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Grand African Rail Journey

Home Icon 21-day Grand African Rail Journey starting at £13,195 £12,995 per person

All aboard the most epic of African rail adventures! Join us on the elegant Rovos Rail to experience one of the most sought-after experiences in the world. Our brand-new tour, Grand African Rail Journey, meanders through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania at a leisurely pace to ensure you capture every spectacular moment.

Each stop on our journey offers unparalleled access to African culture, history and wildlife. Enjoy heart-racing game drives in two of Africa’s premier reserves in search of the Big Five and stay overnight at thundering Victoria Falls. Cross the mighty Zambezi River, stand in awe of Chisimba Falls, and immerse yourself in the cultural cities of Cape Town, Pretoria and Dar es Salaam. You will find life’s worries melt away as we travel across Africa enjoying magnificent landscapes onboard Rovos Rail over 16 all-inclusive nights.

For those who wish to venture further and extend their epic adventure, there is an option to stay longer in Cape Town, with a three-night stay experiencing pristine beaches to rugged mountains, world-class cuisine and an incredible waterfront.

SAVE £200 per person! Book one of our South Africa tours departing from September 2025 and save £200 per person. Offer ends 30th November 2024.

Day 1

Depart UK

Great African Rail Journey Day 1

Depart the UK from London Heathrow with Emirates. Flights from London Gatwick and Manchester are available at no extra cost. We will stop en-route in Dubai before flying onwards to Cape Town.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2

Cape Town, Overnight

Great African Rail Journey Day 2

We land in magnificent Cape Town, where our waiting coach will take us to the hidden gem of the Camps Bay Retreat. The rest of our day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or explore Cape Town.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3

Cape Town

Great African Rail Journey Day 3

Following breakfast, we transfer to Cape Town train station, where the glamorous Rovos Rail awaits our arrival. After check-in formalities, board and settle in for the adventure of a lifetime. Expect timeless décor, exceptional comfort and exquisite service as we first step into the world of Rovos Rail, ready to enjoy our 16-night all-inclusive adventure. We have the chance to freshen up in our suite before joining fellow travellers in the lounge and observation car for tea, while the train travels towards the Hex River Valley. Disembark at Matjiesfontein and enjoy a stroll through the historic village. Dinner will be served in the dining car.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 4

At leisure onboard

Great African Rail Journey Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast, we enjoy a day onboard, indulging in the facilities on offer and wonderful views. The train traverses the Karoo, a semi-desert region, that was once a gigantic inland sea. Let the chefs onboard work their magic as your meals are all freshly prepared by experts, harnessing the flavours of local produce.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 5

Kimberley

Great African Rail Journey Day 5

This morning, enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. In 1871, word spread that diamonds had been found at this site, so prospectors swarmed to the area looking to make their fortune. Armed with only picks they created the 200m(sq) hole we see today. We return to the train for lunch as we travel onwards to Klerksdorp.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 6

Pretoria

Great African Rail Journey Day 6

On arrival at our next stop, we transfer to Pretoria for a city tour followed by lunch on the Rovos Rail Station platform. Pretoria, which is also known as Jacaranda City, is a fascinating place to explore. The city is named after Andries Pretorius, leader of the Voortrekkers, known for his victory over the Zulus in the battle of the Blood River. Afterwards, we enjoy a walking tour of Rovos Rail’s private station, before returning to the train for dinner as we travel to Zeerust.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 7

Madikwe Game Reserve

Great African Rail Journey Day 7

After breakfast, we pack a small overnight bag and transfer to our lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve for a two-night stay. Madikwe is a Big Five wildlife reserve bordering Botswana. The region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both river and open plain ecosystems with a rich assortment of vegetation and more than 350 resident and migrant bird species. On our way, border formalities take place and then lunch is served upon arrival. In the afternoon, we enjoy our first game drive, where we have the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, elephants and much more within the reserve. This will be followed by dinner at the lodge.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8

Madikwe Game Reserve

Great African Rail Journey Day 8

Tour Highlight

This morning, we depart on an early morning game drive in this incredible game reserve. Lunch will be at the lodge before a further game drive to provide us with the best opportunities to see the Big Five. As well as the Big Five, there is a chance to spot some other incredible wildlife too, such as the Cape Buffalo and Hippopotamus. This will be followed by a sumptuous dinner at the lodge.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9

