Luxury Rovos Rail Cape Town Journey: 4 Days, 3 Nights

Cape Town Journey: Rovos Rail (Southbound)

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Overview

For many visitors to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than on the popular 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1 600-kilometre meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country.

Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights of the north- and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village, which was founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890, also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

Images: Courtesy - Rovos Rail

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Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Day 1

PRETORIA

Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a station tour at
Rovos Rail Station, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure.

Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Travel across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand and the broad grassland plains of
the Highveld. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge and observation cars.
Lunch is served in the dining cars.
Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Klerksdorp.

Overnight on board.

Dress: Formal

Day 2

KIMBERLEY

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 en route to Kimberley.
Lunch is served in the dining cars.
Enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well
known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871.
Dinner is served in the dining cars.

Overnight on board.

Dress: Formal

Day 3

MATJIESFONTEIN

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system.Lunch is served in the dining cars.

After lunch, there is a chance for guests to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and walk the 5km into Matjiesfontein. A member of staff will accompany the group. Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village.

Day 4

CAPE TOWN

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.

The train travels through the Hex River Valley.
Arrive at journey’s end at Cape Town Station.

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Terms & Conditions

Booking Conditions

Deposit & Confirmation: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at booking. Booking confirmed upon receipt and written confirmation.
Final Payment: Balance due 120 days before departure. Full payment required if booking within 120 days.
Pricing: Per person, subject to availability, may change before confirmation.

Cancellation Terms

All cancellations must be in writing.
More than 120 days before departure: Loss of deposit (25%)
120-61 days before departure: 50% of total
60-31 days before departure: 75% of total
30 days or fewer / no-show: 100% (no refund)

Important Notes

Travel insurance strongly recommended.
Passport/visa requirements are traveler's responsibility.
Palace Tours may modify itinerary if necessary.
Prices exclude international airfare unless stated.

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUDED:

Accommodation; all meals; all beverages on board; room service; limited laundry; guided excursions (where applicable); preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions; entrance fees as per itinerary; onboard historian and doctor; government tax.

EXCLUDED:

All other beverages; international sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights.

INCLUDED in off-train accommodation: Overnight bag; meals; guided excursions; preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks.

EXCLUDED from off-train accommodation: All other beverages; meals at unspecified venues; laundry; personal expenses.

MEALS ON BOARD (unless adjusted)

Breakfast 07:00-10:00

Lunch 13:00

Tea 16:30

Dinner 19:30

Accommodations

Accommodation:

THE TRAIN: The observation car seats ±32 passengers. With its open-air balcony, big picture windows, bar, sofas and booths, it has great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. On most days, afternoon tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge and observation cars while bar service is from ±07:00-01:00.

Vintage carriages combine with modern luxuries in three suite types available in double or twin: Royal ±16m² (two per carriage), Deluxe ±10m²(three per carriage) and Pullman/Pullman Gold ±7m²(five per carriage).

THE SUITES offer privacy, comfort and modern conveniences with double or twin beds. All mattresses have a soft and hard side with the soft side up from the outset, which can be changed on request. All pillows are faux-down microfiber with a cotton down-proof casing. Double beds are made up with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets at night-time. All suites have an ensuite bathroom, linen, amenities, adequate suitcase storage, small cupboards with hangers and shelves and are serviced daily. Some Royals and Deluxes have a room divider. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

Please dress accordingly for excursions/game drives: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available.

Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. Please check with the Train Manager for any changes.

In your Suite is a Journeys magazine featuring articles of interest related to the route.

Please ensure passports and the required visas are valid prior to departure for Africa.

View Passport & Visa Guide. Train station platforms are not always accessible from ground level.

Message from Rovos Rail: "We strongly discourage giving any form of handout to children while travelling. This action may have detrimental consequences to local communities. If you would like to give responsibly, we support many local charities and would be happy to assist."