Join us for this spectacular journey aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail private train as we traverse southern Africa, discovering remarkable scenery and fascinating destinations in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique. This unique itinerary to places which are largely unexplored by all but the most intrepid of travellers has been carefully designed by our associates at Captain’s Choice, with a limited number of cabins available exclusively for Noble Caledonia guests.
Beginning in Luanda, we board our private train and set out across the continent to Maputo, passing remote towns, vast rivers and ever-changing landscapes. The beauty and the colours of the region truly need to be seen to be believed. Along the way, we enjoy opportunities to explore little-visited regions and gain insight into local life with expert guides. The journey is perfectly timed for the dry season, when wildlife congregates around water sources, offering excellent game-viewing in South Luangwa National Park and Kapama Private Game Reserve. Highlights also include a visit to the Lusaka Elephant Sanctuary and the majestic Victoria Falls. From the comfort of our rolling hotel, the beauty and diversity of Africa unfolds before us on this journey of unforgettable sights and experiences.
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Luanda, Angola.
Fly by indirect scheduled flight.
Day 2 Luanda.
Arrive today and transfer to the Intercontinental Luanda Miramar Hotel. The remainder of the day is free before dining in the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 3 Luanda.
During a morning tour of Luanda, we see the sights of the capital, including the striking 19th century Iron Palace. At the National Anthropology Museum, we discover Angola’s rich cultural heritage during an exhibition of traditional artefacts, clothing and sculptures. A visit to the National Museum of Slavery offers a decidedly sobering contrast. Our tour concludes at the bustling Benfica Market. Following lunch, we drive to São Miguel Fort, built to defend the coastline from marauding pirates. This evening’s Welcome Dinner provides the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers better. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Catumbela & Lobito.
Enjoy a morning at leisure, before we reconvene for lunch at a local restaurant. We then make our way to the airport for our flight to Catumbela. From here, we take the road to Lobito, where we check in to the Hotel Terminus, situated along a narrow point known as Myrtle Beach. Select your choice of restaurant this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Lobito & Benguela.
Today’s explorations centre on the coastal city Benguela. Stop at the beach of Praia Morena, where we visit the Archaeology Museum, which occupies the site of a former slave warehouse. Back in Lobito, the Caxaramba Distillery introduces us to its locally produced brandy and gin during lunch. This is followed by a walk along the narrow peninsula of Restinga. Our travels also take us to see the famous Zaire boat, which transported President José Eduardo dos Santos along the Congo River to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and his eventual exile. Following the day’s touring, we return to Hotel Terminus. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Embark Rovos Rail.
We bid farewell to Lobito, boarding Rovos Rail for our journey across the continent. Along iron tracks, we cross the Huambo province. Gather in the dining car and raise a glass to the adventures that lie ahead. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Huambo.
The central plateau of Angola is built upon crystalline rock and granite from the Paleozoic era. Huambo, one of the plateau’s old kingdoms, is our first stop. As the second largest city in Angola, there are many sites to see as we indulge our curiosity during a leisurely walk. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Kuito.
Our train pulls into Kuito this morning, and we enjoy a stroll through the town. We learn about the area’s Ovimbundu families, which consist of a male head who typically has several wives. Here, land is passed down through the family for agricultural purposes, upon which the local economy remains heavily reliant. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Luena.
The steel wheels of our train set the morning’s pace. Breakfast is served in the dining cars as we take in the sights gradually passing before us. Alight in Luena for a discovery of Angola’s more-recent history. Enjoy lunch aboard the train while heading further east. As we roll alongside the Cassai River, we may catch a glimpse of local fishermen plying their trade. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars this afternoon. Continuing toward the border town of Luau, we sit down to dinner in the train’s dining cars. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Luau.
Continuing toward the border town of Luau, we enjoy breakfast aboard the train before alighting for a walking tour. Back aboard Rovos Rail, lunch and dinner are served as we navigate our approach to the border. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Ndola, Zambia.
