Rovos Rail: A Guide to Africa’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys
Few journeys capture the romance of travel like Rovos Rail. The Pride of Africa, its fleet of beautifully restored vintage carriages, carries guests across Southern and East Africa in Edwardian-style elegance, with wood-panelled suites, fine dining and the landscape rolling slowly past the observation car. It’s often described as one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
Rovos Rail journeys
Most journeys begin or end at Rovos Rail’s private station at Capital Park in Pretoria. Popular routes include:
- Pretoria to Cape Town: the signature journey of around three nights and 1,600 km, crossing the Highveld, the Great Karoo and the Cape mountains. Off-train excursions typically include Kimberley’s Big Hole and the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.
- Pretoria to Victoria Falls: around three or four nights via Zimbabwe, ending at one of the natural wonders of the world.
- Pretoria to Durban: a shorter journey through the Drakensberg foothills and Zululand.
- Golf Safari: a golfer’s journey to some of South Africa’s finest courses. See our Rovos Rail golf safari guide.
- African Collage: a leisurely, scenic route between Pretoria and Cape Town via Mpumalanga, Eswatini, KwaZulu-Natal and the Garden Route. See Rovos Rail Pretoria to Cape Town: the African Collage.
- Epic cross-continent journeys: Pretoria to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the Namibia Safari to Walvis Bay, and other occasional expeditions.
Departure dates are limited and popular journeys sell out early, so plan well ahead.
Suites on board
- Pullman Suite: the most compact option, with beds that convert to a lounge by day.
- Deluxe Suite: more space, with a lounge area.
- Royal Suite: half a carriage, with a Victorian-style bath as well as a shower.
All suites have private en-suite facilities, air-conditioning and windows that open.
Life on board
Dining
Meals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining cars, with an emphasis on South African produce and fine local wines. Most food and drink on board is included.
Dress code
Smart casual during the day. Evenings are more formal: jacket and tie for gentlemen, and cocktail or evening wear for ladies. Pack warm layers for cool mornings and evenings.
A digital detox
In keeping with the spirit of a bygone era, there are no televisions on board, and mobile phones and laptops are used only in the privacy of your suite.
The observation car
The open-air balcony at the rear of the train is the best place to watch the scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The Rovos Rail story
Rovos Rail was founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, an entrepreneur with a passion for restoring things mechanical. What began as a plan to restore a few carriages as a family caravan grew into one of the world’s best-known luxury train companies. Its Capital Park headquarters in Pretoria, once a hub of steam locomotion, now houses workshops where carriages are lovingly maintained, plus a small railway museum.
Rovos Rail FAQ
How long is the Rovos Rail trip from Pretoria to Cape Town?
Around three nights. The train travels slowly so that you can enjoy the scenery and off-train excursions.
What’s included in the fare?
Accommodation, meals, most beverages and off-train excursions are generally included. Confirm the details for your journey.
Is Rovos Rail suitable for children?
Policies on children vary by journey. Ask us before booking.
What should I do before or after the train?
Combine your journey with a safari, such as Madikwe or Sabi Sabi, or with time in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.
Contact us for current departure dates and fares, or explore more adventure and outdoors ideas. Full journey details are on the Rovos Rail website.
