Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail Great southern Africa train adventures In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations.
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Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for c

harter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys. An exciting addition to the company was the acquisition of the Shongololo Express train in January of 2016. The journeys of between 12 to 15 days traverse South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. All journeys are available in reverse. Each journey has its own off-train excursions ranging from safari, cultural and historical outings. ROVOS RAIL JOURNEYS

CAPE TOWN
3 days 1600km: Pretoria-Cape Town
Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo. DURBAN SAFARI
3 days 800km: Pretoria-Durban
Venture into the heart of the South African bushveld. VICTORIA FALLS
4/5 days 1400km: Pretoria-Victoria Falls
See one of the natural wonders of the world. GOLF SAFARI
9 days 2100km: Pretoria-Pretoria
A kaleidoscope of golf, game and scenic beauty. NAMIBIA SAFARI
9/10 days 3450km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
Explore untamed deserts and the wild Atlantic. AFRICAN COLLAGE
10/11 days 3700km: Pretoria-Cape Town
A rich tapestry of landscape, game, history and culture

DAR ES SALAAM
15 days 5800km: Cape Town-Dar es Salaam
Embark on this epic voyage across Southern Africa. TRAIL OF TWO OCEANS
15 days 4300km: Dar es Salaam-Lobito
A pioneering east-west African adventure. COPPER TRAIL
15 days 3100km: Dar es Salaam-Lobito
Unite a natural wonder of the world with the copper trail. SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS JOURNEYS

AFRICAN TRILOGY
15 days 5000km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
This new flagship tour is a rich tapestry of landscape from the mountainous east to the wild deserts of the west. GOOD HOPE
15 days 3900km: Pretoria-Cape Town
A grand odyssey offering amazing insight into well-known destinations across South Africa. SOUTHERN CROSS
12 days 2500km: Pretoria-Victoria Falls
An impressive panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. DUNE EXPRESS
12 days 3800km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
An epic journey of discovery to the Atlantic. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Discover our collections, specials and journey combinations. LIFE ON BOARD
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony. In maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of technology that has the ability to disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of suites. Meals are served in one sitting only. For days on board Rovos Rail, dress is smart casual while evening attire is strictly formal. On Shongololo Express, days on board are casual while evening attire is strictly smart casual. We welcome all travellers – singles, couples and groups. The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Our lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. For our child policy, please visit our website. ROVOS RAIL has three suite types available in double or twin: Pullman/Pullman Gold ±7sqm, Deluxe ±10sqm and Royal ±16sqm. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS has two cabin types available in double or twin: Gold ±7sqm and Emerald ±10sqm. Both have en-suites with shower, toilet and basin, tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and the small cupboards with hangers and shelves. PRIVATE HIRE
We have two private hire possibilities to choose from: CHARTER TRAIN or EVENTS TRAIN. Charter Train: Combine our 42- or 72-bed Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express train with other entertaining products for bespoke charters including incentive groups, historical expeditions, cycling tours and private gatherings. You could choose a charter-train package or exclusively book one of our scheduled departures (which can be adjusted within reason). Travel wherever there is a railway line in Southern Africa (within reason and subject to availability). Events Train: Limited only by time and distance, there are many alternative uses for the Events Train, which include a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours’ rail travel time from Pretoria. The Events Train is the perfect venue for weddings, private gatherings, incentives, conferences and product launches. Only suitable for day trips and depending on the number of guests, it can host – with full bar facilities – a four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests OR for up to 250 guests, canapés served for the duration of the journey. ST JAMES GUESTHOUSES
Discover our stately and elegant seaside retreats overlooking the vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay and St James with majestic views across Cape Town’s False Bay – a perfect addition to our rail journeys. For more details about life on board, the journeys, private hire, rates and schedules, please visit our websites:
www.rovos.com
www.shongololo.com
www.stjamesguesthouses.com

22/08/2025

Nothing is better than a glass of champagne, a good book and the sound of the train tracks from our observation deck. Cheers to the weekend!

