Luxury Train Journeys 2026 | Rovos Rail & Blue Train Ticket Price Guide
Luxury Train Safaris doesn’t just sell tickets — we curate time. Explore Rovos Rail, Blue Train, and legacy Shongololo journeys across Southern Africa. From Cape Town to Victoria Falls, we combine trains, safaris, and lodges into seamless packages, backed by instant local support and curated service at all hours.
The Blue Train is the Soul of Africa — the luxury crescendo of your Southern African journey. The Cape Town line’s two‑night experience serves as the centerpiece, elegantly linking Cape indulgence with safari adventure.
Extend your journey into the wild: Hwange National Park, Botswana safaris, and Cape Town — a top 10 world destination — complete the circuit for a world-class Southern African adventure.
Rovos Short Journeys
| Route | Pullman Suite | Deluxe Suite | Royal Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 45,000 | 64,800 | 86,400 |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 57,600 | 82,800 | 108,000 |
| Pretoria → Durban | 40,800 | 63,000 | 84,000 |
All prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR) and are quoted per person sharing. A single supplement applies for solo travelers. Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks, and guided excursions. Visa requirements vary by route. Currency conversions available on request.
Rovos Combo Journeys
| Route | Pullman Suite | Deluxe Suite | Royal Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town → Victoria Falls | 97,470 | 140,220 | 184,680 |
| Durban → Victoria Falls | 93,480 | 138,510 | 182,400 |
| Durban → Cape Town | 81,510 | 121,410 | 161,880 |
All prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR), quoted per person sharing. A single supplement applies for solo travelers. Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks, and guided excursions. Visa requirements vary by route. Currency conversions available on request.
🚆 Rovos Rail 2026 Departure Dates & Schedule
Plan your journey with confidence. Below are the confirmed 2026 Rovos Rail departure dates across all major routes — from the classic Pretoria–Cape Town run to the epic 15-night African Trilogy. Availability changes fast; popular dates fill up to two years in advance. Filter by route or scroll the full schedule below.
| Route | Departure date | Duration | From (ZAR pp) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 11 January 2026 | 3 nights | R45,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 8 February 2026 | 3 nights | R45,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Cape Town → Pretoria | 22 February 2026 | 3 nights | R45,000 | ● Limited | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 15 March 2026 | 3 nights | R45,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 12 April 2026 | 3 nights | R45,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 17 January 2026 | 4 nights | R57,600 | ● Limited | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 14 February 2026 | 4 nights | R57,600 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Victoria Falls → Pretoria | 21 February 2026 | 4 nights | R57,600 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 21 March 2026 | 4 nights | R57,600 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 18 April 2026 | 4 nights | R57,600 | ● Full | Waitlist → |
| Pretoria → Durban | 24 January 2026 | 2 nights | R40,800 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Durban → Pretoria | 28 February 2026 | 2 nights | R40,800 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Durban | 28 March 2026 | 2 nights | R40,800 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Walvis Bay (Namibia Safari) | 7 February 2026 | 9 nights | R215,000 | ● Limited | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Walvis Bay (Namibia Safari) | 9 May 2026 | 9 nights | R215,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Pretoria → Walvis Bay (Namibia Safari) | 8 August 2026 | 9 nights | R215,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| African Trilogy — Pretoria → Walvis Bay | 14 March 2026 | 15 nights | R263,500 | ● Limited | Enquire → |
| African Collage — Cape Town ↔ Pretoria | 4 April 2026 | 12 nights | R180,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Southern Cross — Victoria Falls → Pretoria | 25 April 2026 | 11 nights | R165,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
| Cape Town → Dar es Salaam | 6 October 2026 | 15 nights | $16,500 USD | ● 2 cabins left | Enquire → |
| Golf Safari — Pretoria ↔ Pretoria | 15 August 2026 | 9 nights | R125,000 | ● Open | Enquire → |
No departures found for this filter. Contact us for custom dates.
All prices are per person sharing in South African Rand (ZAR) unless stated otherwise. A single supplement applies for solo travellers. Rates include accommodation, all meals, beverages on board, guided excursions, and entrance fees. Excluded: gratuities, visas, travel insurance, pre- and post-tour flights or transfers, and international sparkling wine. Departures and availability are indicative — contact us for confirmed dates and to check suite-level availability.
Not seeing your ideal date?
Rovos Rail operates most routes in both directions throughout the year. We can check availability for specific dates,
arrange back-to-back combo journeys, or add a safari extension before or after your rail experience.
