Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel.

In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 16 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. The beautifully rebuilt wood-panelled trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locos, each carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.

Create itineraries by combining our short and long journeys and receive discounts or explore our specials and collections that link our journeys with other entertaining products.

We welcome all travellers – singles, couples and groups. The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Our lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days.

An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Our bar menu is comprehensive although special items such as French Champagne would need to be requested in advance.

The classic wood-panelled coaches are luxurious with period features and modern technology. The suites accommodate one or two passengers with double or twin beds. All have an ensuite bathroom, suitcase storage, small cupboards with hangers and shelves, linen, amenities, robes and slippers, hairdryer, shaver plug and USB port. All mattresses have a soft and hard side with the soft side up from the outset, which can be changed on request. All pillows are faux-down microfiber with a cotton down-proof casing. Double beds are made up with fitted sheets and blankets with single duvets at night-time. A dedicated host/ess is always available and services the suites daily.

Honeymoon Collection – 5 nights
3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey + 2 nights Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel Zimbabwe (or reverse)

Old Drift Collection – 5 nights
3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey + 2 nights Old Drift Lodge Zimbabwe (or reverse)

Cape Town & Durban Collection – 9/10 nights
2 nights St James Guesthouses + 3 nights Rovos Rail Cape Town Journey + 1/2 nights Pretoria Capital Menlyn Maine + 2 nights Rovos Rail Durban Safari + 1 night Durban Oyster Box Hotel (or reverse)

Victoria Falls to Cape Town Collection – 12 nights
2 nights Victoria Falls Hotel + 3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey + 2 nights Pretoria Capital Menlyn Maine + 3 nights Rovos Rail Cape Town Journey + 2 nights St James Guesthouses Cape Town

Durban to Victoria Falls Collection – 10 nights
2 nights Oyster Box Hotel + 2 nights Rovos Rail Durban Safari + 1 night Pretoria Capital Menlyn Maine + 3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey + 2 nights Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls to Durban Collection – 11 nights
2 nights Victoria Falls Hotel + 3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls Journey + 2 nights Pretoria Capital Menlyn Maine + 2 nights Rovos Rail Durban Safari + 2 nights Durban Oyster Box Hotel

Each train is designed to offer a seamless blend of classic luxury and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy beautifully appointed accommodation carriages, elegant dining cars (±42 seats each), a lounge car (±26 seats), a small gift shop, and an observation car (±32 seats) featuring an open-air balcony.

For guests who smoke, a dedicated club/combo lounge (±8–11 seats) is available.

All suites are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy, comfort, and convenience. Features include:

• Double or twin bed configurations
• Ensuite bathroom
• Air conditioning with individual controls
• Minibar and writing desk
• Safe, luggage storage, and hanging space
• Daily housekeeping service
• Luxury linen and amenities

Mattresses are dual-sided (soft and firm), with the soft side prepared by default. Faux-down microfiber pillows ensure a comfortable night’s rest, and bedding includes fitted sheets, blankets, and single duvets.

Pullman Gold Suite

Ideal for longer journeys, the Pullman Gold Suite (±7m²) features an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin. During the day, the suite is arranged as a lounge with sofas that convert into beds.

Bed configurations:

• Double (189 x 189 cm)
• Split twin (189 x 75 cm each)
• Crosswise double (189 x 150 cm)

Pullman Suite

Designed primarily for shorter journeys, the Pullman Suite (±7m²) transforms from a daytime lounge into a compact sleeping space at night.

Bed configurations:

• Lower bunk (189 x 94 cm)
• Upper bunk (189 x 60 cm)
• Crosswise double (189 x 150 cm)

Royal Suite

Spacious and indulgent, the Royal Suite occupies half a carriage (±16m²). It features a private lounge area and a luxurious ensuite bathroom with a Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet, and basin.

Bed configurations:

• Double (200 x 189 cm)
• Split twin (200 x 75 cm each)

Deluxe Suite

The Deluxe Suite (±10m²) offers a comfortable lounge area and an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin.

Bed configurations:

• Double (189 x 189 cm)
• Split twin (189 x 75 cm each)
• Crosswise double (189 x 160 cm)

Comfort & Climate

All public areas are equipped with gas-filled air-conditioning systems, while each suite features individually controlled air conditioning with both cooling and heating functions. Electric under-blankets are also provided for added comfort.

Travel Conditions

The train travels across a variety of rail networks where track conditions may vary. While the maximum speed is approximately 60 km/h, slower speeds may be required on certain sections.

The gentle rhythm of the train is part of the journey’s charm, though earplugs are available in your suite amenities and from the gift shop for light sleepers.

Ready to Experience It?

This is more than a train journey — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of luxury, nostalgia, and discovery.