Rovos - Pride of Africa OFFERS

Rovos - Members of the Club (free to join) benefit from discount

2020/2021 - Some dates and prices are listed. Waitlists are already occurring.

- Discount off the published prices of any journey;

- 30 YEARS – 30% OFF Celebrating their 30th birthday, Rovos has some rare promotions on selected departures, May to December 2019. Ask for details of:

1. 30% off a 3-night Victoria Falls journey in a Royal or Deluxe suite;

2. 30% off a 2-night Cape Town journey in a Royal or Deluxe suite;

3. 30% off a 2-night Cape Town journey in a Royal or Deluxe suite + 30% off a 2-night stay at one of our seaside St James Guesthouses.

- 2-for-1 Winter Special on 2-night Cape Town journeys, April to September 2019; for South African passport holders and SADC member states only.

- Belmond Mount Nelson Cape Town hotel Upgrade: Combine your journey on Rovos with a 'free room upgrade on booking' offer Cape Town's most prestigious hotel.

- Rovos frequent traveller Club members get the Luxury Train Club discount as well as Rovos Club discount.

- 2 Rovos liqueur flutes and a bottle of Amarula for every booking on this train.

- Dar es Salaam journey: complimentary Rovos Tote bags

- One complimentary hotel night and transfers between Station / hotel in Pretoria if combining two journeys from Pride of Africa AND / OR Shongololo Express

Offers are subject to continuing availability and to change without notice.

Pre/Post tours & accommodation.Please ask the Luxury Safari Club.

Rovos Rail has a style all its own with train tours that have a blend of earthy African safari and traditional luxury - except that a divine soak in a full-sized bath in a train was always rare, even on Royal trains!

Rovos - About the Train

The Pride of Africa trains from Rovos Rail provide very much more than mere rail transportation - from these transports of delight one can experience the richness of southern Africa, with north and southbound routes between Pretoria and Cape Town as well as a range of spectacular journeys to the east and to the west.The trains combine the golden age of rail travel with modern conveniences, creating an unforgettable extravagant elegance of a bygone era.

From the start of your journey (if you leave from Pretoria, you experience the fabulous Edwardian-styled station) to the memorable time spent on the opulent Rovos Pride of Africa, this is an experience not to be missed.

Rovos Video

Rovos Route Map

Rovos Accommodation

Rovos Suites

All these luxurious suites are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities, decorated in beautiful wood panelling and period Edwardian features. There are three styles that guests can choose from (Royal, Deluxe, Pullman), with varying levels of luxury.

Every Suite offers all modern conveniences and comfort, with fittings and facilities of the highest standard. They each have a writing area and a personal safe. There is also a mini bar filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and 24 hour room service. Amenity bags are provided and replenished upon request.

Bathroom Amenities. Soap (25g), tissues, shampoo (60ml), conditioner (60ml), bath and shower gel (60ml), hand and body lotion (60ml), lip balm (4.8g), Sun Cream SPF30 (8ml), insect repellent gel (8ml), round cotton wool, ear buds, shoe mitt, nail file, small sewing kit, shower cap. Hair Dryer. Items replenishable. Slippers and gowns in the suites.

The four Royal Suites (16sqm) each have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath.

The Deluxe Suites (11sqm) each have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. View the animated display of the lengthwise double suite here.

The Pullman Suites (7sqm) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day, converting to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower.

Plans of each Rovos suite type and variation are here.

Rovos Dining Cars

The beautiful Rovos dining cars provide a wonderful range of food that includes local delicacies such as game with an emphasis placed on fresh and seasonal ingredients, complemented of course by excellent South Africa wines. The ambiance created by a Victorian setting, with crisp linen, sparkling glass and silver, and seamless service, charms the diners.

Lounge and Observation Cars

Sitting in the opulence of the Rovos lounge cars allows the opportunity to relax and watch the spectacular scenery, whilst the rear of the Rovos Observation Car affords one the amazing experience of being outside whilst the train is moving.

Pre/Post Accommodation and Tours

Please ask if you would like to be informed of the above services.

