Rovos Rail

The sumptuous interior of the Observation Car on Rovos Rail’s luxurious Pride of Africa train
The sumptuous interior of the Observation Car on Rovos Rail’s luxurious Pride of Africa train

NEED TO KNOW

ROUTE Routes run across Southern Africa

LENGTH AND TIME

The train does not have a fixed route; 1–14 days along various routes

DAYTIME TEMPERATURES

Jan: 79°F (26°C); Apr: 73°F (23°C); Jul: 63°F (17°C); Oct: 70°F (21°C)

Billed as the world’s most luxurious railway, Rovos Rail offers unforgettable trips through southern Africa from its base near Pretoria. The company operates two beautifully rebuilt classic trains, featuring wood-paneled coaches and Edwardian period decor. Facilities include sumptuous dining cars and observation carriages, while the spacious suites come with a private bathroom and lounge, and 24-hour room service. Most itineraries feature journeys around South Africa from Pretoria to Durban or Cape Town, with stops at tourist attractions and safari parks. The train’s route passes through magnificent landscapes, including the starkly beautiful Great Karoo. There are also longer excursions to Namibia, taking in some amazing sights such as the Fish River Canyon, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

Practical Information

Train Schedule No fixed schedule for departures.

When to Go October to May; it gets very busy during the peak holiday months of December and January.

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