Rovos Rail
The Pride of Africa
Where the golden age of travel never ended
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is widely regarded as the most luxurious train in the world, and travelling aboard the Pride of Africa is one of those experiences that stays with you long after the journey ends. The luxury train moves through Southern Africa at a deliberately unhurried pace, rolling past mountain ranges, desert plains, game-rich parks and colonial towns, while on board you are cocooned in the kind of timeless elegance that modern travel rarely offers. This is not transport from one place to another. It is the journey itself.
A Rovos Rail Safari works beautifully as a standalone experience or as a distinctive way to begin or end a safari to Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia. The routes range from a classic three-night run between Pretoria and Victoria Falls to epic fifteen-night expeditions reaching as far as Dar es Salaam and the Atlantic coast of Angola.
The Train & Suites
Each Rovos train set has been beautifully restored and is hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carrying a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. The carriages are finished in polished wood panelling throughout, and there are no radios or television sets on board, in keeping with the spirit of a more deliberate age of travel.
There are three suite categories. The Royal Suites (16sqm) each take up half a carriage, with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom complete with a Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. The Deluxe Suites (10sqm) accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds, with a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. The Pullman and Pullman Gold Suites (7sqm) accommodate one or two passengers and include an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day the suites convert from a comfortable sofa configuration to proper sleeping arrangements for the evening.
Beyond the suites, each train set includes dining cars, a lounge car, a smoking lounge, a small gift shop and a glorious open-air observation car with large picture windows and a balcony at the rear. This is where you will spend much of your time, watching Africa scroll slowly past.
Dining on board is a proper occasion. The dining car has the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp white linen and silver service, and an impressive wine list. Days on board are smart casual, while evenings are more formal. On longer journeys, themed evenings invite guests to dress accordingly, though smart casual is always an acceptable alternative.
Plan Your Rovos Rail Journey
Book a Rovos Rail Train trip as a standalone product or we can incorporate any Rovos Rail journey into a broader Southern Africa itinerary. Whether you are pairing the Pretoria to Victoria Falls run with a fly-in safari to Botswana, or using the Cape Town to Pretoria journey as a scenic start to a Kruger Park safari. Contact us to discuss the options that work for you.
Rovos Rail: The Journeys
Rovos Rail operates a number of distinct journeys across Southern Africa, ranging from three nights to fifteen, and each one has its own character and rhythm. The shorter routes make ideal additions to a broader safari itinerary, while the longer expeditions are journeys in their own right, crossing borders and landscapes that few travellers ever see from ground level. All journeys run in both directions and can be tailored to connect with flights, safari extensions or city stays at either end.
What Is Included
The Rovos Rail Journeys include all accommodation on board, all meals, all beverages on board, room service, limited laundry, guided excursions where applicable, entrance fees as per the itinerary and government tax. The longer Dar es Salaam and Copper Trail journeys include an on-board historian and doctor, and the Golf Safari and African Collage rates include green fees, carts and halfway house meals, water, tea and coffee. A single supplement of 50% applies.
Not included: off-train beverages, international sparkling wine, gratuities, personal expenses, pre and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers, visas, and travel insurance.
Cape Town to Pretoria
This three-night journey is the classic Rovos Rail introduction and runs two to four times a month throughout most of the year. The train departs Cape Town and winds through the Cape Winelands before stopping at Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village that was founded as a refreshment stop in 1890 and boasts a delightful platform museum. The following day brings a visit to Kimberley, where the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole, offer a vivid glimpse into the diamond rush era. The train then passes through beautiful mountain ranges and the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo before arriving in Pretoria.
Pretoria to Cape Town: Day 1 Pretoria 11h00, Day 2 Kimberley tour 14h00, Day 3 Matjiesfontein 15h00, Day 4 Cape Town 10h00. Cape Town to Pretoria: Day 1 Cape Town 16h00, Day 2 Matjiesfontein 08h00, Day 3 Kimberley tour 08h30, Day 4 Pretoria 10h00.
Rates for October 2026 to September 2027:
Royal Suite – ZAR104,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR78,000, Pullman Suite – ZAR54,000
Rates for October 2027 to September 2028:
Royal Suite – ZAR114,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR86,500, Pullman Suite – ZAR59,900
Pretoria to Victoria Falls
This journey is available as a three-night or four-night itinerary and is one of our most popular Rovos recommendations. The train departs Pretoria and heads north through Bela-Bela, crossing the Capricorn and the Limpopo River towards Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. On the four-night journey, guests enjoy a game drive excursion into Matobo National Park, a World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty with ancient bushmen caves, remarkable rock art and dramatic granite kopjes. Here too is the hilltop grave of Cecil John Rhodes, atop the summit known as Malindidzimu.
