Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail Great southern Africa train adventures. An exciting addition to the company was the acquisition of the Shongololo Express train in January of 2016.
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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 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations. Th

e beautifully rebuilt trains 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. The journeys of between 12 to 15 days traverse South Africa, eSwatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. All journeys are available in reverse. Each journey has its own off-train excursions ranging from safari, cultural and historical outings. ROVOS RAIL JOURNEYS

CAPE TOWN
3 days 1600km: Pretoria-Cape Town
Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo. DURBAN SAFARI
3 days 800km: Pretoria-Durban
Venture into the heart of the South African bushveld. VICTORIA FALLS
4/5 days 1400km: Pretoria-Victoria Falls
See one of the natural wonders of the world. GOLF SAFARI
9 days 2100km: Pretoria-Pretoria
A kaleidoscope of golf, game and scenic beauty. NAMIBIA SAFARI
9/10 days 3450km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
Explore untamed deserts and the wild Atlantic. AFRICAN COLLAGE
10/11 days 3700km: Pretoria-Cape Town
A rich tapestry of landscape, game, history and culture

DAR ES SALAAM
15 days 5800km: Cape Town-Dar es Salaam
Embark on this epic voyage across Southern Africa. TRAIL OF TWO OCEANS
15 days 4300km: Dar es Salaam-Lobito
A pioneering east-west African adventure. COPPER TRAIL
15 days 3100km: Dar es Salaam-Lobito
Unite a natural wonder of the world with the copper trail. SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS JOURNEYS

AFRICAN TRILOGY
15 days 5000km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
This new flagship tour is a rich tapestry of landscape from the mountainous east to the wild deserts of the west. GOOD HOPE
15 days 3900km: Pretoria-Cape Town
A grand odyssey offering amazing insight into well-known destinations across South Africa. SOUTHERN CROSS
12 days 2500km: Pretoria-Victoria Falls
An impressive panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. DUNE EXPRESS
12 days 3800km: Pretoria-Walvis Bay
An epic journey of discovery to the Atlantic. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Discover our collections, specials and journey combinations. LIFE ON BOARD
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony. In maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board and the use of technology that has the ability to disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of suites. Meals are served in one sitting only. For days on board Rovos Rail, dress is smart casual while evening attire is strictly formal. On Shongololo Express, days on board are casual while evening attire is strictly smart casual. 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. For our child policy, please visit our website. ROVOS RAIL has three suite types available in double or twin: Pullman/Pullman Gold ±7sqm, Deluxe ±10sqm and Royal ±16sqm. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves. SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS has two cabin types available in double or twin: Gold ±7sqm and Emerald ±10sqm. Both have en-suites with shower, toilet and basin, tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and the small cupboards with hangers and shelves. PRIVATE HIRE
We have two private hire possibilities to choose from: CHARTER TRAIN or EVENTS TRAIN. Charter Train: Combine our 42- or 72-bed Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express train with other entertaining products for bespoke charters including incentive groups, historical expeditions, cycling tours and private gatherings. You could choose a charter-train package or exclusively book one of our scheduled departures (which can be adjusted within reason). Travel wherever there is a railway line in Southern Africa (within reason and subject to availability). Events Train: Limited only by time and distance, there are many alternative uses for the Events Train, which include a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours’ rail travel time from Pretoria. The Events Train is the perfect venue for weddings, private gatherings, incentives, conferences and product launches. Only suitable for day trips and depending on the number of guests, it can host – with full bar facilities – a four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests OR for up to 250 guests, canapés served for the duration of the journey. ST JAMES GUESTHOUSES
Discover our stately and elegant seaside retreats overlooking the vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay and St James with majestic views across Cape Town’s False Bay – a perfect addition to our rail journeys. For more details about life on board, the journeys, private hire, rates and schedules, please visit our websites:
www.rovos.com
www.shongololo.com
www.stjamesguesthouses.com

21/06/2024

In an age where screens, notifications, and constant connectivity are the norm, we offer every guest the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. Your phone will be long forgotten as the enchanting allure and timeless splendour of Southern Africa casts its spell.

