Rovos Rail
From Cape Town to Pretoria
This trip is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape.
Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, 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, an authentically preserved Victorian Village founded as a refreshment stop in 1890, which also boasts an impressive museum on the platform.
Another stop is made in Kimberley to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.
-16:00 Depart from Cape TownStation. Trundle through the winelands of the Western Capetowards Worcester.
-16:30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
-19:30 Dinner is served in the dining carsas the train climbs ±750m up the face of the escarpment. Dress: Formal. Around midnight, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The last tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful when walking through the train.
-07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
-08:00 Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
-10:00 The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions ofyears, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoosystem.
-13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
-16:30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
-19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board.
-06:00 Breakfast is served in the dining carsuntil 08:30.
-08:30 Enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museumand the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871.
-12:00 Lunch is served as the train travels northeast towards Klerksdorp and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld.
-16:30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
-19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board.Dress: Formal
-07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining carsuntil 09:30.
-10:00 Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
Rovos Rail
History
Created in 1989, the Pride of Africa of the Rovos Rail company is a luxury train that has become legendary for all lovers of nature, grandiose landscapes and safaris in the heart of South Africa. The inaugural trip, in the Mpumalanga region (east of Pretoria), lasted four nights only. In 1991, the train was extended to include a connection between Pretoria and Cape Town. Rohan Vos, a mechanic and founder of the company, initially incurred many debts during the first years of operation of his train, before his family business became profitable and became world famous thanks to a partnership with a travel agency for its marketing. Today, after more than 30 years of operation, Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa is an exceptional train, offering journeys from 48 hours to 15 days, passing through legendary South African cities such as Pretoria, Durban, Lobito, Dar es Salaam and Cape Town. With a maximum capacity of 72 passengers in 36 suites, Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa offers optimal travel conditions in line with the highest standards of luxury and refinement in rail transport worldwide.
What destinations does Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa visit?
Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa train will take you to the heart of the cradle of humanity, across the African continent, to visit its enchanting treasures. Cape Town and Durban in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Walvis Bay in Namibia or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania are all emblematic places to discover during a timeless journey on the rails from North to South and from East to West. Through arid deserts, bucolic landscapes, a thousand-year-old history and a unique culture, it is a real change of scenery that awaits you through original tours to be discovered from the modern comfort of your cabin or through the observation car located at the back. You'll have a choice of itineraries from 2 to 15 days to visit several of Africa's must-see countries and destinations, as well as a 9-day themed trip for golf enthusiasts through South Africa's most beautiful greens.
Activities and facilities on board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa ?
Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa has several dining cars, lounge cars and an observatory car at the rear of the train. All these facilities will make you travel in a high level of comfort in the midst of sublime landscapes and lush wildlife.
Full board is included on board the Pride of Africa by Rovos Rail, your meals will be served in the restaurant cars, between 07:00 and 10:00 for breakfast, at 13:00 for lunch, at 16:30 for afternoon tea (in the pure British tradition) and at 19:30 for dinner. You will be able to enjoy a subtly refined cuisine, concocted with local dishes, fresh and seasonal products, all accompanied by a selection of world-renowned South African wines. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions when you make your reservation. Our partner Rovos Rail will be happy to accommodate all your needs for your meals on board the Pride of Africa.
Your journey aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa will also be one of sightseeing. You can take part in guided group tours at each daily stopover, exploring the towns on your journey, going on a safari or taking a sunset river cruise. Some itineraries also include overnight lodge stops to visit must-see sites like Victoria Falls in the early morning.
Finally, in the lounge cars you can take time to rest, read some inspiring books, chat with your fellow travelers or observe the sublime landscape that unfolds before your eyes. Live a unique experience in a unique train in the world.
What are the cabins on board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa?
Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa has 36 suites, which can accommodate a maximum of 72 passengers. They are divided into 3 categories: Pullman suites, Deluxe suites and Royal suites. All are equipped with twin or double beds, a bathroom, a sitting area, as well as amenities to enhance your stay such as a safe or a mini-bar with drinks of your choice. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Decorated in an Edwardian style with wood paneling, the amenities and facilities of these suites guarantee a high level of comfort and quality in an optimized space. The Pullman suites are very comfortable and measure 7m², the Deluxe suites are more spacious and measure 10m², and the Royal suites are the most luxurious with a surface area of 16m².
What excursions are offered on the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa train?
With itineraries ranging from 2 to 15 days, Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa train will take you on a tour of South Africa's contrasting landscapes. For example, try your hand at rafting or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Also, observe wildlife on a photographic safari in the heart of Hwange National Park to capture the "Big Five" of African mammals in your lens: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. You will be accompanied during your stopovers on land by experienced guides and historians who will share with you the history of the regions visited. For golf lovers, the "Golf Safari" itinerary will take you to world-class golf courses, also combining visits to the heart of national parks such as the Kruger Park in the northeast of South Africa...
A gastronomic symphony
A luxury restaurant on rails
An unparalleled selection of beverages
Royal Suites
The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
- Double or twin beds
- En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin
- Small lounge area
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Fridge
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Deluxe Suites
The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
- Double or twin beds
- En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
- Small lounge area
- Writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Fridge
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Pullman
The Pullmans, used on our short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. Please note in the animation that we indicate a bar fridge, however, these have been removed from the Pullmans.
- Double or twin beds
- Upper and/or lower bunk
- Daytime sofa setting
- En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
- Fold-up writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Pullman Golden
The Pullman Golds, used on our long journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites are setup with split twin beds configured as sofa-seats (optional) with a conversion to split twin or double beds for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.
- Double or twin beds
- Daytime sofa setting
- En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
- Fold-up writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
