Rovos Rail

• The onboard staff ensures that passengers have a memorable and comfortable journey.
• Top Cuisine: Passengers can savor top-quality cuisine served on board. The dining experience is complemented by a selection of South Africa’s finest wines.
• Suites and Charter Options.
• Superbly Appointed Suites: The beautifully rebuilt trains feature 36 superbly appointed suites. Each suite offers a comfortable and luxurious environment for passengers to relax and unwind.
• Charter Services: Rovos Rail’s trains are also available for charter, making them an excellent choice for private events, celebrations, and special occasions.
• Events Train:
• Large-Scale Capacity: Rovos Rail operates an Events Train that can accommodate up to 250 guests. It is suitable for daytime journeys and can host a wide range of events and functions.
• African Exploration:
• High Romance of African Exploration: Rovos Rail captures the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. It offers travelers an opportunity to experience the continent’s beauty and history in a unique and luxurious manner.

Rovos Rail’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and exceptional service has made it a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable train journey through Africa. Whether enjoying the scenery from vintage coaches, savoring gourmet meals, or simply relaxing in beautifully appointed suites, passengers on Rovos Rail are treated to an unparalleled travel experience.

A series of uniquely designed African Journeys steam train trips lasting from 2 to 15 days and offering excursions to Angola.

Life on Board

Each train in the Rovos fleet is equipped with comfortable accommodation carriages, dining cars (seating approximately 42 guests), a lounge car (seating approximately 26 guests), a small gift shop, a smoking lounge (seating approximately 11 guests), and an observation car (seating approximately 32 guests) featuring an open-air balcony. They aim to preserve the nostalgic ambiance of a bygone era, and therefore, radios and television sets are not available onboard.

We offer three types of suites for our passengers: Pullman (7 sqm), Deluxe (10 sqm), and Royal (16 sqm). These well-appointed suites provide privacy and comfort, featuring double or twin beds, top-quality furnishings, and amenities. All suites are equipped with en-suite facilities including a shower, toilet, basin, and in the Royal suite, a bath. Additional amenities include tea-making facilities, safes, air conditioning, fresh linen, and daily servicing. Ample storage space, small cupboards with hangers and shelves, ensure a comfortable stay. Please refer to our Public Cars and Suites section for more detailed information.

Rovos welcomes solo travelers, couples, and groups on our journeys. The dining cars consist of two-seaters and four-seaters, allowing guests to dine together or individually. The lounge and observation cars, with their expansive windows, cozy sofas, and booth seating, provide perfect settings for mingling or finding a quiet spot to relax during the day.

Many passengers appreciate the elegance and formality of fine china, glassware, crisp linen, and silver, and thus dress accordingly. Daytime attire is smart casual, while evening attire leans toward more formal attire. On longer journeys, they organize themed evenings where guests can dress up in line with the chosen theme or opt for smart casual attire.

The onboard team of passionate chefs takes great pride in catering to guests’ every need. They prioritize fresh local ingredients and specialize in preparing traditional dishes. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are accompanied by a selection of exceptional South African wines. The bar menu offers a comprehensive range of beverages, and guests are welcome to request specific items such as French Champagne in advance. The meal schedule is as follows: Breakfast from 07:00 to 10:00, Lunch at 13:00, Afternoon Tea at 16:30, and a Formal Dinner at 19:30. Bar service is available from 07:00 until approximately 01:00. Please note that all meals are served at the specified times, unless otherwise stated in the itineraries.

The Observation Car:

The observation car is designed to comfortably accommodate approximately 32 passengers. It offers a spacious environment with its open-air balcony, large picture windows, well-stocked bar, inviting sofas, and cozy booths. Whether you’re seeking lively conversation and mingling or a peaceful retreat to unwind, this car provides ideal spaces for both.

Enjoy the delightful tradition of afternoon tea, served at 16:30 in the lounge and observation cars on most days. Indulge in a selection of delectable treats and beverages while taking in the magnificent views. Additionally, the bar service is available from approximately 07:00 to 01:00, allowing you to savor a wide array of refreshing drinks throughout the day and into the evening.

Lounge Car: The lounge car provides comfortable seating for approximately 26 passengers. Its expansive picture windows, inviting sofas, and cozy wingback chairs create an ideal setting for mingling or finding a quiet corner to relax and enjoy the journey.

On most days, you can indulge in the delightful tradition of afternoon tea, served at 16:30 in the lounge and observation cars. Immerse yourself in the relaxed ambiance while savoring a selection of delectable treats. The bar service is available from approximately 07:00 to 01:00, offering a wide range of beverages to suit your preferences throughout the day and into the evening.

