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Rovos Rail - Africa Journeys

Rovos Rail is a privately owned luxury train company founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos and still operated by the Vos family today. Known internationally as "The Pride of Africa," it runs restored vintage carriages across Southern Africa on routes ranging from 2 nights to 16 nights, connecting South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, eSwatini, the DRC, and Angola. The company maintains six complete train sets and seven steam locomotives at its private 60-acre Capital Park Station in Pretoria, where over 430 staff restore and maintain the fleet.

Each train accommodates a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 wood-panelled suites across three categories: Pullman (7m²), Deluxe (10m²), and Royal (16m²). The Royal Suite occupies half a carriage and includes a Victorian bathtub — a feature almost unheard of in modern rail travel. All suites have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, a personal safe, minibar, and 24-hour host service. The train has no WiFi, radio, or television in public areas by deliberate design, and mobile devices are restricted to suites only. Rovos Rail's philosophy centres on disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with the landscape, your fellow travelers, and the rhythm of slow travel.

Journeys are fully inclusive: all meals prepared by an onboard team of chefs using locally sourced produce, all beverages including South African wines and spirits, guided off-train excursions, and game drives where applicable. Dinner is a formal affair — jacket and tie for gentlemen, cocktail attire for ladies. The trains travel at a maximum of 60km/h and slow to 20km/h over rough sections, ensuring a smooth, unhurried pace. Palace Tours offers the full range of Rovos Rail journeys with expert advice on routes, suite selection, and seasonal timing.

At a Glance

OperatorRovos Rail (Private, family-owned since 1989)
RouteMultiple routes across 10 African countries
Duration2 nights to 16 nights (various journeys)
Max Passengers72 max per train (36 suites)
Cabins36 suites: Pullman, Deluxe, Royal
Rating5-star luxury
SeasonYear-round (some short routes seasonal)
FromContact for current rates
Built/RestoredRestored vintage carriages, 7 steam locomotives (oldest 1893)
MealsAll meals and beverages included (alcohol included)
ExcursionsGuided excursions and game drives included

Cabin Categories

Royal Suite

Size: 16
Bed: Double 200x189cm or split twin 200x75cm, lengthways
Bathroom: Victorian bathtub, separate shower, toilet, basin
Features: Private lounge area, half-carriage, air conditioning, minibar, safe, writing desk, USB port, tea facilities, 24hr host service, robes and slippers
From Contact for rates per person

Deluxe Suite

Size: 10
Bed: Double 189x189cm, lengthways twin 189x75cm, or crosswise double 189x160cm
Bathroom: En-suite shower, toilet, basin
Features: Lounge area, air conditioning, minibar, safe, writing desk, USB port, tea facilities, 24hr host service, robes and slippers
From Contact for rates per person

Pullman Suite

Size: 7
Bed: Sofa converts to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper/lower bunk options)
Bathroom: En-suite shower, toilet, basin
Features: Air conditioning, minibar, safe, writing surface, USB port, tea facilities, 24hr host service, robes and slippers
From Contact for rates per person

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Accommodation in a private en-suite wood-panelled suite
  • All meals onboard prepared by dedicated chefs using locally sourced produce
  • All beverages including South African wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks
  • Guided off-train excursions and game drives (where applicable)
  • Entrance fees to included attractions and national parks
  • 24-hour suite host service with daily cleaning and nightly turndown
  • Laundry service (limited to 10 items per day)
  • Complimentary biodegradable amenities kit (soap, shampoo, lotion, insect repellent on longer journeys)
  • Robes, slippers, and all linens
  • Rovos Rail tog bag on selected long journeys
  • Station tour and museum visit at Capital Park, Pretoria (on applicable departures)
  • Board games, library, magazines, and playing cards in public areas

✗ Not Included

  • International and domestic flights to departure city
  • Visa fees (Zimbabwe, DRC, and Angola visas must be obtained prior to travel)
  • Travel and cancellation insurance (cancellation insurance is compulsory)
  • Gratuities (suggested ZAR 450 / approximately US$25 per guest per night)
  • Personal expenses and gift shop purchases
  • Off-train alcoholic beverages at hotels and lodges
  • Pre- and post-journey hotel accommodation
  • Medical evacuation costs (strongly recommended to be covered by insurance)

The Route

Rovos Rail operates across ten African countries with journeys ranging from short 2-night domestic routes to epic 16-night trans-continental expeditions. The flagship route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town over 48 hours, crossing South Africa's interior through the Highveld, the Karoo semi-desert, the dramatic Hex River Mountains, and the vineyards of the Cape Winelands with a stop in the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.

The Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey (3 nights) passes through South Africa's bushveld, crosses into Zimbabwe, and arrives at one of the world's great natural wonders. The Durban Safari (3 nights) includes game drives in Kruger-area reserves and the kingdom of eSwatini. The Namibia Safari (9 nights) traverses the Kalahari Desert, Fish River Canyon, and the Namib-Naukluft dunes before reaching the Atlantic coast at Walvis Bay. The epic Pretoria to Dar es Salaam journey (15 nights) crosses five countries, while the African Trilogy (16 nights) covers South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania in a single sweeping expedition.

Additional routes include the Golf Safari (10 nights visiting five championship courses), the Copper Trail through the DRC and Angola, and the Trail of Two Oceans linking the Indian and Atlantic oceans. All journeys depart from Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, or Victoria Falls depending on the route.

Best Time to Travel

Rovos Rail operates year-round, though some shorter domestic routes do not run during the South African winter months (June–August). The best time to travel depends on your chosen route. For the Pretoria to Cape Town journey, the South African spring and autumn (September–November and March–May) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer (December–February) is warm and ideal for the Cape Winelands. Winter provides clear skies but cool mornings, particularly in the Karoo.

