Trail of Two Oceans Rovos Rail Journey

This trip departs from Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, a city that Rovos Rail is familiar with from its 1993 Cape to Dar trip. It includes a visit to the Selous Reserve for game viewing, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia), and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). After that, it joins the Benguela line for brief walking tours that cover the recent history of Angola, ending in Lobito. Reverse accessible.

Day 1: DAR ES SALAAM
12:00pm Leave Tanzania's Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam. A unique feature that appeals to our rail aficionados is that guests can freshen up in their suites before joining other passengers in the lounge car and observation car, which will be at the head of the train for the first 72 hours. Please make sure your passport is with the Administration Deputy or Train Manager. In the lounge car, lectures will be held in the morning and/or afternoon during the trip. Refer to the lecture sheets for further information.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train heads towards the Selous via Tanzania's lush countryside.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Fuga Halt, dinner is served in the dining carriages. Formal attire.

Day 2: Nyerere National Park
05:30am The dining cars provide breakfast till 7:00 a.m.
07:00am Experience a safari excursion at the 30 000 km2 Nyerere National Park, Africa's largest (weather permitting).
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train traverses the escarpment's breathtaking switchbacks, viaducts, and tunnels as it heads towards the forested Udzungwa Mountains.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Mlimba, dinner is served in the dining carriages. Formal attire.

Day 3: Makambako (Optional)
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
When you get to Makambako, take some time to explore the town on foot.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train travels through baobab woods before climbing the Rift Valley to the boundary, which is situated nearly exactly halfway between the two Great Rift Valley lakes in Africa.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire
Kindly return your watches one hour in advance of the evening's relaxation.

Day 4: Chisimba Falls 

07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00. formality at borders.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train goes through isolated area on the TAZARA railway line, an engineering marvel and one of Africa's best-kept secrets.
Take a leisurely stroll to the rock pools at the base of Chisimba Falls or take in the views from several vantage points during your afternoon visit. By 18:00, return to the train.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire is required.

Day 5: At Leisure Onboard

07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00. From Serenje, the train goes to Kapiri Mposhi.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge. There, at New Kapiri Mposhi, the train is turned.
19:30pm On the way to Ndola, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Formal attire is required.

Day 6: South Luangwa National Park

If you plan to spend two nights in South Luangwa National Park, please bring a small overnight bag. We have arranged for baggage to be placed in your suite for convenience. Please make sure you are dressed warmly for the game drives. Walking safaris are offered, so if you'd want to take part, make sure you have the appropriate footwear. Confirmed game drive time upon arrival. View the inclusions and exclusions. Make sure you have your passport from the Administration Deputy or the Train Manager.
06:00am The dining cars serve breakfast until 8:45 a.m.
09:00am Proceed to the Ndola Airport for a 55-minute chartered flight to South Luangwa National Park, which was formerly known as the Luangwa Game Park before being renamed as one of the three game reserves in 1938. The magnificent park is located between 500 and 800 meters above sea level and spans over 9050 km2 of the Luangwa Valley floor. There is no shortage of dramatic and fascinating topography in this stunning game-rich park, which is bordered by the Muchinga Escarpment on the west and northwest and the meandering Luangwa River on the south.
12:00pm Move to the appropriate camps. When you arrive, enjoy lunch and check in.
15:30pm A wildlife drive in the Luangwa Valley in the afternoon (180 minutes).
19:30pm At the camps for dinner and the night. Wear something casual.

Day 7: South Luangwa National Park

06:00am Savour a continental breakfast.
06:30am Game drive in the early morning (±180 min).
10:00am It's brunch time. Free time in the afternoon.
15:30pm A wildlife drive in the Luangwa Valley in the afternoon (α180 minutes).
19:30pm At the camps for dinner and the night. Wear something casual.

