The Rovos Rail Magic 2026/2027
Quick Facts: Rovos Rail
- Train Type: 5-Star Luxury Sleeper Train.
- Primary Routes: Cape Town to Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Namibia, and Dar es Salaam.
- Inclusions: All meals, alcoholic beverages, and off-train excursions.
- Suite Types: Pullman (±7m²), Deluxe (±10m²), and Royal (±16m²).
- Connectivity: No Wi-Fi on board; device usage is restricted to private suites.
It's more than a train; this is a true rail expedition. Slow down, breathe, enjoy the faint smell of freshly polished wood, disconnect, and watch the spectacular African scenery unfold.
Rovos Rail bookings made on this page via SA Travel Online (an authorised, licensed booking partner) qualify to access our exclusive adventure experiences in Cape Town, and earn our unique travel vouchers for reviews. Simply email your review and photos of a previous rail trip or any other travel booking made with us, and we'll send you a voucher to discount the cost of this Rovos Rail trip.
Note: If you book directly with Rovos Rail, you will not qualify for SA Travel Online's travel vouchers or specific golfing bonuses.
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Availability last updated: 08-May-26
View All Route Details
Looking for a specific itinerary? Explore the detailed route maps, off-train excursions, and specific highlights for each Rovos Rail expedition below.
What is Life on Board the Pride of Africa Like?
When you first get on the train, there is a mini frenzy amongst passengers to walk the length of the beast and build a mental map of all its spaces; maybe mark one's territory in the observation car by sitting down and enjoying a favoured seat.
What is the Food and Beverage Policy on Rovos Rail?
Meals are enjoyed in Edwardian-style dining cars. The focus is on local ingredients and South African cuisine (e.g. springbok loin or seared scallop), with almost all the food being made on the train, rather than being pre-made. The gourmet meals ensure that you will never go hungry. On long trips they have 4,000 to 5,000 eggs on board!
The idea is not to have to care about money while on the train, so you can drink what you want, when you want, and in the quantities you want at no extra charge. If you want a bottle of wine sent to your room, it will happen. Expect to be plied with excellent South African wines and bubbly (but not French champagne).
Halaal/Vegetarian: Halaal food can be arranged but only for the first evening of a trip and only if the journey departs from Pretoria, and at an additional cost. Alternatively, Rovos offers a fantastic vegetarian course.
Is there Wi-Fi or TV on Rovos Rail?
"In maintaining the spirit of a bygone era of train travel, there are no radios or television sets on board as well as no Wi-Fi. Should guests need to stay connected, they can purchase local SIM cards or use international roaming. Reception is not guaranteed on all our routes, especially while the train is moving."
Device Policy: "We encourage a digital detox while travelling with us. The use of any electronic device that can disturb other guests is confined to the privacy of the suites. Talking to friends and catching up with emails is discouraged in public areas." They are especially forbidden in the dining car.
Warning: the lack of devices often leads to meaningful conversations and lifelong friendships being formed!
How is the Rovos Rail Train Configured?
Explore the general layout of the Rovos Rail train from the locomotive to the observation car. Note: The exact makeup is dependent on capacity. Select any layout image to view full screen.
Rovos Rail Carriage Configurations
- Pullman Suite: ±7m² (±76ft²). Features a daytime sofa that converts to bunks or a double bed. Includes en-suite shower.
- Deluxe Suite: ±10m² (±108ft²). Features twin or double beds with a lounge area and en-suite shower.
- Royal Suite: ±16m² (±172ft²). Takes up half a carriage. Features a private lounge and full en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and shower.
- Observation Car: Located at the rear of the train, seating ±32 guests with an open-air balcony.
Capital Park Station (Pretoria)
A visit to the private railway station in Pretoria is a true highlight of the journey. This sprawling 60-acre facility serves not only as the bustling heart of provisioning operations, but also as a working railway museum and a fully equipped repair facility unlike any other in the world.
Rail enthusiasts and casual travellers alike will be captivated by the vast carriage sheds and the fleet of historic steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Guests are invited on a guided tour before departure, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes. We strongly recommend arriving two hours prior to departure to fully experience the estate and enjoy the VIP lounges.
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