Rovos Rail Travel Guide
What Makes Rovos Rail Different from Other Luxury Train Journeys?
Whilst services aboard The Ghan or Rocky Mountaineer offer exquisite dining and hospitality, Rovos Rail stands apart through its extraordinary restoration of heritage engines and carriages. The moment you step aboard, you’re transported back to the golden age of train travel. Combined with the excitement and breathtaking landscapes of Southern Africa, Rovos Rail offers a truly unique luxury train experience unavailable elsewhere in the world.
What are the Main Rovos Rail Routes Available?
Freedom Destinations can offer all three flagship Rovos Rail journeys that can also be incorporated into longer African holidays:
Pretoria to Cape Town (4 Days): This flagship route traverses 1,600 km across South Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Experience the rocky goldfields of the Witwatersrand, the desert-like plains of the great Karoo, and the mountains and vineyards of the Western Cape. Stops include the Kimberley Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole, where 2,722 kilograms of diamonds were hand extracted over 43 years in the late 19th century, as well as the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 Days): This luxurious African adventure, introduced in 1994, crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards Zimbabwe’s spectacular Victoria Falls. The journey includes a 114 kilometre stretch of straight track through Hwange National Park, home to the ‘Big Five’ and over 400 bird species, with wildlife viewing from the train and an afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle.
Pretoria to Durban (3 Days): Operating monthly between August and April, this route combines history, geography and wildlife. It includes a morning game drive in the Nambiti Conservancy, home to elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, plus an afternoon excursion to the Spionkop Game Reserve or battlefield tour. The route passes through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains and the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills.
What Accommodation is Available on Rovos Rail?
Rovos Rail offers three beautifully restored suite options, each combining Edwardian features with modern comforts such as air conditioning, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
Pullman Suites comprise one fifth of a carriage with an en suite shower room and either a double bed or two tiered single beds that transform into a sofa for daytime travel.
Deluxe Suites are larger, with each carriage split into three suites featuring an en suite shower room and lounge area.
Royal Suites are the most spacious, occupying half a carriage with a lounge area and full bathroom featuring a Victorian style bath and separate shower.
What is Included in the Rovos Rail Experience?
Rovos Rail is the essence of luxury, offering 24-hour first class service from departure lounge to final destination. Each train features two comfortable Lounge Cars with deep sofas and wingback chairs, air-conditioned throughout with openable windows to experience the African breeze. The unique Observation Car at the rear has an open-air balcony, ideal for sunset viewing with sparkling wine.
Meals are served in one sitting in the fine dining car, essentially a five star restaurant on wheels. Experienced chefs prepare exquisite menus using fresh, local ingredients, including game meats, complemented with award-winning South African wines. All meals, drinks and refreshments are included in your Rovos Rail fare.
What is the Dress Code on Rovos Rail?
The dress code reflects the elegance of the journey. During daytime, smart casual attire is expected. From dinner onwards, guests wear jacket and tie, evening dress or suits. To preserve the luxury atmosphere, guests are asked to refrain from using laptops or mobile phones outside their cabins.
Should I Book Rovos Rail in Advance?
Due to its popularity, booking Rovos Rail as early as possible is highly recommended to secure your preferred cabin and departure date. If combining your journey with a longer African holiday, explore accommodation, safari options and Victoria Falls experiences well in advance. FREEDOM’s Africa Experts can check availability and arrange everything in one place, with full ATOL protection for complete peace of mind.
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