📷 Chase The Adventures

In a recent interview with SATSA, Tiffany Vos-Thane pulls back the curtain on our 35-year journey to success and how Rov...
19/06/2024

In a recent interview with SATSA, Tiffany Vos-Thane pulls back the curtain on our 35-year journey to success and how Rovos Rail has managed to build a lasting legacy in South African tourism. She touches on Rohan’s lifelong passion for trains and engines, his bold leadership and agile problem-solving, and why we will always prioritise authentic, immersive experiences that connect guests to local cultures.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/WqlA50ScBMm

16/06/2024

To the best bug catcher, fort builder, sandcastle digger, advice giver and all-around everything knower... Happy Father’s Day!

Whether you are still a dad in the making, stepdad, grandad, or simply the coolest dad, we trust you’ll have a fantastic, fun-filled Sunday. Thank you for all you do.

“Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne” - Oscar WildeOur thoughts exactly! Cheers to F...
14/06/2024

“Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne” - Oscar Wilde

Our thoughts exactly! Cheers to Friday and a long, well-deserved weekend.

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Our Victoria Falls journey offers many otherworldly experiences, one of which is the opportunity to buy handmade souveni...
12/06/2024

Our Victoria Falls journey offers many otherworldly experiences, one of which is the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs, exquisite art and colourful textiles sporting vivid African designs in Matobo National Park, located in southwest Zimbabwe.

The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its abundance of wildlife and ancient San rock art. Although the rock art sites can only be viewed whilst there, these souvenirs serve as an everlasting memento, echoing the rich history and culture of the people who make them.

📷 IG: .the.adventures
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/victoria-falls/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Our enthusiastic team of chefs on board is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every ...
10/06/2024

Our enthusiastic team of chefs on board is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for.

Our menu offers a blend of international and South African cuisine, showcasing traditional specialities such as milk tart, koeksisters, ostrich and bobotie, perfectly paired with premium South African wines. 🇿🇦

📷 Flying Fluskey
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

07/06/2024

We have an impeccable team that takes cleanliness seriously so our trains can glimmer and shine as they chug and chuff to their next destination. With Africa’s diverse range of trees canopying many of our tracks, our trains get regular scrapes as they glide off into the sunset. To remedy this, our team washes and polishes all trains before every journey so they can look as good on the outside as they do on the inside.

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Our ever-expanding collection of rail memorabilia transports guests back in time as soon as they cross the threshold of ...
05/06/2024

Our ever-expanding collection of rail memorabilia transports guests back in time as soon as they cross the threshold of our on-site museum at Capital Park.

Seeing as we recently celebrated our 35th birthday, we are beyond proud of every single artefact that reflects our unique history.

If you are keen on getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the nuts and bolts of the company, take a sharp left before Capital Park’s red carpet beckons you inside. Read more, https://rovos.com/private-hire/rovos-rail-station/

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Anthea Vos recently paid a visit to The Growing Paper - The Seed Paper People, a South African handmade seed paper manuf...
03/06/2024

Anthea Vos recently paid a visit to The Growing Paper - The Seed Paper People, a South African handmade seed paper manufacturer and the proud supplier of Rovos Rail’s stationery.

This remarkable business was founded in 2010 soon after its founder, Roxanne Schumann, attended a wedding and noticed that all the lovely stationery from the event was going to waste.

What makes Growing Paper so unique is that you can plant their paper in the ground after using it, where it will decompose naturally and grow into beautiful wildflowers.

We are beyond proud to be partnering with a business whose sustainability and conservation ideals align so perfectly with ours.

