Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
Johannesburg, Pretoria & Magaliesberg
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa invites you on an elegant journey of discovery through some of the most historic and scenic areas of Southern Africa. There’s no grander way to experience the delights of steam than on the Rovos Rail. The use of steam has become increasingly difficult over the years. Water and coaling facilities have been scrapped more and more. Hence, Rovos Rail makes use of diesel engines these days. But wherever possible, original steam locomotives draw the charmingly restored sleeper coaches, sumptuous dining car and period observation car in and around the area of Rovos Rail Station.
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa: Accommodation
Your accommodation on Rovos Rail is in air-conditioned suites with exquisite wood panelling and period Edwardian features. There’s a range of suites to choose from, each sleeping a maximum of two people. Pullman Suites have a sofa during the day which converts to a bed in the evening. Deluxe suites are much larger with a permanent bed, small lounge area and en suite shower room. Royal Suites are even larger and have full en suite bathrooms with a Victorian bath as well as a shower.
All suites on Rovos Rail Pride of Africa are equipped with a writing desk, personal safe and a minibar filled with the drinks of your choice. The bathrooms combine original fittings with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. 24-Hour room service is available throughout the Rovos Rail train.
Rovos Rail has recently purchased the Shongololo Express for a high-quality ‘3-star’ rail travel experience. This is a First Class experience from Rovos who have an enviable reputation in delivering excellent service and attention to detail. This is undoubtedly an impressive panoramic 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, stopping at carefully selected locations en route. Not only locations in South Africa, but Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe as well. The journey offers a variety of off-train excursions that are undertaken in air-conditioned vehicles.
Rovos Rail Pride of Africa: Routes
Choose between the ever-popular two-day Rovos Rail journey between Pretoria and Cape Town (covering 1600km) with off-train excursions in both Kimberley and Matjiesfontein or the 56 hour ‘safari train’ between Pretoria and Durban. The 3 night journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls is also highly recommended. These are leisurely, civilized journeys in which you enjoy fine cuisine and wines.
However, Rovos Rail Pride of Africa now also offers a range of longer routes, ranging from 8 nights up to 13 nights. These routes only depart a few times per year. But if you love train travel, then what better than to plan your safari around one of these dates? The Golf Collage option showcases some of the most scenic parts of the country with off-train excursions for golfer and non-golfer alike.
All these Rovos Rail routes are extremely popular. So book early!
Summary of longer Rovos Rail Routes:
Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam – Rovos signature 15 night excursion & vice versa
Rovos Rail Namibia safari – 11 nights from Pretoria to Swakopmund & vice versa
Rovos Rail African Golf Collage – 12 nights route throughout South Africa to the Cape, KZN & Kruger
Rovos Rail Golf Safari – 9 nights to Sun City, KwaZulu Natal & Kruger
Rovos Rail Southern Cross Tour – 11 nights from Pretoria to Victoria Falls
Rovos Rail Tail of Two Oceans – 15 nights from Dar es Salaam to Lobito
Rovos Rail African Trilogy – 14 nights combining South Africa, Eswatini and Namibia