Dar es Salaam to Lobito: Trail of Two Oceans
Overview
The Highlights
- Fifteen days aboard Rovos Rail Pride of Africa, one of world’s top luxury trains, with all meals and drinks included
- Trip to Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa
- Excursion to Chisimba Falls
- Two-night stay in South Luangwa National Park
- Visit a copper mine near Kolwezi, one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources
- Walking tours in Luau, Luena, Kuito, and Hambo, where you will learn more about both recent and ancient Angolan history.
The Tour
Join Rovos Rail’s brand-new Dar es Salaam to Lobito journey, Trail of Two Oceans, and travel through countries few Western travelers have seen: Tanzania, Zambia, DRC, & Angola.
Begin in the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, visit the famous Selous Reserve, stay two nights in the remote South Luangwa National Park (Zambia), and enjoy a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Next, join the Benguela line in Angola, with walking tours in Luau, Luena, Kuito and Hambo before arriving in Lobito.
Learn about Angola’s fascinating history, both recent and ancient. Note: This journey is also available in reverse.
Rovos Rail’s Brenda Vos wrote the following glowing report from the inaugural departure of the Dar es Salaam to Lobito journey:
“The trip was a great success in both directions with minimal adjustments to the running schedule. The receptions at Lubumbashi and Kolwezi were a surprise while the officialdom and huge crowds meeting the train in Angola was unbelievable. Governors, ministers, tribal leaders, mayors, railwaymen, clergy and many other dignitaries all dressed up in their finest were on hand to meet the train at all major stations, accompanied by numerous musical groups and tribal dancers.
The tourism department and railways went way beyond the call of duty to ensure a safe and successful journey, while the journalists and TV crews had a field day giving our visit huge publicity. Our thanks to everyone who met us along the way with such enthusiasm and support – you added a memorable and touching element to the journey that we could not have anticipated or hoped for.”
Countries Visited
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Angola
Itinerary
Day 1 – Dar es Salaam
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa departs Dar es Salaam and travels the Tazara line. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travelers in the lounge car or observation car, which will be at the front of the train for the first 72 hours – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy. Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train traverses the fertile lands of Tanzania towards the Selous Reserve. Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car, followed by a formal dinner in the dining cars en route to Fuga Halt.
Day 2 – Selous Game Reserve
After breakfast, enjoy a trip to the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55,000 square kilometers. Later, return for lunch on the train as it passes the Udzungwa Mountains. Tea is served in the lounge car and observation car, followed by dinner in the dining cars en route to Mlimba.
Day 3 – Makambako
Today the train ascends the escarpment negotiating dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels. Arrive at Makambako and enjoy a stroll through the town (time permitting). Lunch will be served aboard the train as it passes the Baobab forests. Formal dinner en route to Tunduma.
Day 4 – Chisimba Falls
After Tanzanian and Zambian border formalities take place, lunch is served aboard the train travels as it travels in a south-westerly direction across Zambia. Disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls. Later that evening, dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpika.
Day 5 – South Luangwa National Park
Disembark and transfer to Mpika Airstrip for a chartered flight to the South Luangwa National Park. Transfer to respective camps and enjoy lunch and check-in on arrival. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic game drive in the Luangwa Valley, followed by a casual dinner before turning in for an overnight at the camps.
Day 6 – South Luangwa National Park
In the morning, rise early to enjoy a continental breakfast before heading out for more exciting game viewing. Brunch follows. Next, you can decide to take the afternoon at your leisure or continue adventuring via an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the camps.
Day 7 – South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive before transferring to the airport for a chartered flight to Ndola, Zambia. Rejoin the train at Ndola Station and journey on toward Misundu. After Zambian/DRC border formalities, a formal dinner is served en route to Mushoshi.
Day 8 – Lubumbashi
Enjoy a drive through the city of Lubumbashi, the mining capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rejoin the train and travel towards Lukuni. Lunch is served as the train passes Luishia, an old open-pit copper and cobalt mine. Later on, relax over dinner en route to Tenke.
Day 9 – Copper Mine
Disembark at Kolwezi for a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources. Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge before returning to the train to depart for Kasombo. Later in the evening, dinner is served as we journey on to Mutshatsha.
Day 10 – At Leisure
Breakfast is served until 10:00am, followed by lunch in the dining car, as the train passes Kakopa en route to Malonga. Relax with afternoon tea before an African-themed dinner is served en route to Dilolo on the DRC/Angola border.
Day 11 – Luau
After breakfast, Angolan border formalities take place. Enjoy a walking tour of Luau, the start of the Benguela line. The train departs for Luena as lunch is served in the dining cars. Tea is served as the train travels alongside the Cassai River. The catchment of the Cassai River encompasses a vast eco-region of 900,000 square kilometers with an incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia, there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fishermen at work. Dinner follows later in the evening en route to Luena.
Day 12 – Luena
Embark on a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola. Depart for Tchicala Tcholohanga. Lunch is served in the dining cars, followed by afternoon tea and dinner as the train makes it way to Kuito.
Day 13 – Kuito
Enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom. Later, relax and enjoy the fabulous service and amenities offered on board as the train journeys onward to Huambo.
Day 14 – Huambo
Explore Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the oldest kingdoms on the central plateau. Next, depart for Lépi as lunch is served. End the evening with a “1920’s” themed dinner in the dining cars en route to Caimbambo.
Day 15 – Lobito
Enjoy a final breakfast before arriving at journey’s end, Lobito Station, Benguela Province, Angola.
Day 1 – Lobito
Our train, Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa, departs Lobito at noon. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travelers in the dining cars for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon lecture and tea in the lounge car. A formal dinner is served as the train crosses into the Huambo province.
Day 2 – Huambo
Explore Huambo, the second largest city in Angola and one of the oldest kingdoms on the central plateau. Back on board, depart for Boas Agus. Enjoy lunch, dinner and lectures on board.
Day 3 – Kuito
After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through the town of Kuito, built in the historical heart of the Ovimbundu kingdom. Later, relax and enjoy the fabulous service and lectures and offered on board as the train journeys onward to Luena.
Day 4 – Luena
Embark on a walking tour of Luena to learn more about the recent history of Angola. Depart for Cameia. Lunch is served as we travel alongside the Cassai River, which has incredibly rich fish fauna. As the train passes the villages of Cassai and Cameia, there is sometimes an opportunity to see the local fishermen at work. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Luau on the Angola border.
Day 5 – Cross into DRC
Breakfast is served as border formalities take place in DRC. Enjoy lunch, tea and lectures on board, followed by an “African” themed dinner.
Day 6 – On board
Enjoy a full day on board, taking in the passing scenery as we travel through Mungulunga, Mutshatsha and on to Kolwezi.
Day 7 – Copper Mine
Disembark at Kolwezi for a visit to a copper mine in an area that holds one of the world’s largest known copper and cobalt resources. Enjoy brunch at Katebi Lodge before returning to the train to depart for Kazembe.
Day 8 – Lubumbashi