From Luau, we board a charter flight to the Zambian city of Ndola, via Ondjiva. Tonight we rest at the Protea Hotel. (B, L, D)
Days 12 & 13 South Luangwa National Park.
A further charter flight sees us arriving on the edge of South Luangwa National Park. Waiting vehicles guide us further across the savanna to each of the several lodges that our group will occupy here. Upon our arrival, we enjoy a lunch of delicious local specialties. With our binoculars at the ready, we set off on a game drive across the Luangwa Valley. With our journey timed for Zambia’s dry season, sightings are assured, as a variety of species flock to the park’s scarce water supplies. A collective birdsong serves as our alarm clock on the second morning. After an early breakfast, we join a game drive, watching the resident animals in the light of dawn. The late afternoon is then dedicated to a second game drive. Our expert guide scours the dirt for animal tracks, in the hope they may lead to a candid display of daily life from the park’s lions, leopards, impalas or zebras. Winding down from the excitement of the day, we enjoy dinner and a nightcap back at our lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Ndola & Lusaka.
Having flown back to Ndola, we board Rovos Rail once again and continue our rail journey. Our train heads south to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. Along the way, we pass through Kapiri Mposhi, known as the ‘Hills of Refuge’. During the height of the slave trade, local lore told of a huge bird that lived in hills to the north of the town, offering refuge to the Swaka people. As is custom, we take afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars, followed by dinner in the dining cars. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Lusaka.
Today, we are bound for Lusaka Elephant Sanctuary within Kafue National Park. The role of this important non-profit is the rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing of these majestic animals into the wild. We return to the train for lunch, before alighting once more to embark upon a sunset cruise along the Kafue River. Enjoy an afternoon with sundowners as we drift peacefully down this largest tributary of the Zambezi. Rovos Rail’s expert chefs serve another delicious meal in the dining car this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Choma.
Continuing in a southerly direction, our train soon traverses the Kafue Railway Bridge. The impressive steel truss bridge spans the Kafue River supported by concrete pillars. Breakfast and lunch are served on the train before we alight in the city of Choma. At Choma Museum and Crafts Centre, the cultural heritage of the local Batonga people is revealed. Preserved in its art gallery are a range of graphic arts, crafts, and sculptures that chronicle the lives and stories of local artists. Our train rolls on this evening toward Zimbabwe. (B, L, D)
Day 17 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
This morning, we prepare a bag for our overnight stay at Victoria Falls. Following breakfast, border formalities take place in Livingstone. Named for the famous explorer, the city welcomes us as we continue our own grand adventure. Soon we are crossing the imposing Victoria Falls Bridge, the Zambezi River below us, with the gushing Victoria Falls just beyond our window. Formally welcomed into Zimbabwe, we alight the train and walk directly to our hotel. We are received along the lawn of this regal property, before being shown inside. Lunch takes place today at Jungle Junction within the grounds of our hotel. This afternoon you can soak up the blissful surrounds of the falls in your own way. Maybe board a helicopter for bird’s-eye views of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge. The helicopter’s specially designed bubble-shaped windows provide perfect panoramas for your photo opportunities. Alternatively, stand before a gargantuan baobab tree, known locally as 'The Big Tree'. From here, take a walk through the rainforest, accompanied by a local guide, who will give you a brief history of the falls while pointing out the local flora and fauna. Late this afternoon, embark a boat for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. As the sun’s orange glow is reflected across shimmering waters, make a toast to our time in this glorious setting. Enjoy dinner while gliding further along the river before returning to our hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 18 Onboard Rovos Rail.
After breakfast, we reboard Rovos Rail for a day crossing the vast landscapes of Zimbabwe. We pass through the small town of Dete during this south-easterly leg of our journey. Mesmerising plains and vast skies converge at the horizon, easily enjoyed from the train’s observation cars. The team of culinary experts on board pleasantly punctuate our travels with lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner as we near the city of Bulawayo. (B, L, D)
Day 19 Matobo National Park.
