Yulia - Travel Expert
- A varied itinerary between inland and coast
- Historical visits along the way
- A multi-day luxury train experience
Pretoria
Flight, transfer and pre-journey accommodation: on simple request
Independent arrival in Pretoria, at the private Rovos Rail station, for a sumptuous journey through the changing landscapes of South Africa to the coast of the Indian Ocean.
You board the Rovos Rail at Pretoria station, a railway gem with timeless charm. After a personalized welcome and settling into your suites, you can enjoy a drink in the lounge car or on the panoramic platform at the rear of the train.
The train sets off southeast, crossing the Highveld and the gold-rich lands of the Witwatersrand. You glimpse the mining towns of Balfour and Heidelberg, before the line heads into the hills and the valleys of KwaZulu-Natal.
Dinner is served in the elegant dining cars as the train glides through the Drakensberg mountain range, offering spectacular views.
Dress code: smart city attire
Nambiti
After breakfast, set out for a safari in the private Nambiti game reserve, a territory of 20,000 hectares home to the famous “Big Five”. Lions, elephants, rhinos, and antelopes roam among savannah and acacia landscapes, where your gaze is lost over rolling hills.
Return on board for brunch, then depart for Spionkop Lodge, where two activities are available: another safari in the neighboring reserve, or a historic excursion retracing the famous Battle of Spionkop, a landmark clash of the Boer War at the turn of the 20th century.
In the evening, dinner is served on board as the train continues towards Chieveley, following in the footsteps of a young war correspondent: Winston Churchill, who was captured here in 1899 before escaping from an enemy camp.
Dress code: city attire
ardmore ceramics
This morning, your Rovos Rail train descends the final slopes of the Drakensberg and reaches the Lions River region. Set off to visit the famous Ardmore Ceramics gallery, renowned worldwide for its colorful creations inspired by African wildlife and Zulu folklore.
Here, artisans handcraft unique pieces: sculptures, vases, and fantastical animals decorated with ornate patterns. This is an opportunity to discover a vibrant and poetic art, born in this lush KwaZulu-Natal region.
Back on board for lunch, the train crosses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills, where the rolling green landscape of Zulu country stretches as far as the eye can see. The journey gently ends in Durban, a major port city bathed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
End of the journey and transfer, either independent or arranged according to your program.
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.
This adventure, just for you
- Accommodation on board the train for all nights mentioned, according to the chosen compartment category
- All meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All drinks on board except 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
*Important: this trip is offered on an English-speaking tour basis. It is possible that some members of the train staff may speak French, but this is not guaranteed. For a guaranteed French-speaking train journey in Southern Africa, see our luxury Namibia-South Africa train trip, which takes place on the same train.
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Hotel accommodation before and after the itinerary
- Drinks outside the train
- Tips
- Personal expenses
