Destinations
South Africa
The last word in luxury
Rail Trips
Travelling by rail across South Africa offers a scenic and laid-back way to explore the country’s natural beauty and expansive landscapes. If it’s comfort and convenience, a slice of local living, and unique scenery you’re looking for, this option is tailor-made for you. Plan ahead, check schedules, and take into account how long the trip may last.
Contact us for more information or view your holiday options below.
Rovos Rail
Established in 1989, Rovos Rail has an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences. It offers a choice of bespoke train journeys that last from 48 hours to 15 nights.
Rovos Rail offers luxurious travel through some of Africa’s most spectacular destinations, coupled with a variety of off-train excursions.
Relax in vintage wood-panelled coaches while taking in unique scenery, experiencing the delights of a bygone era where travellers enjoyed the high romance of African travel. The luxurious reconstructed carriages, excellent cuisine, finest local wines and discreet, friendly service make for a trip of a lifetime.
Hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, the trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 luxury suites, and are also available for charter. The events train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.
See our available trips on offer listed below.
Cape Town to Pretoria
3 Nights | 1600km
This journey is available in both directions (north and south). From grasslands of the Highveld to the barren Great Karoo, from spectacular mountain ranges to scenic winelands, travellers get to experience South Africa in a unique and exciting way.
Highlights of the north- and south-bound routes include a visit to the historic Matjiesfontein village – an authentically preserved Victorian village that was founded as a refreshment stop in 1890. It also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop in Kimberley allows travellers to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest manmade excavation, the Big Hole.
Pretoria to Victoria Falls
3/4 Nights | 1400km
This journey from Pretoria takes travellers north through Bela-Bela, formerly known as Warmbaths because of its popular mineral waters, and Nylstroom (Modimolle), so named by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river flowed north.
The journey continues across the Limpopo River towards Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland, and industrial capital of the country. The four-night journey includes a game drive in Matobo National Park, a World Heritage Site with bushman caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills. It is also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave at the summit of Malindidzimu, “hill of benevolent spirits” with a “view of the world”.
As you travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – you head towards Hwange National Park, where travellers can enjoy game drives. The trip ends at the majestic Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. Here, travellers can indulge in a host of recreational activities, including cruises, white-water rafting, game viewing and safaris. This journey is also available in reverse. Depending on railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.
Cape Town to DarEsSalaam
15 Nights | 5530km
This epic train journey takes you through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, and is one of the most famous in the world.
If you begin in Cape Town, you will visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein, the diamond town of Kimberley, and Pretoria, the capital city, for short tours. Travellers will then spend two nights in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Your journey continues through Botswana into Zimbabwe, where guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River, the train joins the Tazara line in Zambia and continues to Chisimba Falls, where travellers can experience a bush walk. The train then climbs to the Tanzanian border and descends into the Great Rift Valley.
Next stop is the Selous Game Reserve – the largest on the continent – before travellers arrive in Dar es Salaam the next day. This journey is also available in reverse.