✅ What's Included & Excluded on Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is a fully all-inclusive experience — but knowing exactly what's covered (and what isn't) helps you budget and pack with confidence. Here's everything at a glance for your 2026 journey.
- ✓ Luxury suite accommodation Pullman (~7m²), Deluxe (~10m²), or Royal (~16m²) — all with en-suite bathroom
- ✓ All meals on board Breakfast 07:00–10:00 · Lunch 13:00 · High Tea 16:30 · Dinner 19:30
- ✓ All beverages on board House wines, spirits, beer, soft drinks, coffee & tea — curated South African selection
- ✓ 24-hour room service Via your suite's dedicated host/hostess
- ✓ Guided off-train excursions & entrance fees Game drives, museum visits, and scenic stops as per itinerary
- ✓ Limited laundry service
- ✓ Government taxes
- ✓ Golf green fees & carts Golf Safari journeys only
- ✓ Onboard historian Namibia, Dar es Salaam & Lobito journeys
- ✓ Onboard doctor Dar es Salaam & Lobito journeys only
- ✗ International sparkling wine & Champagne Can be pre-ordered on request at additional cost
- ✗ Premium spirits & wines beyond the house selection
- ✗ Gratuities Suggested R200–R300 (~$11–$16 USD) per person per night, distributed by Train Manager
- ✗ Visas Requirements vary by route — we'll advise at time of booking
- ✗ Travel insurance Strongly recommended — we can assist with referrals
- ✗ Pre- & post-tour flights, transfers & accommodation We curate seamless packages including these — ask us
- ✗ Personal expenses & shopping
- ✗ Excursions not listed in the itinerary
Off-train accommodation inclusions & exclusions (long journeys)
Included
- ✓ Flights as per itinerary
- ✓ Hotel / lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals at specified venues
- ✓ Preselected local wines, beers & soft drinks
Excluded
- ✗ Premium wines, Champagne & spirits
- ✗ Meals at unspecified venues
- ✗ Laundry at lodges
- ✗ Personal expenses
Currency: On board in South Africa, only South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted. All major credit cards are welcome. Outside South Africa, US Dollars are accepted for off-train expenses and excursions booked on board. Child policy: Children under 2 are not permitted. Ages 3–9 pay 75% of the adult rate; ages 10+ pay the full rate. Long journeys are not recommended for children under 13.
👔 Rovos Rail Dress Code & What to Pack
Part of the magic of Rovos Rail is the timeless elegance of the journey — and dressing for it is part of the experience. The dress code is observed throughout the train and adds to the sense of occasion. Here's exactly what to expect and what to bring.
Every evening on board
Dinner is a formal affair — the centrepiece of each evening aboard the Pride of Africa.
- Men: jacket and tie or lounge suit
- Ladies: cocktail dress, evening wear, or smart separates
- Theme nights may have specific dress suggestions (see below)
On board & during excursions
Comfortable but polished — shorts and vests are not appropriate in the dining or lounge cars.
- Chinos, collared shirts, or blouses
- Light layers — carriages are air-conditioned
- Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
- Sun hat and sunscreen for outdoor stops
Game drives & off-train activities
Neutral tones are recommended so as not to disturb wildlife. Leave the white at home.
- Khaki, olive, brown, or beige tones
- Long sleeves for early morning drives (cold & mosquitoes)
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
- Binoculars and a camera with a good zoom
🎭 Theme Nights — Dar es Salaam & Long Journeys
On select extended journeys (especially the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam route), Rovos Rail hosts themed dinner evenings. These are a highlight and guests are warmly encouraged to participate. Common themes include:
Africa Night 1920s Elegance Black & White Safari Chic
Packing a simple themed accessory — a feather boa, a vintage brooch, or a safari jacket — goes a long way. Your travel consultant will confirm theme nights for your specific departure.
Clothing essentials
- 1–2 formal outfits for dinner (one per night is ideal)
- Smart casual separates for daytime travel
- Neutral safari clothing for game drives
- Light jacket or wrap — dining cars are cool
- Comfortable walking shoes & closed-toe safari shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear (for lodge extensions)
Practical items
- Passport & visa documents (check requirements per route)
- Travel insurance documents
- Camera with telephoto lens & spare batteries
- Binoculars for game viewing
- Insect repellent (DEET-based for malaria zones)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Any prescription medication — no pharmacy on board
- ZAR cash for gratuities & small purchases
Luggage: soft-sided bags are recommended as storage space in suites is generous but not suited to large hard-shell cases. Smoking is permitted only in the Club Lounge at the rear of the train and — with caution — in your suite. It is strictly prohibited elsewhere. Please note that the train is constructed of wood: never discard lit material from the train.