The train then travels along one of the world’s longest straight stretches of railway line, a remarkable 114km, before arriving at Hwange National Park for a game drive. The journey ends at Victoria Falls, with the station platform located right beside the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. We strongly recommend spending a few nights at the Falls to take in a walking tour, a helicopter flight, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and game drives in the surrounding area.
Pretoria to Victoria Falls, 3 nights: Day 1 Pretoria 10h00, Day 2 on board, Day 3 Hwange game drive 15h00, Day 4 Victoria Falls 10h00. Pretoria to Victoria Falls, 4 nights: Day 1 Pretoria 18h00, Day 2 on board, Day 3 Matobo Park 13h30, Day 4 Hwange game drive 15h00, Day 5 Victoria Falls 10h00. Victoria Falls to Pretoria, 3 nights: Day 1 Victoria Falls 17h00, Day 2 Hwange game drive 06h00, Day 3 on board, Day 4 Pretoria 10h00. Victoria Falls to Pretoria, 4 nights: Day 1 Victoria Falls 17h00, Day 2 Hwange game drive 06h00, Day 3 Matobo Park 08h00, Day 4 on board, Day 5 Pretoria 10h00.
Rates for October 2026 to September 2027:
Royal Suite – ZAR124,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR95,000, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR66,500
Rates for October 2027 to September 2028:
Royal Suite – ZAR143,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR109,500, Pullman Suite – ZAR76,000
Southern Cross
The Southern Cross is one of Rovos Rail’s most captivating itineraries, covering 2,500km over eleven nights between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. The route is a beautifully varied sweep through Southern Africa, crossing the Drakensberg Mountains and joining the Panorama Route before a game drive in the Kruger area. The train then heads to Maputo for a tour of Mozambique’s capital city, before crossing into the small mountain kingdom of eSwatini. Guests visit a Swazi cultural village and the famous Swazi Candles craft centre before the train continues north.
Further game viewing follows at Kapama Private Game Reserve, together with a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. The journey then crosses into Zimbabwe, where highlights include a tour of the impressive Great Zimbabwe Monument, a visit to Antelope Park, and exploration of Matobo National Park, with its ancient rock art and extraordinary geology. Game drives at Hwange National Park round out the wildlife experiences before the train arrives at Victoria Falls, where a walking tour of the village and the falls themselves is followed by a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
The Southern Cross runs in both directions and can be combined with a few nights at Victoria Falls or a fly-in safari extension into Botswana or Zambia.
Rates 2027: 14-25 Jan, 11-22 Mar, 13-24 Apr, 2-13 Sep, 19-30 Nov
Royal Suite – ZAR339,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR2555,000, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR197,000
Rates 2028: 20-31 Jan, 10-21 Feb, 2-13 Mar, 13-24 Apr, 24 Aug-4 Sep, 21 Sep-2 Oct, 26 Oct-6 Nov
Royal Suite – ZAR368,500, Deluxe Suite – ZAR276,500 Pullman Suite – ZAR194,500
Namibia Safari
The Namibia Safari has been extended to eleven nights since merging with the Shongololo Dune Express, and now covers more than 3,400km from Pretoria to Walvis Bay. It is one of the most diverse of all the Rovos routes, moving from the Highveld through some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent to the cold shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
The journey begins with a stop in Kimberley to explore the 1870s mining village and the famous Big Hole. The train then traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape, passing the Fish River Canyon (second only to the Grand Canyon in size) and the remarkable quiver-tree forest at Garas Park. Crossing the Kalahari Desert, guests stop in Namibia’s capital Windhoek for a city tour and a visit to a cheetah conservation project before flying to Sossusvlei, the great red dune landscape of the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay at a lodge.
Returning to the train, the journey continues north before guests are transferred by road to Etosha National Park for an overnight stay in a safari lodge and a game drive among Namibia’s remarkable desert-adapted wildlife. The train then heads west to the Atlantic coast, passing through the Namib for a visit to the ghost town of Kolmanskop and the German colonial town of Lüderitz, known for its striking architecture and coastal wildlife, before the final arrival in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Rates 2027: 6-17 Apr (CPT-WVB Special), 19-30 Apr, 17-28 May, 23-Oct-3 Nov
Royal Suite – ZAR403,200, Deluxe Suite – ZAR327,600, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR258,000
Rates 2028: 8-19 May~, 7-18 Nov~, 26 Mar-6 Apr, 3-14 May~, 21 May-1 Jun, 20 Nov-1 Dec* Could depart or arrive in Cape Town
Royal Suite – ZAR438,200, Deluxe Suite – ZAR355,000, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR280,000
African Collage
The African Collage is a ten-night journey that covers an extraordinary sweep of South Africa. Departing from Pretoria, the train visits Kruger National Park for a game drive before heading into KwaZulu-Natal to explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the historic battlefields of the province. The journey then swings south to the Eastern Cape coast, stopping at Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for a game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, before winding through the magnificent scenery of the Garden Route to Cape Town. There is also an opportunity to play golf on this trip, making it a favourite with golfers who want something more adventurous than a standard golf tour.
