Since its establishment in 1989, the Rovos Rail has become an icon for the epitome in luxury train travel.  

The classic wood panelled coaches are pulled either by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of your journey, and they take you through a kalidescope of stunning countryside – from Cape Town through the stark beauty of the Karoo desert to Pretoria, or along the magnificent Garden Route, or through the lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Experience the splendours of the Big 5 game reserves in Mpumalanga on your journey to Victoria Falls, or marvel at the Namibian desert landscapes. 

The gracious colonial-style railway station, Capital Park, just north of Pretoria, serves as an elegant departure and arrival stage for each Rovos Rail journey (with the only exception being the Garden Route journey), and where possible, all arrivals into and departures from here are steam hauled.

Whichever route you choose, you can be assured of first-class service, luxurious accommodation and exquisite dining.

The use of traditional furnishings, fine wood panelling and period décor throughout all the coaches transport you immediately back to a time when privileged travellers were fortunate to experience the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant, and almost grandeur, fashion. 

Each coach has its own personal history – some date back as early as 1911, others have carried royalty, but each and every coach has been meticulously restored.

The wood panelled sleeping coaches offer guests a choice of spacious air-conditioned twin or double bedded Royal, Deluxe or Pullman suites, with every modern convenience and comfort sitting comfortably alongside the period Edwardian features, including a bar fridge, and an en-suite bathroom with either a Victorian bath and separate shower, or just a shower.  

The elegant Royal suites in particular are the epitome in luxury - each suite takes up half a carriage, and has its own private lounge area.

During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot.  In the evening, the elegance of the exquisite pillared 2 dining cars, accompanied by the fine china, crisp linen and silver inspires guests to dress accordingly.

A dedicated team of chefs oversee the very important task of ensuring each guests dining need is catered for.  Considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus for each journey, as unlike many train journeys, guests are on board for several days at a time, requiring a much wider selection of meals.

The emphasis is on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a speciality.  The 3 course lunches and dinner are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines, and every morning guests can indulge in a full cold buffet breakfast or hot dishes cooked to order.  All meals are served in one sitting only.

Each train also has a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge.

A unique feature of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air balconies.

At the centre of the train, when numbers dictate, is a non-smoking Lounge Car, which houses a Gift Shop.

In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard.