Rovos Rail 2028 Fares: Journey into the Golden Age of Travel
Experience the unparalleled luxury of the Pride of Africa with the newly released 2028 itineraries. Whether you are traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Cape or embarking on a transcontinental epic to Dar es Salaam, Rovos Rail promises an unforgettable voyage.
The 2028 rates reflect an 8% to 14% adjustment from the previous year. Notably, the adjustments on the highly sought-after short journeys are milder than those seen in 2027, which were necessary to cover the extensive acquisition of new locomotives. Availability on these prestigious routes fills up quickly. WhatsApp Rovos Rob for personalised assistance in securing your suite.
Train Bookings
Prices auto-adjusted for exchange rates. WhatsApp Rob at 27824795197 for help.
Availability last updated: 19-May-26
2028 Short Journey Fares & Adjustments
For 2028, the short-journey rate adjustments range from 9% on the Durban route to 14% on the Victoria Falls expedition, compared to a 15% to 20% range in 2027.
| Route | Pullman Suite; 2026 fares | Pullman Suite; 2027 fares | Pullman Suite; 2028 fares | 2028 fare increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria to Cape Town 3 nights |
R45 000 PPS | R54 000 PPS | R59 900 PPS | 11% |
| Cape Town to Pretoria 3 nights |
R45 000 PPS | R54 000 PPS | R59 900 PPS | 11% |
| Pretoria to Victoria Falls 3 & 4 nights |
R57 600 PPS | R66 500 PPS | R76 000 PPS | 14% |
| Victoria Falls to Pretoria 3 & 4 nights |
R57 600 PPS | R66 500 PPS | R76 000 PPS | 14% |
| Pretoria to Durban 2 nights |
R40 800 PPS | R49 900 PPS | R54 500 PPS | 9% |
| Durban to Pretoria 2 nights |
R40 800 PPS | R49 900 PPS | R54 500 PPS | 9% |
Note: The prices above reflect a per person sharing (PPS) basis for our entry-level Pullman Suites on one-way journeys. If you prefer the expansive luxury of a Deluxe or Royal suite, please contact us directly for customised quoting.
Retrospective: 2027 Short Journey Increases
| Route | Pullman Suite; 2026 fares | Pullman Suite; 2027 fares | 2027 fare increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria to Cape Town 3 nights |
R45 000 PPS | R54 000 PPS | 20% |
| Cape Town to Pretoria 3 nights |
R45 000 PPS | R54 000 PPS | 20% |
| Pretoria to Victoria Falls 3 & 4 nights |
R57 600 PPS | R66 500 PPS | 15% |
| Victoria Falls to Pretoria 3 & 4 nights |
R57 600 PPS | R66 500 PPS | 15% |
| Pretoria to Durban 2 nights |
R40 800 PPS | R49 900 PPS | 22% |
| Durban to Pretoria 2 nights |
R40 800 PPS | R49 900 PPS | 22% |
Short Journeys Fares (1 October 2027 - 30 September 2028)
Rates are published per one-way journey, per person sharing. A single supplement of +50% applies.
- Pretoria to/from Cape Town (3 nights): Pullman: R59 900 | Deluxe: R86 500 | Royal: R114 000
- Pretoria to/from Victoria Falls (3 or 4 nights): Pullman: R76 000 | Deluxe: R109 500 | Royal: R143 000
- Pretoria to/from Durban (3 nights): Pullman: R54 500 | Deluxe: R77 500 | Royal: R103 000
Epic Long Journeys Fares (1 January 2028 - 31 December 2028)
Rates are published per one-way journey, per person sharing.
- Dar es Salaam (16 nights): Pullman: $20 020 | Deluxe: $26 400 | Royal: $34 650
- Copper Trail (14 nights): Pullman: $20 020 | Deluxe: $26 400 | Royal: $34 650
- African Trilogy (15 nights): Pullman: R314 600 | Deluxe: R423 500 | Royal: R528 000
- African Collage (12 nights): Pullman: R230 000 | Deluxe: R328 000 | Royal: R437 000
- Southern Cross (11 nights): Pullman: R194 500 | Deluxe: R276 500 | Royal: R368 500
- Namibia Safari (11 nights): Pullman: R280 000 | Deluxe: R355 000 | Royal: R438 000
- Golf Safari (9 nights): Pullman: R147 500 | Deluxe: R209 500 | Royal: R277 800
Combos & Collections
- CPT - VFA (9 nights): Pullman: R129 105 | Deluxe: R186 200 | Royal: R244 150
- DUR - VFA (6/7 nights): Pullman: R123 975 | Deluxe: R177 650 | Royal: R233 700
- CPT - DUR (6/7 nights): Pullman: R108 680 | Deluxe: R155 800 | Royal: R206 150
- Honeymoon / Old Drift (5 nights): Pullman: R139 750 (to R141 500) | Deluxe: R171 600 (to R172 550)
2028 Long Journey Adjustments
Rates for our signature long journeys have increased between 8% and 10%, remaining consistently in line with the adjustments seen in 2027.
