Rovos Rail
The Pinnacle of Luxury Train Travel in South Africa
Rovos Rail: A World-Class Luxury Experience
Since its inception in 1989, Rovos Rail has become synonymous with luxury train travel. Offering bespoke journeys ranging from 48 hours to 15 nights, it provides an unmatched blend of elegance, comfort, and adventure. Below are the key highlights that make Rovos Rail an exceptional travel experience.
Luxurious Train Travel
World-Class Reputation
Rovos Rail has garnered a global reputation for its commitment to world-class travel experiences. It seamlessly combines sophistication, relaxation, and exploration, creating an unforgettable journey for every passenger.
Vintage Coaches
Stepping aboard Rovos Rail is like stepping back in time. The meticulously restored wood-paneled coaches evoke the charm and grace of a bygone era, immersing passengers in a truly vintage experience.
Scenic Routes
Varied Scenery
Traveling across some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, Rovos Rail journeys offer an ever-changing backdrop of diverse scenery, from lush vineyards to expansive deserts and dramatic mountain ranges.
Service and Cuisine
Discreet and Friendly Service
A hallmark of Rovos Rail is its exceptional service. The onboard team is known for being attentive yet discreet, ensuring passengers experience the highest level of comfort throughout their journey.
Top Cuisine
Dining aboard Rovos Rail is a gourmet experience. Passengers can savor delicately crafted dishes that highlight the best of South African cuisine, complemented by an exquisite selection of premium local wines.
Suites and Charter Options
Superbly Appointed Suites
Rovos Rail’s luxury trains feature 36 beautifully appointed suites, each designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Passengers can unwind in elegance, enjoying plush interiors and modern amenities within a classic setting.
Charter Services
For those seeking a private and exclusive experience, Rovos Rail offers charter services. These are perfect for corporate events, celebrations, or private gatherings, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.
Events Train
Large-Scale Capacity
Rovos Rail operates a special Events Train, capable of accommodating up to 250 guests. This exclusive train is ideal for daytime journeys, catering to corporate events, weddings, and large gatherings, making it a unique venue for special occasions.
African Exploration
The High Romance of African Exploration
Rovos Rail captures the spirit of African exploration, allowing passengers to relive the golden age of travel. From historic landscapes to untamed wilderness, this journey blends heritage, luxury, and adventure in an unparalleled fashion.
Experience the Elegance of Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail’s dedication to luxury, refinement, and world-class service has solidified its status as a premier choice for travelers exploring Africa. Whether enjoying the scenic landscapes, indulging in fine dining, or unwinding in opulent suites, every aspect of this journey promises an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
A series of uniquely curated African train journeys, spanning 2 to 15 days, also include exclusive excursions to Angola, providing travelers with an authentic and immersive African adventure.
Life on Board
Each train in the Rovos Rail fleet is designed to offer an unparalleled travel experience, combining classic elegance with modern comfort. The train features accommodation carriages, dining cars (seating approximately 42 guests), a lounge car (seating about 26 guests), a small gift shop, a smoking lounge (seating 11 guests), and an observation car (seating 32 guests) with a scenic open-air balcony. To maintain a sense of nostalgia from a bygone era, radios and televisions are not available onboard, ensuring a truly immersive journey.
Accommodation Options
We offer three suite categories to cater to different preferences:
- Pullman Suite (7 sqm) – A comfortable, well-appointed space designed for relaxation.
- Deluxe Suite (10 sqm) – A spacious suite offering added luxury.
- Royal Suite (16 sqm) – The most opulent option, featuring a full-size bath in addition to an en-suite shower, toilet, and basin.
Each suite is designed for privacy and comfort, with double or twin beds, top-quality furnishings, and modern amenities. Every suite includes an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, tea-making facilities, a personal safe, fresh linen, and daily servicing. For added convenience, ample storage space, small cupboards with hangers and shelves, are provided. More details about Public Cars and Suites can be found in the dedicated section.
