Africa captures the imagination like no other continent and its varied cultures, extraordinary wildlife and perhaps most of all, the majesty of its landscape cast a lifelong spell on all who visit. For this journey through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, one of the great train journeys of the world, Rovos Rail have provided us with a selection of cabins aboard their luxurious private train. Some of the most evocative journeys in the world are to be had on board a train and nowhere is this truer than in Africa where the timeless landscapes can be enjoyed from the considerable comfort of your carriage, providing an eye-level view of the absorbing scenery. From Cape Town we will travel the length of South Africa visiting the diamond town of Kimberley, the nation’s capital of Pretoria and stay two nights in a private lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Cross the border to the magnificent Victoria Falls and then across the mighty Zambezi River, travelling north to Zambia where we join the Tazara Railway line and visit the Chisimba Falls before we continue on to the Tanzanian border for our day in the magnificent Nyere National Park. Finally we reach the bustling city of Dar es Salaam where our epic journey concludes.
For this group departure, our associates at Rovos Rail have allocated a selection of cabins for Noble Caledonia guests. You will be accompanied by a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager and the remainder of the guests on board will be international.
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 Cape Town, South Africa.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Cape Town.
Arrive today and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day and evening are free to relax in the hotel or explore independently.
Day 3 Cape Town.
This morning, enjoy a half day tour of Cape Town. On your way into the city, view famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, St George’s Cathedral, and the Malay Quarter. Witness the firing of the noonday gun at Signal Hill, before proceeding to Table Mountain, where you will have the option to ascend via Cable Car. On a clear day, you can see across the bay to Robben Island and Cape Point. Weather permitting, enjoy walks around the top to view the unique flora that grows around this famous peak. Alternatively, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Cape Town to Matjiesfontein.
After breakfast we transfer to Cape Town train station to board Rovos Rail. Settle into your cabin and enjoy the changing landscape as we travel to Matjiesfontein, arriving in the early evening with time for a stroll through this quaint and historic little village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages. (B, L, D)
Day 5 On Board.
Spend the day on the train as we traverse the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Kimberley.
Arrive today in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape and well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. A tour of the city includes the ‘Big Hole’ and the Diamond Mine Museum. Depart over lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on the train. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Pretoria.
This morning, we pull into Pretoria, one of the most picturesque of South African cities. Enjoy a tour of the station and locomotive workshops followed by lunch on the platform and a city tour of Pretoria. Return to the train in the early evening and depart for Zeerust. (B, L, D)
Days 8 & 9 Madikwe Game Reserve.
Arrive this morning at Zeerust and transfer to the Madikwe Game Reserve for a two-night stay at Tau Game Lodge. Madikwe is a prime malaria-free Big Five wildlife reserve bordering Botswana. It lies within a transition zone between the Northwest Province bushveld and Kalahari thornveld with enormous volcanic intrusions, wide open plains and the riverine environment along the Marico River. As a result, the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems with a rich assortment of vegetation and more than 300 resident and migrant bird species. We will take part in early morning and evening game drive in addition to other activities and make the most of the lodge’s excellent facilities. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Gaborone, Botswana.
After an early morning game drive, we reboard our train in Gaborone for a mid-day departure. We will have border formalities for Botswana before lunch is served. This afternoon the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin. Known as ‘Kgalagadi’ in Botswana, the Kalahari (which covers much of Botswana, parts of Namibia and South Africa) is not a true desert as it does experience small amounts of rain, with some areas enjoying up to 250 mm per annum. The surrounding basin extends farther into Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and encroaching into parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is part desert, part plateau. The only constant river, the Okavango, flows into a delta in the northwest forming marshes that are rich in wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 11 En-route.
Enjoy the day on board travelling through Zimbabwe. An expert historian will provide morning and afternoon talks. We pass Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres and along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Arrive at Victoria Falls this morning and walk from the train to the ‘Grand Lady’ Victoria Falls Hotel where we have an overnight stay. After lunch in the hotel there will be some free time before we meet in the late afternoon for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a magical experience. Dinner will be taken at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Victoria Falls.
