Experience the extravagance of Victorian and Edwardian-era train travel on a journey aboard one of Rovos Rail’s gleaming, gloriously restored vintage trains.
Experience the extravagance of Victorian and Edwardian-era train travel on a journey aboard one of Rovos Rail’s gleaming trains, all which were saved from the scrap heap and painstakingly restored to their former glory. Interiors are exceedingly better than original, featuring fine wood panelling, classic period furniture and modern luxuries such as showers and safes.
The superbly refurbished Rovos Rail trains carry 72 passengers in comfort and style. Each one comprises of air-conditioned sleeper coaches, a lounge car, one or two dining carriages as well as an opulent observation car with a unique glassed-in rear, which opens out onto a covered balcony. The dress code is smart casual throughout the day, formal in the evenings.
Journeys range from 48 hours (Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa) to a 15 day epic traversing through Southern and Eastern Africa (Cape Town to Dar Es Saleem). You can even go on a golf safari across South Africa, playing at the best courses in the country. Off-rail excursions vary according to your itinerary, with the shortest trip calling in at Matjiesfontein, a charming well-preserved 19th century town, and a stop to see the Big Hole, the world’s largest manmade excavation.
About Rovos Rail
- Travel in style on board painstakingly restored vintage trains
- Discover the romance and luxury of a bygone era
- Dine in gracious pre-war dining carriages
- Savour the view from the unique observation car
- Enjoy butler service in your sumptuous sleeper suite
- Off-train sightseeing tours as per itinerary
*Some activities are available at extra cost.
Rovos Rail owns and operates a private station in Capital Park, Pretoria. This magnificent colonial-style building houses a small railway museum and is located about 5km from the government operated Pretorian Rail and Gautrain terminal. Other stations used for departure include Cape Town, Durban and Dar es Salaam – these facilities are nationally owned and operated. Your agent will advise you precisely from where your train will depart.
Popular Rovos Rail Journeys
These unforgettable rail journeys are one of the best ways to explore the continent, linking renowned destinations such as Cape Town and Pretoria (South Africa), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Windhoek (Namibia) and Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania); as well as the Trail of Two Oceans which links Dar es Salaam in East Africa to Lobito in Angola in West Africa, the first time ever a train has crossed the African Continent from East to West.
Other South Africa Train Journeys
Be transported to an earlier, more glamorous era while travelling by train across the spectacular landscapes of southern Africa. Our award-winning luxury trains boast comfortable guest cabins, exceptional cuisine, old-fashioned service and itineraries with outstanding off-train excursions.
Rovos Rail
Experience the extravagance of Victorian and Edwardian-era train travel on a journey aboard one of Rovos Rail’s gleaming, gloriously restored vintage trains.
The Blue Train
The multi award-winning Blue Train first launched in 1946 and today remains synonymous with the highest standards in luxury train travel.
Other South Africa Itineraries
The following tours can be easily tailor-designed to your personal travelling requirements, are private and independent. Please contact us to begin custom designing your personalised South Africa experience.
Ultimate South Africa
Discover the very best of South Africa from it’s iconic wildlife reserves to it’s romantic railways
Kruger and The Cape
Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.
South Africa in Luxury
Travel from cosmopolitan Durban to Cape Town in utmost luxury, taking in two beautiful and unusual private game reserves in between: Phinda and Grootbos.
Winelands, Garden Route and Safari Self Drive
Explore Cape Town, self-drive the famous Winelands and Garden Route regions and finish with a "Big 5" safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.
South Africa and Victoria Falls Family Safari
Go gameviewing with the kids in two excellent malaria-free "Big 5" reserves in South Africa: Pilanesberg and Madikwe. Then, fly to Zambia for a tour of Victoria Falls.
South Africa Cape Explorer
Travel with the family from Cape Town to beautiful Grootbos Private Game Reserve. At malaria-free Kwandwe, experience an unforgettable "Big 5" safari.
Say ‘I Do’ in Africa
Tie the knot at a stylish resort in Mauritius, before a honeymoon in South Africa staying at two exclusive safari lodges adjoining Kruger National Park and exploring Cape Town.
Cape, Kruger and a Castaway Island
This 13 day African getaway has it all: Cape Town, the winelands, Kruger National Park and even a castaway island off the coast of Mozambique.
African Safari Extravaganza
This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.
Cape Town and Garden Route Discovery
Experience the sites of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Karoo semi-desert and the lush forests and lagoons of the famous Garden Route.
Malaria Free Safari
This malaria-free South Africa safari means that you don't need to worry about taking medication on your holiday. This is an ideal option for families with young children or travellers with health concerns.
Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail
Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.
Best of South Africa
Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
South Africa and Victoria Falls
Discover Zimbabwe's magnificent Victoria Falls, go on a safari in search of the Big-5 in South Africa and visit scenic Cape Town.
JOIN OUR
E-Newsletter
Sign up to receive updates about exciting journeys, special offers and more