Social and Dining Experience
Rovos Rail welcomes all travelers, including solo adventurers, couples, and groups. Dining is a refined affair, with elegant two-seater and four-seater arrangements allowing guests to dine either privately or socially. The lounge and observation cars offer comfortable spaces for mingling or unwinding while admiring the ever-changing landscape.
Dress Code and Themed Evenings
Passengers embrace the refinement and sophistication of luxury train travel, with fine china, glassware, crisp linen, and silverware setting the tone for an elegant journey.
- Daytime Attire: Smart casual
- Evening Attire: More formal wear is preferred
- Themed Evenings: On longer journeys, special themed evenings allow passengers to dress accordingly or maintain a smart casual look.
Gourmet Dining & Fine Beverages
The onboard culinary team takes immense pride in delivering exquisite meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. Specializing in traditional South African cuisine, the chefs curate a dining experience that celebrates regional flavors.
Meals are served in a single sitting in the dining cars, accompanied by an exceptional selection of South African wines. Guests can also request specific beverages in advance, including French Champagne.
Meal Schedule:
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00
- Lunch: 13:00
- Afternoon Tea: 16:30
- Formal Dinner: 19:30
The bar service operates from 07:00 until approximately 01:00, ensuring guests can enjoy a range of fine beverages throughout the journey. All meals adhere to the scheduled times unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
A journey aboard Rovos Rail is more than just a train ride—it is a luxurious retreat where timeless elegance, gourmet dining, and immersive experiences blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable adventure.
The Observation Car
The Observation Car is designed to accommodate up to 32 passengers comfortably. Featuring an open-air balcony, large picture windows, a well-stocked bar, and inviting seating arrangements, it provides an ideal environment for both socializing and relaxation. Whether you prefer engaging in lively conversations or seeking a quiet retreat to appreciate the views, this car caters to all preferences.
Passengers can partake in the delightful tradition of afternoon tea, served daily at 16:30 in the lounge and observation cars. Indulge in an assortment of delectable treats and beverages while admiring the breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the bar service operates from 07:00 to 01:00, offering a variety of refreshing drinks throughout the day and into the evening.
Lounge Car
The Lounge Car provides comfortable seating for approximately 26 passengers. It is thoughtfully designed with expansive picture windows, plush sofas, and cozy wingback chairs, creating a perfect setting for both socializing and unwinding during the journey.
On most days, passengers can enjoy the afternoon tea service at 16:30 in both the lounge and observation cars. This offers a relaxing ambiance where guests can savor a selection of sweet and savory delights. The bar service, available from 07:00 to 01:00, ensures a wide selection of beverages to suit all preferences throughout the day.
For extended journeys, passengers have the unique opportunity to engage with an onboard historian who hosts insightful lectures about the destinations and their historical significance. This enriching experience adds depth to the journey, allowing travelers to gain a greater appreciation of the places they visit.
At one end of the Lounge Car, a small gift shop awaits, offering a carefully curated collection of bespoke memorabilia. This elegantly designed space provides passengers with the chance to purchase distinctive mementos, allowing them to take home a cherished reminder of their experience aboard Rovos Rail.
The Lounge Car is truly a haven for relaxation and conversation, where guests can forge new friendships, engage in meaningful discussions, or simply enjoy the tranquil ambiance while marveling at the ever-changing scenery outside.
Dining Car
The Dining Cars aboard Rovos Rail can comfortably accommodate approximately 42 passengers each. Depending on the number of travelers, either one or two dining cars are arranged to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. These elegantly designed cars feature two-seater and four-seater tables, allowing passengers to dine individually or in groups.
All meals are served in a single sitting, creating a communal dining atmosphere that encourages camaraderie among guests. The meal schedule follows a structured format, ensuring a well-paced and satisfying culinary experience:
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00
- Lunch: 13:00
- Formal Dinner: 19:30
Unless otherwise specified in the itinerary, these designated times apply to all meals.
The culinary team takes immense pride in crafting an exceptional gastronomic experience for guests. Breakfast features a variety of hot dishes made to order, ensuring a fresh and hearty start to the day. Lunch and dinner consist of four-course meals, carefully curated to offer an exquisite balance of flavors and presentation.
