A Rovos Rail Journey

If you are looking for a unique and luxurious way to explore the beauty and diversity of South Africa, you might want to consider a journey on Rovos Rail. Rovos Rail is a private railway company that operates vintage trains with elegant and spacious suites, fine dining, and attentive service. Rovos Rail offers various routes and itineraries, ranging from two days to two weeks, that cover some of the most scenic and historic destinations in South Africa and beyond.

This post shares a guest perspective of Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria, a three-day journey that covers 1,600 kilometers sharing information about the prices and what is included in the package.

The Train
Rovos Rail has a fleet of restored locomotives and coaches that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. The train consists of up to 20 coaches, including a lounge car, an observation car, a dining car, and several sleeping cars. The train can accommodate up to 72 passengers in three types of suites: Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal.

I stayed in a Deluxe Suite, which was very comfortable and spacious. The suite had a double bed, a wardrobe, a writing desk, a safe, a minibar, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The suite also had large windows that offered panoramic views of the passing scenery. The decor was elegant and classic, with wood paneling, brass fittings, and antique furniture.

The service on board was impeccable. The staff was friendly, professional, and attentive to every detail. They greeted me by name, made sure my suite was always clean and stocked with amenities, and catered to my every request. They also provided me with information about the train and the places we visited along the way.

The Food
The food on Rovos Rail was superb. The meals were served in the dining car, which had tables for four or six people. The dining car had a refined and romantic atmosphere, with white tablecloths, silverware, crystal glasses, and fresh flowers. The dress code was smart casual during the day and formal in the evening.

The menu was varied and delicious, featuring local and international cuisine. The dishes were prepared with fresh ingredients and presented with flair. The portions were generous and satisfying. The meals were accompanied by a selection of fine wines from South Africa’s best vineyards.

The food was served at set times: breakfast from 7 am to 10 am, lunch at 1 pm, tea at 4:30 pm, and dinner at 7:30 pm. There was also a 24-hour room service available for snacks and drinks.

The Activities
The journey on Rovos Rail was not only about relaxing and enjoying the train ride. It also included some exciting activities and excursions along the way. The train stopped at several places of interest, where we had the opportunity to get off and explore.

On the first day, we stopped at Matjiesfontein, a quaint Victorian village that has been preserved as a national heritage site. We visited the museum, the hotel, the post office, and the church. We also took a ride on an old London bus around the town.

On the second day, we stopped at Kimberley, the diamond capital of South Africa. We visited the Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation in the world, where diamonds were discovered in 1871. We also visited the Diamond Museum, which displayed some of the most famous diamonds in history.

On the third day, we stopped at Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. We visited the Union Buildings, the official seat of the government and the president. We also visited the Voortrekker Monument, a massive granite structure that commemorates the pioneers who migrated from the Cape Colony in the 19th century.

Rovos Ticket Prices
The prices for travelling on Rovos Rail vary depending on the route, the season, and the type of suite. For my journey from Cape Town to Pretoria in a Deluxe Suite,
I paid around $2, 500 per person. This included all meals, drinks (except champagne),
activities, excursions, and entrance fees. Keep in mind that exchange rates fluctuate and the rand generally depreciates against the Dollar and other developed world currencies.  

The prices are not cheap but they are worth it for such an unforgettable experience.
Rovos Rail is more than just a train ride; it is a journey through time and space that showcases the best of South Africa’s culture, nature, and history.

Rovos offers many other routes listed below:

– Durban Safari: A three-day journey from Pretoria to Durban that includes game drives in Nambiti Conservancy and Spionkop Reserve.
– Victoria Falls: A four-day journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls that crosses the border into Zimbabwe and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the falls.
– Namibia Safari: 11 nights from Pretoria to Walvis Bay traversing the Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon, and the Namib Desert.
– Golf Safari: A nine-day journey from Pretoria to Cape Town that stops at some of South Africa’s finest golf courses along the way.
– African Collage: 12 nights (3700km) Pretoria to Cape Town offering a rich tapestry of landscape, game, history, and culture.
– African Trilogy: 14 nights (5000km) Pretoria to Walvis Bay in Namibia offering a spectacular meander across the continent from the mountainous east to wild deserts of the west.  
– Southern Cross: 11 nights (2500km) Pretoria to Victoria Falls providing a panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 
– Copper trail; 14 nights Victoria falls to Lobito uniting a natural wonder of the world with the copper trail. 
 -Trail of the two Oceans: 15 nights 94300km from Dar es Salaam to Lobito uniting a pioneering East-West adventure.   
– Dar Es salaam: A 15 night journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam that covers South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.