Celebrating 35 years of Rovos Rail

Welcome aboard the grandeur of Rovos Rail, where every journey is a celebration of luxury, history and timeless elegance. As we commemorate 35 years of this iconic railway experience, we embark on a nostalgic voyage through the heart of Africa, exploring not just the tracks, but the very essence of what makes Rovos Rail an unparalleled adventure.

From the meticulously restored carriages, where the opulence of yesteryear meets modern comfort, to the sumptuous suites that become sanctuaries of relaxation and indulgence, we delve into the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the Rovos experience. 

As we raise a toast to 35 years of Rovos Rail, let us embark on a journey of discovery, where every moment is infused with the magic of adventure and the romance of the rails. 

Established in 1989 by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail has evolved from a humble dream into an internationally renowned luxury train travel experience. 

Inspired by Vos’s love for railways and nostalgia for the elegance of a bygone era, Rovos Rail embarked on a journey to recreate the opulence and romance of classic train travel. The inaugural journey, from Pretoria to Cape Town, set the stage for the brand’s commitment to impeccable service, attention to detail and a dedication to preserving the heritage of rail travel.

Over the years, Rovos Rail has expanded its repertoire to encompass a range of unforgettable journeys across Southern Africa, traversing diverse landscapes from the vast savannahs of South Africa to the iconic Victoria Falls. 

Upholding the traditions of luxury and refinement, each meticulously restored carriage exudes timeless charm, transporting guests back in time to an era of sophistication and glamour. Alongside its commitment to preserving the legacy of rail travel, Rovos Rail has embraced innovation, introducing modern amenities and technologies while retaining the allure of yesteryear. 

Today, Rovos Rail stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic train travel, offering discerning travellers the opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery through Africa’s majestic landscapes in unrivalled style and comfort. 

Rovos Rail’s meticulously restored carriages blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge car, a small gift shop, a smoking lounge and an observation car with an open-air balcony. 

In the public cars, you’ll find a range of amenities designed to enhance your journey. Chat with your fellow travellers in the Observation and Lounge cars, enjoy exquisite local cuisine in the Dining car or watch the world go by in the Club car.

• Observation Car: With its open-air balcony, big picture windows, bar, sofas and booths, it has great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. 
• Lounge Car: With its big picture windows, sofas and wingbacks, it has great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days. At one end of the carriage, there is a small gift shop.
• Dining Car: Depending on the number of passengers on a journey, the train is set up with one or two dining cars. They are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Meals are served in one sitting only (breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00, lunch: 13:00 and dinner: 19:30). 
• Club Car: The club car hosts the smokers on the train in a public area and also as an overflow facility adjoining the Observation Car. With a glass passage wall, guests can comfortably watch the scenery on both sides of the train. 

Rovos Rail’s meticulously refurbished wood-panelled sleeper coaches promise a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. Each suite, designed to accommodate one or two passengers, offers a choice between double or twin beds. Indulge in the opulence of en-suite facilities and enjoy the convenience of daily service. With ample storage and thoughtful amenities, your comfort is assured throughout your journey. 

• Royal Suites: The Royal Suites take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a  Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. 
• Deluxe Suites: The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. 
• Pullman: The Pullmans, used on shorter journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin. 
• Pullman Gold: The Pullman Golds, used on longer journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet and basin.

Rovos Rail boasts twelve meticulously handcrafted journeys that offer passengers the opportunity to explore Africa in-depth. From the ever-changing landscapes of Zimbabwe to the vibrant culture of South Africa, here’s a brief overview of each itinerary: 

• African Collage: A 12-night tapestry of landscape, game, history and culture covering South Africa. 
• African Trilogy: A spectacular 15-night meander across the continent from the mountainous east to the deserts of the west. 
• Cape Town: Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo on this 3-night journey. 
• Copper Trail: 14 nights uniting a natural wonder of the world with the famous copper trail. 
• Dar es Salaam: Embark on this epic 15-night voyage across Southern Africa. 
• Durban Safari: Venture into the heart of the South African bushveld on this 2-night safari. 
• Golf Safari: An exciting 9-night kaleidoscope of golf and scenic beauty. 
• Namibia Safari: Explore untamed deserts and the wild Atlantic on this incredible 11-night safari. 
• Southern Cross: An 11-night panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 
• Trail of Two Oceans: A pioneering 15-night east-west African adventure. 
• Victoria Falls: A 3 to 4-night meander to see one of the natural wonders of the world. 

If you’d like to learn about each itinerary in more detail, read our overview of Rovos Rail’s routes here. 

With over ninety excursions across twelve journeys, Rovos Rail guests are spoilt for choice. From immersive wildlife safaris in the heart of the bushveld to captivating cultural experiences in historic towns and vibrant cities, each excursion promises a journey of discovery and delight. 

Whether tracing the footsteps of ancient civilisations at archaeological sites or savouring the flavours of local cuisine on culinary tours, Rovos Rail’s extensive array of excursions caters to every interest and curiosity, ensuring an enriching and memorable rail journey for all aboard. 

In October 2023, ROL Cruise team members Olivia, Emma, Carly and Alex were lucky enough to travel on the Victoria Falls itinerary with Rovos Rail. During their time on the train, they enjoyed three excursions: 

• Matobo National Park: Matobo National Park lies in southwest Zimbabwe covering an area of over 400 square kilometres. It’s known for the Matobo Hills, a range of balancing rock formations created by erosion of the granite plateau. The national park boasts various animal and bird species including black and white rhinos, sable antelopes and impala. 
• Hwange Reserve: The iconic Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park located in the northwestern part of Zimbabwe. Covering over 14,500 square kilometres, it’s home to the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe. In addition to four of the big five, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, Hwange has 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species. 
• Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls National Park is located in the northwestern part of Zimbabwe and is home to the world’s largest waterfall. Due to its remarkable natural beauty and cultural significance, Victoria Falls was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1989 and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.