Alighting the train in Bulawayo this morning, we board a coach for our transfer to Matobo National Park. Explore the expansive grounds of the park, discovering the caves of the San people, Zimbabwe’s earliest inhabitants. The walls of the caves are adorned with ancient rock art, depicting scenes involving elongated figures engaged in hunting and dancing. Nearby, atop a hill considered sacred to many Zimbabweans, we also see the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, a site of much contention among locals. Back aboard the train, we pass through baobab country, the colossal drought-tolerant trees making for a grand spectacle. Further south, we approach the town of Gwanda, a gold-mining town and capital of the province of Matabeleland South. With our arrival at Beitbridge this evening, border formalities are taken care of and we proceed into South Africa. (B, L, D)
Day 20 Onboard Rovos Rail, South Africa.
Track the sun’s arc across the sky as we enjoy a full day travelling aboard Rovos Rail. Towering hills and sweeping savannas also vie for our attention, which we see unfold from the observation lounge or our comfortable cabins. Enjoy gourmet three course dining during lunch and dinner, accompanied perhaps by some of South Africa’s finest wines. The ‘fruit basket of South Africa’ awaits us in Tzaneen. The important agricultural area serves as the gateway to Kruger National Park, which we will explore tomorrow. (B, L, D)
Days 21 & 22 Kapama Private Game Reserve.
We alight the train early this morning, taking advantage of a full day of discoveries. At the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, we learn about the vital conservation work being undertaken for cheetahs and rhinos. From here, we transfer to Kapama River Lodge for an overnight stay. After lunch, we head into Kapama Private Game Reserve; a game drive taking us in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Returning to our lodge, dinner is served before we retreat to our comfortable suites. On the second morning during an early game drive, we keep watch for antelopes and hyenas, as the sun’s orange rays create silhouettes of the park’s trees. We compare notes regarding our respective sightings over breakfast back at the lodge. Bid farewell to Kapama Private Game Reserve to meet back up with our waiting train and head toward Mozambique and the Indian Ocean coast. (B, L, D)
Day 23 Maputo, Mozambique.
Shortly after breakfast, Rovos Rail pulls into the station at Maputo, in Mozambique. Disembark and join a city tour. Stand before the imposing red stone structure of Maputo Fortress. From here, we stroll the aisles of Maputo Central Market. Close by, the white spire of Maputo Cathedral can be seen gleaming against the blue sky. Then a pathway through Tunduru Botanical Gardens leads us to the Iron House, whose design has been attributed to Gustave Eiffel. We retreat to a local restaurant for lunch, before checking in to the renowned Polana Serena Hotel. This afternoon choose to join a walking tour through the neighbourhood of Mafalala and get acquainted with the delicious local food, traditional dancing and sports. The relatively small town has produced many well-known locals, from footballers to journalists and singers, and even a former president. Alternatively, visit some of Maputo’s artistic, historical and cultural sites before driving out to a few of the city’s colourful nearby neighbourhoods. Tonight we celebrate our extraordinary journey during a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 24 Maputo to London.
Disembark our train this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 25 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
| 19 July to 12 August 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Pullman Gold Suite | £17995 | |
| Deluxe Suite | £20995 | |
| Royal Suite | On Request | |
| Pullman Suite for sole use | £24495 | |
| Deluxe Suite for sole use | £28995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LANAGOLA
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard Rovos Rail • Two nights accommodation in Luanda, Lobito & South Luangwa National Park • Overnight accommodation in Ndolo, Victoria Falls, Kapama Game Reserve & Maputo • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) with selected drinks • Excursions • Local guides • Onboard Train Manager aboard Rovos Rail • Captains Choice Tour Leader and Tour Doctor • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Zimbabwe visa, Mozambique visa.
NB. The train operator, Rovos Rail, is reliant on the railway services provided by the countries through which they travel. Delays can occur due to issues with locomotives, signalling, damage to power cables or tracks and electrical outages. Whilst Rovos Rail will endeavour to ensure the schedule is adhered to there may be amendments due to these challenges. Any changes will be communicated on board via the train managers. Please also note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
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