Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.
Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top 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.
The beautifully rebuilt trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, 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.
Information
Cabins
Facilities
Activities and Services
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
• Double or twin beds • En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin • Small lounge area • Writing desk • Luggage shelf • Cupboards • Safe • Air conditioning • Fridge • Tea facilities • Bespoke amenities • Robes and slippers • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) • Shaver plugs (2-pin) • USB ports • Safety glasses • Emergency torch • Fire extinguisher • Laundry bag • Shoe bag • Internal telephone system • Room service
The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
• Double or twin beds • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin • Small lounge area • Writing desk • Luggage shelf • Cupboards • Safe • Air conditioning • Fridge • Tea facilities • Bespoke amenities • Robes and slippers • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) • Shaver plugs (2-pin) • USB ports • Safety glasses • Emergency torch • Fire extinguisher • Laundry bag • Shoe bag • Internal telephone system • Room service
The Pullmans, used on our short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily. Please note in the animation that we indicate a bar fridge, however, these have been removed from the Pullmans.
• Double or twin beds • Upper and/or lower bunk • Daytime sofa setting • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin • Fold-up writing desk • Luggage shelf • Cupboards • Safe • Air conditioning • Tea facilities • Bespoke amenities • Robes and slippers • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) • Shaver plugs (2-pin) • USB ports • Safety glasses • Emergency torch • Fire extinguisher • Laundry bag • Shoe bag • Internal telephone system • Room service
This 1 600-kilometre meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village – founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890 – also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 1 15h00 Depart from Rovos Rail Station aboard the Pride of Africa and travel south via Johannesburg through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s. Overnight on the train.
Day 2 07h00 Breakfast is served until 10h00. 10h00 Arrive in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum. 12h30 The train departs for Matjiesfontein via De Aar. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s.
Day 3
07h00 Breakfast is served until 10h00. 08h15 Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein. 10h30 The train departs for Cape Town via Worcester. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s. 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 18h00 Arrive at Cape Town Station, Platform 24
This 1 600-kilometre meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Your Journey begins in Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape, through the barrenness of the Great Karoo. Journeys end through the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld. Highlights include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein; this authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village – founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890 – also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear. Day 1 11h00 Depart from Platform 23 at Cape Town Station and travel inland through the winelands. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s. 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 18h00 Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s.
Day 2 07h00 Breakfast is served until 10h00. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s 14h30 Upon arrival in Kimberley board the bus for a tour of the renowned city, the Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole. 16h30 Tea as the train departs Kimberley. 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s.
Day 3
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 10h00 as the train travels via Krugersdorp and Johannesburg through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand towards Pretoria. 12h00 Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria.
This three-night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. It then winds its way south through Johannesburg and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand before travelling west alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains. After border formalities at Mafikeng, the train travels north the following day through Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and continues via Francistown to the Zimbabwean border at Plumtree. The next day the train passes through Hwange National Park – a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train and a game drive excursion is enjoyed. After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at 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. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Beitbridge and Zim. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 1 09h30 The train departs Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s as the train travels through the goldfields of Johannesburg. 19h30 Dinner is served as the train travels to Mafikeng for Botswana border formalities and overnight.
Day 2 07h00 Breakfast is served as the train travels north through Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone 13h00 Lunch is served as the train traverses Botswana. 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 19h30 Dinner en route to Plumtree for Zimbabwe border formalities. Overnight stop at Mpopoma.
Day 3 07h00 Breakfast is served. The train departs Mpopoma. 13h00 Lunch is served. Travel along the eastern edge of Hwange Park along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km 15h00 Arrive Kennedy for a game drive at The Hide. 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s en route to Thompsons Junction for the overnight stop.
Day 4 07h00 Depart Thompsons. Breakfast until 09h30. 10h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Victoria Falls.
ay 1 17h00 Depart Victoria Falls Station and travel in a south easterley direction towards Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, the Hwange National Park. 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s en route to Kennedy Siding for the overnight stop.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2 05h00 Early wake-up call with a continental breakfast. 06h00 Disembark for a game drive at The Hide. 11h00 Brunch is served in the dining car/s. 16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 19h30 Dinner is served as the train heads towards Plumtree for Botswana border formalities.
Day 3 07h00 Breakfast is served en route to the border via Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. 12h00 S.A. border formalities at Ramatlabama. 13h00 Lunch is served as the train travels through the farmlands of the Marico Valley
19h30. Dinner is served as the train traverses the Magaliesberg Range. Overnight Krugersdorp.
Day 4 07h00 Breakfast is served until 09h30. 10h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Pretoria.
This three-day safari between Pretoria and Durban includes game drives, a battlefields tour with a world-class historian and a look at unusual African ceramics. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy – a Big Five private retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal. It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge – which adjoins an 11 000-acre nature reserve – is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world. Visit this charming centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands before travelling the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 1: 10:00 Depart Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Travel southeast across the gold-rich mining areas of Gauteng. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. 13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Coming into view are the Drakensberg Mountains, first named by the Voortrekke who thought the unbroken chain of heavily weathered peaks reminded them of the spines on a dragon’s back, hence the name ‘Dragon Mountain’ or Drakensberg in Afrikaans.
