A world-renowned luxury train journey through Africa, offering 5-star service, elegant 1920s-style carriages, and breathtaking landscapes from South Africa to Namibia, Tanzania, and beyond.

Ride Details

  • Ride Type: Luxury, Scenic, Historic, Overnight
  • Duration: 2 to 15 days (varies by itinerary)
  • Distance: Varies (typically between 500 – 3,500 miles depending on route)
  • Operating Season & Hours:
    • Operates year-round
    • Departure times vary by itinerary (typically late morning or early afternoon)
  • Pricing:
    • Prices start from $1,800 per person for shorter journeys
    • Longer luxury expeditions can cost $10,000+ per person

Accommodation & Cabins

1. Royal Suites (±172 sq ft / 16 sq m)

  • Half a carriage in size
  • Private lounge area
  • En-suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and separate shower
  • Fully air-conditioned
  • Double or twin beds
  • Writing desk, safe, and minibar

2. Deluxe Suites (±118 sq ft / 11 sq m)

  • Lounge area and en-suite shower
  • Fully air-conditioned
  • Double or twin beds
  • Minibar and personal safe

3. Pullman Suites (±76 sq ft / 7 sq m)

  • Daytime sofa that converts into twin/double beds at night
  • En-suite bathroom with shower
  • Air-conditioning
  • Writing desk and storage

All cabins include:

  • 24-hour room service
  • Luxury linens and bathrobes
  • Shaver plug & hairdryer
  • Tea, coffee, and amenities restocked daily
  • Electronic safe
  • Emergency call buttons

Dining & Cuisine

  • Elegant Dining Cars – Edwardian-style with crisp white linen and fine china
  • Fine South African Cuisine – Multi-course gourmet meals
  • Fresh, local ingredients used on all routes
  • Full breakfast, lunch, formal dinner daily
  • Vegetarian & dietary preferences accommodated upon request
  • Afternoon tea served in lounges or cabins

Bar & Lounge Cars

  • Observation Car – Open-air balcony for panoramic views
  • Lounge Car – Plush seating, a library, and a bar
  • Club Lounge – Smoking permitted, includes glass-panelled sides and deep armchairs
  • Fully stocked bar – Premium South African wines, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Complimentary beverages throughout the journey

Onboard Experience & Comfort

  • Air-conditioned public areas and suites
  • Spacious walkways
  • Luggage racks and ample storage
  • Board games, books, and magazines
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
  • No TVs or radios – Designed for unplugged relaxation
  • No formal WiFi – Promotes an immersive experience, though signal can be found in station stops

 Services & Special Amenities

✅ Accepts Credit Cards – Yes
❌ Allows Pets – No
❌ Car Parking – No (guests board from train stations)
✅ Kid Friendly – Children over 13 preferred; younger children allowed by request
✅ Outdoor Seating – Yes, on the open-air observation deck
✅ Reservations Needed – Yes, advance booking required
✅ Smoking Allowed – Only in the Club Lounge
❌ Wheelchair Accessible – Limited accessibility; contact Rovos in advance
❌ WiFi – Not available onboard (by design, to disconnect and enjoy the scenery)

Off-Train Excursions & Activities

  • Big Five Safari Game Drives
  • Visits to Victoria Falls
  • Golf Tours (for specific journeys)
  • Guided City Tours – Pretoria, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Windhoek, etc.
  • Diamond Mine & Historical Site Tours
  • Wine Tastings and Vineyard Visits
  • Colonial & Cultural Site Visits
  • Chartered Flights for Certain Routes

Countries Covered

Rovos Rail journeys span multiple countries in southern and eastern Africa:

  • 🇿🇦 South Africa
  • 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
  • 🇿🇲 Zambia
  • 🇧🇼 Botswana
  • 🇲🇿 Mozambique
  • 🇳🇦 Namibia
  • 🇹🇿 Tanzania
  • 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo (limited/chartered routes)

Languages

  • Primary language onboard: English
  • Staff are fluent in English, and some may speak Afrikaans or local African languages
  • Multilingual guides for excursions may be arranged with advance notice