Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is one of the world’s most luxurious train experiences, offering unforgettable rail tours across Southern Africa. Step aboard a beautifully restored vintage train, where wood-panelled coaches, fine fabrics and period details create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The train may be steeped in old-world charm, but a journey with Rovos Rail doesn’t compromise on modern comforts, offering all the amenities you need on board. From the private suites to the dining and observation cars, every part of the train is designed with comfort and style in mind.
Each Rovos Rail journey gives you the chance to enjoy scenic routes through Southern Africa and an opportunity to see all the top cultural and natural sights of this part of the world. Guests can enjoy multi-day itineraries that include top destinations in South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Visit cities like Cape Town, experience the power of Victoria Falls, or try to spot the Big Five on a safari excursion – all from the comfort of a moving five-star hotel. For those seeking a refined and unhurried way to explore Africa, Rovos Rail offers a truly exceptional luxury train holiday.
Rovos Rail sleeping cars
Pullman Gold suites are mainly featured on longer rail tours, while standard Pullman suites are typically used for shorter Rovos Rail journeys. The Pullman Gold suites accommodate one or two guests with a choice of double or twin beds and include a private bathroom with a shower, toilet and washbasin. Standard Pullmans offer a comfortable sofa that converts into either double or twin beds for the night, arranged side-by-side or as upper and lower bunks. These Pullman suites also include an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and washbasin.
A step above in Rovos Rail’s accommodation is the Deluxe Suite, designed for one or two passengers with a choice of double or twin beds. These suites include a private lounge area within the compartment and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. Each suite also comes with a bar fridge stocked with the passengers’ preferred beverages.
The Royal Suite is Rovos Rail’s most opulent accommodation, spanning half a carriage and featuring a private lounge. It sleeps one or two passengers in double or twin beds and includes an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub, separate shower, toilet and basin. The suite also has a bar fridge stocked with your choice of beverages and comes with a dedicated hostess to attend to your needs.
On-board dining
The Rovos Rail luxury train also features an observation car with a bar, large picture windows, comfortable sofas for relaxing with a drink, and even an open-air balcony. There’s also a lounge car offering bar service and ample seating, providing a perfect setting to socialise with fellow passengers. Afternoon tea is typically served in these cars on most days. The train also includes a club car, the only part of the train where smoking is allowed, and it offers a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Rovos Rail itineraries
Durban Safari: Head into the heart of the South African bushveld on this rail trip between Pretoria and Durban (2 nights).
Cape Town: Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo on a journey between Cape Town and Pretoria (3 nights).
Victoria Falls: Embark on the classic rail journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, crossing the wild landscapes of South Africa and Zimbabwe (3 or 4 nights).
Golf Safari: A rail journey through north-eastern South Africa that combines the country’s finest golf courses with safari adventures, offering enjoyment for golf enthusiasts as well as non-playing passengers, who can take part in alternative activities (9 nights).
Namibia Safari: An epic trip across South Africa and Namibia between Pretoria and Walvis Bay, with game drives and majestic dunes on the wild Namibian coast (11 nights).
Southern Cross: A grand rail journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls taking in the best of Southern Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe (11 nights).
African Collage: A luxury train journey between Pretoria and Cape Town showcasing the finest landscapes, game drives, and historic and cultural landmarks of South Africa and eSwatini. (12 nights).
Copper Trail: A scenic rail journey from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Lobito in Angola, passing through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and exploring national parks and stunning landscapes along the way (14 nights).
African Trilogy: This spectacular journey between Pretoria and Walvis Bay takes you through stunning national parks and the finest cultural sights across South Africa, eSwatini, and Namibia (15 nights).
Trail of Two Oceans: A pioneering east-to-west, ocean-to-ocean African adventure from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Lobito, Angola, featuring the sights of Zambia and the DRC along the route (15 nights).
Dar es Salaam: A grand transcontinental rail journey between Cape Town, South Africa, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, passing through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia along the way (15 or 16 nights).
My own impression of Rovos Rail
“The train has been meticulously designed to blend heritage with modern comforts, making every journey a genuine pleasure. The food on board is outstanding, paired with exceptional wines from Rovos Rail’s own cellar. The staff are incredible, offering impeccable service throughout. And perhaps best of all, the itineraries offered by Rovos Rail are among the most spectacular luxury train journeys anywhere in the world.”
The photos below offer a good impression of my journey on Rovos Rail from South Africa to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
For your Rovos Rail experience, DiscoverByRail partners with Tailor Made Rail (TMR), one of the leading rail tour operators, to help create your unforgettable African journey. Andy has worked with TMR for several years, and their professionalism, attention to detail, and customer-focused approach — both during the booking process and while you’re travelling — ensure a smooth, worry-free rail holiday you’ll always remember.
All images on this page are copyrighted (©) by Rovos Rail Tours, except for those under the section “My Own Impressions of Rovos Rail”, which are copyrighted (©) by DiscoverByRail.