Yulia - Travel Expert
- Aboard the legendary Rovos Rail.
- Magnificent landscapes of Southern Africa.
- Luxury and timeless elegance.
Le Cap
Flight, transfers, and pre-trip accommodation: available upon request
Independent arrival at Cape Town station, in the heart of the Western Cape vineyards, to board the legendary Rovos Rail.
Your adventure begins at the Rovos Rail’s private station in Cape Town. After settling into the elegant suites, take your seat in the lounge or panoramic car to admire the scenery of the Western Cape and its vine-covered hills.
The train then climbs the foothills of the mountain range, slowly ascending the 750 metres of the Worcester Pass. In the evening, dinner is served on board as the train begins crossing the historic Hex River Pass tunnels, the last of which extends for over 13 km.
Dinner and overnight on board – Dress code: Elegant city attire
MATJIESFONTEIN
The morning begins with a stop in the charming museum-village of Matjiesfontein, a vestige of the Victorian era. Stroll through its history-laden streets, visit the railway museum, or admire the collection of vintage cars displayed beside the famous Lord Milner Hotel.
Back on board, the Rovos Rail continues its journey across the Karoo, a semi-desert region with singular charm, marked by mineral expanses and endless horizons. These fascinating landscapes were born from the drying up of an ancient inland sea, the sediments of which formed the characteristic soil of the Karoo.
The afternoon passes peacefully between lunch, tea, and contemplating the wide plains from the panoramic platform.
B, L, D and overnight on board – Dress code: City attire
Kimberley
This morning, discover Kimberley, capital of the Northern Cape and a highlight of South Africa’s mining history. Visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the spectacular Big Hole, a former open-pit mine 215 metres deep, immersing you in the era of the diamond rush that brought the city its fortune from 1871.
After lunch, the train resumes its journey northeast across the vast grassy plains of the Highveld, illuminated by the golden hues of sunset.
B, L, D and overnight on board – Dress code: City attire
Pretoria
Rovos Rail ends its journey in Pretoria, the historic capital of the country. Depending on railworks, the train may stop at Meyerton Station (about a hundred kilometres south), with a transfer included to the private Rovos Rail station.
Arrival in Pretoria in the late morning. Possibility to visit the private Rovos Rail station museum before continuing your trip.
Breakfast on board
Transfer and additional night in Pretoria available upon simple request
Since its launch in 1989, the luxury train Rovos Rail has gained an international reputation thanks to its luxurious 5-star rail experiences.
On board the Rovos Rail, the service is elegant, notably the wooden parquet flooring in the refurbished and reconfigured carriages, as well as the refined cuisine served during meals. Enough to recreate the cosy, hushed atmosphere of a bygone era.
With its many journeys in South Africa, lasting from 48 hours to a fortnight, the Rovos Rail train takes its passengers on a discovery of Africa’s greatest destinations: Cape Town, Dar es Salam, the natural reserves of Mpumalanga, the Victoria Falls, the Namibian desert, the unspoilt beauty of the Karoo, and even KwaZulu-Natal.
Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences. With discreet, friendly service, a traditional 5-star cuisine, and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines.
In a series of journeys from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links a few of the continent’s greatest destinations, from Cape to its tip in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—picturesque splendours as diverse as the Mpumalanga reserves and the Victoria Falls, desert landscapes in Namibia, and the beauty of the Karoo to the lush sugarcane lands of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the south coast of Cape Town.
The trains—which can be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives and are far more eco-friendly—carry up to 72 passengers in 36 beautifully appointed suites, and they are also available for charter, while the events train can accommodate up to 250 guests and is suited to day trips.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring customer satisfaction. There is an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Each morning, there is a full breakfast with dishes prepared to order. Lunch and dinner are complemented by a selection of South African wine tastings. All meals are served in a single sitting in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the restaurant carriages. Many passengers enjoy the formality of the porcelain and glassware, the linen, and the silverware, and dress accordingly. During the day, attire is more relaxed and cool—comfortable clothing, shoes, and hats are recommended for excursions, especially in private reserves where it can get very hot. The carriage where you can sit and watch the scenery features a spacious outdoor balcony and seats for 32 passengers, positioned at the rear of the train.
Tailor-made safaris and excursions for chartered flights, private trips, corporate visits, launches, and events are available—in the comfort and luxury of Rovos Rail.
The 7 m² Pullman Suites for 2 people in twin or double configuration with a shower room. They must be converted to become a living room.
16m². They extend over half a carriage. They feature a seating area and a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower
11m² for 2 people in twin or double, with a seating area and a shower room.
- Accommodation on board the train for all listed nights according to the chosen compartment category
- All meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All drinks on board except for champagne or other international sparkling wines
- Excursions with a qualified English-speaking guide *
- Entrance fees to sites according to the itinerary
- A light laundry service (limited)
- Government taxes
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Hotel accommodation before and after the itinerary
- Drinks outside the train
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- *Important: this trip is offered with English-speaking tours. It is possible that some members of the train staff may speak French, but this is not guaranteed.