| Route | PULLMAN PPS 2027 | PULLMAN PPS 2028 | 2028 fare increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 16 nights |
US$ 18 200 PPS | US$ 20 020 PPS | 10% |
| Dar es Salaam to Cape Town 16 nights |
US$ 18 200 PPS | US$ 20 020 PPS | 10% |
| Copper Trail Victoria Falls to Lobito 14 nights |
US$ 18 200 PPS | US$ 20 020 PPS | 10% |
| Copper Trail Lobito to Victoria Falls 14 nights |
US$ 18 200 PPS | US$ 20 020 PPS | 10% |
| African Trilogy Pretoria to Walvis Bay 15 nights |
R286 000 PPS | R314 600 PPS | 10% |
| Golf Safari Pretoria to Pretoria 9 nights |
R136 000 PPS | R147 500 PPS | 8% |
Retrospective: 2027 Long Journey Increases
| Route | PULLMAN PPS 2026 | PULLMAN PPS 2027 | 2027 fare increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 16 nights |
US$ 16 500 PPS | US$ 18 200 PPS | 10% |
| Dar es Salaam to Cape Town 16 nights |
US$ 16 500 PPS | US$ 18 200 PPS | 10% |
| Copper Trail Victoria Falls to Lobito 14 nights |
US$ 16 500 PPS | US$ 18 200 PPS | 10% |
| Copper Trail Lobito to Victoria Falls 14 nights |
US$ 16 500 PPS | US$ 18 200 PPS | 10% |
| African Trilogy Pretoria to Walvis Bay 15 nights |
R263 500 PPS | R286 000 PPS | 9% |
| Golf Safari Pretoria to Pretoria 9 nights |
R125 000 PPS | R136 000 PPS | 9% |
Note: The above prices refer exclusively to Pullman Suites. Please be aware that Pullman suites are not available on Rovos Rail Collections journeys. Should you desire the premium space of a Deluxe or Royal suite, we are on hand to provide a customised quote.
The Context Behind the Fares: An Investment in Reliability
In December 2023, Transnet (South African Railways) requested that Rovos Rail operate their own locomotives within South Africa. While this mandate required a substantial capital outlay without an immediate financial return, it ultimately guarantees Rovos a far greater degree of control and operational reliability. Running an independent fleet is a considerable undertaking - exacerbated by the ongoing process of establishing service depots nationwide. Proactively addressing this, Rovos acquired a robust fleet comprising both diesel and electric locomotives. This dual capability allows for seamless transitions should overhead power issues arise during a journey, ensuring your experience remains undisturbed.
Rovos successfully absorbed these immediate operational expenses throughout 2024 and 2025; however, the rate adjustments implemented across 2026, 2027, and 2028 are a necessary reflection of these vital infrastructure investments. Additionally, operating a luxury train over long distances is highly energy-intensive. Locomotives and essential onboard services consume approximately 5000 litres of diesel per day, placing the operation at the mercy of volatile global fuel markets.
You can rest assured that Rovos remains steadfast in their commitment to their guests. There is no intention to alter the published rates for 2026 and 2027, which were confirmed well in advance, and all existing bookings will be honoured exactly as contracted. While they will keep guests informed should sustained global shifts necessitate a change, their absolute focus right now is on flawless service delivery, consistency, and preserving the magic of the journey.
The Uncompromising Luxury: What's Included
- Your exquisite accommodation aboard the train.
- All onboard dining, prepared by master chefs:
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:00
- Lunch: 13:00
- Afternoon Tea: 16:30
- Formal Dinner: 19:30 (unless adjusted per itinerary)
- A fully inclusive beverage programme:
- Enjoy a carefully curated selection of local and international beverages, including fine wines, brandy, gin, rum, vodka, whisky, premium spirits, digestifs, grappa, liqueurs, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options. A dedicated cocktail menu and mixers are also available. Special requests and international sparkling wine may be pre-ordered at an additional cost.
- Attentive, 24-hour room service.
- A limited onboard laundry service for your convenience.
- Expertly guided off-train excursions (where applicable), complete with preselected local wines, beers, and soft drinks.
- All entrance fees outlined in your itinerary.
- Golf green fees and carts for golfing safaris.
- Insights from an onboard historian (Namibia Safari, Dar es Salaam, and Copper Trail routes).
- The reassurance of an onboard doctor (Dar es Salaam and Copper Trail routes).
- Government tax.
Child Policy
- To maintain the tranquil atmosphere, long journeys are not recommended for children under 13.
- Infants and toddlers (0 - 2 years old) are not permitted to travel.
- Please note there are no child-minding facilities or bespoke activities available for children on board.
- Children aged 3 - 9 years: Pay 75% of the adult per person sharing rate.
- Children aged 10+ years: Pay the full adult rate.
Click here to obtain a pdf of the Rovos Rail 2028 prices.
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