Perfectly capturing the spirit of a bygone era, a journey on the world-renowned Rovos Rail transports guests back to the nostalgic golden age of rail travel. Rovos is an exceptional way to travel to iconic destinations such as Cape Town and Victoria Falls, embracing slow, luxurious travel as you journey through dramatic African landscapes. Between exquisite dining experiences, guests enjoy an array of guided activities at notable historical and natural attractions along the way.

Perfectly capturing the spirit of a bygone era, a journey on the world-renowned Rovos Rail transports guests back to the nostalgic golden age of rail travel. Rovos is an exceptional way to travel to iconic destinations such as Cape Town and Victoria Falls, embracing slow, luxurious travel as you journey through dramatic African landscapes. Between exquisite dining experiences, guests enjoy an array of guided activities at notable historical and natural attractions along the way.

Privately owned Rovos Rail operates one of the best and more luxurious rail experiences in the world with a variety of scheduled routes. The route between Cape Town and Pretoria and Victoria Falls is most popular with safari travellers. The beautiful railway coaches of Rovos Rail invite guests to settle back and enjoy the slow meanders through the rich and diverse landscapes Africa. Superb service and attention to detail ensure this is one of the slickest railway outfits in the world.

The Rovos Rail company, established in 1989 operates two fully refurbished classic trains with original coaches dating back as far as the 1920’s. These unique sojourns through Africa begin from the time that one arrives at the Colonial -styled railway station in Capital Park, Pretoria – once the bustling centre of steam locomotion and with its ever-expanding railway station museum. Select your destinations from South Africa’s mother city, Cape Town, to historic Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia Namibia and Dar es Salaam.

Rovos Rails’ reputation as one of the most luxurious train in the world is evident in the elegantly appointed air-conditioned Deluxe Suites, the ultra-luxurious Royal Suites (which each take up half a carriage) to the standard Pullman sleeper coaches all with varying levels of luxury.

The three types of suites allow guests to travel in comfort and style. Four Royal Suites each have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath while the Deluxe Suites each have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. Each beautifully decorated wood panelled suite boasts its own en-suite facilities with Edwardian features. Writing desks, personal safes, luxury gowns and slippers, mini – bars and personal amenity bags with replenishable items such as shampoos and conditioners, hand and body lotions, sun creams, sewing kits and insect repellent are provided.

The romantic ambience of beautiful Victorian – era styled dining cars with crisp white linen, sparkling glasses and silver dinner services is particularly enjoyed by guests and delectable cuisine, prepared by professional on-board chefs, include local delicacies such as game with an emphasis placed on fresh and seasonal ingredients, accompanied by an exceptional bouquet of South Africa wines. Evenings are formal, and gentleman are required to wear a jacket and tie for dinner.

Idyllic hours spent in the Rovos lounge cars affords guests opportunities to view the spectacular Southern African scenery as it passes by, whilst the rear of the Rovos Observation Car opens to fresh air and a chance to step outside.

Itineraries and safaris that only dreams are made of include journeys through South Africa to witness the splendour of KwaZulu-Natal and enjoy its battlefields tour hosted by a world-class historian and an expedition through the Nambiti Conservancy – a Big Five private bush retreat of malaria-free bushveld. Game viewing at Hluhluwe – the oldest reserve in Africa – and coastal rambles along St Lucia Wetland Park to Durban City and through the Valley of a Thousand appeals to many; while touring across the imposing Drakensberg Mountains to Port Elizabeth and onwards to Addo Elephant Park followed by an ostrich-farm visit in Oudtshoorn and impressive descent through the Outeniqua Mountains to George is another highlight of this Rovos Rail trip. After passing through scenic Knysna, the train traverses the incredible Garden Route to the winelands for a brandy distillery visit and across the Cape Fold Mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town. A visit to the perfectly preserved historic 1890’s village of Matjiesfontein is a highlight of both the north and southbound routes.

Scheduled stops in Kimberley include a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole – the world’s largest man-made excavation site.

The Victoria Falls itinerary takes one through diverse African landscapes as Rovos Rail meanders in a northerly direction towards the Beitbridge border, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn en- route. Heading in a north- westerly direction, the train passes Bulawayo heading towards Thompson’s Junction and the incredible Hwange Game Reserve where animals can be spotted from the train. A partnership with a game lodge here allows guest to enjoy a game drive in the park.

In upholding the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of electronic devices is confined to the privacy of your suite.

A total of eight various scheduled itineraries is offered by Rovos Rail and a calendar for all luxury train journeys is available at time of booking. Pre – and post – accommodation options are also available on request.

There is no minimum age on these journeys however they are not recommend for young children.