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Rovos Rail

Overview

Renowned as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, this is where five-star luxury meets constantly changing scenery. From the wood panelled uber-comfort of carriages and suites guests can marvel at the ever-changing and magnificent sights of Africa – barren wastes, vast lowlands, the highveld and great dramatic mountain vistas.

The two trains carry 72 passengers in 36 beautifully and meticulously renovated suites – each has a proud history which is evident in its traditional furnishings and period décor. Exceptional food is on offer alongside exquisite service. There are a number of journeys on offer from the 48 hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, the run along the Garden Route and the three day Durban experience which includes game drives, to the three day trip to Victoria Falls, an awesome seven day route across the great deserts of Namibia, and a 14 day magnificent journey via Zambia to the plains of Tanzania. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, this will excite and enthral any traveller.

Depending on the journey, the trains will be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives – all in exceptional comfort and style.

Highlights

Our Thoughts

A more leisurely and bygone version of the Blue Train, which is wonderful for those with the time and the budget. There is an excellent range of journeys available but on all of them try to bag a seat in the observation car when pre-dinner drinks are served.

  • Bar
  • Library 
  • Dining Car
  • Air Conditioning 
  • Clothes Press 
  • Dressing Gowns 
  • En-Suite 
  • Fan 
  • Fridge 
  • Heated Towel Rails 
  • Heater Lounge Area 
  • Mini Bar 
  • Pure Cotton Linen 
  • Safe Shower 
  • Tea / Coffee


Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains. Each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. The Dining Cars were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victorian atmosphere. Each of the trains has two air-conditioned 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting.

Pullman Suites are equipped with a large sofa seat during the day which is turned down into a Double or Twin beds during dinner. Fully air conditioned with their own mini-bar and en-suite bathroom with shower, they offer plenty of space for relaxing during the day and are very comfortable at night.

The Deluxe Suites can be made up as Double or Twin bedded suite, with a small lounge area for relaxing in during the day. The en-suite bathroom has a spacious shower and there is a mini-bar and safe in the suite. Perfect for those looking for a little more space and a private place to relax during the journey.

The elegant Royal Suites take up half a carriage and subsequently offer travellers the ultimate in space and luxury when travelling on Rovos Rail. They can be either double or twin bedded and have a nice spacious lounge area by the minibar where you can relax and watch the scenery unfold through the windows. Bathrooms have a separate bath and shower which is a real treat on a luxury train.

Deep sofas and wing back chairs make for an extremely comfortable car in which guests nodding off for an afternoon snooze are a common sight. The lounge cars are used as lecture rooms on the annual Dar es Salaam journeys and also house a small, discreet gift shop. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. There are few, if any, luxury trains anywhere in the world with this special feature, which has proved of particular benefit when a train has been chartered for a Steam Safari - steam enthusiasts like to enjoy the full majesty of a working locomotive and windows that open are top priority. This feature, coupled with luxury and service as well as a selection of Rovos Rail steam locomotives, makes this a truly unique opportunity to sample long-distance travel.

Families are welcome - but be aware Rovos Rail is an adult environment.

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