A pioneering 15-night east-west African adventure
15 NIGHTS • 4300km
This voyage sets off from the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam (a city familiar to Rovos Rail as it has been running its Cape to Dar trip there since 1993), and includes a game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter it joins the Benguela line for short walking tours detailing Angola’s recent history with journey’s end in Lobito. Available in reverse.
PLEASE TURN YOUR WATCHES BACK BY ONE HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
Chisimba Falls is a series of three waterfalls named Mutumuna, Kaela and Chishimba (Chisimba), which are separated over 300m along the Luombe River. According to Bemba tradition, the nature spirit “Chishimba” lives in a cave behind the falls therefore no bad behaviour (including fights, insults and arrogance) 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.
Most of the territory of Zambia forms part of the great plateau of south and east Africa displaying a gently rolling and somewhat monotonous surface, relieved at intervals by hills, small escarpments of resistant rock formations and deep valleys that form part of the great African Rift system. The countryside, although high, is thick with Miombo woodland and Raffia palms. The Continental Divide, separating the drainage to the Atlantic and Indian oceans, forms the Zambia-DRC boundary as far as the southern tip where the DRC intrudes into Zambia. It then trends northeast to leave the country about halfway between lakes Tanganyika and Malawi. The railway, in fact, follows this line very closely. In this comparatively short section of the divide are the sources of the Congo and Zambezi rivers, two of the four largest rivers on the continent.
Please pack a small overnight bag for a two-night stay in South Luangwa National Park. For your convenience we have placed bags in your suite. Please ensure you have warm clothing for the game drives. Walking safaris are available so please ensure you have the correct shoes if you would like to participate. Time of game drives confirmed on arrival. See inclusions/exclusions. Please ensure you have obtained your passport from the Train Manager or Administration Deputy.
Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection.
Breakfast, a morning game drive (±120 min) and check-out times will be confirmed.
Transfer to the airport for the chartered flight (±60 min) to Ndola.
PLEASE TURN YOUR WATCHES BACK AN HOUR BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE EVENING.
Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection by 09:45 and that you have your passport.
Please dress accordingly for excursions/game drives: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm
then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available.
Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
Please check with the Train Manager or reservations@rovos.co.za for any updates or changes to the itinerary.
In your suite you will find the Journeys magazine that features articles of interest related to the route.
INCLUDED: Accommodation; all meals; all beverages; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax. EXCLUDED: International sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights.
MEALS ON BOARD (unless adjusted) Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30