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Andrea Dal Corso

Meet Eileen Dash, a dynamic force behind the scenes at Rovos Rail. Eileen started with us as a hostess on the train wher...
20/08/2025

Meet Eileen Dash, a dynamic force behind the scenes at Rovos Rail. Eileen started with us as a hostess on the train where her hard and diligent work earned her a deputy manager position and into an on-site position as hardware store manager.

We've always wondered how many steps Eileen would tally if we put a smart watch on her, because she is not one to sit still and walks our 60-acre property throughout the day. If anyone is ever short on steps just ask Eileen to wear your watch and we guarantee that you would have your count and then some by day's end!

She is also passionate about the rescue animals we have and dedicates her spare time to helping rehabilitate them so that they can be found good homes.

Read more, https://www.rovos.com/blog/womens-month-eileen-dash/

Women's Month: Eileen Dash - 25 years at Rovos Rail. From airline cabin crew to hardware manager, discover her inspiring journey.

18/08/2025

French doors to the garden. Fine linens. Candlelit baths. The Schreiner Suite at St James Guest Houses is all quiet beauty and thoughtful touches – every detail made to deepen your sense of rest.

🗝️ Book your stay at Homestead Villa
📍 St James, Cape Town, South Africa
🌊 An exclusive-use villa with six sea-facing ensuite bedrooms
✉️ [email protected]

15/08/2025

Three nights, 1 600 km, this meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Highlights of the north- and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein and a visit to the the Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
🚂 https://rovos.com/journeys/cape-town/
📷 India Outbound Magazine

Another impeccable woman we have the honour of celebrating this Women's Month! Known as “the mother of the kitchen,” Dor...
13/08/2025

Another impeccable woman we have the honour of celebrating this Women's Month!

Known as “the mother of the kitchen,” Dorcas Mogotsi is one of the quiet forces behind the scenes, ensuring that guests begin and end their journeys with delicious eats.

Her mission? To inspire the next generation: “I want to teach young people how to work hard and be proud of their jobs.” And with three decades of dedication, we are so privileged to have her as part of our team.

Read more here, https://ow.ly/T4X250WzXEC

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Women's Month: Dorcas Mogotsi Meet Rovos Rail's dedicated kitchen assistant with 34 years creating delicious treats for passengers.

There’s no Wi-Fi aboard our journeys – and that’s exactly the point. Let's reconnect to what matters – the view outside ...
11/08/2025

There’s no Wi-Fi aboard our journeys – and that’s exactly the point. Let's reconnect to what matters – the view outside and the people beside you.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Andreas Leemann

09/08/2025

Here’s to the women who travel with curiosity, lead with vision, and leave the world better, one journey at a time.

To all the amazing women who form part of the Rovos Rail family, thank you to each and every one of you because we know it's a wild ride and we're grateful to have you on it with us.

Happy Women's Day!

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Lucía Maldonado

Journey with us to Heidelberg! 🚂The Great Train Race Tribute is an unforgettable two-night luxury train journey that sta...
08/08/2025

Journey with us to Heidelberg! 🚂

The Great Train Race Tribute is an unforgettable two-night luxury train journey that starts in the heart of Pretoria and takes you back in time as you travel to join in the festivities of The Great Train Race.

While travelling to Heidelberg, the train will be met by a procession of vintage cars and ancient motorcycles while aircraft of a bygone era appear overhead.

Remember to come dressed in your best vintage attire to snap photographs next to stunning classic transport.

Pretoria–Heidelberg–Pretoria from Friday, 26 September to Sunday 28 September 2025.

For more information about this Great Train Race by Steam journey, visit https://rovos.com/journeys/collections/

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 james_attwell_photography

In honour of Women’s Month, we are celebrating some of our own unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to ensure an enj...
06/08/2025

In honour of Women’s Month, we are celebrating some of our own unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to ensure an enjoyable experience for our travelers.

Meet Heike Gerntholtz – passionate marketer, storyteller, and lifelong ambassador for Rovos Rail.

“I love the product – the train, the journey, the people,” she says. “But what’s kept me here are the souls behind it. Some colleagues I’ve worked with for over 27 years.”