For longer journeys, we have the pleasure of hosting an onboard historian who shares fascinating insights and hosts informative lectures in the lounge car. Expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the destinations and histories you encounter along the way.

At one end of the carriage, you will find a small gift shop, elegantly designed with subtle lighting, and adorned with bespoke memorabilia. Explore this unique space and discover distinctive mementos to commemorate your journey with us.

The lounge car is a haven of relaxation and socialization, allowing you to make new friends, enjoy engaging conversations, or simply find a peaceful corner to unwind while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery outside.

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Dining Car. 

The dining cars of the train can comfortably seat approximately 42 passengers each. Depending on the number of passengers on a particular journey, one or two dining cars are set up accordingly. These cars are designed with a combination of two-seater and four-seater tables, allowing guests to enjoy their meals together or individually.

Meals are served in one sitting only, creating a communal dining experience that fosters a sense of camaraderie among travelers. The meal schedule is as follows: breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:00, lunch is served at 13:00, and a formal dinner is served at 19:30. These designated times apply to all meals, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.

The culinary team takes great pride in crafting exceptional dining experiences for their guests. For breakfast, a variety of hot items are made to order, ensuring a fresh and satisfying start to the day. Lunch and dinner consist of four-course meals, carefully curated to delight your palate. These delectable meals are thoughtfully complemented by a selection of fine South African wines, enhancing the dining experience.

The bar menu offers a comprehensive range of beverages, ensuring there is something to suit every taste. Should you have any specific requests, such as French Champagne, we kindly ask that you notify us in advance, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements to meet your preferences.

Indulge in the elegance and culinary excellence of our dining cars, where delicious meals, delightful conversations, and memorable moments await.

Accommodation

Step into a world of timeless elegance as vintage carriages seamlessly blend with modern luxuries. The train offers three types of exquisite suites, available in double or twin configurations, ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest. Rest assured that each suite has been carefully remodeled and refurbished to maintain its historic charm while incorporating modern conveniences. Rovos pride themselves on providing the highest standard of fittings and facilities in every suite. Experience the epitome of luxury as you embrace the harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary comforts during your journey with us.

Allow us to introduce you to our suite options:

Royal Suite (approximately 16m2): Indulge in the spaciousness and luxury of our Royal Suite, offering a generous living space for your utmost comfort. Featuring a delightful en-suite equipped with a shower, toilet, basin, and a luxurious bath, this suite provides a truly pampering experience. Enjoy the convenience of tea facilities, a personal safe, air conditioning, fresh linen, and a range of amenities. Your suite will be expertly serviced daily, ensuring your space remains impeccable. Ample storage options, including small cupboards with hangers and shelves, are available to keep your belongings organized.

• 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.

Deluxe Suite (approximately 10m2): Experience refined elegance and modern comfort in our Deluxe Suite. Revel in the tastefully appointed living space designed to cater to your every need. The en-suite bathroom offers a shower, toilet, and basin, providing all the necessary amenities for your convenience. Relax in air-conditioned comfort, and enjoy the soothing ambiance created by fresh linen and a range of amenities. Your suite will be meticulously serviced daily to ensure your stay remains exceptional. Adequate storage options, including small cupboards, hangers, and shelves, are provided for your belongings.

• 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.

Pullman Suite (approximately 7m2): Embrace the charm and intimacy of our Pullman Suite, thoughtfully designed to maximize your comfort within a more compact space. The en-suite bathroom features a shower, toilet, and basin, providing the necessary facilities for your convenience. Enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, fresh linen, and a selection of amenities. Our dedicated staff will diligently service your suite each day, ensuring a delightful and immaculate environment. You will find adequate storage options, including small cupboards with hangers and shelves, to accommodate your belongings.

• 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.

Pullman Gold:

The Pullman Golds, reserved for our extended journeys, provide exceptional accommodation for one or two passengers. Each suite features a convenient en-suite bathroom equipped with a shower, toilet, and basin, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

During the day, the Pullman Gold suites are thoughtfully arranged with split twin beds, which can be configured as cozy sofa-seats if desired. This setup offers flexibility and a comfortable seating area to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. As evening approaches, the twin beds can be effortlessly converted into split twin or double beds, allowing you to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

To enhance your experience, a dedicated host or hostess is available at all times to cater to your needs and ensure your suite remains in pristine condition. Your suite will be expertly serviced daily, creating a welcoming and immaculate environment for you to enjoy throughout your journey.

The Pullman Gold suites provide a cozy and inviting retreat, offering the perfect balance of comfort and functionality for your travels. Relax and unwind in this delightful setting, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered to ensure your utmost satisfaction.