Africa’s Top Luxury Rail Safari Routes & Locations: A luxury train journey on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train in Africa always makes it onto the list of the best luxury rail safari destinations in the world. These journeys are so much more than just getting from one place to another—they’re a stylish exploration of Africa, filled with comfort and pure indulgence. The elegant lounge carriages really give off that old-world charm, and you can feel it in every lavish, comfy suite too.

You can enjoy gourmet cuisine served perfectly in stylish, wood-paneled dining cars while you kick back and take in the stunning African landscapes rolling by outside the big windows. Feel free to take a break along the way for an exciting Big Five safari or treat yourself to a fantastic overnight stay at a luxury game lodge or hotel. Your trip will focus on luxury travel that you’ll remember long after it’s over. Alright, go ahead and turn off your phone, laptop, or tablet, and tuck it away in your suitcase where you won’t think about it!

The train tracks in Africa.

Hey, have you thought about where you can go on a rail safari? In Africa, you’ve got so many amazing options! There’s the stunning beauty of Cape Town, the lively vibe of Dar Es Salaam, the incredible sight of Victoria Falls, the untouched nature of Zambia, the rich history of Durban and Pretoria, the expansive desert views of Walvis Bay, and the lovely coastal feel of Lobito. Each place has its own unique charm! Let’s dive in and check it out as part of Africa’s Top Luxury Rail Safari Routes & Locations.

Cape Town, South Africa!

Cape Town is such a fantastic spot for luxury rail safaris in Africa! It really gives travelers an amazing mix of beautiful scenery, rich culture, and fascinating history. The city, nestled by the famous Table Mountain and hugged by the Atlantic Ocean, is a key spot for several luxury train journeys, whether you’re starting or finishing your adventure.

One route that really stands out is the one from Pretoria to Cape Town. It lets travelers explore the vast Highveld, the dry Great Karoo, and the beautiful Cape Winelands on their way to the charming Mother City.

Some of the cool stops along the way are the historic village of Matjiesfontein, which is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era spot, and Kimberley, where you can check out the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Just outside Cape Town, this luxury trip offers off-train excursions where you can explore the region’s vineyards, top-notch restaurants, and stunning natural wonders. This train route really stands out for visitors, thanks to its luxurious onboard amenities and the chance to explore some of South Africa’s amazing attractions.

Hey there! So, have you heard about Dar es Salaam in Tanzania?

Train to Zambia from Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a vibrant and lively place, serving as Tanzania’s hub for politics and business. It’s also the perfect spot and entry point for some of the most amazing luxury rail safari adventures in Africa. This coastal city offers travelers a fantastic mix of Swahili, colonial, and modern cultures. Plus, it’s the starting point for an amazing 15-night Rovos Rail journey from Cape Town, where you can experience the continent’s stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich history.

The trip takes you to the Selous Game Reserve, which is famous for its amazing populations of elephants, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and hippos. The route takes you through the beautiful, untouched landscapes of Zambia and Zimbabwe, where you can check out the breathtaking Victoria Falls. This luxury train safari is all about comfort and elegance, featuring lavish suites, delicious dining, and stylish lounges.

Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, often called “the smoke that thunders,” is an amazing spot for luxury rail safaris in Africa. It’s not just a stunning natural wonder; it’s also a key stop on a few luxury train routes. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect setting for luxury train journeys, blending stunning natural beauty with the charm of travel from a bygone era. Do not miss visiting Victoria Falls when you think of Africa’s Top Luxury Rail Safari Routes & Locations.

Rovos Rail and the Shongololo Express have some great routes that take you to Victoria Falls, where you can dive into all the exciting activities and attractions it has to offer. This amazing immersive experience guides visitors through South Africa’s bushveld, the dry plains of Botswana, and wraps up in the beautiful surroundings of the falls themselves. Passengers can enjoy special excursions like guided tours, sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, and game drives in nearby wildlife parks such as Mosi oa Tunya. Getting to Victoria Falls is more than just a safari; it’s a fabulous adventure right through the heart of southern Africa.

Zambia


Zambia is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife while enjoying luxury rail safaris in Africa. Luxury train routes in Zambia usually take you on journeys that cross multiple countries, linking the expansive landscapes of South Africa with the beautiful east coast of Tanzania. Rovos Rail has a bunch of different routes for you to choose from, letting you explore Zambia’s amazing ecosystems. You’ll get to see everything from vast savannahs to wetlands and forests, all packed with a stunning variety of wildlife.

The luxury train journeys often take you through the Kapiri Mposhi area on the TAZARA railway, giving you a chance to experience Zambia’s culture and heritage in a unique way. You’ll make stops along the way for some exciting game drives in the national parks and have the chance to visit local communities.

Have you ever been to Durban in South Africa? It’s a pretty cool place!

Durban, named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban and lovingly called “Durbs” by many, is one of South Africa’s most famous coastal port cities. Known for its stunning golden beaches, vibrant multicultural vibe, and lively harbor, Durban is a popular starting point or final stop for various luxury train journeys.

The Rovos Durban Safari trip, which you can also take in reverse from Durban to Pretoria, is definitely one of the standout experiences. It takes travelers from Pretoria to Durban, passing through some amazing scenery, like the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the well-known Valley of a Thousand Hills.

The Durban Safari route is well-known for its fantastic off-train excursions, like game drives in the Nambiti Conservancy. Passengers get to explore the local battlefields and check out Ardmore Ceramics, which really showcases the lively essence of Zulu culture. Onboard the train, passengers enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious dining, and top-notch service. Durban really stands out as a luxury rail destination with its amazing mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Pretoria, South Africa!

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is a great place to kick off or wrap up some of the finest luxury rail safaris in Africa. This historic town has jacaranda-lined streets, stunning buildings, and lovely gardens, making it a great luxury train destination.

This is the go-to spot for luxury trains like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train, taking you to various destinations. Routes from Pretoria really highlight the amazing variety of Africa’s landLandscapes include the grassy Highveld, the Drakensberg Mountains, wildlife-filled savannahs, and the unique charm of the Karoo. Rovos Rail has a private station right in the city.

 Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, or Walvisbaai as folks often call it, is a vibrant port city located in the Kuiseb River delta in Namibia, right on the west coast. It’s a lively spot with a cosmopolitan vibe! It’s a great spot for all sorts of fun activities and attractions, like dune riding, birdwatching, and getting up close with Cape fur seals. It’s well-known for its vibrant marine life, with flamingos and pelicans gathering in its lagoon, and serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Namib Desert.

It’s also the place to be for one of Rovos Rail’s amazing luxury train trips, the popular 10-day Namibia Safari. This trip takes you from Pretoria right into the heart of South Africa. The first stop is Kimberley, known for one of the world’s most famous diamond rushes and home to the iconic Big Hole.

Namibia is home to some incredible natural wonders like the Fish River Canyon, Garas Park with its unique quiver tree forest, and the stunningly vast Namib Desert. You’ll also get a flight and an overnight stay at Sossusvlei, plus some time in the game-rich Etosha National Park. On the last morning of the trip, the train heads to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, both famous for their charming German colonial-era architecture, great places to stay, delicious restaurants, and plenty of attractions to explore. You can also enjoy this luxury rail experience in reverse.

Lobito, Angola

Part of Africa’s Top Luxury Rail Safari Routes & Locations is Lobito, Angola. Rovos Rail offers an incredible 15-day journey covering 4,300 km on the Trail of Two Oceans, taking you across the African continent from east to west. It connects the two cities of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lobito in Angola. So, back in 2019, Rovos Rail kicked off a brand new route after some lengthy talks. It was the first passenger rail trip along the copper trail, taking folks from Dar es Salaam to Lobito. It turned out to be a big hit and now operates in both directions.

Some of the highlights of the luxury train’s journey are the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, a stop at the Kolwezi copper mine, a two-night safari in the famous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and a tour of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This trip takes you to a previously uncharted destination for luxury rail safaris in Africa, showcasing a unique mix of Angolan and Tanzanian culture, history, and a stunning variety of African scenery, from coastal plains to rugged interior mountains. It gives you a really immersive experience of exploring one of Africa’s lesser-known countries, all while enjoying unmatched comfort and style.

 

A luxury train safari is such a lavish experience that it really makes you feel like royalty! At Engagi Safaris, we’re excited to share that both Rovos Rail and the Blue Train will give you an unforgettable safari experience. And hey, remember, we can create a custom safari just for you that includes a luxury train trip! Why not book your dream adventure with us today?