- Home >
- South Africa >
Call: 020 7843 3500 Enquire Now Enquire Now
Call: 020 7843 3500 Enquire Now Enquire Now
Renowned as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, this is where five-star luxury meets constantly changing scenery. From the wood panelled uber-comfort of carriages and suites guests can marvel at the ever-changing and magnificent sights of Africa – barren wastes, vast lowlands, the highveld and great dramatic mountain vistas.
The two trains carry 72 passengers in 36 beautifully and meticulously renovated suites – each has a proud history which is evident in its traditional furnishings and period décor. Exceptional food is on offer alongside exquisite service. There are a number of journeys on offer from the 48 hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, the run along the Garden Route and the three day Durban experience which includes game drives, to the three day trip to Victoria Falls, an awesome seven day route across the great deserts of Namibia, and a 14 day magnificent journey via Zambia to the plains of Tanzania. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, this will excite and enthral any traveller.
Depending on the journey, the trains will be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives – all in exceptional comfort and style.
A more leisurely and bygone version of the Blue Train, which is wonderful for those with the time and the budget. There is an excellent range of journeys available but on all of them try to bag a seat in the observation car when pre-dinner drinks are served.
Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains. Each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. The Dining Cars were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victorian atmosphere. Each of the trains has two air-conditioned 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting.
Pullman Suites are equipped with a large sofa seat during the day which is turned down into a Double or Twin beds during dinner. Fully air conditioned with their own mini-bar and en-suite bathroom with shower, they offer plenty of space for relaxing during the day and are very comfortable at night.
The Deluxe Suites can be made up as Double or Twin bedded suite, with a small lounge area for relaxing in during the day. The en-suite bathroom has a spacious shower and there is a mini-bar and safe in the suite. Perfect for those looking for a little more space and a private place to relax during the journey.
The elegant Royal Suites take up half a carriage and subsequently offer travellers the ultimate in space and luxury when travelling on Rovos Rail. They can be either double or twin bedded and have a nice spacious lounge area by the minibar where you can relax and watch the scenery unfold through the windows. Bathrooms have a separate bath and shower which is a real treat on a luxury train.
Deep sofas and wing back chairs make for an extremely comfortable car in which guests nodding off for an afternoon snooze are a common sight. The lounge cars are used as lecture rooms on the annual Dar es Salaam journeys and also house a small, discreet gift shop. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. There are few, if any, luxury trains anywhere in the world with this special feature, which has proved of particular benefit when a train has been chartered for a Steam Safari - steam enthusiasts like to enjoy the full majesty of a working locomotive and windows that open are top priority. This feature, coupled with luxury and service as well as a selection of Rovos Rail steam locomotives, makes this a truly unique opportunity to sample long-distance travel.
Families are welcome - but be aware Rovos Rail is an adult environment.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
South Africa
South Africa
Sales Director & Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist
Chris joined Africa Travel directly from university in 1992 and knows both the company and Africa extremely well.
Read moreSales Supervisor, London
Julia’s love for travel began at a young age. Born in Cape Town, she spent many a holiday exploring Southern Africa with her family before starting her career in travel.
Read moreSales Advisor, London
Felicity, who joined Africa Travel in 2004, has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years and originally comes from South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province
Read moreSales Support, London
Sigrun, who joined Africa Travel in 2001, grew up in South Africa and has now been in the travel industry for almost 30 years.
Read moreManager, Cape Town
Christine fell in love with Africa over 30 years ago, and has been managing the Cape Town office since 2008, and is looking forward to exploring Namibia more.
Read moreSales Support, Cape Town
Shaun joined the travel industry just over 10 years ago, working first for an online travel booking portal and an ecotourism company, specialising in sustainable travel in Southern and East Africa.
Read moreSales Support, Cape Town
Debbie joined Africa Travel in May 2009 and has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, enjoying a number of roles, from airline ticketing to accounting.
Read moreTour Guide, Cape Town
Christine first came to Africa as a young woman and immediately felt a connection which has never allowed her to leave. She lived in Johannesburg and in Knysna on the Garden Route, but came to Cape Town 22 years ago and realised it was where she wanted to be!
Read moreTour Guide, Cape Town
Alyson grew up in Zimbabwe and it was her parents who influenced her a great love of the African bush. It was not just a love of the wildlife but the plant and bird life and everything that is associated in the wild spaces of Africa.
Read moreAfrica Travel is the UK's premier specialist dealing with travel to Africa, but we aren't just a website or a call centre, we are a boutique, owner-run company with personal connections to many of the owners of the properties we feature.
During these challenging times many of us are understandably concerned about the impact and effect of Coronavirus on our travel plans, and so to offer you complete reassurance, Africa Travel have put in place our very own Book Africa with Confidence policy.
All flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. Our ATOL number is 3384 www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
Please complete the below details so that we can forward you a personalised holiday quotation