Step aboard the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria train journey - a 3-night, 1,600km meander through South Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. South Africa is often described as “a world in one country” and this classic rail safari illustrates that revealing the contrasts between the vineyards and mountains of the Cape, the rugged plains of the Great Karoo, and the rolling Highveld grasslands, all from the comfort of one of the world’s most luxurious trains.
At a Glance: Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria (3 Nights / 4 Days)Evoking the glamour of a bygone era, Rovos Rail combines Edwardian elegance with discreet modern comforts. Expect polished wood panelling, crisp linen, fine cuisine, and exceptional service. Evenings on board are an occasion. Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie, while ladies don evening or cocktail dress, all adding to the timeless sense of romance and refinement.
The Observation car allows you to watch the unfolding scenery of the great interior of South Africa from a fascinating perspective. Whilst the air-conditioned Lounge Cars invite you to relax with a book or afternoon tea. Deep sofas and wingback chairs create a space of quiet indulgence and to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travellers. The lounges are air-conditioned but you can also open the windows to allow in the sights, sounds, and scents of Africa.
Each suite combines Edwardian charm with modern indulgence: polished wood panelling, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms with elegant fittings.
Choose from Three Suite Options:
All suites feature air conditioning, writing desks, personal safes, bar fridge filled with the drinks of your choice, and 24-hour room service. All whilst seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary luxury. The bathrooms combine original fittings with hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
This 3-night journey pairs beautifully with a Cape Winelands retreat, a Big Five safari, or even a Victoria Falls or Botswana extension. Our team can create a seamless itinerary around your Rovos Rail experience. You can also continue with Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls.
Why don't you contact us for some tailor-made ideas for what else to enjoy in South Africa!
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At 16h00, depart from Cape Town Station. Trundle through the Winelands of the Western Cape towards Worcester. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train climbs ±750m up the face of the escarpment. (Dress: Formal)
Around midnight, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The last tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful when walking through the train.
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, the volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoosystem.
13h00 – Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board. (Dress: Formal)
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 08:30. Today you enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well-known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871.
12h00 – Lunch is served as the train travels northeast towards Klerksdorp and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld.
16h30 – Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars. Overnight on board. (Dress: Formal)
Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
*Disembark at Kookrus Station (±100km south of Rovos Rail Station). An optional complimentary transfer (±90min) from Kookrus Station to Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria is available.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation; all meals; all beverages; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax.
EXCLUDESInternational sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights; items of a personal nature.
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