Rovos Rail

The Rovos Rail in South Africa offers two beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious and luxurious train suites in the world. This 1,000-mile journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Learn more about this South Africa luxury train below.

Property Details

For many visitors to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than aboard Rovos Rail on one of the railway’s popular 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape. Rovos Rail in South Africa ends in Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, and includes stops in the historic village of Matjiesfontein and Kimberley, home of the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

Step aboard one of Rovos Rail’s wood paneled coaches—classics remodeled and refurbished to mint condition—and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Rovos Rail recaptures the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The Rovos Rail luxury trains in South Africa—which may be hauled by steam, diesel, or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey—carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people, offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe. There is also a minibar filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice, and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring 172 square feet. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites (118 square feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. A third level of accommodation, the Pullman Suite, is 76 square feet in size and, can be configured with a “one up, one down” bunk for twin requirements, or a double bed for couples.

The cuisine aboard Rovos Rail is outstanding, and the railway employs a team of creative and award-winning chefs who carefully select a wide variety of gourmet menu items to give the traveler a multitude of dining options and wine selections. The stars of the experience are certainly the staff, who make each guest feel like family as they traverse the magnificent South African countryside. Step aboard this South Africa luxury train today.