The Luxury Safari Club simplifies your search for the ultimate safari experience. We have applied the same concierge approach to developing your wildlife experience.

Rovos Itineraries

Cape Town Journey - Pretoria to Cape Town or Cape Town to Pretoria

Enjoy one of these popular 3 day / 2 night weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town.

Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape; arrive in Cape Town, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village, which was founded as a refreshment stop in 1890, also boasts an impressive museum on the platform.

Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world's largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

Pretoria to Cape Town until end September 2019:

2019: July 5,12,19,26. August 2,9,16,23,28,30. September 6,11,13,20,25,27

Cape Town to Pretoria until end September 2019:

2019: July 1,8,15,22,29. August 5,12,19,26,31. September 2,9,14,16,23,30

Single Supplement is 50%.

Pretoria to Cape Town:

2019: October 4,11,16,18,23,25. November 1,7,8,15,22,29. December 6,13,20,25,27.

2020: January 3,8,10,17,22,24,31. February 7,14,19,21,26,28. March 4,6,11,13,18,20,27. April 3,10,17,24. May 1,8,15,22,29. June 5,12,19,24,26. July 3,1017,24,31. August 7,14,21,26,28. September 4,9,11,16,18,23,25

Cape Town to Pretoria

2019: October 7,14,19,21,26,28,30. November 4,11,18,25. December 2,7,9,16,23,28,30.

2020: January 6,13,20,25,27. February 3,10,12,17,22,24. March 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,30. April 1,6,13,20,27. May 4,11,18,25,30. June 1,8,15,22,29. July 6,13,20,27. August 3,10,17,24,29,31. September 2,7,14,19,21,28.

Single Supplement is 50%.

Victoria Falls Journey - Pretoria to Victoria Falls or Victoria Falls to Pretoria

(3 full days/3 nights)

Experience this 3 full day/3 night journey through diverse and truly African scenery as Rovos Rail meanders in a northerly direction towards the border at Beitbridge, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe. Continuing in a northwesterly direction, the train passes Bulawayo heading towards Thompson's Junction and Hwange Game Reserve where animals can be spotted from the train. The Falls and the elegant colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel form an ideal destination. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.

NOTE when viewing the map above: The Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey does not travel via Botswana. It uses the BBR line (Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (PVT) Limited). The visit to Hwange National Park is as scheduled.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

Pretoria to Victoria Falls until end September 2019:

2019: July 4,11,18,25. August 1,8,15,22,29. September 5,12,19,26.

Victoria Falls to Pretoria until end September 2019 :

2019: July 7,14,21,28. August 4,11,18,25. September 1,8,15,22,29.

Single Supplement is 50%.

Pretoria to Victoria Falls, October 2019 - end September 2020:

2019: October 3,10,17,24,31. November 7,14,21,28. December 19,26.

2020: January 2,9,16,23,30. February 6,13,20,27. March 5,12,19,26. April 2,9,16,23,30. May 7,14,21,28. June 11,25. July 2,9,16,23,30. August 6,13,20,27. September 3,10,17,24

Victoria Falls to Pretoria, October 2019 - end September 2020:

2019: October 6,13,20,27. November 3,10,17,24. December 1,22,29.

2020: January 5,12,19.26. February 2,16,16,23. March 1,8,15,2,29. April 5,12,19,26. May 3,10,17,24,31. June 14,28. July 5,12,19,26. August 2,9,16,23,30. September 6,13,20,27

Single Supplement is 50%. Price per person in South African Rand (ZAR)

Durban Safari - Pretoria to Durban or Durban to Pretoria

This 3 day/3 night safari allows you to experience the splendour of KwaZulu-Natal. Take in the Big Five, a battlefields tour with a world-class historian and unusual African ceramics. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy – a Big Five private bush retreat of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Sundays River flows through the reserve and has two 40-metre waterfalls with magnificent ravine bush, home to several rare bird species. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region.

Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world. Pay a morning visit to this charming centre in the rolling hills of the Midlands before the Rovos train makes its way to Durban.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

Pretoria to Durban until end September 2019 :

2019: August 16. September 27

Durban to Pretoria until end September 2019:

2019: August 19. September 30

Single Supplement is 50%.

