Step aboard the Rovos Rail Pretoria to Durban journey for an unforgettable 2-night, 3-day safari across 800 kilometres of scenic South Africa. Blending the opulence of pre-war rail travel with modern comfort, Rovos Rail offers a nostalgic yet luxurious way to experience the country’s landscapes, history, and wildlife. It includes a game drive, a battlefield tale with a world-class historian and a look at unusual African ceramics.
At a Glance: Rovos Rail Pretoria to Durban (2 Nights / 3 Days)
Departing from Pretoria, the train travels through the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, stopping for a Big Five game drive in the Nambiti Conservancy, a malaria-free reserve of 20 000 acres teeming with wildlife. It has incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees.
Continue to Spionkop Lodge, where a world-class historian brings to life the dramatic battles fought in this region during the Anglo-Boer War. On your final day, visit Ardmore Ceramics, an internationally acclaimed studio that celebrates the colour, creativity, and spirit of Zulu artistry, before descending through the Valley of a Thousand Hills into Durban.
Each suite combines Edwardian charm with modern indulgence: polished wood panelling, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms with elegant fittings. All suites feature writing desks, personal safes, a bar fridge filled with the drinks of your choice, and 24-hour room service. The bathrooms combine original fittings with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. The observation car allows you to watch the unfolding scenery of the great interior of South Africa from a fascinating perspective.
You have the option of 3 different type of suites.
The Pullman suite - (±7 sq metres/±76 sq feet) is equipped with a Daytime sofa seating converting to double or twin beds for the evening. En-suite bathroom with shower.
The Deluxe suite - (±10 sq metres/±108 sq feet)has twin or double bed with a small lounge area and en-suite shower.
The Royal suite - ±16 sq metres in size - Half a carriage in size, with private lounge, Victorian bath, and separate shower.
2026: 30 Jan, 6 Mar, 10 April, 18 Sept, 2 Oct, 13 Nov
2027: 22 Jan, 19 Feb, 12 March, 3 Sept
2026: 2 Feb, 9 Mar, 13 April, 21 Sept, 5 Oct, 16 Nov
2027: 25 Jan, 22 Feb, 15 March, 6 Sep
(No departures May–July when Rovos Rail operates longer itineraries.)
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
You set off at 10am, travelling southeast across the Highveld and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand towards Heidelberg, site of the first Rand gold strike, and Balfour, a small mining town in Mpumalanga. The train traverses the Drakensberg Mountains, then climbs to Majuba Hill – site of the decisive battle that ended the First Anglo Boer War – then passes Newcastle, which has what is reputed to be the largest cella-dome Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Elandslaagte. Dress: Formal
The following morning you enjoy a game drive in the Nambiti Reserve, a private Big Five bush retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld with incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees.
In the afternoon you have a choice of excursions – either a nature/game drive in Spionkop Game Reserve OR an escorted battlefields tour of Spionkop. (We recommend the latter!)
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Estcourt. Dress: Formal
The train descends the escarpment to Lions River. You enjoy a morning visit to the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Ardmore Ceramic Art is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is expressed through ceramics.
In the afternoon, the train traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills. You arrive at journey’s end in Durban at approximately 4pm.
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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