Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail the ultimate in rail luxury in South Africa

Rovos Rail brings back the golden age of train travel. Rovos Rail operates two trains of twenty beautifully restored coaches, half of which date back to the twenties and thirties. Each Rovos Rail train can accommodate up to 70 passengers. Accommodation on board the train is of the highest standard. The coaches have been lovingly restored to their former glory with fine attention to detail, and are the last word in comfort and style.

Use of traditional furnishings and period decor, with exquisite craftsmanship evident in fine wood paneling has ensured that the atmosphere of elegance and grandeur far exceeds the original. With the option of twin or double beds, each suite accommodates two people and also has a private lounge area. In the en-suite bathrooms original fittings are combined with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

Named after such colorful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa as Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Bernato and Alfred Beit, as well as Rohan Vos wife Anthea, the Royal Suites are spacious and elegant and are outfitted with Victorian claw-foot bathtubs. The Royal suites are of considerable size, (approximately 16 square meters - 172 square feet) and each takes up half a carriage.

The deluxe suites, restored with the same care and finesse as the Royal suites, also accommodate two passengers in either double or twin beds, and have en-suite bathrooms and lounge areas. Each suite occupies 11 square meters (118 square feet).

Rovos Rail also runs one of the worlds oldest commercially working locomotives - Tiffany - built in 1893. There are two exquisitely restored dining cars. The first and more formal, dating to 1911, boasts fluted teak pillars and arches.

Rovos Rail offers unique rail safaris through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa. While taking in the savage beauty of Mpumalanga the passenger relives the romance and the adventure of the pioneers, slave traders, ivory hunters and gold prospectors who dared to conquer the region over a century ago. The four day tour includes a night at an exclusive private game reserve, and unforgettable experience of the true spirit of Africa.

Or take a trip from Cape Town along the magic Garden Route to picteresque Knysna.

Accommodation on board the train is of the highest standard, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations. The coaches have been lovingly restored to their former glory with fine attention to detail, and are the last word in comfort and style. Use of traditional furnishings and period decor, with exquisite craftsmanship evident in fine wood panelling has ensured that the atmosphere of elegance and grandeur is still maintained.

There is a hostess on duty 24 hours a day and a list of all staff is posted in the observation car. Two first class chefs ensure that meals aboard Rovos Rail are superb, with outstanding South African wines to complement the food. Menus can be altered to suit special requirements by prior arrangement. Full bar facilities and room service are available whenever required. The highly motivated Rovos Rail team ensures the guests have a truly memorable experience.

Guests are transported to and from places of interest, and on sightseeing tours in minibuses, accompanied at all times by a tour guide.

Accommodation in and around South Africa