If you’d like to read more about our visit, click here: https://ow.ly/V94O50S6xhm

📷 IG: .the.adventures
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Happy Friday everybody! Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend. 🥂📷 IG: 📩 reservations@rovos.co.za☎️ +27 (0)12 315 ...
31/05/2024

Happy Friday everybody! Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend. 🥂

📷 IG:
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

One of our guests recently travelled with us from Cape Town all the way to Pretoria, and stopped in the quaint, historic...
29/05/2024

One of our guests recently travelled with us from Cape Town all the way to Pretoria, and stopped in the quaint, historic town of Matjiesfontein. This picturesque Victorian vil­lage in the Karoo offers many leisurely activities for travellers like taking in the unique architecture, visiting Victorian museums, enjoying a pint and pub lunch at the Laird’s Arms, or an overnight stay at the Lord Milner Hotel.

📷 Laura's World
🚂 Read more, https://rovos.com/excursion/matjiesfontein/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

27/05/2024

“Welcome to Pretoria.” 🚂

These words have been uttered with unfailing enthusiasm by Rohan Vos over the past three decades as passengers from all walks of life arrive at Capital Park station.

Receiving guests is a treasured tradition which started off as a hobby 35 years ago. This tradition is followed by an introductory speech and an insightful tour of the station where Rohan gives a brief overview of the trains, workshops, Rovos Rail’s humble beginnings and how the company has evolved over the years.

📷 IG: .the.adventures
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

All hail International Wine Day and a toast to our wonderful bar staff! 🍾In his departure speech, our CEO Rohan often jo...
25/05/2024

All hail International Wine Day and a toast to our wonderful bar staff! 🍾

In his departure speech, our CEO Rohan often jokes about how seriously we take drinking here at Rovos Rail so we thought we'd pour ourselves a glass of bubbly and tell you a little about the bar staff on board and how they can often be the toast of the train.

Read more, https://ow.ly/MR0u50RUBb8

🚂 Journey with us: https://ow.ly/1WWV50RUBb7
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

A toast to International Wine Day and to the bar staff who work on the train! Our bar teams work hard and deserve the praise they receive.

22/05/2024

Capital Park station is a historical gem tucked away among Pretoria’s CBD, the National Zoological Gardens and African tuck shops. The station grounds are home to many animals – from donkeys to bird sanctuaries and even a horse. However, our most recent addition is peachicks! If you have recently snapped them roaming the grounds, please share your photos or videos with us.

📷 IG:
🚂 https://rovos.com/about-rovos/the-headquarters/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Rovos Rail's vintage carriages combine modern luxuries in three suite types, all of which are en-suite. The wood-panelle...
20/05/2024

Rovos Rail's vintage carriages combine modern luxuries in three suite types, all of which are en-suite. The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings that are of the highest standard. Guests can look forward to enjoying the luxuries of a modern lifestyle juxtaposed against dark wood panels and soft emerald and gold carpets.

The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, a fully stocked mini fridge, and a wardrobe with a built-in safe.

The Deluxe Suites are slightly smaller than the Royal Suites, although they too have a private lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

The Pullmans offer comfortable sofa-seats which can be converted to double or twin beds in the evening.

📷 Stimela Events - Pty Ltd
🚂 Read more, https://rovos.com/the-train/suites/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

17/05/2024

For those longing to trade in life’s daily routine for some rest and relaxation, Rovos Rail will not disappoint. Our journeys buffer the constant demands of the media by allowing you to disconnect, slow down, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Every journey is an enriching experience that invigorates the senses with superb cuisine, attentive service and truly unique experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

15/05/2024

Betty Nguyen recently travelled with us on a dreamy 3-night journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, and according to her, the glamour and excitement of train travel still exist. She enjoyed 5-star service, moreish meals, once-in-a-lifetime African scenery and glorious sunset views. The trip also included a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein and a tour of the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum.

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/cape-town/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

"Excursions on the Namibia Safari were wonderful – in particular the sundowner which turned into a full-blown barbeque –...
13/05/2024

"Excursions on the Namibia Safari were wonderful – in particular the sundowner which turned into a full-blown barbeque – it was fabulously romantic, imaginative and unforgettable. In fact, I think Sossusvlei was a real highlight for most of us. The dune walk was absolutely exhausting, exhilarating, fun-packed and mind-blowing.”

