Rovos Rail

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the subcontinent’s greatest destinations. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era when travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The classic wood-panelled coaches are the epitome of luxury with period Edwardian features combining with modern technology. The 24-hour service is discreet and friendly with an enthusiastic team of chefs ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. Meals are served in one sitting only and are complemented by South Africa’s finest wines. For days on the train dress is smart casual while evening attire is more formal. In maintaining the atmosphere there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of technology that has the ability to disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of suites.

Rovos Rail Station

A highlight of any trip is a visit to Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria. Serving as the departure or arrival point for most of the journeys, this is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail. The 60-acre property boasts a small railway museum in addition to its other comprehensive facilities and will, with the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge, recreate the atmosphere of a fully fledged railway system.

Rail enthusiasts will be drawn to the vast carriage and loco sheds where teams of dedicated personnel keep the rolling stock in order. This 10,000m2 roofed workshop straddles 15 railway lines with concrete inspection pits below and is the ultimate repair and maintenance facility for any train operation. The low, red-bricked buildings alongside the 300m platform house laundries, gleaming stainless-steel kitchens and well-stocked storerooms.

Suites & Coaches

Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop, smoking lounge (±11 seats) and observation car (±32 seats) with open air balcony. The three types of suites - Pullman, Deluxe & Royal - are elegant and spacious offering passengers privacy, comfort and luxury with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.