Day 8: South Luangwa National Park

Please make sure your luggage is prepared for pickup.
Check-out times, breakfast, and a morning game drive (about 120 minutes) will be confirmed.
Proceed to the airport for the scheduled flight (about 60 minutes) to Ndola.
12:00pm Go back on the train, transfer at Ndola Station.
Please make sure your passport is with the Administration Deputy or Train Manager.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train is headed for the border.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm In the dining cars on the way to Lubumbashi, dinner is provided. Formal attire is required.

Day 9: Lubumbashi

06:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 8:00 a.m.
08:00am Take pleasure in a car ride in Lubumbashi.
11:00am Back on the train, head for Lukuni.
13;00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. Luishia, an abandoned open-pit copper and cobalt mine, is passed by the train.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Kolwezi, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Formal attire is required.

Day 10: Copper Mine

06:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 8:00 a.m.
08:00am Set off for a visit to a copper mine in Kolwezi, which is home to one of the greatest known copper and cobalt resources in the world.
10:30pm Savour brunch at Katebi Lodge.
13:00pm Go back to the rail car. Make your way to Kasombo.
15:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm While travelling to Mutshatsha, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Wear something formal.

Day 11: At Leisure Onboard

07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. En way to Malonga, the train passes via Kakopa.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Dilolo, dinner is served in the dining cars. "Africa" theme attire or smart casual.
Please give your watches a full hour's notice before turning in for the night.

Day 12: Luau

07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00. formality at borders.
11:00am Savour a stroll around Luau, the Benguela line's beginning.
12:00pm On its way to Luena is the train.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge. The Cassai River runs along the train as it passes. The 900 000 km2 basin of the Cassai River is home to an extraordinarily diverse fish population. It is occasionally possible to catch a glimpse of the local fisherman at work when the train travels through the villages of Cassai and Cameia.
19:30pm On the way to Luena, dinner is served in the dining cars. Formal attire is required.

Day 13: Luena

07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
10:00am Take a strolling tour of Luena to discover more about Angola's recent past.
11:00am Make your way to Tcholohanga, Tchicala.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Kuito, dinner is served in the dining cars. Formal attire is required.

Day 14: Kuito

06:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 9:00 a.m.
09:00am Take a leisurely tour around Kuito, which was established in the Ovimbundu kingdom's ancient centre.
11:00am Make your way to Huambo.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Huambo, dinner is served in the dining carriages. Formal attire is required.

Day 15: Huambo

06:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 9:00 a.m.
09:00am Take a tour of Huambo, the country's second-biggest metropolis and one of the former kingdoms located on the central plateau.
11:00am Leave to Lépi.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:00pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm While travelling to Cubal, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Dress in smart casual or with a "1920s" theme.

Day 16: Lobito

Please make sure you have your passport and that your luggage is available for pickup by 09:45.
07:00am The dining cars serve breakfast until 09:30.
10:00am Reach Lobito Station in Benguela Province, Angola, the destination of your tour.

The immaculately renovated and updated wood-paneled sleeper coaches provide every contemporary comfort and convenience, along with the best amenities. With a private lounge space, a Victorian bath, a separate shower, a toilet, and a basin, each Royal Suite occupies half of a carriage. They have split twin or double beds that can fit one or two passengers. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available. Suite arrangements may not match photos; refer to SUITES.

Suite Facilities:

Double or twin beds - En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin - Small lounge area - Writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service

The immaculately renovated and updated wood-paneled sleeper coaches provide every contemporary comfort and convenience, along with the best amenities. The Deluxe Suites offer their own lounge space, en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin, and can sleep one or two people in double or twin beds. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available. Suite arrangements may not match photos; refer to SUITES.

Suite Facilities:

Double or twin beds - En-suite with shower, toilet and basin - Small lounge area - Writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service

The Pullman Golds, which are mostly utilised on our lengthy trips, offer an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink and can sleep one or two people in double or split twin beds. The ideal configuration between the Split Twin and Double Lengthways is the Split Twin, which will be demonstrated during check-in. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available.

Suite Facilities:

Double or twin beds - Daytime sofa setting - En-suite with shower, toilet and basin - Fold-up writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service