Madikwe Game Reserve

Great African Rail Journey Day 9

After our final early morning game drive, breakfast is served and we check-out of the lodge with wildlife memories to cherish. We transfer to our train at Gaborone in Botswana, where border formalities take place. Lunch is served in the dining cars while we watch the stunning views as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin. Known as ‘Kgalagadi’ in Botswana, the Kalahari is commonly known as a desert, but in not technically a desert, as it experiences small amounts of rainfall.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 10

At leisure onboard

Great African Rail Journey Day 10

Our day is at leisure. We may wish to join one of the lectures taking place throughout our journey in the lounge car. Whilst taking tea in the lounge, we pass Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s straightest stretches of railway line, and traverse the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 11

Victoria Falls

Great African Rail Journey Day 11

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we arrive at the outstanding Victoria Falls, where we disembark with an overnight bag for our hotel stay tonight. We are welcomed to the hotel followed by lunch at Jungle Junction. Luggage will be delivered to our rooms in time to freshen up, ready for our sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The grand Zambezi, the fourth longest river in Africa, is about two kilometres wide above Victoria Falls. The river cascades over the edge of the falls into a tight chasm, which creates an incredible spray seen from miles around, as well as a deafening sound as the water crashes to the floor of the falls. As evening arrives, we board our sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, offering picturesque views over the landscape as well as the chance to spot hippos and elephants at the river’s edge.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12

Victoria Falls

Great African Rail Journey Day 12

Today is at leisure to enjoy the wonderful Victoria Falls as we wish. Breakfast and lunch will both be served at the Jungle Junction Restaurant before we return to our train, ready for our departure to Zambia. Whilst we enjoy tea in the lounge and observation cars, we cross the Victoria Falls Bridge, a fantastic photo opportunity with stunning views of the falls – so have that camera ready!

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 13

At leisure onboard

Great African Rail Journey Day 13

We have a relaxing day on board, as the train travels across the Kafue Railway Bridge – an impressive 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge built in 1906. As we sit and dine on the fantastic cuisine offered onboard Rovos Rail, the train passes Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 14

At leisure onboard

Great African Rail Journey Day 14

This morning, the train travels the TAZARA railway line, a monumental piece of engineering which took place during the 1970’s and took over 50,000 workers to build. A formal dinner will be served in the dining cars this evening en-route to Kasama.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 15

Chisimba Falls

Great African Rail Journey Day 15

This morning, we depart the train to take a pleasant walk to the rock pools at the base of Chisimba Falls. Chisimba Falls is a collection of three waterfalls named Mutumuna, Kaela and Chishimba and according to tradition, the spirit “Chishimba” lives in a cave behind the falls and no poor behaviour is supposedly allowed in this area. Iron Age artefacts including kilns, smelting pipes and iron ore deposits are found in the vicinity of the falls. Our journey continues as we climb to the border where Zambia meets Tanzania, located almost at the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 16

At leisure onboard

Great African Rail Journey Day 16

Wake up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as the train passes Baobab forests and descends the Rift Valley towards Mbeya. We view the Southern Highlands of Tanzania which are covered with savannas, woodlands and forests. Dinner is a formal affair this evening and served in the dining car.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 17

Makambako

Great African Rail Journey Day 17

After breakfast, we may enjoy an optional stroll through Makambako (time permitting), a town in the Tanzanian Southern Highlands. The train then travels towards the Udzungwa Mountains where we marvel at the dramatic viaducts and tunnels of the escarpment on our journey.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 18

Nyerere National Park

Great African Rail Journey Day 18

Early this morning a continental breakfast will be served as the train travels into the highlands towards Nyerere. After a delicious brunch, we enjoy a game drive in Nyerere National Park, the largest in Africa, where we have the chance to spot lions, elephants, rhinos and plenty more. Once we have returned to the train, dinner will be served in the dining cars en-route to Gwata.

