08/09/2026
A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF ROVOS RAIL ✨🚂
Recently we had the privilege of doing a site inspection at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria — and what an experience!
From the moment you step into the station, the timeless lounge décor transports you back to an era of elegance, sophistication and old-world luxury. And stepping onto the trains themselves… well, it really is something special. ❤️
The beautifully restored wood-panelled coaches retain their classic character and original charm, creating that unmistakable feeling of travelling in a bygone era — where the journey itself was part of the luxury.
But what really fascinated us was getting a little behind-the-scenes look at what makes Rovos Rail tick. We were able to see the technicians hard at work in their fully equipped workshop, including the fascinating process of repairing damaged train wheels right there on site. 🔧🚂
And here’s a fun fact we absolutely loved:
💡 Rovos Rail manufactures many of its own onboard items in-house!
From specialised components to items such as toilet seats and even the mattresses used onboard, there is an incredible amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail happening behind the scenes.
🕰️ A LITTLE HISTORY
Rovos Rail was founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, beginning with a dream to create a luxury rail experience that celebrated the romance of classic train travel. Its first overnight journey departed on 29 April 1989, and over the years Rovos Rail has grown into one of Africa’s most renowned luxury rail experiences.
Today, their beautifully restored trains travel through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes — combining luxury accommodation, fine dining, incredible scenery and fascinating excursions along the way.
🌍 WHERE CAN YOU GO?
And this is where it gets really exciting! Rovos Rail offers journeys ranging from short 2-night escapes to epic 16-night adventures across Southern Africa.
Some of the signature journeys include:
🇿🇦 Pretoria – Cape Town | 3 nights
Across the Highveld and Great Karoo, with highlights including Kimberley and historic Matjiesfontein before arriving in Cape Town.
🦁 Pretoria – Durban | 2 nights
A wonderful combination of luxury rail travel and South African wildlife, scenery and history.
🌊 Pretoria – Victoria Falls | 3 or 4 nights
Travel through Zimbabwe towards one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
🏜️ Namibia Safari | 11 nights
From Pretoria through the Northern Cape and into Namibia, including Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Etosha and Walvis Bay.
🌍 African Collage | 12 nights
A spectacular South African journey incorporating wildlife, Eswatini, Durban, the Drakensberg, Addo, the Karoo and Cape Town.
🌅 African Trilogy | 15 nights
An extraordinary journey combining South Africa and Namibia, with game viewing, the Karoo, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei and Etosha among the highlights.
🚂 Cape Town – Dar es Salaam | 16 nights
The ultimate African rail adventure through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, finishing in Dar es Salaam.
And there are also Golf Safaris, Southern Cross, Copper Trail, Malawi Meander and more — plus combinations that allow you to create an even longer African adventure.
Rovos Rail isn't simply a way of getting from A to B.
It is about slowing down, watching Africa unfold outside your window, dressing for dinner, meeting fellow travellers and experiencing the romance of rail travel in true old-world style. 🥂🚂✨
And after seeing what happens behind the scenes, we appreciate the Rovos experience even more!