An excerpt from a lovely letter we received from a passenger who travelled on one of our Namibia Safari journeys.

📷 Richard Gennis
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/namibia-safari/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

12/05/2024

This Mother's Day we recognise and celebrate the beautiful diversity of motherhood! ❤️

Whether you are a seasoned pro, mom-to-be, grandmother, stepmom, fur mom, plant mom, or simply the best mom, your unconditional love and unwavering support have made the world a brighter place. Happy Mother’s Day!

10/05/2024

“No one can return from Africa unchanged, for tawny lions will forever prowl our memory and great herds throng our imagination.” - George Schaller

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

08/05/2024

Our Victoria Falls journey is unlike any other. Spanning 1400kms, it takes guests on two game drives in both Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park and the main highlight, of course, is seeing the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.

📷 IG:
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/victoria-falls/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

06/05/2024

Our African Trilogy journey offers an enriching experience to the senses with landscapes as diverse as the people who inhabit this beautiful continent. From the vibrant, tropical east coast to the serene desert of Namibia, this 16-day trip promises new experiences, indulgence and comfort at every turn. Having successfully operated this journey four times, we are delighted to offer you a glimpse into what has become one of our most sought-after experiences.

🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/african-trilogy/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

A recent guest had the best time travelling with us from Cape Town to Kimberley and stopping in the historic village of ...
03/05/2024

A recent guest had the best time travelling with us from Cape Town to Kimberley and stopping in the historic village of Matjiesfontein on the way.

She got to meet Patches, our very own Matjiesfontein railway guardian. Patches patiently waits each day for Rovos Rail, gets rewarded with sausage treats, and sneaks in cuddles with the conductor every now and then before heading home.

📷 Laura's World
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/cape-town/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

01/05/2024

In celebration of Workers’ Day, we’d like to give a shout-out to our stellar team! We are beyond honoured and grateful to work with some of the best and brightest in the hospitality industry. Thank you to each and every one of you!

📷 Lee Fraser, Stimela Events - Pty Ltd, Brendan Hohls (IG: ), So Kreate Studio, The Palm Tribe, Bianca Davies, Laura's World

Rovos Rail's official birthday was yesterday and the team had the best time celebrating our 35th clickety-clack around t...
30/04/2024

Rovos Rail's official birthday was yesterday and the team had the best time celebrating our 35th clickety-clack around the sun! 🥂

We are so grateful to all our staff and guests who have made this incredible milestone possible - we couldn’t have gotten this far without you! Here’s to many more journeys to incredible destinations, cherished memories, and inspiring experiences.

📷 Lyndie Pavier
🚂 Read more: https://www.rovos.com/blog/happy-birthday-rovos-rail/

Happy birthday, Rovos Rail! 35 years. What an achievement. 🎉A heartfelt and sincere thank you to our industry colleagues...
29/04/2024

Happy birthday, Rovos Rail! 35 years. What an achievement. 🎉

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to our industry colleagues and the media who have supported us over the years. And to our guests, especially our Rovos Club members, we would not be here without you and it is our privilege to have welcomed you on board. Thank you for travelling with us.

You can read more about our journey leading up to this incredible milestone here: https://ow.ly/wJ0q50RqkVT

📷 Andrew Thompson
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Another clickety-clack around the sun! We can hardly believe it. Happy birthday, Rovos Rail! 35 years and here we still are.

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” - Nelson MandelaHappy Freedom Day! 🇿🇦📷 Khanyisile Madikiza🚂 Journey with ...
27/04/2024

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” - Nelson Mandela

Happy Freedom Day! 🇿🇦

📷 Khanyisile Madikiza
🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

Rovos Rail's Birding Safari: Where Luxury Meets Nature!🦉We are always delighted to promote conservation efforts, especia...
26/04/2024

Rovos Rail's Birding Safari: Where Luxury Meets Nature!🦉

We are always delighted to promote conservation efforts, especially when they merge with our private-hire offerings.

