By train between two oceans

It does us all good in these often uncertain and gloomy times to dream of an adventure – and perhaps to plan it.

Trail of Two Oceans is a luxury train experience, beautifully crafted by Rovos Rail, that makes a unique crossing of Africa east to west, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic.

The trip begins in the port city and former Tanzanian capital of Dar Es Salaam, a location Rovos Rail has strong connections with, having run its trip to Cape Town from there since 1993. Trail of Two Oceans eventually ends its glorious 15-day journey in the Angolan coastal city of Lobito

On board these dazzling carriages, some of which date back to the 1940s, tourists from Europe, South Africa and the United States experienced five-star service and were treated like rock stars.

In July 2019, Rovos Rail set off on this new 15-day expedition traversing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It was the first time in history that a passenger train travelled the famous east-to-west copper trail on this route. The trip was a great success.

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.

The train has three types of suites: ROYAL, DELUXE and PULLMAN GOLD.

ROYAL SUITES ±16m2 • ±172ft2
The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Royals each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

DELUXE SUITES ±10m2 • ±108ft2
The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Deluxes accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

PULLMAN GOLD SUITES ±7m² • ±76ft²The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Pullman Golds, used on our long journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites are setup with split twin beds configured as sofa-seats (optional) with a conversion to split twin or double beds for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.