E stablished in 1989, Rovos Rail has become synonymous with world-class rail travel through the majestic scenery of southern Africa aboard ‘the most luxurious train in the world’. Beautifully refitted trains recapture the golden age of travel and adventure, carry a maximum of 72 passengers for a truly intimate experience. There are a series of experiences available, lasting between 48 hours and 15 days and linking some of the subcontinent’s greatest destinations. The most popular of these are the journeys between Cape Town and Pretoria and the four day round trip from Pretoria to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
Our holidays with Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail
The Compartments
Rovos Rail
Accommodating a maximum of 72 guests on any single departure, the classic wood-panelled sleeper coaches have been remodelled and refurbished to mint condition in order to offer every modern convenience and comfort. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. The 24-hour service available in all cabin types is friendly but discrete, ensuring that guests onboard have every need catered for.
Pullman Suites
Rovos Rail
The Pullman Suites are 76 square feet in size, equipped with a sofa-seat during the day which is converted into double or twin beds at night. Pullman suites also have an en-suite bathroom with shower as well as a fold-out writing desk and a safe to keep your valuables. The spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. There is tea drawer and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Deluxe Suites
Rovos Rail
The Deluxe Suites measure 108 square feet and accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds. These suites have a separate lounge area and an en suite bathroom with a shower. There is a writing desk, cupboards and a safe in the compartment as well as a mini-bar stocked with the beverages of your choice. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Royal Suites
Rovos Rail
The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant measuring 170 square feet. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of side-by-side twin or double beds. As with the deluxe suites, there is a mini-bar filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Dining and Lounges
Rovos Rail
Dining
Rovos Rail
All meals on board are served in one sitting in the dining cars. Lunch and dinner menus focus on local ingredients and traditional dishes, 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. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
Lounge Cars & Observation Car
Rovos Rail
Deep-seated sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable lounge car in which to relax during your journey. The train features both a non-smoking lounge and a club lounge for smokers to enjoy. Lounges are air-conditioned but with windows that can open – an extremely rare commodity on a luxury train – so that you can get closer to the sights, sounds and scents of the African landscape. There is also a small gift shop in the lounge car. You can enjoy bar service from 7am until 1am in the lounge cars or the beautiful observation car at the rear of the train.
Dress Code
Rovos Rail
Dress is smart casual aboard the train during the daytime. Evening attire is more formal with a jacket and tie a minimum requirement for the gentlemen. For ladies, a cocktail/evening dress or suit is suggested. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.
Mobile Phones and Technology
Rovos Rail
In order to maintain the spirit of a bygone era, Rovos Rail does not provide radios or television sets aboard the train. There is no Wi-Fi access and the use of mobile phones or laptops is respectfully confined to the privacy of guests’ own suites.