16:30 Tea in the lounge car or observation car. The train climbs to Majuba Hill – site of the decisive battle that ended the First Anglo Boer War – then on to Newcastle where the Indian population has erected what is reputed to be the largest domed Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train passes Glencoe, site of the first battle of the Anglo Boer War and now the centre of the province’s coalfields. Overnight on board en route to Elandslaagte. Dress: Formal
Day 2: 06:15 A continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. 07:00 Enjoy a game drive in the Nambiti Reserve, a private Big Five bush retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld with incredible biodiversity. 11:00 Brunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Chieveley Siding where, on the left of the track, stands a memorial to Winston Churchill who was captured here in November 1899 while trying to free an armoured train trapped by a Boer ambush. 14:00 Transfer (50 minutes) to Spionkop Lodge. A choice of two excursions is available: ·An escorted tour of the historic battlefields OR ·A game drive in the 11 000-acre Spionkop Reserve. 17:45 Return to the train. 19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board. Dress: Formal
Day 3: 07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train descends the escarpment to Lions River. 10:00 Visit the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Here, artists are encouraged to express their imagination based on nature and Zulu folklore and tradition. 12:00 Depart for Pietermaritzburg, the provincial capital of KwaZulu-Natal. 13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills. 16:00 Arrive at journey’s end in Durban. A number of museums and cultural sights, the beautiful botanical gardens
Please dress accordingly for game drives/excursions: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, hats and sun protection are advised (season dependent). Rain capes are available.
Queen Victoria Hotel | Cape Town
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classic elegance meets contemporary design. Its prime location in a quiet, historic precinct near to the V&A Waterfront allows for a serene city escape as well as convenient access to a range of outstanding amenities.
The hotel’s regal ambience is felt throughout the property, from its triple-volume foyer with a dramatic spiral staircase and glass lift, crystal chandeliers and marble finishes, to its spacious rooms and breathtaking suites. This grandeur, along with fine touches, expected of five-star properties, and hospitable service have earned the Queen Victoria – also referred to as the QV – recognition as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa. As its name suggests, this hotel truly is fit for royalty.
Information
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
Your Stay
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 35
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation, Shopping, Wine
The 15 Deluxe Rooms are wonderfully spacious and afford guests a luxurious stay, with a range of comforts and top-class amenities.
•Average Room Size: 38 to 46 m² •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Similar to the Deluxe Rooms, the 17 Premium Rooms are generously spacious and offer all the same amenities, but additionally boast stunning views of Table Mountain and/or the harbour.
•Average Room Size: 35 to 54 m² •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Offering exceptional views of Table Mountain and the harbour, the Junior Mountain Suite is a wonderful option for a completely luxurious stay. This suite similarly includes a range of luxurious amenities.
•Suite Size: 63 m² •Balcony with views •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Spacious lounge •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Just as luxurious Junior Mountain Suite, the Executive Suite offers lovely views and is an excellent choice for an opulent experience at the QV. This suite is likewise well appointed with a range of top-class amenities.
•Suite Size: 50 m² •Balcony with views •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Spacious lounge •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
The crème de la crème offering at the QV, the Presidential Suite is supremely spacious and boasts breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the harbour. It has been designed in such a way that the flow of interior and exterior space is ambiguous. With the full range of outstanding amenities, this suite offers nothing short of a regal experience.
•Suite Size: 124 m² •Wrap-around balcony with exceptional views •Outdoor double chaise lounge bed •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Large, contemporary lounge •Spacious dining room •Unconventionally large en-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
The 15 Deluxe Rooms are wonderfully spacious and afford guests a luxurious stay, with a range of comforts and top-class amenities.
•Average Room Size: 38 to 46 m² •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Similar to the Deluxe Rooms, the 17 Premium Rooms are generously spacious and offer all the same amenities, but additionally boast stunning views of Table Mountain and/or the harbour.
•Average Room Size: 35 to 54 m² •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Offering exceptional views of Table Mountain and the harbour, the Junior Mountain Suite is a wonderful option for a completely luxurious stay. This suite similarly includes a range of luxurious amenities.
•Suite Size: 63 m² •Balcony with views •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Spacious lounge •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Just as luxurious Junior Mountain Suite, the Executive Suite offers lovely views and is an excellent choice for an opulent experience at the QV. This suite is likewise well appointed with a range of top-class amenities.
•Suite Size: 50 m² •Balcony with views •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Spacious lounge •En-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
The crème de la crème offering at the QV, the Presidential Suite is supremely spacious and boasts breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the harbour. It has been designed in such a way that the flow of interior and exterior space is ambiguous. With the full range of outstanding amenities, this suite offers nothing short of a regal experience.
•Suite Size: 124 m² •Wrap-around balcony with exceptional views •Outdoor double chaise lounge bed •Television with satellite channels •Mini bar •Complimentary coffee, teas and biscuits •King size bed •Luxurious 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding •Air conditioning •Large, contemporary lounge •Spacious dining room •Unconventionally large en-suite bathroom •Heated towel rails •Bathrobes and slippers •Hairdryer •International plugs •Electronic safe
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Wheelchair Friendly
Experience Cape Town’s highlights, from built landmarks to the city’s famous natural features (private and group tour).
•South African Museum and the Company Gardens •Parliament buildings •City Hall and Castle of Good Hope •Malay Quarter/Bo-Kaap •Green Market Square •Signal Hill •Camps Bay and Clifton •Short diamond factory tour (optional)
Located at the QV, this esteemed fine dining establishment pays tribute to Queen Victoria’s beloved pet dog, Dash. This restaurant offers an elegant experience with a touch of drama in the presentation of its menu. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served, and drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.
This lovely establishment is found at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel and is set against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Ginja Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for its delicious and wholesome, artisanal-style dishes.
