Cape Town to Dar es Salaam by Rovos Rail: 16-Day Accessible Journey

16 days · By rail · South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania

Fifteen nights from the Cape to the Indian Ocean by way of Kimberley, Pretoria, Victoria Falls, the Zambian bush and the highlands of southern Tanzania. For seasoned travellers who dream of one of the great rail journeys on Earth.

Who it works for

• Physical (wheelchair users and slow walkers): With support (slow walkers with a companion’s help; not suitable for wheelchair users because of narrow corridors)
• Visual (blind and low vision): With support (staff guide you aboard, and guides describe each country)
• Hearing (Deaf and hard of hearing): Yes (dining and excursions are easy to follow, with written briefs)
• Hidden (autism, fatigue, chronic illness): Yes (a private suite to rest in throughout, and every excursion is optional)

Your days

Days 1–3: South Africa

Cape Town through the Karoo to Kimberley and Pretoria.

Days 4–7: Zimbabwe

Across the bushveld to Victoria Falls.

Days 8–12: Zambia

Into the Zambian bush, with stops and excursions.

Days 13–15: Tanzania

The southern highlands and down through the wilderness to the coast.

Day 16: Dar es Salaam

Arrive on the Indian Ocean. Fly on to Zanzibar or Nairobi.

Where you stay

• South Africa · on board, Pullman, Deluxe or Royal suite · all meals and drinks
• Zimbabwe · on board, with off-train nights where the itinerary includes them
• Zambia · on board
• Tanzania · on board

As listed or similar, subject to availability and to a measured accessible room.

Best time to go

Weather: the 3 July and 9 October departures from Cape Town, and 22 July and 9 September from Dar, run in the dry season; 27 February and 28 October run into the rains. Value: the 27 February departure falls outside Accessible Travel Kenya’s Victoria Falls partner’s high season (1 July–31 December); fares by departure to confirm.

Good to know

• Vehicles: partner transfers at both ends; adapted vehicle and meet-and-assist at JKIA if you fly on to Nairobi.
• Rooms: Pullman, Deluxe or Royal suites and any off-train hotels · access profile to complete. Carer and companion rates; adjoining suites on request.
• Equipment and support: a folding walking aid; health-support add-on and evacuation cover advice for a long, remote journey; 24-hour WhatsApp support.
• Communication and senses: Accessible Travel Kenya briefs the train team; written briefs for every excursion; try-before-you-fly pack.
• Pace: no driving, but fifteen nights is long and remote; rest in your suite whenever you need. For a shorter taste, choose S4 or S5.
• Limits and alternatives: not for wheelchair users; not recommended for children under 13. 2027 departures: Cape Town to Dar 27 February, 3 July, 9 October; Dar to Cape Town 22 July, 9 September, 28 October.
• New for 2027: onward Zanzibar or Kenya stays planned with the train dates, and health-support advice before booking.

On every Accessible Travel Kenya journey

• Meet-and-assist at JKIA, Wilson and Moi airports, with an adapted vehicle at the kerb
• Adapted 4×4 Land Cruisers with ramp, tie-downs and pop-up roof; accessible vans in Nairobi and Mombasa
• Wheelchairs, shower chairs, commodes and more, delivered to your first hotel
• An easy pace: at most 4 hours’ driving a day, two nights per stop, a rest afternoon every three days
• A try-before-you-fly pack: photos of every step of your journey, room videos and a call with your guide
• Carer and companion rates, and health support: partner hospitals, oxygen or dialysis on request
• Sign language interpreters on request, 24-hour WhatsApp support and written briefs on every journey

Ready to plan? Every journey can be shortened, extended or combined. Contact Accessible Travel Kenya to customise this journey or message Accessible Travel Kenya on WhatsApp.

Senior-friendly and wheelchair accessible: Accessible Travel Kenya caters to everyone. As specialists in inclusive tourism, the company checks every vehicle, room and activity against your needs before the company confirms.