For golf enthusiasts - and their non-playing partners - few experiences rival the Rovos Rail Golf Safari, a 10-day, 2,100km rail adventure through South Africa’s most scenic landscapes and celebrated golf destinations. Blending world-class fairways with refined train travel, this journey offers the perfect balance of challenge, indulgence, and exploration.
This safari travels through the north-eastern part of South Africa. Departing from Pretoria, the journey begins in the Pilanesberg hills at Sun City, where golfers can tee off at the renowned Gary Player or Lost City Golf Courses, while non-golfers enjoy a Big Five game drive in the Pilanesberg Reserve. The next day is a day at leisure on the train as you head south through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains to Spionkop. Here non-golfers enjoy a guided tour of one of the most epic Boer war battles at Spionkop, followed by some arts and crafts shopping, whilst the golfers play at Champagne Sports Resort.
Next, we descend through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban, where players enjoy a round at Durban Country Club or Mount Edgecombe, while non-golfers take a guided city tour and visit the botanical gardens. Continue north to Zululand for game viewing in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi, one of Africa’s oldest reserves, before crossing into the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) for a round at the Royal Swazi Golf Course or a wildlife experience in Mkhaya Game Reserve followed by a visit to the Swazi Candles for lunch.
The adventure culminates south of the Kruger, home to the legendary Leopard Creek Golf Estate, overlooking the Kruger National Park — rated one of South Africa’s finest courses. Non-golfers enjoy an early-morning Kruger safari. On the final leg, the train climbs to Dullstroom, where golfers play at Highland Gate, while others explore fly-fishing, whisky tasting, and the town’s renowned arts and crafts scene, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.
This exceptional rail safari combines world-class golf, fine dining, and attentive service with the timeless elegance of Rovos Rail — the perfect way to experience South Africa in motion.
*Course selection is dependent on availability: Sun City Gary Player/Lost City, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club/Mount Edgecombe/Cotswold Downs, Royal Swazi and Highland Gate.
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.
2026: 6-15 Jan, 27 Jan-5 Feb, 17-26 Feb, 7-16 Oct, 21-30 Oct
2027: 5-14 Jan, 26 Jan-4 Feb, 16-25 Mar, 28 Sept-7 Oct, 19-28 Oct
Note: A second golf & train itinerary is on offer – The Rovos Rail African Collage (12 nights, depending on the direction) begins in Cape Town and visits the famous Fancourt and Oubaai courses in the Garden Route, Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth, via the Drakensberg foothills to Durban to play at Durban Country Club, a safari in Mhkaya Game Reserve in Swaziland before ending with the highlight of Leopard Creek in the Kruger area before heading to Pretoria.
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
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 on board; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax; golf activities (green fees, carts, halfway house meals and tea/coffee, bottled water).
EXCLUDESAll other off-train beverages; international 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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