For safari-focused routes including game drives (Durban Safari, Namibia Safari), the dry winter months (June–September) actually offer the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse. The Victoria Falls route is spectacular year-round, with peak water flow from February to May creating the most dramatic spray. The Dar es Salaam journey is best in the dry season (June–October) for comfortable overland travel. Rovos Rail suites sell out well in advance — booking 12 to 24 months ahead is recommended for peak departures, especially September to November.

How to Choose

Rovos Rail is one of two major luxury train operators in Southern Africa, the other being The Blue Train. The differences are significant. Rovos Rail is privately owned by the Vos family and operates vintage restored carriages with an Edwardian aesthetic across multiple countries on journeys of up to 16 nights. The Blue Train is state-owned and runs a single route between Pretoria and Cape Town over 27 hours with a more contemporary interior. Rovos Rail's Royal Suite at 16m² with a Victorian bathtub is substantially larger than The Blue Train's top category. Rovos Rail also deliberately excludes WiFi and television, while The Blue Train offers both.

Compared with other luxury trains worldwide, Rovos Rail stands out for its geographic reach (10 countries), the length of its longest journeys (up to 16 nights), and its all-inclusive beverage policy — most European luxury trains charge separately for alcohol. The onboard dress code is also more formal than European counterparts, with jacket and tie required at dinner. At 72 passengers maximum, Rovos Rail carries more guests than Spain's El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo (28) but fewer than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (120+).

For travelers considering African luxury rail, Palace Tours can advise on whether Rovos Rail's longer multi-country expeditions or shorter safari-focused journeys best match your available time, interests, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Rovos Rail price?
The fare covers suite accommodation, all meals prepared onboard by dedicated chefs, all beverages including South African wines and spirits, guided off-train excursions, game drives (where applicable), entrance fees, laundry service, and 24-hour suite host service. Pre/post-journey hotels, flights, visas, and gratuities are not included.
What are the three suite types on Rovos Rail?
Pullman Suites (7m²) have a sofa that converts to beds with en-suite shower. Deluxe Suites (10m²) add a separate lounge area. Royal Suites (16m²) occupy half a carriage with a Victorian bathtub, separate shower, and private lounge. All have air conditioning, minibar, safe, and dedicated host service.
Is there WiFi on Rovos Rail?
No. Rovos Rail deliberately maintains the spirit of a bygone era with no WiFi, radio, or television onboard. Mobile phones and laptops are restricted to the privacy of your suite only. WiFi is available at the departure lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town.
What is the dress code on Rovos Rail?
Daytime is smart casual. Dinner is formal — jacket and collar with tie are mandatory for gentlemen, cocktail or evening attire for ladies. On longer journeys, themed evenings include an 'Africa' evening and a '1920s' evening where guests can dress accordingly.
How many passengers does Rovos Rail carry?
Each train accommodates a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 suites. The intimate capacity ensures personalized service and a private atmosphere throughout the journey.
What Rovos Rail routes are available?
Routes range from 2-night domestic journeys (Pretoria to Cape Town) to 16-night trans-continental expeditions. Key routes include Pretoria to Victoria Falls (3 nights), Durban Safari (3 nights), Namibia Safari (9 nights), Pretoria to Dar es Salaam (15 nights), the Golf Safari (10 nights), and the African Trilogy (16 nights).
Is Rovos Rail suitable for children?
Children are accommodated but parents should be sensitive to the adult atmosphere. Long journeys are not recommended for under-13s, and children aged 0-2 are not permitted. There are no child-minding facilities or children's activities onboard.
What visas do I need for Rovos Rail?
It depends on your route and nationality. Passports must have at least five blank visa pages and be valid for six months beyond your return date. Zimbabwe, DRC, and Angola visas must be obtained before travel. Other countries may offer port-of-entry visas. A minimum of US$200 in cash is recommended.
Can Rovos Rail accommodate guests with mobility issues?
Guests with walking difficulties are accommodated but should be accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. The train cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to passage dimensions and train layout.
When is the best time to book Rovos Rail?
Booking 12 to 24 months in advance is recommended, especially for peak departures (September–November). Royal Suites and longer expeditions sell out fastest. A deposit is required within 14 days of provisional booking to confirm your place.

Booking Advice

Rovos Rail suites are limited and popular departures sell out well in advance. We recommend securing your reservation 12 to 24 months before your preferred departure date, particularly for Royal Suites and the longer expedition journeys (Dar es Salaam, Namibia Safari, African Trilogy). A deposit is required within 14 days of a provisional booking to confirm your place, after which cancellation fees apply — cancellation insurance is compulsory.

When choosing your journey, consider both the route and the season. The 48-hour Pretoria to Cape Town journey is an excellent introduction to Rovos Rail for first-time guests. For safari enthusiasts, the Durban Safari and Namibia Safari combine rail luxury with game drives. The Victoria Falls route is the most popular international journey. For the ultimate experience, the 15-night Dar es Salaam or 16-night African Trilogy represent bucket-list travel at its finest. Palace Tours can advise on suite selection, seasonal timing, and combining Rovos Rail with other African experiences. Contact our specialists at 786-408-0610 or travel@palacetours.com.

Why Book with Palace Tours

  • Expert knowledge of all Rovos Rail routes, suites, and seasonal considerations
  • Personalized advice on matching the right journey to your travel style and available time
  • Assistance with complex multi-country visa requirements
  • Ability to combine Rovos Rail with other luxury train experiences worldwide
  • Dedicated travel specialists accessible by phone, email, and WhatsApp
  • Full concierge service from initial inquiry through journey completion
  • Competitive pricing with exclusive Palace Tours add-on packages