Rovos Rail

Introduction to Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail is stationed at Capital Park Station, Pretoria, in an old locomotive shed, which has been lovingly refurbished. The only private rail station in South Africa, it incorporates a railway museum and all the facilities necessary for ensuring the smooth operation of the trains. A dedicated team carefully restores locomotives and coaches, ensuring that all facets of the journey bear a personal touch and that the history of each coach or locomotive engine is respected.

The Rovos trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious and luxury train suites in the world. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.

Join a Rovos Rail Train Journey, and experience the glamour and excitement of the golden age of luxury train travel. Rovos Rail 's train journeys range from one to thirteen days, allowing you to experience the best service and hospitality onboard the most famous train.

Traverse the length and breadth of South Africa with trips such as Pretoria to Cape Town, Cape Town to George, and Durban to Pretoria. Longer journeys are also available, allowing you to enjoy the stark desert beauty of Namibia, famous destinations such as the Kruger Park, Hluhluwe and Oudtshoorn and the most scenic South African Golfing destinations.

Services on the Rovos Rail

Enjoy real African hospitality on the Rovos Rail trains. From the moment that you arrive at the station, you are immediately aware that your Rovos Rail trip will be characterized by the utmost care and attention to detail.

The gleaming green paintwork of Rovos Rail trains is instantly recognisable in a station crowded with commuters and bustling people. On occasion, guests are personally welcomed by Rohan Vos, the South African owner of Rovos Rail. Meanwhile champagne and canapés are served as you listen to a string duet and have the opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

The train's uniformed porters will transfer your luggage to your carriage. All suitcases are beautifully labelled with the distinctive Rovos Rail luggage tags. The Rovos suites boast ample space for your possessions, which means that all your African souvenirs can be transported without worry of excess baggage charges!

Rooms on the Rovos Rail

Once on board, you can choose from either a Royal or Deluxe Suite. The Royal Suite features a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian claw footed bath while the Deluxe Suite is also en-suite with a spacious shower. With only two Royal Suites per carriage, or three Deluxe Suites, Rovos Rail offers comfort unparalleled in the world of train travel. On an ordinary train, one coach will often have six sleeper compartments and a very basic shared bathroom.

Rovos Rail: Air & Train Charters

Train and Air Charters with Rovos Rail offer an ideal venue for conferences, special product launches, sales incentive schemes and company functions as well as providing the perfect opportunity to entertain international visitors. The 14-coach, 42-bed Edwardian Pride of Africa train and the two classic 44 seat Convair 440 and one 21 seater DC-3 aircraft are available for private air charters at certain times of the year. It is also possible to "buy out" a scheduled trip, if this is a more feasible option.

From Capital Park, Pretoria, very successful rail journeys from one to ten days have been undertaken in the past with business incentive groups, historical tours, private family gatherings and birders. Three to four hour lunch and dinner charters, entertaining a maximum of 72 guests onboard the train, are another possibility.

Champagne, orange juice and canapés are served on arrival while musicians play light classical music in the background. A steam locomotive is parked on the platform adjoining the station lounge, allowing excellent photographic opportunities. These special excursions depart from Rovos Rail 's exclusive Capital Park Station for a circular panoramic tour around Pretoria.

Alternatively, two day charters can be organised. These might include Sun City "Golf and Game", Dullstroom trout fishing and Malelane game viewing. The cost of these trips is based on distance, time, the number of guests in the party and the number of coaches required to house the party in the train. Therefore, each charter is individually priced.

Within reason, and subject to availability, the special train charters can go anywhere there is a railway line on the sub-continent of Africa.

Food and Wine on the Rovos Rail

Passengers on Rovos Rail African Trains are always amazed at the wonderful culinary creations conjured up in such limited kitchen space. Dinners are served in the oak panelled dining car. There is only one sitting for meals aboard the Rovos Rail, allowing guests time to linger over their meals as long as they wish. The chefs provide a full breakfast every morning with both cold and hot dishes cooked to order.

A three course set menu is offered for lunch and dinner, with a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian entrées. Desserts are, of course, sublime! The accent is always on fresh, local ingredients and traditional South African dishes. The best South African wines add panache to your Rovos Rail dining.

View all Rovos Rail Journeys