Luxury Rail Travel, South Africa

Rovos Rail

Sophisticated rail travel

An English Country Club on Wheels

Travel through South Africa’s epic landscapes in the romantic refinement of the Edwardian era and five-star luxury of today.

You cannot see such breath-taking terrains in as much high comfort and style as Rovos Rail travel. Now with a fleet of four trains restored to their 1920s and 1930s glamour, with mahogany panelling, white-cloth-and-crystal dining cars, silver service, observatory cars, and sumptuous lounges and elegant suites. There are several weekly to annual journeys across South Africa (some to Namibia and Zambia) from which to choose:

The weekly route between Pretoria and Cape Town sees you journey over 1,600 kilometres of scenic wonders. This journey takes 55-hours as you travel slowly and make stops and off-train excursions in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein.

There is the iconic 4 day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, one of ten Wonders of The Natural World. Journeying between Pretoria and Durban, with game drives in the Nambiti Conservancy and Spionkop Nature Reserve and an excursion to Ardmore Ceramics near Pietermaritzburg. The Golf Safari Train calls at some of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses in between game viewing and sightseeing.

For some really extraordinary African locomotive adventures there are annual and tri-annual journeys from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) for fourteen days (6100km) with off-train excursions along the way. There’s also the annual 3400km journey to Swakopmund in Namibia in May for nine days.

Highlights

23 suites accommodate 42 passengers

Lounge car

Two dining cars

Observation car

24 hour room sevice

Private and chartered routes available

Plan your trip to South Africa

Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Places to combine Rovos Rail with

Cape Town

The Mount Nelson
The Grand Dame, heritage property of Cape Town, the Mount Nelson comes with bags of history and is perhaps the most famous hotel in the city. It’s set in large grounds and is made up of a number of different smaller buildings. Most rooms have been refurbished with a contemporary refresh, adding comfort and modern touches to the historic décor. The bar and restaurant have had a similar treatment making them a popular place to visit for Capetonians (a great sign for any hotel restaurant, particularly in the fickle and competitive Cape Town restaurant scene). From their vermiculture project and on-site beehives, to their use of locally produced organic vegetables, the hotel puts a strong emphasis on having a positive impact on the environment and local community. Rooms are very comfortable and spacious and are located in several buildings dotted throughout the large property and gardens. This makes it stand apart from other larger hotels in Cape Town as in this most outdoor of cities it’s great to have large, green gardens to take a stroll through and outdoor pools (and for the more active, there are also tennis courts). Though The Mount Nelson is very much a location in itself, the large grounds sit just a short stroll away from downtown and also the Kloof Street Area, which is famous among locals for excellent new restaurants and boutiques. Afternoon Tea at the Nelson (or Nellie as it is affectionately known) is a Cape Town institution and well worth trying.

The Winelands

Leeu House
Leeu House is situated in an enviable position on the main street of Franschhoek, a country guesthouse in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this vibrant village, surrounded by award-winning restaurants, wine farms and boutique shops. Stylish interiors are a 21st century take on the traditional Cape Dutch heritage of Franschhoek. The twelve individually styled rooms feature goose-down duvets and fine linens, air-conditioning, flat-screen smart televisions, unlimited Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machines and private bars. The en-suite bathrooms have marble floors, showers and vanity tops, freestanding baths, vast showers and underfloor heating. Three of the suites open onto their own private gardens, while others boast small intimate terrace courtyards. Dine inside in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, enjoying Leeu Collection wines and spirits from the complimentary bar. Innovative cuisine is prepared by the talented culinary team headed by Oliver Cattermole. Committed to sourcing organic and ethically farmed ingredients, his globally influenced menu features the freshest local produce. All Leeu House guests have full access to the facilities and spectacular grounds at nearby sister property Leeu Estates, such as the on-site spa, inspired cuisine, or make use of the gym facilities and heated infinity swimming pool. Leeu Estates also features an extensive network of walking, jogging and cycling trails, and a world-class wine cellar. In addition to this, Leeu House is recognised for its fantastic work in the local community, where they do everything from providing tasty snacks to local schools and also sponsor a learning centre for disadvantaged children.