BirdLife South Africa strives to conserve birds, their habitats and biodiversity, and is taking our train for a once-in-a-lifetime scenic birding safari at the end of November.

Guests will get to see South Africa’s most beautiful bird habitats, including the northern escarpment, golden grasslands, lush forests, Mopani woodlands and acacia thornveld as we search for the region’s most desired birds.

Space is limited, so reserve your place today for this unique experience.

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242
📷 Warwick Tarboton

Did you know our trains travel at a maximum speed of 60km/hour allowing for greater comfort and scenic appreciation? Tha...
24/04/2024

Did you know our trains travel at a maximum speed of 60km/hour allowing for greater comfort and scenic appreciation? That’s right, you will have ample opportunity to take in all the sights as you travel in absolute luxury to your chosen destination.

🚂 Journey with us: https://rovos.com/journeys/
📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

We're in a celebratory kind of mood here at Rovos HQ. With Rohan, our formidable CEO's birthday, just a few weeks past a...
22/04/2024

We're in a celebratory kind of mood here at Rovos HQ. With Rohan, our formidable CEO's birthday, just a few weeks past and with the company's 35th clickety-clack around the sun fast approaching, we thought we'd also say three cheers to the African Trilogy journey!

We have operated this 16-day trip four times and all, for the most part, have been a resounding success. This journey is so varied in terms of landscapes and scenery as the train moves from the lush and tropical east coast to the vast and dry desert of Namibia.

Read more about this spectacular trip here: https://ow.ly/xqrW50RkTSy

📩 [email protected]
☎️ +27 (0)12 315 8242

With Rohan's birthday a few weeks past and our 35th trot around the sun approaching, we thought we'd also say three cheers to the Trilogy!

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Rovos Rail Station, 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park
Pretoria
0084

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Our Story

Celebrating 30 years in April 2019, Rovos Rail has earned its international reputation for truly world class travel experiences. A privately owned company with its 60 acre headquarters at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, the company has evolved from one overnight trip to offering seven different safaris across Southern Africa lasting from 48 hours to two weeks. A trip aboard ‘The Pride of Africa’ is a journey like no other with guests experiencing the opulent elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler more elegant era, encompassing the timeless grace of grand African exploration. The seven journeys include: • Cape Town (three days) • Durban Safari (three days) • Victoria Falls (four days) • Namibia Safari (nine days) • Golf Safari (nine days) • African Collage (ten days) • Dar es Salaam (fifteen days) Each journey has its own off-train excursions and these range from safari, cultural and historical outings. There are three types of accommodation on board the train each cabin with its own en-suite bathroom. Royal Suites ±16sqm with ready-made king bed, private lounge area, bath as well as separate shower Deluxe Suites ±11sqm with twin or double beds, lounge area and shower Pullman Suites ±7sqm with sofa-seat during the day which is converted into single, double or bunk bed in the evenings. En-suite bathroom with shower The ticket price is fully inclusive all meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, the off-train excursions, room service and a limited laundry service. An exciting addition to the company was the acquisition of the three-star Shongololo Express in January of 2016. The train has been repainted in green and cream and an additional dining car plus an observation car have been added. The accommodation of six Emerald (± 10sqm) and 30 Gold cabins (± 7sqm) have been overhauled to allow for more space and upgraded bathrooms. The three itineraries, Southern Cross – Pretoria to Victoria Falls (12 days), Dune Express – Pretoria to Swakopmund (12 days), Good-Hope – Pretoria to Cape Town (15 days); have been rebuilt with more stationary time at night and less road time spent on the excursions. As an extension of the Rovos Rail brand, the company opened the doors to 15 suites across three beachfront guest houses in the well-to-do area of St James, situated on the southern peninsula in Cape Town. St James Manor, St James Seaforth and St James Homestead are individually decorated five-star homes offering guests a relaxing getaway with easy access to the city centre and the winelands, on one of the Western Cape’s prettiest coast lines.



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