Rovos Rail
For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on a wonderful rail journey, where you can recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. This 1,600 kilometre meander from Cape Town to Pretoria on the Rovos Rail 'Pride of Africa' is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country.
Step aboard the classic wood-panelled coaches - remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in 5* luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. All meals are served in one sitting in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests' every need is catered for.
With period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury.
For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal - for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for the ladies, cocktail/evening dresses are the norm.
Departing in the morning on selected dates from Cape Town, you start your 3 night journey by travelling inland through the Hex River Valley.
You will visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein, which boasts an impressive museum on the platform, as well as a stop at Kimberley where you can visit the renowned Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole.
Your journey ends at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria at 10:00.
Rates Include
Three meals daily; all alcoholic and other beverages; sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide; entrance fees to places of interest; and 24 hour full room service/bar facilities are included. Please note that any off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes any off-train beverages.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.
General Information For Guests
There is a guest safe in every suite on board the train.
Smoking of cigarettes and cigars only is allowed in the privacy of the suites and in the club lounge.
It is not advisable to lean out of the windows while the train is in motion.
There is a small Gift Shop on board the train and at the station premises at Capital Park in Pretoria.
The use of credit cards is preferred. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.
Gratuities for the staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there is a suitably marked envelope in your suite that you can hand directly to the Train Manager who will distribute any amounts on a pro rata basis amongst the staff on board.
Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Breakfast 0700 to 1000; Lunch 1300; Tea 1630; Formal Dinner 1930. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
During the day, the dress is smart-casual. In keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, many guests prefer to dress for dinner - a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement for the gentlemen; and for ladies cocktail/evening dresses or suits are suggested.
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours.
The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception is poor while the train is moving.
Popular Alternatives to Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.