A leisurely breakfast and lunch are served on board. This afternoon, enjoy a drive through the city of Lubumbashi, the mining capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rejoin the train and depart for Mushoshi. Dinner en route to Sakania on the DRC border.
Day 9 – South Luangwa National Park

Breakfast is served as the train travels to Ndola, Zambia, where border formalities take place. Disembark and transfer to Ndola Airport for a chartered flight to South Luangwa National Park. Transfer to respective camps and enjoy lunch and check-in, followed by an afternoon game drive in the Luangwa Valley. Casual dinner and overnight at the camps.
Day 10 – South Luangwa National Park
In the morning, rise early to enjoy a continental breakfast before heading out for more exciting game viewing. Brunch follows. Next, you can decide to take the afternoon at your leisure or continue adventuring via an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the camps.
Day 11 – Rejoin the train
Enjoy breakfast and another morning game drive before transferring to the airport for our chartered flight to Mpika, Zambia, where we rejoin the train. Lunch is served en route to Kabuka; then afternoon and dinner en route to Kasama.
Day 12 – Chisimba Falls

After an early breakfast, disembark at Kasama for an excursion to Chisimba Falls. Return to the train and depart for the border. Lunch and afternoon tea on board before arriving at Nakonde for Zambia border formalities and Tanzania border formalities at Tunduma. Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train travels to Mbeya and descends the Rift Valley.
Day 13 – Makambako
Morning arrival in Makambako for a stroll through the town (time permitting). We then depart for Mlimba and the Udzungwa Mountains, the train negotiating dramatic switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels heading towards the Selous Game Reserve.
Day 14 – Selous Game Reserve
The train descends into the highlands and traverses the fertile lands of Tanzania towards Dar es Salaam. After brunch, enjoy a game drive (time permitting) in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa at 55,000 square kilometers. Return to the train for a fun 1920s-themed dinner (or smart casual).
Day 15 – Dar es Salaam

Early morning departure from Gwata traveling east toward the coast. Arrive Dar es Salaam around 11 a.m.
Dates & Prices
2024 Dates
July 15 - 30
August 2 - 17 *
*Operates in reverse direction, Lobito to Dar es Salaam.Â
| ACCOMMODATION | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman Gold | $13,600 | $19,650 | 25% |
| Deluxe | $17,995 | $25,820 | 25% |
| Royal Suite | $23,600 | $47,200 | 25% |
- Tour priced in US Dollar (USD). View approximate exchange rates.
- All prices are per person.
2025 Dates
July 22 - August 6
August 9 - 24 *
*Operates in reverse direction, Lobito to Dar es Salaam.Â
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman Gold | $14,950 | $21,600 | 25% |
| Deluxe | $19,800 | $28,400 | 25% |
| Royal Suite | $25,950 | $51,900 | 25% |
- Tour priced in US Dollar (USD). View approximate exchange rates.
- All prices are per person.
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Reviews From Our Travelers
In a word, wonderful. I am so happy. I have traveled my entire life, but aging has put limits on my mobility. I was beginning to despair--would I be able to make more of my dreams come true? With the help of Rachel Hardy, the IRT team, and their associates at Remote Lands, I was able to see everything I had hoped for--and more--in comfort. Amazing! I am so grateful.
Eleanor makes you feel like you are her only client. Always available to help with even the smallest detail. Our trip was absolutely trouble free. Everything worked exactly like we expected it to.
Excellent! They took care of every detail and made sure we didn’t had any inconvenience at any time. Their hard work and personal attention to every detail was obvious. In a complicated country like India, they made sure we had the maximum enjoyment in every place we visited. Their professionalism and hard work assured it was an unforgettable experience.
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