Rovos Rail Luxury Train Journeys – African Safaris
- Kerry Graham
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Few travel experiences capture the romance of old-world exploration quite like Rovos Rail. From the polished wood and vintage brass fittings to the gentle rhythm of the rails and the ever-changing African landscapes, this is slow travel at its most elegant. Combining the nostalgia of a bygone era with world-class comfort, Rovos Rail remains one of the most unique ways to experience Africa.
Last night I attended a special dinner at Debretts Hotel, hosted by World Journeys, to be reintroduced to Rovos Rail Luxury Train Journeys and African Safaris. We experienced an inspiring presentation by Rovos representative, Carole O'Connor, Rovos, Sales Manager. and enjoyed a wonderful meal.
Rovos Rail offers bespoke train safaris through the heart of Africa, combining magnificent scenery with the golden age of leisure travel. In a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 16 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the Continents greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry up to 72 guests in 36 well-appointed suites and are also available for charter.
The incredible story of how Rovos Rail came to be
Rovos Rail began with a mix of passion, timing, and chance. Inspired by a Wilbur Smith heroine, encouraged by his friend Phil Acutt’s love of trains, and surrounded by the steam-rail heritage of Witbank, businessman Rohan Vos found himself drawn into the world of locomotives. What began in 1985 as a plan to restore a few old carriages for family holidays quickly turned into a full-fledged enterprise. Soon Rohan realised that, to avoid dependence on the railway authorities, he needed his own locomotive—purchasing and rebuilding a 1938 Class 19D, named Bianca after his daughter. By 1989, the first Rovos Rail journey departed Pretoria with just four paying passengers, marking the start of a new chapter in South African luxury travel.
The early years were far from smooth. Financial setbacks, high operating costs, and political uncertainty during South Africa’s transition in the early 1990s nearly ended the dream. A lifeline came through a partnership with UK tour operator Jules Verne, whose Cape Town–Victoria Falls packages sold out and rescued the company from collapse. From then on, Rovos Rail steadily grew, preserving and restoring classic locomotives and carriages—many named after the Vos children. Family life and the railway became inseparable as the business expanded, helping to keep South Africa’s rail heritage alive. Decades later, Rovos Rail stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and the enduring romance of the rails.
The Train
The Rovos Rail train features elegant accommodation carriages, dining cars, a lounge, a smoking lounge, a small gift shop, and an observation car with an open-air balcony. Meals are served in a single sitting and paired with fine South African wines. Daytime dress is smart casual, while evenings are more formal. To preserve the charm of a bygone era, there are no televisions or radios on board, and guests are asked to use electronic devices only in the privacy of their suites.
The Suites
Beautifully restored vintage carriages blend timeless character with modern comfort. Three suite types are available—Pullman (or Pullman Gold), Deluxe, and Royal—each offered in double or twin configuration. All suites feature an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin (with a full bath in the Royal Suites), along with a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, a safe, air conditioning, fine linens, and luxury amenities. Suites are serviced daily and include ample storage with hanging space and shelving.
Rovos Rail luxury train journeys – available in reverse
CAPE TOWN – 3 nights 1600km Pretoria – Cape Town
Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo
DURBAN SAFARI
2 nights 800km Pretoria – Durban
Venture into the heart of the South African bushveld
VICTORIA FALLS
¾ nights 1400km Pretoria-Victoria Falls
See on of the natural wonders of the world
GOLF SAFARI
9 nights 2100km Pretoria-Pretoria
4A kaleidoscope of golf, game and scenic beauty
NAMIBIA SAFARI
11 nights 3800kmn Pretoria – Walvis Bay
Explore untamed deserts and the wild Atlantic
SOUTHERN CROSS
11 nights 2500km Pretoria-Victoria Falls
A panoramic journey through South Africa, eSwatrini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe
AFRICAN COLLAGE
12 nights 3700km Pretoria-Cape Town
A rich tapestry of landscape, game, history and culture covering South Africa
AFRICAN TRILOGY
15 nights 5000km Pretoria – Walvis Bay
A spectacular meander across the continent from the mountainous east to the wild deserts of the west
COPPER TRAIL
14 NIGHTS 3100KM Victoria Falls -Lobito
Unite “the smoke that thunders” in Victoria Falls with the historical copper trail
DAR ES SALAAM
16 nights 5800km Cape Town – Dar es Salam
Embark on this epic voyage across Southern Africa
Below are a couple of flyers showing exciting journeys with Rovos Rail, including one for Golf enthusiasts (note non-golfers can opt to explore the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.
Flyers
Please feel free to contact me about anything to do with Rovos Rail or Africa Safaris, which are one of my passions.
Thank you for reading — I hope this blog sparks ideas for your own adventures. Until your next journey begins, enjoy dreaming of inspiring places and experiences yet to come.
Kerry
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