Have a question about your specific departure?
Our team will confirm theme nights, visa requirements, and any route-specific dress or packing recommendations
when you book — so you can travel prepared and travel well.
✅ What's Included & Excluded on Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail fares are genuinely all-inclusive — most of what makes the journey extraordinary is already in the price. Here's exactly what you get (and what to budget separately), so there are no surprises when you board the Pride of Africa.
✔ Included in your fare
- ✓ All meals on board — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner
- ✓ All beverages on board — wines, spirits, beer, gin, whisky, soft drinks, cocktails & coffee
- ✓ 24-hour room service via your dedicated host
- ✓ Luxury suite accommodation (Pullman, Deluxe or Royal)
- ✓ Guided off-train excursions with entrance fees (where applicable)
- ✓ Golf green fees & carts (Golf Safari journey)
- ✓ Onboard historian (Namibia, Dar es Salaam & Lobito routes)
- ✓ Onboard doctor (Dar es Salaam & Lobito routes)
- ✓ Preselected local wines, beers & soft drinks on excursions
- ✓ Limited laundry service
- ✓ All government taxes
- ✓ Daily suite servicing, linen & amenities
✗ Not included — budget separately
- ✗ International sparkling wine (Champagne) — available to pre-order
- ✗ Premium spirits & beverages beyond the curated selection
- ✗ Gratuities — R200–300 per person per night is suggested
- ✗ Visas — requirements vary by route and nationality
- ✗ Travel insurance — strongly recommended
- ✗ Pre- & post-tour flights, transfers & accommodation
- ✗ Personal expenses & souvenirs (gift shop on board)
- ✗ Excess laundry beyond the included allowance
- ✗ Wi-Fi (limited connectivity; available at select lodges)
Meals are served at set times: Breakfast 07:00–10:00 · Lunch 13:00 · Afternoon tea 16:30 · Dinner 19:30 (subject to schedule adjustments). Dining is in one sitting only, accompanied by a curated selection of South African wines. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated — please advise at time of booking.
✔ Included in off-train stays
- ✓ Flights as per the itinerary
- ✓ Accommodation at selected lodges & hotels
- ✓ All meals during the off-train stay
- ✓ Preselected local wines, beers & soft drinks
- ✓ Standard bar drinks (Lobito journeys)
- ✓ Laundry service (Lobito journeys)
✗ Not included in off-train stays
- ✗ Premium wines, Champagne & spirits
- ✗ Meals at unspecified venues
- ✗ Laundry (standard combo journeys — included on Lobito only)
- ✗ Personal expenses
- ✗ Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Off-train accommodation applies to combo and long journeys that include lodge stays or city nights. Specific lodges and hotels are confirmed at time of booking. Contact us to discuss upgrading lodge selections.
Need a full cost breakdown for your trip?
We'll prepare a detailed quote including all on-board costs, safari extensions, pre/post accommodation,
transfers, and visa guidance — tailored to your route and travel dates.
👔 Rovos Rail Dress Code Guide
Part of the magic of Rovos Rail is dressing for the occasion — the Pride of Africa is a world-class dining experience on wheels. The dress code reflects the elegance of a bygone era and applies throughout the journey. Here's exactly what to pack and when to wear it.
Smart Casual
Daytime · Excursions · LunchDuring daylight hours, while travelling through the landscape or joining off-train excursions, smart casual is perfectly appropriate.
- Collared shirts or blouses
- Chinos, trousers or smart shorts
- Comfortable closed shoes or smart sandals
- Light layers for air-conditioned coaches
- Safari-appropriate clothing on excursions
Formal Attire
Dinner every eveningDinner aboard Rovos Rail is a formal, five-course affair. Formal dress is required every evening — this is non-negotiable and part of what makes the experience so memorable.
- Men: Jacket and tie, or lounge suit
- Women: Evening dress, cocktail dress, or formal trouser suit
- Smart leather shoes recommended
- Cufflinks and pocket squares welcomed
Safari Ready
Off-train game drives & excursionsWhen joining guided game drives or bush excursions, neutral tones are practical and considerate of wildlife.