Her goals for the future are simple: find more balance, travel more, and maybe – just maybe – cut back on those dangerously addictive Root Stock chips in the office.

Read more, https://ow.ly/Z7Pe50WxY6T

Women's Month: Heike Gerntholtz, Rovos Rail marketing manager with 27 years at Africa's luxury train company. Her inspiring journey.

Travelling with us isn’t about the destination, in fact, that doesn't really matter. Our trips are about the journey," s...
04/08/2025

Travelling with us isn’t about the destination, in fact, that doesn't really matter. Our trips are about the journey," says Rohan Vos, founder and CEO.

During the sojourn, travelers enjoy gourmet dining in Edwardian-style dining cars, attentive service and panoramic views from the observation car at the end of the train.

🚂 https://rovos.com/journeys
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Elisa Di Fina

01/08/2025

On our epic journey to Dar es Salaam, guests visit Chisimba Falls, which is a powerful trio of waterfalls on the Luombe River in Zambia’s Northern Province. The trio of falls consists of Mutumuna Falls, continues past the Kaela rapids, and ends at the main Chisimba cascade with a breathtaking view.

Edmu, thank you for sharing your adventure with us.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
🚂 https://rovos.com/journeys/dar-es-salaam/

30/07/2025

The Great Train Race is a celebration of vintage transportation inspired by the legendary 1930 race between Woolf Barnato’s Bentley and Le Train Bleu.

Here’s what awaits on 27 September:
Steam locomotives.
150+ vintage and classic cars.
Biplanes, fabric-wing flyovers and aerial stunts.
Period performances, music, markets and more.

You’re not just attending a festival – you’re stepping into a story.

See you there.

🚂 https://thegreattrainrace.co.za/
📩 [email protected]
☎️+27 (0)68 304 2363

Address

Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park
Pretoria
0084

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Our Story

Celebrating 30 years in April 2019, Rovos Rail has earned its international reputation for truly world class travel experiences. A privately owned company with its 60 acre headquarters at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, the company has evolved from one overnight trip to offering seven different safaris across Southern Africa lasting from 48 hours to two weeks. A trip aboard ‘The Pride of Africa’ is a journey like no other with guests experiencing the opulent elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler more elegant era, encompassing the timeless grace of grand African exploration. The seven journeys include: • Cape Town (three days) • Durban Safari (three days) • Victoria Falls (four days) • Namibia Safari (nine days) • Golf Safari (nine days) • African Collage (ten days) • Dar es Salaam (fifteen days) Each journey has its own off-train excursions and these range from safari, cultural and historical outings. There are three types of accommodation on board the train each cabin with its own en-suite bathroom. Royal Suites ±16sqm with ready-made king bed, private lounge area, bath as well as separate shower Deluxe Suites ±11sqm with twin or double beds, lounge area and shower Pullman Suites ±7sqm with sofa-seat during the day which is converted into single, double or bunk bed in the evenings. En-suite bathroom with shower The ticket price is fully inclusive all meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, the off-train excursions, room service and a limited laundry service. An exciting addition to the company was the acquisition of the three-star Shongololo Express in January of 2016. The train has been repainted in green and cream and an additional dining car plus an observation car have been added. The accommodation of six Emerald (± 10sqm) and 30 Gold cabins (± 7sqm) have been overhauled to allow for more space and upgraded bathrooms. The three itineraries, Southern Cross – Pretoria to Victoria Falls (12 days), Dune Express – Pretoria to Swakopmund (12 days), Good-Hope – Pretoria to Cape Town (15 days); have been rebuilt with more stationary time at night and less road time spent on the excursions. As an extension of the Rovos Rail brand, the company opened the doors to 15 suites across three beachfront guest houses in the well-to-do area of St James, situated on the southern peninsula in Cape Town. St James Manor, St James Seaforth and St James Homestead are individually decorated five-star homes offering guests a relaxing getaway with easy access to the city centre and the winelands, on one of the Western Cape’s prettiest coast lines.