Rates 2027: 6-18 Apr, 2-14 Nov
Royal Suite – ZAR372,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR288,000, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR207,000
Rates 2028: 15-27 Mar, 5-17 Apr, 15-27 Nov
Royal Suite – ZAR437,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR328,000 Pullman Suite – ZAR230,000
Rovos Rail Golf Safari
The Golf Safari is a nine-night circular journey departing from and returning to Pretoria, and it is by no means a trip only for golfers. Partners on board find plenty to enjoy while others are on the course. The route takes in Sun City and the Gary Player and Lost City courses at Pilanesberg, followed by the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields and a round at Champagne Sports Resort. The train then visits Durban Country Club before heading north for a game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Guests cross into eSwatini for a round at the Royal Swazi Sun course, followed by a game drive in the Kruger area and, if available, a round at Leopard Creek Golf Course at one’s own account. The final stretch of the journey passes through Dullstroom, with an opportunity for fly fishing, before returning to Pretoria.
Rates 2027: 5-14 Jan, 26 Jan-4 Feb, 16-25 Mar, 28 Sep-7 Oct, 19-28 Oct
Royal Suite – ZAR256,000, Deluxe Suite – ZAR193,000, Pullman Gold Suite – ZAR136,000
Rates 2028: 5-14 Jan, 16-25 Feb, 1-10 Mar, 6-15 Sep, 11-20 Oct
Royal Suite – ZAR277,800 Deluxe Suite – ZAR209,500, Pullman Suite – ZAR147,500
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam
This is Rovos Rail’s great transcontinental epic: a fifteen-day, 5,800km journey that travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, and is widely considered one of the greatest train journeys in the world. The trip begins in Cape Town, stopping at Matjiesfontein and Kimberley before arriving in Pretoria for a short city tour. Guests then spend two nights at Madikwe Game Reserve for Big Five game viewing before the train continues north through Botswana into Zimbabwe, where an overnight stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel allows for a full exploration of the falls.
After crossing the Zambezi, the train joins the famous TAZARA line in Zambia, continuing to Chisimba Falls for a bush walk in truly remote terrain. The route then climbs to the Tanzanian border and descends into the Great Rift Valley through a dramatic sequence of tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts on the escarpment. Climbing once more, the train traverses what was formerly the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest wildlife areas on the continent, before arriving in Dar es Salaam to the sounds and energy of the Indian Ocean coast..
Rates 2027: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 7 Feb-15 Mar, 3-19 Jul, 9-25 Oct and return 2 Jul-7 Aug, 9-25 Sep, 28 Oct-13 Nov
Royal Suite – US$31,500, Deluxe Suite – US$24,000, Pullman Gold Suite – US$18,200
Rates 2028: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 10-26 Jan, 28 Feb-15 Mar, 3-19 Jul, 9-25 Oct and return 22 Jul-7 Aug, 9-25 Sep, 28 Oct-13 Nov
Royal Suite – US$34,700, Deluxe Suite – US$26,400, Pullman Gold Suite – US$20,100
The Copper Trail
The Copper Trail is Rovos Rail’s most ambitious expedition, launched in 2022. Covering 3,100km over fifteen days, the journey traverses Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, ending at Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean south of Luanda.
The train departs Victoria Falls and travels across the mighty Zambezi before guests enjoy a sunset cruise on the Kafue River. In Lusaka, a visit to an elephant sanctuary gives a meaningful look at conservation work before guests fly into South Luangwa National Park for a three-night safari, with exceptional game viewing in one of Africa’s finest parks, bounded by the Muchinga Escarpment and the meandering Luangwa River. Rejoining the train at Ndola, the journey heads north through the Copper Belt and crosses into the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a tour of Lubumbashi provides an insight into this extraordinary and rarely visited region. The journey ends with short walking tours along the historic copper trail before arrival at Lobito on the Angolan coast.
