Rovos Rail

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. The beautifully rebuilt wood-paneled trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locos, each carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charters.

Rovos Rail trains has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, small gift shop, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites available – Pullman, Deluxe and Royal  – offer passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. 

Rovos welcomes all travelers – singles, couples and groups. The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. The lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days.

Many passengers enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Days on board are smart casual while evening attire is more formal. On long journeys we enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.

An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines.

Royal

The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or split twin beds. A dedicated hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

Deluxe

The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

Pullman + Pullman Gold
The Pullmans, mostly used on our short journeys (Gold on longer journeys), accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated hostess is always available and services the suites daily.

Suites Feature:

Double or split twin beds • En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin • Small lounge area • Writing desk • Luggage shelf • Cupboards • Safe • Air conditioning • Fridge • Tea facilities • Bespoke amenities • Robes and slippers • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) • Shaver plugs (2-pin) • USB ports • Safety glasses • Emergency torch • Fire extinguisher • Laundry bag • Shoe bag • Internal telephone system • Room serviceThe Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

Rovos Rail offers a tantalizing array of short and long journeys in Southern Africa to choose from and link together. Below are some of the most popular itineraries. Let's explore together what train trip suits you.

Capetown - 3 nights

This meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights of the north- and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian Village founded as a refreshment stop in 1890, which also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Available in reverse.

Victoria Falls - 3/4 nights
This adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Travel north through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), so named for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom (Modimolle), christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and Limpopo River towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. Enjoy a game drive (4-night journey only) in Matobo National Park, a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills. It is also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave atop the summit of Malindidzimu – ‘hill of benevolent spirits’ with a ‘view of the world’. Travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where a game drive excursion is enjoyed. Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River where this sojourn ends. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris. Available in reverse. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.

Namibia Journey - 11 nights

This journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Departing from Pretoria, the first stop is Kimberley, centre of one of the world’s famous diamond rushes where there is an opportunity to savour the 1870s atmosphere of the mining village. The train traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape to the Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon – and Garas Park with its quiver-tree forest. Guests continue across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to a cheetah conservation project and a stop in Namibia’s capital for a tour; Windhoek is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavour. Then it’s a short flight to Sossusvlei, a stunning pan in the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay followed by a night in the game-rich Etosha National Park. On the last morning, the train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Available in reverse.

See what the trip is like HERE