- Khaki, olive, tan or neutral tones
- Long sleeves for sun and insect protection
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Avoid bright colours and white on safari
🎭 Theme nights
On longer journeys — particularly the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam route and the African Trilogy — special theme dinners are held on board. Participation is optional but adds greatly to the atmosphere. Common themes include:
💡 Packing tips
Luggage space in suites is limited. Pack smart — choose versatile pieces that transition from day to evening. A well-cut blazer and two formal dresses or suits covers most itineraries. Soft-sided bags are easier to store than hard suitcases. Rovos Rail offers limited laundry, so plan for 3–4 day rotations on longer journeys.
The dress code applies to all public areas of the train from dinner onwards, including the lounge and observation cars. Casual wear such as shorts, vest tops, or flip-flops is not permitted in the dining car at any mealtime. If you have any questions about specific attire for your journey, our team is happy to advise before you travel.
First time on Rovos Rail?
Our team can walk you through everything — from what to pack for your specific route and season,
to visa requirements and pre-departure logistics. No question is too small.
From the deserts of Namibia to the mist of Victoria Falls, these extended rail journeys offer a deeper way to experience Southern Africa, part of Africa’s world‑renowned luxury train circuit. Each itinerary blends iconic landscapes, curated excursions, and all‑inclusive service aboard Rovos Rail’s vintage carriages. Journey durations range from 8 to 16 days, with suite pricing and seasonal availability detailed below.
Need Help Planning Your Rovos Rail Luxury Journey?
Let us guide you through suite selection, visa requirements, and exclusive agent‑only perks for international travelers. Personalized service, seamless booking, and expert support—just an email away.
📩 Plan Your Luxury Safari Journey🌍 Standalone Safaris
Choose from bespoke safari packages in Hwange, Botswana, Kruger, Namibia, and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris — no rail ticket required. Extend further into East Africa with world‑renowned reserves in Kenya and Tanzania, including the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, for a truly global safari experience.
Victoria Falls to Botswana Safari – Luxury Rail & Wildlife Adventure 🚂🦁
An opulent journey weaving together the thundering wonder of Victoria Falls with Botswana’s legendary wildlife.
- Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls – colonial charm, high tea, dinner at The Three Monkeys.
- Day 2: Guided tour of the Falls, Devil’s Pool option, sunset Zambezi cruise.
- Day 3: Rail journey into Botswana, check-in at Chobe Game Lodge.
- Day 4: Safari drives, boat safari, sundowners by the river.
- Day 5: Sunrise safari finale, onward travel from Kasane Airport.
Sample guideline price: from R42,000 / $2,200 per person (double occupancy, seasonal variations apply).
🦁 Safari Extensions Beyond the Rails
Hwange hosts the world’s densest wild elephant population — a true safari spectacle.
- Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, home to around 45,000 elephants and over 400 bird species.
- Botswana Safaris: Explore the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park with luxury lodges and immersive wildlife.
- Kruger National Park: South Africa’s flagship safari destination, easily paired with Pretoria or Cape Town journeys.
- East African Safaris: Extend your adventure into Kenya and Tanzania, with world‑renowned reserves like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Safari extensions are customizable and can be combined with any Rovos Rail journey. Rates vary by lodge and season.
Victoria Falls — the natural gateway to rail and safari adventures across Southern and East Africa.
🏜️ Rovos Rail Namibia Safari
Discover Namibia’s dramatic landscapes aboard the Rovos train. Begin with a stay in charming Swakopmund before embarking on the country’s only luxury rail journey — a seamless blend of comfort and wildlife viewing.
Rovos, celebrated as the Pride of Africa, offers six routes linking South Africa and Namibia. The Namibia Safari enhances the Shongololo Dune Express with a new 11‑night adventure, featuring historic stops at Kolmanskop and Lüderitz.
Convenient direct flights from Cape Town to Windhoek make this safari extension easy to connect with your rail journey.
Book now to experience Africa’s rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Namibia’s desert horses — a rare safari encounter.
🚆 Why Choose Rovos Rail?
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and adventure aboard the Pride of Africa. Rovos Rail journeys showcase Southern Africa’s landscapes and historic sites, with elegant suites, fine dining, and personal service that make every moment unforgettable. From wildlife encounters to world‑class wine, each journey is designed to create lasting memories.
Step onto the Copper Trail and discover a journey that blends the romance of luxury rail travel with the thrill of African adventure. From the polished elegance of your carriage to the untamed beauty of the savannah, every detail is curated to create a seamless passage from city to safari. Whether you’re tracing historic routes or extending your trip into bespoke wildlife experiences, the Copper Trail is your invitation to travel deeper, linger longer, and savor the soul of Africa.
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