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

Meet “Tiffany,” our tiny titan! This pint-size powerhouse is the oldest engine in our stable (and also named after our f...
23/04/2025

Meet “Tiffany,” our tiny titan! This pint-size powerhouse is the oldest engine in our stable (and also named after our formidable COO) and still chugs along proudly as one of the world’s oldest working locos. Our dedicated team pours their hearts into her upkeep, ensuring she keeps steaming on. 🚂

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

In the years since the first trip from Pretoria to Cape Town, family life has been inseparable from the business with Ro...
21/04/2025

In the years since the first trip from Pretoria to Cape Town, family life has been inseparable from the business with Rovos Rail growing up alongside the Vos children. Family holidays always had another agenda as they scoured the far ends of the country for coaches and locos to add to their collection. All the engines acquired for Rovos Rail have been named after the Vos children – and nothing could be more appropriate as their history and memories are so tightly interwoven with the Rovos story.

Happy Family Day, everyone!

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

To our Travel Partners and Guests Please find our statement below regarding the collision in Zimbabwe on 18 April 2025.W...
20/04/2025

To our Travel Partners and Guests

Please find our statement below regarding the collision in Zimbabwe on 18 April 2025.

We are grateful for all your messages and thank you for your support during this time.

The world beyond screens comes to life when one steps aboard the train. The train moves steadily, offering a space where...
16/04/2025

The world beyond screens comes to life when one steps aboard the train. The train moves steadily, offering a space where guests can relax and simply be. Time slows here, shaped by the rhythm of the rails.

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

14/04/2025

The African Collage journey traces a path from Pretoria to Cape Town, offering itineraries for golfers and non-golfers alike. It includes a game drive in Kruger Park, a visit to eSwatini for Swazi heritage, and game viewing in Hluhluwe.

The route reaches Durban for a city tour, then Spionkop for a nature drive and its battle history. Guests pass the Maluti Mountains to Clarens, view heritage transport, and stop in Bloemfontein, before a game drive at Addo Elephant Park and an overnight in Knysna. The trip ends in Cape Town via the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm, and the winelands.

Available in reverse.

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

11/04/2025

Proudly South African, our roots run as deep as the landscapes we traverse.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 This is Africa

07/04/2025

When you’re more of a dry-feet sundowner drinks on the beach kind of a gal, but then everyone but you decides to become a whooping mermaid...

St James Tidal Pool and beach is just across the road from Homestead Villa, and swims (or sand between your toes) are a daily ritual that nurtures body and soul.

Oh... and did you know that Homestead Villa is well-behaved pooch friendly?

The story of Kimberley is the story of diamonds. In 1867, a diamond ‘pipe’ was discovered near Hopetown, which triggered...
07/04/2025

The story of Kimberley is the story of diamonds. In 1867, a diamond ‘pipe’ was discovered near Hopetown, which triggered the Diamond Rush. After a long history of war and competition, De Beers took control of the diamond industry. By 1888, the tide of wealth left Kimberley, never to return, leaving behind a charming town with a rich history.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Candice Bresler
🚂 https://ow.ly/f2XV50Vpwxn

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Aaliya. We hope to welcome you again soon.Cheers to the weekend, everyone! 🥂...
04/04/2025

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Aaliya. We hope to welcome you again soon.

Cheers to the weekend, everyone! 🥂

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

Meeting every guest with a handshake and a smile is a tradition that the Vos family has tended to for decades. Each deta...
02/04/2025

Meeting every guest with a handshake and a smile is a tradition that the Vos family has tended to for decades. Each detail, from a pressed napkin to a kind word, carries our care. It is a commitment rooted in sincerity, not display.

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

31/03/2025

Traveling with us means appreciating the finer details, from the fine china to the elegant silverware. While smart casual is the standard for daytime, evenings invite a touch of formality and elegance.

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

Elegant travel meets adventure on our Durban Safari.Journey from Pretoria to Durban through South Africa’s landscapes, s...
28/03/2025

Elegant travel meets adventure on our Durban Safari.

Journey from Pretoria to Durban through South Africa’s landscapes, spotting the Big Five in the Nambiti Conservancy. Enjoy scenic views of savannahs and the Valley of a Thousand Hills, with stops at Spionkop and Ardmore Ceramics.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
🚂 https://rovos.com/journeys/durban-safari/
📷 Piwe Moyo

The Kigelia Africana tree is the key ingredient used by Katavi Botanicals for our earth-friendly shampoo, body wash, lot...
26/03/2025

The Kigelia Africana tree is the key ingredient used by Katavi Botanicals for our earth-friendly shampoo, body wash, lotions and soaps. These items are packaged in recyclable, refillable, airless screw-top aluminium bottles. The products are also made of all natural ingredients with no testing done on animals.

Read more on our blog, https://ow.ly/cRVu50VgguP

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

Behind every successful journey is a dedicated team. Our vintage coaches are a testament to timeless craftsmanship where...
24/03/2025

Behind every successful journey is a dedicated team. Our vintage coaches are a testament to timeless craftsmanship where attention to detail makes all the difference.

Read more on our blog, https://ow.ly/u43B50VggoX

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

Discover how Rovos Rail’s expert workshop team maintains and restores its luxury trains for an exceptional journey.

Our signature Rovos welcome at the Victoria Falls train station today, celebrating a special milestone with the woman wh...
21/03/2025

Our signature Rovos welcome at the Victoria Falls train station today, celebrating a special milestone with the woman who made me what I am today..
.How better to celebrate than embarking on a truly world-class travel experience, like this one.

I used to say that my Mum was my best friend, but the truth is, to me, a mother-daughter relationship has so much more to it than friendship.
The past few months, I've seen in her so much courage as she tries to come to terms with the loss of my Father, but today, more than ever, know that she deserves celebrating and it's what he would have wanted.

Here's toasting you Mum ~ Seventy years young! 🥂🍾

I am thrilled to share this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with you, and I know it will be a journey of discovery and joy.

21/03/2025

We are proud of the space we have created – a happy haven where people from all walks of life can switch off from the regular world and experience the beauty of southern Africa together.

Cheers to Human Rights Day and to the weekend. 🥂

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

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.