Africa is a beautiful continent offering many different things from the rugged mountains of South Africa to Egypt’s pyramids.
And, arguably, one of the best ways to explore any continent or country is by train, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy gorgeous views.
Good news for train and adventure lovers: One of Africa’s most beautiful rail journeys takes passengers on an epic adventure through the continent, stretching 3,500 miles and crossing five countries from Cape Town in South Africa to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The 16-day trip, run by Rovos Rail and dubbed the Pride of Africa, winds its way through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania, offering breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and visits to historic landmarks.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is often called Africa’s most beautiful train journey.
The route starts in Cape Town, with its famous Table Mountain, before heading north to the quaint Victorian village of Matjiesfontein on the edge of the Great Karoo.
The train then visits the diamond town of Kimberley, where you can see the famous “Big Hole,” a staggering 840m-deep former diamond mine.
On day three, passengers enjoy a short tour of Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities, before departing for a two-night stay in Madikwe Game Reserve, known for its Big Five wildlife safaris.
The adventure continues as the train rolls through Botswana and into Zimbabwe, stopping at the luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel for an overnight stay.
Guests can see the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, before crossing the Zambezi River into Zambia.
The journey then follows the Tazara Railway, where the train climbs the escarpment to the Tanzanian border, weaving through tunnels, switchbacks, and viaducts as it descends into the Great Rift Valley.
Highlights include a bush walk at Chisimba Falls and a visit to Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest protected area.
Before arriving at the final destination in Dar es Salaam, the train crosses the Udzungwa Mountains, offering amazing views of untouched landscapes and huge forests.
The luxury train accommodates just 70 passengers, spread across three suite classes: Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal, with fares starting at £12,000 per person.
The train features elegant dining cars, a non-smoking lounge, and an observation car where guests can enjoy the panoramic views.
However, this extraordinary trip isn’t for everyone. Rough tracks in Zambia and Tanzania can cause delays, and guests should come prepared for an adventure experience.
Medical insurance, visas, and inoculations such as yellow fever are required for the journey.
More information can be found here.
