I am hoping to take a train from Dar to Johanesburg voer Christmas to meet friends. Any comments on safety, cost, comfort?

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 Although it's out-of-date, it lists dates in 2002 and 2003: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