Pretoria to Durban, October 2019 - end September 2020:

2019: October 25. November 22.

2020: January 10. February 7. March 20. April 10. August 14. September 25

Durban to Pretoria, October 2019 - end September 2020:

2019: October 28. November 25.

2020: January 13. February 10. March 23. April 13. August 17. September 28

Single Supplement is 50%. Price per person in South African Rand (ZAR)

Golf Safari - Pretoria to Pretoria

Nine days/eight nights. Rovos Rail has designed two* excellent nine-day safaris to entertain the most discerning player with optional excursions for non-playing guests.

The Golf Safari begins in Pretoria and travels west to Sun City in the hills of the Pilanesberg for a day at this renowned facility, including a game drive for non-golfers. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, 18 holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort, with a guided tour of the battlefields a further highlight for non-golfers. Enjoy a game at Durban Country Club or tour the city.

Then on to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe before heading to Swaziland. Tee off at Royal Swazi or enjoy a game drive at Mkhaya and a visit to Ngwenya Glass and Guava Gallery. Golfers then play the challenging Leopard Creek course while non-golfers enjoy a game drive in the world-famous Kruger Park, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.

GOLF COURSES: Leopard Creek, Royal Swazi, Durban Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort and Sun City Lost City. For more details on the courses, please contact us.

TOURS for NON-GOLFERS: Battlefields tour, Drakensberg Mountain Range, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Mkhaya Game Reserve, Guava Gallery, Ngwenya Glass Factory, Kruger Park game drive

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

2019: October 3. November 14

2020: January 26. February 20. March 26. October 1. November 20

Single Supplement 40%.

African Golf Collage - Pretoria to Cape Town, or Cape Town to Pretoria

10 day/9 night panoramic sojourn that winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary.

After a game drive in the famous Kruger Park, guests head to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe – the oldest reserve in Africa. The train then travels the coast along St Lucia Wetland Park to Durban for a city tour and through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Ardmore Ceramics. Enjoy a tour of Bloemfontein then continue overnight along the imposing Drakensberg Mountains to Port Elizabeth for Addo Elephant Park. Then it’s on to Oudtshoorn for an ostrich-farm visit followed by an impressive rail descent through the Outeniqua Mountains to George.

After visiting the natural paradise of Knysna, the train traverses the spectacular Garden Route to the winelands for a brandy distillery visit and across the Cape Fold Mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town.

Golfers play Ernie Els Oubaai and Fancourt George, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, Durban Country Club/Beachwood and Leopard Creek Kruger. Includes green fees, carts, halfway house and beverages.

The Itinerary, Cape Town to Pretoria, is here. Ask for the Pretoria to Cape Town itinerary.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020/2021

2019: Cape Town to Pretoria: November 11

2019: Pretoria to Cape Town: May 15. October 30

Single supplement 50%.

2020: Cape Town to Pretoria: February 4. November 9

2020: Pretoria to Cape Town: May 20. October 28

Single supplement 50%.

2021: Cape Town to Pretoria: November 8

2021: Pretoria to Cape Town: May 19. October 27

Prices to be advised

Dar es Salaam Journey - Cape Town to Dar es Salaam or Dar es Salaam to Cape Town

This epic 14-day journey travels across the vast continent, starting from South Africa on the Atlantic Ocean, traversing Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and arriving in Tanzania on the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary, Cape Town Dar Es Salaam is here.

In luxurious comfort, one departs Cape Town, travelling through the historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria where one has a tour of both areas, before passing lakes with flocks of flamingos as one arrives for a two-night stay at the Madikwe Game Reserve. Passing through Botswana into Zimbabwe, guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River following a sunset river cruise, the train travels northeast through Zambia where guests can enjoy a bush walk at Chisimba Falls.

Complimentary Rovos Tote bags / Togbag are provided during the journey for use during the off-train stays at Madikwe and Victoria Falls. They become a souvenir.

