Rovos Rail Pretoria – Cape Town 

Africa’s Premium Luxury Train

3 NIGHTS • 1,600KM

This journey captures South Africa’s remarkable diversity in miniature a true “world in one country” experience. The route crosses the gold-rich grasslands of the Highveld before giving way to the stark, haunting expanse of the Great Karoo, then winds through dramatic mountain passes and the scenic winelands of the Cape. The journey draws to a close in Cape Town, South Africa’s beloved Mother City, set beneath the towering presence of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.

Experience The Highlights

Rovos Rail station in Southern Africa, boarding area for luxury train journeys.
Waiter on Rovos Rail
The Kimberley Big Hole, a massive open-pit diamond mine in South Africa.
Couple getting off the Rovos Rail train at the station at the end of their journey in South Africa.
Table Mountain and Lion’s Head with Cape Town city bowl and greenery

Itinerary Overview 

Along both the northbound and southbound routes, travellers stop at Matjiesfontein, a beautifully preserved Victorian-era village established in 1890 as a refreshment stop, complete with a notable museum right on the platform. A further highlight is Kimberley, home to the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation on Earth. The route is also available in reverse.

Stops & Day Tours On This Itinerary

  • Cape Town
  • Journey through the Cape Winelands
  • Traverse the Karoo
  • Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum tour
  • Matjiesfontein visit
  • Pretoria

 

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On Board Rovos Rail

Rear carriage with open-air viewing deck on the Rovos Rail luxury train in South Africa.
Rovos Rail luxury train travelling through African landscape.
Elegant dining car interior on Rovos Rail luxury train in Africa.
Rovos Rail luxury train departing from a station in Southern Africa.
Waiter on Rovos Rail
Couple looking out window on Rovos Rail luxury train during Namibia-South Africa tour
Luxury lounge carriage interior aboard Rovos Rail luxury train.
Rovos Rail buffet with afternoon tea treats and luxury dining.

Do You Have Questions About This Tour?

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Accommodation Options On Rovos Rail

Vintage carriages combine with modern luxuries in three suite types available in double or twin: Royal ±16m2 (two per carriage), Deluxe ±10m2 (three per carriage) and Pullman/Pullman Gold ±7m2 (five per carriage).

Luxury accommodation types on board the Rovos Rail train in South Africa.
Luxury accommodation types on board the Rovos Rail train in South Africa.
Luxury accommodation types on board the Rovos Rail train in South Africa.
Luxury accommodation types on board the Rovos Rail train in South Africa.

ROYAL SUITES ±16m² • ±172ft²

Featuring classic wood panelling, period charm and modern conveniences, these coaches offer a refined and comfortable ride. Each Royal Suite spans half a carriage and includes its own private sitting area, along with an ensuite bathroom fitted with a Victorian-style bathtub, a separate shower, toilet and basin. Suites are designed for one or two guests, with a choice of double or twin bed arrangements. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. Please note that suite availability may vary, and actual layouts could differ slightly from those pictured.

 

Luxury accommodation types on board the Rovos Rail train in South Africa.

DELUXE SUITES ±10m² • ±108ft²

These wood-panelled coaches combine period elegance with contemporary comfort throughout. Deluxe Suites sleep one or two guests, with a choice of double or convertible twin beds, plus a private lounge area and an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. Please note that suite availability may vary, and actual layouts could differ slightly from those pictured.

 

 

PULLMAN GOLD SUITES ±7m² • ±76ft²

Wood-panelled and rich in period detail, these coaches pair heritage styling with modern-day comforts. Pullman Gold suites are typically featured on the longer routes and accommodate one or two travellers in either a double bed or convertible twin arrangement, along with an ensuite shower, toilet and basin. Upon boarding, guests will find their suite set up lengthways, with the twin beds initially arranged as sofa seating (the preferred default) — these can be reconfigured into a lengthways double bed if desired. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. Please note that suite availability may vary, and actual layouts could differ slightly from those pictured.

 
 

 

Classic Wooden Style

These wood-panelled coaches blend classic period character with the conveniences of modern travel. Suites are designed for one or two guests, with a choice of double or twin bed configurations. Each comes with its own ensuite bathroom, space for suitcase storage, compact cupboards fitted with hangers and shelving, bed linen, toiletries, robes and slippers, a hairdryer, a shaver socket and a USB charging point. Every mattress is reversible, offering a plush side and a firmer side — guests will find the softer side facing up by default, though this can be switched upon request. Pillows are filled with faux-down microfiber and wrapped in a cotton down-proof cover. Double beds are dressed with fitted sheets and blankets during the day, with single duvets provided for the evening. A personal host or hostess is on hand throughout the journey and attends to each suite daily. For further information on onboard life, including amenities, travelling with children, currency, excursions, laundry, luggage, medical matters, mobility and more...

 

Price Includes

Accommodation; all meals; all beverages on board; room service; limited laundry; overnight bag; guided excursions (where applicable); preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions; flights, transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary; onboard doctor and historian with lectures; government tax.
 
Included in off-train accommodation: (Where applicable) Meals; preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks; non-motorised activities; government tax and levies
 

Price Excludes

All other beverages; international sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights

Excluded from off-train accommodation: All other beverages; laundry; personal expenses.
 
Retail Terms and Conditions
 

All photos credited to Rovos Rail & Scott Manaco

Why African Signature

Curated Destinations

The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.

Tailored Experiences

The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.

Sustainable Stewardship

The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.

Do You Have Questions About This Tour?

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 Travel Insurance

Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.

In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.

Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.

Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.

Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!

Our Concierge Is Here To Help 

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.