South Africa 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 subcontinent’s greatest destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era when travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The classic wood-panelled coaches are the epitome of luxury with period Edwardian features combining with modern technology. The 24-hour service is discreet and friendly with an enthusiastic team of chefs ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. Meals are served in one sitting only and are
complemented by South Africa’s finest wines. For days on the train dress is smart casual while evening attire is more formal. In maintaining the atmosphere there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of technology that has the ability to disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of suites.

Rovos Rail Station

A highlight of any trip is a visit to Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria. Serving as the departure or arrival point for most of the journeys, this is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail. The 60-acre property boasts a small railway museum in addition to its other comprehensive facilities and will, with the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge,
recreate the atmosphere of a fully fledged railway system.

Journeys

Rovos Rail routes in and around Southern Africa last from 2 to 15 nights and extend from 800km to 5,800km. Each itinerary can be experienced in either direction.

Below are just some of the incredible journeys on offer. Contact us for more details and other itineraries.

Cape Town

Pretoria-Cape Town 3 nights - 1,600km

Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo. 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. En route, tour Kimberley, its Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest manmade excavation, the Big Hole. Visit Matjiesfontein, a quaint and authentic, perfectly preserved Victorian village founded as a refreshment stop in 1890. See the impressive museum with its collection of classic railway carriages and vintage cars.

Durban Safari

Pretoria-Durban 2 nights - 800km

Journey into the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the heart of the African bushveld. Take in the Big Five at Nambiti with its incredible biodiversity. Explore the mountains, birds and battlefields of Spionkop. Visit Ardmore Ceramics, a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song is exerting its influence around the world.
The highlights include:
Enjoy a game drive in Nambiti, a Big Five retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld with incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees.
Hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop or enjoy a game drive in Spionkop, situated on an expansive game farm and nature reserve boasting views over imposing mountains.
Visit Ardmore Ceramics Gallery in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains to experience the spirit of the African imagination.

Victoria Falls

Pretoria-Victoria Falls 3/4* nights - 1,400km

Relive the romance of a bygone era on an expedition to one of the natural wonders of the world. Travel north through Modimolle, thought by early pioneers to be the source of the Nile. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn into baobab country and Bulawayo, capital of Zimbabwe. Travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) to Hwange for a game drive. *Visit Matobo National Park to see bushmen caves, rock art and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. Arrive
at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. Victoria Falls and the surrounding areas offer various recreational opportunities such as river cruises, river rafting, game viewing and photo safaris.

Golf Safari

Pretoria-Durban-Eswatini-Pretoria 9 nights - 2,100km

A kaleidoscope of golf, game and scenic beauty to entertain the most discerning players with optional excursions for leisure guests at all venues. Travel from Pretoria to Sun City in the hills of the Pilanesberg for game viewing. Cross the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains to Spionkop to explore the bush and battlefields. Traverse the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban for a tour. The game drives continue at Hluhluwe, Mkhaya and Kruger with a final stop in the flyfishing village of Dullstroom.

Courses en route (subject to availability) include Lost City, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club, Royal Swazi and Highland Gate.

Dar Es Salaam

Cape Town-Dar Es Salaam 15 nights - 5,800km

This epic expedition is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. From Cape Town, traverse the Karoo with visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole. Tour the capital city of Pretoria and enjoy the Big Five at Madikwe. Explore one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls, before crossing the mighty Zambezi into Zambia for a bush walk at Chisimba Falls. Descend into the Rift Valley and witness spectacular scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Pass the Selous – the largest reserve on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa – shortly before the bustling arrival in Dar es Salaam.