The Rovos train continues the climb towards the Zambian/Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between Africa's two Great Rift Valley lakes. Descending into the Rift Valley itself and witnessing spectacular scenery, the train negotiates tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Early on the last day, the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve – the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa – shortly before arrival in Dar es Salaam.

This journey has a wonderful mixture of tours, some overnight stays in various destinations, time on board to gaze at the passing scenery , excursions to see wildlife, on-board historians giving interesting talks.

Note: We strongly recommend overnighting in Dar es Salaam and that all outbound flights are booked for the day after scheduled arrival.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

2019: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam: September 28

2019: Dar es Salaam to Cape Town: October 15

2020: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam: June 27. September 26

2020: Dar es Salaam to Cape Town: January 28. March 17. September 29. October 13

Royal Suite - US$ 22,190 pp (single supplement upon request)

Deluxe Suite - US$ 16,995 pp (single supplement US$7,385)

Pullman Suite – US$ 12,820 pp (single supplement US$5,695)

Namibian Safari - Pretoria to Walvis Bay or reverse

This nine-day 3,400-kilometre annual journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Departing from Pretoria, the first stop is Kimberley, centre of one of the world’s famous diamond rushes where there is an opportunity to savour the 1870's atmosphere of the mine museum village.

The Rovos train traverses the stark vistas of the Northern Cape to the Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon and truly a spectacular sight. Guests continue across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert to Namibia’s capital for a tour; Windhoek is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a strong German flavour.

Then a short flight to the renowned Sossusvlei, a stunning pan in the Namib Desert, for an overnight stay followed by a night in the game-rich Etosha National Park.

On the last morning, the Rovos train travels the Namib to the perfectly preserved 19th-century German Hansa town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Available in reverse.

This is a popular journey and there is already a waitlist for 2020 on some departures.

Dates and Prices 2020/2021

2020: Pretoria to Walvis Bay. April 9, 30. May 7

2020: Walvis Bay to Pretoria. April 19. May 10, 17

2021: Pretoria to Walvis Bay. April 8, 29. May 6.

2021: Walvis Bay to Pretoria. April 18. May 9, 16

Single supplement 50%. Price per person in South African Rand (ZAR)

Trail of Two Oceans

Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola or reverse

15 days/14 nights.

Rovos Trail of two Oceans Angola Tanzania - In July 2019, Rovos begins a new 15-day expedition crossing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola - the Rovos Trail Of Two Oceans Angola Tanzania. This is the first passenger train to travel the famous copper trail on this route.

Rohan Vos, Rovos owner and CEO says: “To be able to introduce a new adventure after 29 years in operation is exciting and presents me with a refreshing operational challenge. It’s taken over two years to acquire permission and have our proposed itinerary approved by the respective authorities.”

The inaugural voyage of the Rovos Trail Of Two Oceans Angola Tanzania is on 16 July 2019, Dar es Salaam to Lobito.

It includes the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in the South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) and tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). The Rovos train then joins the Benguela line before arriving in Lobito.

Available in reverse from Lobito, 2 August 2019.

Dates and Prices 2019/2020

2019: Lobito to Dar es Salaam. August 2-16

2020: Dar es Salaam to Lobito. July 14-28

2020: Lobito to Dar es Salaam. August 31-14

Royal Suite - US$ 22,190 pp (single supplement upon request)

Deluxe Suite - US$ 16,995 pp (single supplement US$7,385)

Pullman Suite – US$ 12,820 pp (single supplement US$5,695)

Rovos Rail Station

ROVOS RAIL STATION – S 25° 43′ 06″, E 28° 11′ 20″

Rovos Rail Station - O.R. Tambo Int'l Airport, Johannesburg (approx. 50 kms) - See Map & Directions

Rovos Rail Station - Pretoria Gautrain Terminal (Pretoria Station) (approx. 5 kms) - See Map & Directions

Passengers on Rovos Rail benefit from arriving or departing the private station at Capital Park, Pretoria.

The once bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal, the gracious colonial-style railway station serves as the new departure or arrival point for all train journeys.

The station has an ever-expanding railway museum in addition to other facilities. With the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge, it recreates the atmosphere of a fully-fledged railway system. It is intended that, with time, this facility should become the foremost working train museum in the world.

