Rovos Rail combines luxury travel with the chance to experience living history.
Its carriages have been restored to their Edwardian grandeur, making them the ideal environment for enjoying the scenery of Southern Africa.
An exciting variety of routes is possible on Rovos Rail and all journeys are available in reverse too, whether you'd like to travel between Cape Town and Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam, or even Pretoria and Walvis Bay.
The most popular route for Rovos Rail trains is the route between Cape Town and Pretoria or vice-versa, passing through South Africa's winelands, and places such as Paarl, the Great Karoo desert, the diamond mining region around Kimberley and the restored Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.
For international ( and local! ) travelers, a trip on the Rovos Rail can easily be incorporated into a safari in the Kruger National Park, Madikwe or a visit to Durban, Zululand and Victoria Falls near Livingstone. Please ask us for details.
Rovos has two trains, complete with restaurant cars. observation carriages and sleeping compartments.
Each train carries a maximum of 72 guests and offers three types of accommodation:
Q. Does Rovos Rail run all year round?
Yes, the trains run throughout the year, although the journeys are more limited during winter months (July - September). Some routes are seasonal.
Q. Are all meals, drinks and excursions included in the price?
All meals and drinks whilst on the train are included, as are any excursions unless stated otherwise. See packages and specials for further details.
Q. Are there sittings for meals?
On Rovos Rail there is one sitting in the formal dining carriage. A jacket and tie for men is required at dinner time.
Q. Can you take children?
Children are allowed but parents need to be aware that parts of the journey may not be "child friendly" and it may be difficult to keep them entertained. It is not recommended for very young children.
Q. What is the dress code on board?
During the day, casual wear is fine. At dinner, a jacket and tie for men is required.
Q. Are there showers on board?
There are showers in all rooms.
Q. Will I require visas for my trip?
Please ask your reservations specialist for details regarding journeys where the train will be going across borders.
sq metres (76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The wood paneled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodeled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
11 sq metres (118sq feet,) restored with the same care as the Royals suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and an en suite bathroom and shower.
Each of which takes up half a carriage, are named after colourful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa, including Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit. Spacious and elegant, the Royal Suites measure 16 sq metres in size (172 sq ft). Each one has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
Inclusions and exclusions are as per itinerary
One of the last luxury steam train journeys in the world, not suitable for young children, plenty of exciting safari activities and site seeing excursions en route, departs from Pretoria - almost all routes in reverse as well.
Enquire about Rovos RailExpert Reservations staff know the strengths of each lodge and which one would best suit your requirements
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When you book with us, you book with someone you can call for help at any time. All our clients are given a 24 hr help line to call should they have an after hours problem related to their booking. You WILL speak to a human who is based in South Africa who has all your booking details at hand and will be able to advise you and help you.