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure at Victoria Falls. A selection of optional tours will be offered for an additional cost, for example, join a guided tour of the falls, take the ‘Flight of Angels’ or enjoy a round of golf. In the late afternoon re-board the train and depart for Zambia with border formalities en-route. (B, L, D)
Days 14 & 15 En-route.
Two leisurely days on board our train to enjoy the good food and company whilst admiring the passing scenery as we journey through Zambia. We will cross the Kafue Railway Bridge – a 477-metre-long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers. Also pass Lusaka as we use the Tazara railway line through some remote territory. There will be lectures on board during the day. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Chisimba Falls, Zambia.
Today we disembark in Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls, a combination of three successive waterfalls. According to Bemba tradition, the nature spirit ‘Chishimba’ lives in a cave behind the falls therefore no bad behaviour is allowed in this area.Though the Bemba people arrived here in the 17th century, they weren’t the first as the land surrounding the falls is dotted with evidence of Iron Age activities including kilns, smelting pipes and iron ore deposits. Return to the train for our onward journey. There will be border formalities as we cross from Zambia to Tanzania. (B, L, D)
Day 17 On board.
Relax on board as the train traverses the Rift Valley and baobab forests towards Mbeya. The Southern Highlands of Tanzania are covered with grasslands, savannas, woodlands and forests. Miombo woodland and savanna predominates at lower elevations while the higher mountains are home to Afromontane evergreen forests, grasslands and shrublands, and part of the Southern Rift montane forest grassland mosaic ecoregion, which extends into the nearby mountains of Malawi and Zambia. (B, L, D)
Day 18 Makambako, Tanzania.
After breakfast we will arrive in Makambako and commence our descent through the spectacular pass to Mlimba. The train travels alongside the Udzungwa Mountains as it negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment.
Day 19 Nyere National Park.
Enjoy a game visit and lunch (weather permitting) in the Nyerere National Park, the largest in Africa at 30.000 square kilometres. (B, L, D)
Day 20 Dar es Salaam to London.
Disembark this morning in Dar es Salaam where we take a panoramic tour followed by lunch. Later we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B, L).
Day 21 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 6 to 26 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Pullman Suite | £16995 | |
| Deluxe Suite | £20995 | |
| Royal Suite | £25995 | |
| Pullman Suite for sole use | £21995 | |
| Deluxe Suite for sole use | £27495 | |
Tour Reference Code: LARR061027
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Cape Town • 13 nights aboard Rovos Rail • Two nights hotel accommodation at Madikwe Game Reserve • Overnight hotel accommodation at Victoria Falls • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • All drinks on Rovos Rail (excluding premium brands) • Limited laundry service on Rovos Rail • Excursions • Entrance fees • Local guides • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Rovos Rail Train Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visas for Zimbabwe, Zambia & Tanzania, drinks with meals off the train, optional excursions in Victoria Falls.
Please note: This is a limited group departure. Noble Caledonia have an allocation of cabins and the remainder of guests on board will be non-Noble Caledonia, international guests. All bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 10% deposit. 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.
NB Minimum numbers apply.
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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Information Directory
Information Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the train or click on the booklet to download.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences and we are delighted to offer their luxury train, the Rovos Rail. 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.
ACCOMMODATION
The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. All have en-suite bathrooms with original fittings that combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hairdryers and shaver plugs. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There are three categories of accommodation available:Royal Suites (16 m2): The Royal Suites are both spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of side-by-side twin or spacious double beds. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Deluxe Suites (10 m2): The Deluxe Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Pullman Suites (7 m2): The Pullman Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort.
