerizing landscapes. Wide horizons, volcanic formations, and hardy vegetation create an otherworldly beauty, making the journey itself as captivating as the destinations.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Settle into the lounge or observation cars for afternoon tea, complete with a selection of teas, coffees, and light snacks. The observation car offers sweeping views across the Karoo’s endless plains—an ideal vantage point to soak in the stillness and scale of this remarkable terrain.

7:30 PM – Dinner on Board
Dress formally for an evening of fine dining. The chefs on board Rovos Rail prepare multi-course menus that artfully combine regional flavors with international inspiration. Paired with fine South African wines, dinner in the beautifully appointed dining cars becomes a highlight of the day.

Evening Reflections
As the train glides deeper into the Karoo, unwind with the gentle rhythm of the rails. The day’s blend of history, striking landscapes, and culinary indulgence captures the very essence of the Rovos Rail experience, leaving you well-prepared for the adventures still to come.

7:00 AM – Breakfast and Optional Walk
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal of freshly baked pastries, fruits, and hot dishes while admiring the passing scenery. For those wishing for an active start, there is the option to disembark at Whitehill Siding and join a guided 5km walk into the historic village of Matjiesfontein. Led at an easy pace by a member of the train staff, this walk provides a refreshing start to the day, framed by the crisp morning air and sweeping views.

9:00 AM – Explore Matjiesfontein
Disembark to discover the charm of Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian village with a rich history. Highlights include the small museum on the station platform and an impressive collection of vintage cars and railway carriages displayed near the Lord Milner Hotel. Strolling the quiet streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into South Africa’s colonial past.

1:00 PM – Lunch on Board
Rejoin the train for a delicious lunch as it ascends through the scenic Hex River Valley. This stretch includes passage through four significant tunnels, the longest spanning 13.5 km. During this section, guests are reminded to move carefully through the train and make use of the lights provided in each suite.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
After emerging from the tunnels, settle in for afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars. The descent of nearly 750 meters off the escarpment reveals dramatic valley views, providing a stunning backdrop to this relaxed interlude.

7:30 PM – Dinner on Board
Dinner is served in the dining cars with a suggested theme of “1920s” attire or smart casual dress. The atmosphere evokes the golden age of rail, enhanced by a refined multi-course menu prepared by Rovos Rail’s chefs. It’s the perfect conclusion to a day of history, scenery, and timeless elegance.

Evening Reflections
From Victorian Matjiesfontein to the sweeping Hex River landscapes, today’s journey combines heritage with natural beauty, all experienced in the signature comfort and style of Rovos Rail.

Morning Preparations
Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection at least 15 minutes before arrival and that your passport is on hand. The Rovos Rail staff will assist with your bags, ensuring a seamless and stress-free conclusion to your journey.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Enjoy a final sumptuous spread of pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, and hot dishes while admiring the picturesque winelands rolling past your window. The elegant dining cars provide the perfect setting to savour your last morning onboard.

Morning Journey
As the train makes its way through the Western Cape, relax in your suite, share stories with fellow travellers in the lounge car, or simply take in the sweeping views of vineyards and mountains from the observation car. This stretch offers some of the most beautiful scenery of the journey.

1:00 PM – Lunch
Your final lunch onboard is served in the dining cars. Prepared with fresh, local ingredients, the gourmet menu is complemented by the dramatic landscapes outside, creating a memorable dining experience that lingers long after the plates are cleared.

3:00 PM – Arrival in Cape Town
The train glides into Cape Town Station, marking the end of your remarkable adventure. Bid farewell to fellow travellers and the attentive Rovos Rail team before stepping onto the platform in South Africa’s celebrated “Mother City.”

Exploring Cape Town
Cape Town is a city of extraordinary contrasts and possibilities. Wander the vibrant V&A Waterfront, ride the cable car up Table Mountain, or delve into the country’s history with a visit to Robben Island. With its rich culture, natural beauty, and welcoming spirit, Cape Town provides the perfect finale—or a new beginning—to your African journey.

Journey’s End
This final day on Rovos Rail combines relaxation, refined dining, and spectacular scenery, culminating in your arrival in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From Dar es Salaam to Cape Town, your 16-night journey has been filled with unforgettable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and moments of sheer luxury—memories certain to last a lifetime.