Rail enthusiasts will note the huge carriage and locomotive sheds where dedicated teams maintain rolling stock. The 10,000 sq m workshop stretches over 15 rail lines. It has concrete inspection pits. Buildings beside the 300-metre platform are laundries, kitchens and storerooms. This is the hub of a train provisioning operation, rivalling that of a world-class hotel in efficiency and attention to detail.

Virtual Tours of the Station

Pride of Africa, Rovos - General Information

What is included in the Rovos fare? Train tour price per person sharing includes accommodation, meals and excursions, as well as alcoholic beverages whilst on the train. There are complimentary mini bars in each cabin, that are filled with the requested drinks of the individual. Hotels and transfers are included on various tours where mentioned.

Rovos Bathroom Amenities. Soap (25g), tissues, shampoo (60ml), conditioner (60ml), bath and shower gel (60ml), hand and body lotion (60ml), lip balm (4.8g), Sun Cream SPF30 (8ml), insect repellent gel (8ml), round cotton wool, ear buds, shoe mit, nail file, small sewing kit, shower cap. Hair Dryer. Items replenishable. Slippers and gowns in the suites.

Botswana. From June 2017, a USD30 levy per person it to be charged for travel through Botswana. The objective of the Levy is to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development in order to support the growth of the industry and broaden the tourism base, thus improving the lives of the people of Botswana.

What is the Luggage advice for Rovos journeys? There is ample storage space in each cabin, thus allowing luggage to stay with each passenger. Rovos Rail does not have a luggage restriction.

What size are Beds on Rovos trains? These are unusually long for a train, to accommodate tall passengers in comfort; the owner of Rovos Rail, Rohan Vos, is 6ft 2ins / 1.88m in height. Mattresses are Sealy Posturepedic.

What is the Electrical power on Rovos trains? International adaptors on board. No mobile phones, laptops, i-pads etc in public areas. Wi-Fi in the Pretoria and Cape Town lounges (free of charge). No Wi-Fi on board the train.

Can you smoke on Rovos trains? Smoking is permitted in the Club Lounge only and we ask you to please be considerate to the non – smokers around you. You may not smoke on the outside balcony of the observation car.

What is in the Suite mini-bar? On boarding, the mini-bar has 2 x 500ml still water and 1 x 375ml Villiera sparkling wine. Please complete the liquor requirement card (found in your itinerary pack) and hand it to your hostess, who will stock the mini bar accordingly. Drinks in the mini-bar are complimentary.

What is the Dress Code on Rovos trains? For the day on the train it is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings. With regard to off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats as well as warm clothing for the game drives, which are on open vehicles and can get very cold.

Dietary: Diets are accommodated, with vegetarian options available. The chefs will also discuss preferences and options with guests at the beginning of the journey.

What are the suggested Gratuities / Tips on Rovos journeys? At your discretion. There is a suitably marked envelope in your suite that you can hand directly to the Train Manager who will distribute any amounts on a pro-rata basis amongst the staff on board. An amount between US$10 and US$20 per person per night is suggested.

How to book Pre- or Post-Rovos safaris? The Luxury Safari Club simplifies your search for the ultimate safari experience. We have applied the same concierge approach to developing your wildlife experience.

Payments on the Train. All major credit cards are accepted.

Health. Advisable to take anti-malarial precautions and vaccinations as might be prescribed. A Yellow Fever or Medical Exemption Certificate is essential if travelling to/from Zambia and Tanzania. If you are visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana and you are from a yellow fever free area no yellow fever certificate is required. in any event, please consult your doctor for updated requiremetns.

Passport and Visa requirements for Rovos journeys. Visitors to South Africa are required to have at least three blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) in their passports in order to receive an entry visa. Passports must also be valid for at least six months from the guests' return home date. We recommend a validity of nine months to prevent any problems. Check with embassies for visa requirements. More information here.

Unforeseen events/changes: itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible.

Rovos Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pride of Africa, Rovos - Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates.

Contact us to book your Rovos journey and for more information. Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

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