To elevate the dining experience, these gourmet meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. The bar menu offers an extensive range of beverages, catering to all preferences. Should passengers have any specific requests, such as French Champagne, they are encouraged to notify the staff in advance so that arrangements can be made accordingly.
Indulge in the refined elegance and culinary excellence of the Dining Cars, where delicious meals, enriching conversations, and unforgettable moments await every guest.
Accommodation
Step into a world of timeless elegance, where vintage carriages seamlessly blend with modern luxuries. The train offers three exquisite suite types, available in double or twin configurations, ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest. Each suite has been carefully restored and upgraded, maintaining its historic charm while incorporating modern amenities. Rovos Rail prides itself on providing the highest standard of fittings and facilities, delivering a luxurious and immersive travel experience.
Royal Suite (approximately 16m²)
Experience the ultimate in luxury and space with the Royal Suite, designed for those seeking unmatched comfort. Featuring a private en-suite bathroom with a bath, shower, toilet, and basin, this suite offers a pampering retreat. Each suite includes tea-making facilities, a personal safe, air conditioning, fresh linen, and a selection of high-end amenities. Serviced daily, the suite remains in pristine condition, ensuring a flawless experience throughout your journey. Ample storage space is provided, including small cupboards with hangers and shelves, for effortless organization.
Features:
- Double or twin beds
- En-suite with bath, shower, toilet, and basin
- Small lounge area
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Fridge
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Deluxe Suite (approximately 10m²)
The Deluxe Suite is a perfect balance of refinement and modern comfort. Designed with elegance in mind, these suites offer an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin, ensuring a private and relaxing experience. Guests can unwind in air-conditioned comfort, with fresh linen and luxury amenities enhancing their stay. Each suite is meticulously serviced daily, ensuring a flawless environment throughout the journey. Storage options include small cupboards with hangers and shelves for convenient organization.
Features:
- Double or twin beds
- En-suite with shower, toilet, and basin
- Small lounge area
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Fridge
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Pullman Suite (approximately 7m²)
The Pullman Suite offers a charming and intimate retreat, providing a comfortable and compact space without compromising on elegance. The en-suite bathroom, featuring a shower, toilet, and basin, ensures convenience throughout the journey. Designed for both day and night use, the suite’s daytime sofa setting converts into a comfortable sleeping area by night. Storage options, including small cupboards with hangers and shelves, ensure that guests’ belongings remain neatly arranged.
Features:
- Double or twin beds
- Upper and/or lower bunk
- Daytime sofa setting
- En-suite with shower, toilet, and basin
- Fold-up writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Pullman Gold
Reserved for extended journeys, the Pullman Gold Suites offer an exceptional accommodation experience for one or two passengers. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin, ensuring comfort and privacy throughout your journey.
During the day, Pullman Gold Suites are arranged with split twin beds, which can be converted into cozy sofa-seats, providing a versatile and comfortable seating area. By night, the beds can be reconfigured into split twin or double beds, ensuring a restful sleep.
To enhance the experience, a dedicated host or hostess is available to cater to guests’ every need, ensuring that each suite remains impeccable throughout the journey. The Pullman Gold Suites provide a cozy yet sophisticated retreat, perfectly blending comfort and functionality.
A journey aboard Rovos Rail promises an unforgettable blend of vintage charm and modern luxury, allowing guests to indulge in a world-class travel experience while embracing the scenic beauty of Africa.
Other Routes
The Ghan Train
Experiencing The Ghan is more than just a train journey; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the heart of Australia. This legendary train ride is celebrated for its scenic landscapes, world-class dining, elegant accommodations, and immersive off-board excursions. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or a deeper connection with the Australian outback, The Ghan delivers an unparalleled travel experience.
Rocky Mountaineer
This luxury train journey offers passengers a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America, traveling exclusively by daylight through Western Canada and the American Southwest. This ensures that every scenic moment is captured in full view. Passengers enjoy all-inclusive meals and drinks onboard, while overnight stays take place at some of the most renowned
