Train Travel
I am hoping to take a train from Dar to Johanesburg voer Christmas to meet friends. Any comments on safety, cost, comfort?
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Hello Ronnenbr,
A luxury train, Rovo's Rails, which I know by reputation only, covers that route. It costs megabucks. If you are looking for a more budget-oriented version of the same route, you would find more people with knowledge of that at Lonely Planet's Thorntree forum. |
Oh my, ronnenbr - you sound as if you think you can just pitch up in Dar and catch a train that takes you where you want to go. So you are either very ignorant (charming - love it!) or this is a wind up.
I hadn't heard of the lux train Judy mentions - fascinating - I am surprised to hear that there are uninterruped tracks from Dar to Joburg. Has someone been building new ones? I have travelled that route twice but not all of the way by train (cos I don't think you can). Train dar-kigoma-ferry-zambia- hitch-train to Lusaka-bus to Vic Falls -train (with lots of connex) Vic Falls-Harare-Joburg (maybe!!). Or you can take the TANZAM direct Dar to Lusaka - but i still think it is bus from there to Vic Falls. Enjoy - wonderful trip. To answer your other questions: safety - no probs. cost - comparatively zilch. comfort- depends on your comfort levels. The trip Dar-Kigoma was the worst train ride I have ever taken comfortwise - but hey, I had a good time!! Do you mind squat toilets? |
PS - the trains are usually full over Xmas/New Year. Be prepared to persist and ask to see the Stn Master to ask if there is a seat available.
And, for sure, post on the LP. |
Judy is right, Rovos Rail (singular) does offer something that involves Dar. But (as Alice also suggested), it is somewhat removed from being a commuter operation! And not only for reasons of price.
I see from their website that they are planning two 13-day excursions in July next year. One from Cape Town, then the return. It's somewhat off-topic I know, but the details are at www.rovosrail.co.za/rovosdaressalaam.html |
Here's another web page about the same trip, from an agent of Rovos Rail. Although it's out-of-date, it lists dates in 2002 and 2003:
http://africanadrenalin.co.za/rovosrail/ctdar.htm |
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