Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches – classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition – and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. 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 and high romance of African exploration. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the sub-continent’s greatest destinations.

Join the regular three-day trip between Cape Town and Pretoria, the 55-hour game safari between Pretoria and Durban or the three-night meander between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. The long journeys include the nine-day Golf Safaris with optional excursions for non-playing guests; the nine-day Namibia Safaris connecting Pretoria, Kimberley, Etosha and the Kalahari with the Atlantic Ocean; the 10-day African Golf Collages (for golfers and non-golfers) running between Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban and the Garden Route to Cape Town; and lastly the 15-day Dar es Salaam trips through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania – one of the most famous train journeys in the world. Rovos Rail has introduced new 15-day journeys one which travels between Dar es Salaam and Lobito in Angola and another which travels from Victoria Falls to Angola.

The trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locos, 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. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt station and loco yard, the heart and headquarters of this private railway company. Rovos Rail has also established an elegant seaside retreat in Cape Town that overlooks the trendy and vibrant fishing villages of Kalk Bay and St James.