Rovos Rail

Do you wish to return to a bygone era? To travel in luxury and comfort? Discover the richness of Southern Africa? If so, then Rovos Rail is for you. With north and south-bound routes between Pretoria and Cape Town, as well as a range of spectacular journeys to the east and to the west, Rovos Rail is the ultimate way to navigate through Southern Africa.

Rovos Rail has a total of seven routes, which operate throughout the year.

Cape Town Journey: This 3-day, 1000-mile, journey departs from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria and finishes in Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley, the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province.

Durban Safari: This 3-day safari between Pretoria and Durban departs during the summer months and includes game drives, a battlefield tour with a world-class historian, and a look at unusual African ceramics.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: This 3-night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Highlights of the trip include traversing Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, where animals can be spotted from the train and a game drive is enjoyed.

Golf Safari: Rovos Rail has designed a delightful 9-day safari to entertain the most discerning player with optional excursions for non-playing guests at all venues. This journey provides a fantastic opportunity to play 5 of South Africa’s finest golf courses.

African Golf Challenge: If 9 days of golf isn’t quite enough for you, then this 10-day golf challenge may be what you are looking for. The route is slightly different from the ‘Golf Safari’ and there are different courses and highlights to enjoy.

Namibia Safari: This 9-day 2,112-mile journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Highlights on this journey include the Kalahari Desert, Windhoek, Etosha National Park, and the Namib Desert.

Dar es Salaam: This incredible, world-famous, 15-day train journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. If these African countries are on your bucket list, then this is the way to travel!

Luxury Safari to South Africa: This 10-day safari combines the Rovos Rail with 3 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights on safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Rovos Rail was started in 1989 by Rohan Vos and remains family-owned today. In just over 30 years Rovos Rail has become world-famous and is a truly captivating way to travel in South Africa and beyond. Each journey takes in the most glorious and diverse landscapes from the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo, through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic Winelands to Cape Town – and that’s just South Africa!

Accommodations on board the Rovos Rail are luxury suites. All suites are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities, decorated in beautiful wood paneling and period Edwardian features. There are three styles that guests can select from Royal, Deluxe, and Pullman, with varying levels of luxury. Each suite offers all modern conveniences and comfort, with fittings and facilities of the highest standard. You will be well looked after on board the train with a minibar filled with beverages of your choice, amenity bags – replenished upon request, and 24-hour room service.

The Rovos dining cars are beautiful, tables are decorated with crisp linen, sparkling glass, and silverware, creating a wonderful Victorianesque ambiance.  The lounge and observation cars, provide the opportunity to relax and watch the spectacular scenery and from the rear observation car, you can view the panorama from the outside.

You will not go hungry during your time on the train, or thirsty for that matter.  All meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Meals are a mix of international cuisine and traditional dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Breakfast is between 7 am and 10 am, lunch is at 1:00 pm, tea at 4:30 pm, and a formal dinner is at 7:30 pm.

Dress code: The daytime dress code is smart-casual. More formal attire is expected during dinner – dinner jacket and ties for the gentlemen and cocktail dresses for the ladies.

Electronic usage: The bygone era ambiance would not be upheld if passengers were glued to a screen, therefore the use of mobile phones, laptops, and other devices is confined to the privacy of passenger suites. There is no internet access on board the train, but there are plenty of board games and playing cards to keep you entertained.

Luggage: Suites can take up to 6 suitcases with no weight limit and can be stowed under beds or on the overhead rack.

Smoking: You can smoke in the Club Lounge situated towards the rear of the train and in the privacy of your suite but smoking anywhere else on the train is strictly prohibited.

If you want to really relax and experience a more leisurely pace, if only for a night or two, in a lavish setting with the most incredible backdrop, then the Rovos Rail is something you should experience.

To book or find out more email info@ntabaafrica.com or fill out the inquiry form below.