Rovos Rail is one of the world’s most luxurious train travel experiences, offering opulent rail journeys across Southern Africa. Founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and is renowned for its beautifully restored vintage carriages, exceptional service, and curated itineraries that showcase the region’s landscapes, wildlife, and heritage.
🚂 Rovos Rail Highlights
- Luxury & Elegance: Each train features Edwardian-style décor, wood-panelled coaches, fine dining, and spacious suites.
- Private Suites: Three classes—Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal Suites—all with en-suite bathrooms, and the Royal Suite includes a Victorian-style bathtub.
- Gourmet Dining: Four-course meals paired with South African wines, served in elegant dining cars.
🌍 Popular Routes
- Pretoria to Cape Town (3 days / 2 nights)
- A classic route showcasing the Great Karoo, winelands, and Table Mountain.
- Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 days / 3 nights)
- A scenic journey through Botswana and Zimbabwe to the world-famous falls.
- Cape Town to Dar es Salaam (15 days)
- A bucket-list African adventure covering South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- Namibia Safari (9 days)
- Combines train travel and off-train excursions across the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Etosha, and more.
- Golf Safari and African Collage journeys
- For golf lovers or those seeking a cultural and natural blend of Southern Africa.
💰 Pricing (Approximate, Per Person)
- Short journeys: From $1,500–$2,500
- Longer journeys: $10,000+ (like Cape Town to Dar or Namibia routes)
- Includes meals, drinks, excursions, and accommodation.
🛫 Departure City
- Main station: Rovos Rail Station, Capital Park, Pretoria (private and historic station owned by Rovos Rail).
📅 Best Time to Travel
- May to October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing.
- November to March offers lush landscapes but can be hot or rainy in some regions.
✅ My Recommendation
- For romantic couples, rail enthusiasts, and safari lovers → Go for Rovos Rail
