Itinerary

Northbound itinerary –

Day 1 – Johannesburg

Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to the train. (D)

Day 2 – Johannesburg / Zimbabwe

Enjoy some time of leisure as the train travels towards Upington. (BD)

Day 3 – Zimbabwe

Travel from Rutenga through attractive granite hill country to Great Zimbabwe, a hugely impressive monument situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau and the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. A celebrated achievement of the African people and a place where magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people. Return to the train for your journey to Bulawayo. (BD)
(Distance travelled: ± 300 km)

Day 4 – Bulawayo / Matobo National Park

Matobo means “bald headed ones” and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Visit the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave the country its previous name of  Rhodesia. Afterwards, visit one of the more accessible bushman caves, of which there are many hidden amongst the hills. Continue to the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, take a drive through the city and visit an art gallery. Return to the train.
(Distance travelled: ± 100 km)

Day 5 – Chobe National Park / Botswana

After breakfast, a road trip brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe National Park. There is a great array of wildlife and the Chobe elephants are well respected, as are the many hippos which can be seen in large numbers basking in the river. Highlights include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise on the Chobe River. Return to the train. (BD)
(Distance travelled: ± 200 km)

Day 6 – Victoria Falls

Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. We will first stop at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named for David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary, who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. Return to the train for your journey to Lusaka. (BD)

Day 7 – En route to Lusaka

Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards its capital, Lusaka. You’ll be able to see rural Africa as it passes by – miles and miles of flat landscape dotted with green Mopani trees. (BD)

Day 8 – Lusaka / Chaminuka Lodge

The visit to the City provides a comprehensive view of the way of life in Lusaka, a typical African Capital City with a lot of history behind it, historical building includes the government and cultural sites and the main markets. En route to the Chaminuka Lodge, visit the Kasisi Children’s Home, run by Catholic nuns. Chaminuka offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at the lodge. (BD)

Day 9 – Chaminuka Lodge

Enjoy an additional day at the Chaminuka Lodge where you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities. Return to the train for your journey to Serenje. (BD)

Day 10 – Serenje / Livingstone Memorial / Kundalila Falls

After breakfast, visit the Dr Livingstone Memorial, a plaque placed on the former site of a ‘mupundu\' wild fruit tree under which Dr. Livingstone\'s heart was buried. Continue to the Kundalila Falls (meaning \"Crying Dove\"). The Kaombe River falls 70 m here, breaking into thin veils of spray. Return to the train for your journey to Kasama. (BD)
(distance travelled: ± 250 km).

Day 11 – Scenic Escarpment Drop

This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight drop off the escarpment. (BLD)

Day 12 – Makambako

After arrival at Makambako, visit the Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa. It also has a number of sites, which show that the archaeological or cultural record goes back to 2.5 million years ago. Today Iringa is a bustling municipality and regional headquarters. Visit a thriving market usually well stock with fruit, vegetables, flour, rice maize etc. Adjacent to the fresh food section, stalls sell locally made baskets, mats, pots, metal utensils, brooms, brushes and touristy \"knickknacks.\" Return to the train. (BD)
(distance travelled: ± 366 km)

Day 13 – Selous Game Reserve

Selous, covering an area of roughly 50 000 km², is one of the largest game reserve in Africa - 4 times the size of the Serengeti, and almost 6% of Tanzania\'s land surface. It possesses a diverse landscape, ranging from hot volcanic springs to sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Rhaha and Rufiji Rivers. Selous is famous for its Elephant, Hippopotamus and Rhino (although depleted), and other species. Africa\'s largest population of Buffalo can also be found here. Return to the train. (BD)
(distance travelled: ± 120 km).

Available tour add-ons (on supplement):
1. Overnight at the Lodge in Selous
2. Walking Safaris

Day 14 – Kisaki

After breakfast, tour the communal lands to experience the life style of the indigenous people of this region the Masai people. Enjoy some time of leisure in the afternoon. Overnight on the train. (BD)

Day 15 – Dar es Salaam / Bagamoyo

Arrive in Dar es Salaam (meaning \"Haven of Peace\"). Today it is a hustling and bustling seaport at the crossroads of some of the most important sea routes on the Indian Ocean. Visit Bagamoyo, apart from having once been a slave and ivory port, this closest mainland town to the island of Zanzibar, was once also the terminus for caravans from the interior. Return to the train. (BD)
(distance travelled: ± 144 km)

Day 16 – Dar es Salaam / En Route

Transfer to the airport for your flight or continue to your onward tour. (B)

Map Location