Included meals:

Breakfast, brunch and dinner PLUS selected onboard drinks

Day 19

Dar Es Salaam, Overnight

Great African Rail Journey Day 19

This morning, enjoy the last of our views from the train as we travel east towards the coast. With our luggage ready, the train arrives at Tazara Station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where our journey onboard Rovos Rail will sadly come to an end. We are transferred to the comfortable Serena Hotel for an overnight stay and to enjoy our final evening with our travelling companions.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 20

Depart Dar es Salaam

Great African Rail Journey Day 20

After breakfast, our time is spent at leisure until our flight to the UK.

Included meals:

Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks

Day 21

Arrive UK

Great African Rail Journey Day 21

We arrive at our chosen airport, after a change of aircraft in Dubai. After an epic three weeks of making memories to last a lifetime, our African adventure has come to an end.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

 Departure date Pullman Suite Deluxe Suite Availability Offer
 2026
 07 January£13,195 £12,995£16,495 £16,295JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
 30 June£13,195 £12,995£16,495 £16,295JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
 19 July*£13,195 £12,995£16,495 £16,295JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person

*This date runs on a reverse itinerary. Click here for further details.

Prices

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement
Pullman Suite: £4,995
Deluxe Suite: £6,495

Deposit:
Pullman suite: £4,000 per person if travelling Economy Class, £4,950 if travelling Premium Economy, £6,750 per person for Business Class.

Deluxe suite: £5,000 per person if travelling Economy Class, £5,950 if travelling Premium Economy, £7,750 per person for Business Class.

Flight upgrades:
Upgrade to Premium Economy on selected routes from £995 per person return, please call for details. Upgrade to Business Class from £3,895 per person return.

Visa information
A visa is not required for South Africa, Botswana or Zambia. As you are travelling to Zimbabwe and Tanzania, a visa is required for these countries. For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQ’s page.

Important information
Our holiday prices are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases. Full Booking Conditions are available here.

So much included

At Distant Journeys, we offer a leisurely and flexible tour of South Africa with so much included in the price. Your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, daily breakfast, experienced local tour managers and knowledgeable guides, and many amazing excursions are all included.

Flights with Award-winning scheduled airlines

  • Return economy flights with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester
  • All airport charges, security charges and any applicable fuel surcharges
  • UK Air Passenger Duty

Carefully selected hotels

  • First class and deluxe hotels in great locations
  • All hotel porterage
  • Applicable hotel taxes

Many meals

  • Daily breakfast

All-inclusive on Rovos Rail

  • 16-nights on board Rovos Rail
  • All meals on board
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, on board
  • Services of a Train Manager

Unforgettable experiences

  • Game drives in Madikwe Game Reserve
  • Sightseeing tours in Victoria Falls, Makambako and Pretoria
  • Game drives in Nyerere National Park
  • Sunset River Cruise at Victoria Falls
  • Explore Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum
  • View Chisimba Falls

On the ground

  • All overseas transfers
  • Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

100% confidence

  • Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
  • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

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Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, Tanzania

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Holiday Extensions

Take the opportunity to explore Africa further by extending your holiday with a three-night stay in Cape Town, experiencing pristine beaches to rugged mountains, world-class cuisine and an incredible waterfront, the perfect addition to your African adventure.


Cape Town

Cape Town Extension

3 nights from only £645pp

Welcome to Cape Town, a city that effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, rich history and a vibrant culture. With the awe-inspiring Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city has so much to offer, from the colourful streets of the Bo-Kaap,…

Find out more >


Customer reviews  feefo logo

This is a new tour with the inaugural departure in 2026. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo. In the meantime, please feel free to look at the reviews for some of our other tours to South Africa – we’re sure you will be impressed with the service our guests receive and the great reviews they kindly give us!

Great African Rail Journey 2025_26 map

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The whole experience was superb from start to finish. Rovos Rail was outstanding – we were treated like royalty. The Victoria Falls extension rounded the trip off perfectly.

Mr & Mrs Donoghue (Tyne and Wear), Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail and Victoria Falls

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Award-Winning Holidays

Distant Journeys has won 18 awards over the last seven years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.

Guaranteed Price Promise

Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.

100% Financial Protection

Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).

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