An on-board historian and doctor accompany guests on both the Dar es Salaam and Copper Trail journeys.
Rates for 05 July 2027 from Victoria Falls to Lobito and on 22 July 2027 for the return:
Royal Suite – US$31,500, Deluxe Suite – US$24,000, Pullman Gold Suite – US$18,200
Rates for 03 July 2028 from Victoria Falls to Lobito and on 20 July 2028 for the return:
Royal Suite – US$34,700, Deluxe Suite – US$26,400, Pullman Gold Suite – US$20,100
Plan Your Rovos Rail Journey
Book a Rovos Rail Train trip as a standalone product or we can incorporate any Rovos Rail journey into a broader Southern Africa itinerary. Whether you are pairing the Pretoria to Victoria Falls run with a fly-in safari to Botswana, or using the Cape Town to Pretoria journey as a scenic start to a Kruger Park safari. Contact us to discuss the options that work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rovos Rail Journeys
Who owns Rovos Rail?
Rovos Rail is owned by Rohan Vos, a South African entrepreneur who founded the company in 1989. Vos had a passion for vintage rolling stock and began restoring historic coaches and locomotives at his own property in Pretoria, which became the company’s home base and maintenance facility. What started as a personal obsession grew into what is now widely considered the most luxurious private train in the world. The business remains family-owned and that hands-on ethos is visible in the care and craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of the train and the journeys it operates.
Which Rovos Rail journey should I choose?
The right journey depends largely on how much time you have and which part of Southern Africa you want to explore. The Cape Town to Pretoria run is the classic three-night introduction and works well as a scenic start or finish to a South Africa itinerary. The Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey, available over three or four nights, is our most popular recommendation and pairs beautifully with a safari extension into Botswana or Zambia. For something more immersive, the Southern Cross covers Zimbabwe and eSwatini over eleven nights and is excellent for first-time visitors to the region. If Namibia is on your list, the Namibia Safari offers an extraordinary way to see the country’s most iconic landscapes without the need to self-drive. The Cape Town to Dar es Salaam and the Copper Trail are for those who want a genuine expedition, crossing multiple countries over fifteen days. We are happy to help you work out which journey fits best within your broader travel plans.
Can I combine Rovos Rail with a safari?
Absolutely, and this is something we design for our clients regularly. The Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey is the most natural combination, giving you the train experience followed by a fly-in safari into Botswana or Zambia, or a few nights at the Falls themselves before heading deeper into the bush. The Cape Town to Pretoria run works well as an opening chapter before flying to Kruger or the private reserves of the Greater Kruger area. For the longer expeditions such as the Copper Trail, the built-in South Luangwa fly-out is already part of the journey, giving you a proper three-night safari in the valley. If you have a specific destination in mind, talk to us and we will put together an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
Is Rovos Rail suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, though solo travellers should be aware that a single supplement of 50% applies across all suite categories. This is standard practice for train travel where the suite functions as a private room. That said, many of our solo clients find Rovos Rail a genuinely rewarding way to travel alone. The maximum of 72 passengers on board means a very intimate atmosphere in the dining car and observation car, conversation flows naturally, and the journey itself provides constant interest and distraction. Solo travellers in the Deluxe Suites have a comfortable private space that converts between a sofa seating arrangement by day and a proper bed by night.
What is the dress code on Rovos Rail?
Daytime on board is smart casual throughout, which in practice means neat, comfortable clothing rather than shorts or sportswear. Evening attire steps up to more formal dress, and this is taken seriously. Dinner in the dining car is an occasion, and guests are expected to dress accordingly, typically jacket and tie for gentlemen and smart evening wear for ladies. On longer journeys, themed evenings are occasionally hosted where guests are invited to dress to a particular period or theme, though smart formal is always acceptable if you would rather not participate. It is worth packing a few smarter outfits than you might normally bring on a safari holiday.
What is the best time of year to travel on Rovos Rail?
The shorter journeys, particularly the Cape Town to Pretoria and Pretoria to Victoria Falls runs, operate throughout the year and can be travelled in any season. South Africa’s climate is generally mild and pleasant, and even in winter the days are clear and the scenery on both routes is compelling regardless of the season. For the Namibia Safari, the cooler months from May to October are preferable, both for the game viewing component at Etosha and for the comfort of exploring the desert landscapes. The longer Cape Town to Dar es Salaam journey is best undertaken outside of the East African long rains, which typically fall between March and May. If you are combining a Rovos Rail journey with a specific safari destination, the timing of the train portion is usually flexible enough to be arranged around the optimal season for the game-viewing element of your trip.