ADAPTORS
A limited number of international adaptors are available on board.AIR-CONDITIONING
All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each suite has an air-conditioning unit with individual temperature control (this can also be set to heat mode). Fresh-air intake is solved by opening a window; however, windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-departure announcements will be made before boarding the train by the Train Manager. Any further important information will be personally announced by your onboard host/ess.COMMUNICATIONS
In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. There is an internal telephone system in all suites. The use of mobile phones, laptops and anything else that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception can be poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated. Internet will be available at many of the Rovos Rail lounges and accommodations en-route.
You can contact the train by email at reservations@rovos.co.za. Please indicate the passenger name and departure date as the subject.DAILY PROGRAMME
A day to day itinerary is placed in all suites detailing the arrangements and this will be available for you when you board the train. Any updates will be communicated as necessary.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak with the chef at dinner on your first evening to reconfirm your needs.DINING & DRINKING
The Rovos Rail has two 42-seater Dining Cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet selection of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are set menus and both are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. Normally breakfast is between 7.00 am and 10.00 am, lunch at 1.00 pm and a formal dinner at 7.30 pm. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. All drinks on board are included except for certain premium label spirits, wines and champagnes.DISEMBARKATION
Guests should wait in public areas or their cabin until an announcement is made with instructions for disembarking.DRESS CODE
For Noble Caledonia Exclusive Charters: The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate, and the evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, it is requested that you refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals.
For Group Departures: The dress code on board is defined as smart casual. During the day, comfortable smart casual attire is appropriate. Dinner and evenings on board are formal. For gentlemen, collars and ties are mandatory, while a jacket is optional. For ladies, we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity on the train is as follows: 220V AC 50Hz 3 point round pronged wall plug. International adaptors are available – please ask your host/ess. There is a USB port in each suite.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. There is a fire extinguisher in your suite and if a fire should break out here, please be quick to apply it. If it cannot be controlled, please advise staff immediately. There are large extinguishers at the end of each carriage for staff application. The train will be brought to a halt for the required action. Do not jump from a moving train.GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop on board which is located in the central lounge and is open between mealtimes. The host/ess on duty has a basic first aid kit and a limited supply of personal essentials.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so it is not possible to handle a week’s worth of washing in one go. Please note there are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your suite carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.MAIL
Although your host/ess will be happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway at the stop at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated defibrillator and wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. All train managers have first aid qualifications.ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Any extra expenses can be settled directly on the train with the host/ess. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will also provide the necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey.PUBLIC AREAS
On board there is a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking Lounge Car, which also houses the Gift Shop. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the questionnaire that will be distributed to you during the tour. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests.SECURITY & SAFETY
Whilst on board, passengers are encouraged to close shutters (and preferably windows as well) in the cabins and passengers are specifically requested to close windows and shutters when not in the cabin. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your cabin door can also lock from the inside. It is requested that guests adhere to the following:
• Never open exterior doors while the train is moving.
• Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving.
• An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be heavily fined.
• When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. Safety goggles are provided in your cabin.
• Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it is not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your cabin you must make certain that your windows and shutters are closed.
• Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark.
• Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only.SERVICE
A dedicated host/ess is available for full 24-hour room service. He/she can be called from the telephone in your suite. The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are also on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.SMOKING POLICY
On board the train, smoking is only allowed in the Club Lounge but please be aware that the train is generally made up of wood. Please do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train as bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.TELEPHONE CALLS
There is an internal telephone system on board. Please check the room list which details all telephone numbers – this will include the number of your host/ess should you need their service between midnight and 6.00 am.TOILETRIES
A complete toiletry bag is available in your en-suite bathroom with the following South African products: conditioning shampoo, body and hair bar, shower gel, soap, body lotion, hand sanitiser, insect spray, shower cap, tissues and a vanity kit with nail file, paper-made cotton buds and cotton pads. Products are 100% natural and biodegradable. All bottles are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled rPET, and are returned to the factory for recycling after a journey. Other products are wrapped in cardboard, which is sustainably sourced. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board.TRACK
The track over which the train travels is inconsistently maintained. The train is therefore restricted to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections the speed is reduced to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available.WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested via your host/ess.WATER
The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Water inside the cabins has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking.Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000