Rail journeys in Southern Africa

Dream landscapes, vibrant cities, wild animals and a unique luxury train. With Rovos Rail you experience South Africa in the style of bygone days, when travel was still celebrated as the expression of a very special way of life – without haste or time pressure, simply as pure pleasure.

Rail journeys with Rovos Rail are more than luxurious train rides – travelling through South Africa and its neighbouring countries is almost like travelling back in time. Step aboard the lovingly restored carriages and immerse yourself in the past. Experience the glamour and splendour of the golden age of travel, combined with the comfort of a modern luxury journey.

With no television or internet, the train’s wonderful ambience allows you to find peace and serenity. For a few days, everything revolves around you – relaxation, discovery and indulgence. Curl up with a good book in the lounge, or simply watch deserts, savannahs, coastlines and mountains glide by from the fully glazed observation car with its open platform at the rear of the train. Feel the warm wind on your skin. Breathe deeply and take in the many scents of Africa. From the carriages, panelled in fine wood, you gaze out over an ever-changing landscape glowing in South Africa’s unique warm light, as if it had been artfully lit for a Hollywood film.

The air-conditioned train, with three categories of suite measuring around seven, ten and sixteen square metres, accommodates up to 72 passengers. Each suite has its own WC and shower as well as a seating area. A butler is on hand 24 hours a day to attend to passengers’ every wish. The cocktail lounge is the perfect place to meet for an aperitif before a festive gourmet dinner with fine wines is served in the dining cars.

By day you set off to explore. On its various routes, Rovos Rail stops so that you can get to know cities, discover unique landscapes, go on safari, go shopping or even play golf. Savour every moment, on the excursions and on the train alike, for every minute aboard Rovos Rail is pure pleasure and relaxation, as if from another era.

Genuine railway history
For Rohan Vos, the owner of Rovos Rail, every one of the lovingly restored carriages and locomotives of his exclusive trains is almost a member of the family. Each carriage has its own history and character, and the steam locomotives even have their own names. A railway enthusiast through and through, Vos has named some of the historic locomotives after members of his family. His first locomotive, acquired in 1986, is called Bianca. It is a Class 19D locomotive, number 2702, built in 1938 by Borsig; the oldest and smallest locomotive in the Rovos Rail fleet was built as long ago as 1893 by Dubbs & Co. in Glasgow. The Class 6 locomotive, number 439, is called Tiffany. It is one of the old steam locomotives that can only be used at Pretoria station. On the routes themselves, electric and diesel locomotives are used. In total, the fleet comprises more than 100 carriages and locomotives.