Crossing Africa on land just got a little cushier — the five-star luxury Rovos Rail has announced it will introduce a new 15-day journey through Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola in July.
It’s the first time in history a passenger train will travel the famous east-to-west copper trail, according to eTNW.
The inaugural trip sets off on 16 July 2019 from Dar es Salaam and includes a visit to the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia), and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC), says Rovos Rail Communications Manager, Brenda Vos-Fitchet.
After DRC, the train will join the Benguela line and end in Lobito (Angola). A reverse option is also available, departing from Lobito on 2 August.
“To be able to introduce a new adventure after 29 years in operation is exciting and presents me with a refreshing operational challenge,” explains Rovos Rail’s CEO and Owner, Rohan Vos.
“It’s taken [more than] two years to acquire permission and have our proposed itinerary approved by the respective authorities,” he adds.
“My team and I have flown across our borders on a few occasions to meet the relevant officials, drive the route and conduct site visits in an effort to smooth the way as best we can for our band of intrepid travellers who will hopefully join us on this expedition.”
Rovos Rail also operates a luxury train from Cape Town to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, along with several other journeys.
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