Travel Vouchers for Reviews: Rovos Rail bookings made via SA Travel Online qualify for our exclusive rewards programme. After your trip, send us a write-up and photos, and we will send you travel vouchers to discount the cost of your next journey.
Referral Programme: Refer a friend and get a R500 luxury rail voucher to discount your trip when they complete theirs.
Optional: If calendars permit, a complimentary guided hiking experience on Table Mountain in Cape Town. Ask Rob.
Rovos Rail Perks
A free chauffeur transfer
To add some spice to your Rovos Rail golfing safari, if you shoot par relative to your handicap (or better) over the duration of the train trip, SA Travel Online will ship a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon directly to you. (Valid only for clients who book their journey through us - simply email us a copy of your scorecards at the end of the trip as proof).
Blue Train Perks
Guests booking The Blue Train with SA Travel Online (a licensed reseller) receive the following added value:
A complimentary night's accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Pretoria or Cape Town (subject to availability).
A free chauffeur transfer between the complimentary hotel and the train station.
*Ts & Cs apply.
Rovos Rail SA Residents Specials (2-for-1 Deal)
Experience the Pride of Africa at a fraction of the cost. These 50% reduced rate specials (also known as the "2-for-1 special") are highly sought after.
Eligibility & Inclusions
Eligibility: Only valid for citizens of South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Booking requires presentation of a valid SA ID or passport. Short-term residency, diplomatic residency, or work permits will not be accepted.
Included: Accommodation, all meals, all beverages on board, room service, limited laundry, guided excursions, preselected local wines/beers/soft drinks on excursions, entrance fees, and government tax.
Excluded: International sparkling wine/French Champagne, gratuities (R100 - R200 per day recommended for exceptional service), personal expenses, visas, travel insurance, pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation, and flights.
Note: A single supplement of +50% applies. The Rovos Club discounts (for repeat clients) do not apply to these special rates.
When do SA Residents specials get released?
Rovos Rail typically announces these resident specials roughly 2 months before the departure date. For example, check back in June for August departures. If you see a date below that works for you, grab it immediately - they do not last long.
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If you do not qualify for the SA Resident specials, or you are planning far in advance, below are the standard starting prices for the lowest-priced suites (Pullman) across all routes.
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Serandipians Benefits
Rovos Rail is a member of this exclusive community. When booked, guests may receive additional welcome amenities and bespoke items.
Rovos Rail combo deals
Create itineraries by combining Rovos Rail's short and long journeys and receive a 5% discount.
Exclusive Rovos Rail Club Discounts
The Rovos Rail Club offers the opportunity for "repeat offenders" to get discounted train trips. When you are on your second trip with Rovos, you can apply to join the club, and on your third trip, you will finally start getting club discounts.
Because we book so many local residents on the Pride of Africa, we encounter the same specific logistical questions. Here are the unspoken rules of the 2-for-1 deals.
If I am an SA Resident, but my spouse is from the UK, do we both get the 50% discount?
No. The discount is strictly applied on a per-person basis.
Rovos Rail requires a copy of the passport or ID for every passenger at the time of booking. For a mixed-nationality couple sharing a suite, the South African citizen will pay the 50% discounted SA Resident rate, while the UK citizen will be billed the standard international rack rate for their half of the suite. You cannot use one SA ID to cover the whole cabin.
Are the SA Resident specials ever available in December or January?
Far fewer.
December through February is the absolute peak season for international tourism in South Africa. During these months, Rovos Rail suites are often sold out a year in advance to foreign visitors paying full price in foreign currency. The specials are a yield-management tool used to fill empty cabins during the shoulder and winter months (typically May through September).
Can I book a 2-for-1 special a year in advance?
No, specials are only released at the last minute.
Because Rovos Rail prioritises full-fare international bookings, they only release discounted resident rates when they have unsold cabins close to a departure date. You will typically only see these specials announced 4 to 8 weeks before the train departs. If you want to plan a trip for next year, you will have to pay the standard rate.
Is the dress code relaxed on "Special" departures?
Absolutely not.
There is no such thing as a "budget" or "locals only" departure. When you book a resident special, you are simply filling an empty suite on a standard, premium Rovos Rail journey alongside international guests who paid full price. The strict dress code (smart casual during the day, jacket and tie for gentlemen and formal evening wear for ladies at dinner) is strictly enforced to maintain the 1920s atmosphere for everyone on board.
The Great Train Race (Rovos Rail)
The dates for the 2026 Great Train Race have not been announced yet. Check back later in the year for updates.
View Past Event: Great Train Race 2025
The 2025 Great Train Race ran from Pretoria to Heidelberg and back (26 - 28 September 2025).
Day 1: Departed Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train was hauled by two locomotives (one steam and one diesel), the first being steam locomotive 3360 'Shaun', built in 1948.
Day 2: In Heidelberg, the train met a procession of classic cars and motorcycles led by a vintage Bentley, with vintage aircraft overhead. Guests disembarked in 1920s/1930s vintage racewear for a festival featuring gin tents, live music, and classic car displays.
Day 3: Arrived back in Pretoria.
The 2026 Winter Warmer Promotion
The Blue Train's Winter Warmer Promotion is available for Cape Town - Pretoria journeys from April 2026 through August 2026. This deal is available for all nationalities, including SA residents.
High Season vs Low Season
Like most premium travel experiences, The Blue Train utilises seasonal pricing. Travelling during the Low Season offers the most competitive rates.
Low Season (Best Value)
01 January 2026 to 31 August 2026
16 November 2026 to 31 December 2026
01 January 2027 to 31 August 2027
16 November 2027 to 31 December 2027
High Season (Premium Rates)
01 September 2026 to 15 November 2026
01 September 2027 to 15 November 2027
Fares are significantly more expensive during these spring months.
The Blue Train Experience
The Blue Train Experience includes:
World-renowned luxury train travel.
Personalised butler service including unlimited room service, minimum laundry service, and portage.
Unlimited snacks, gourmet meals, and drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic - including fine wines sourced from top South African winemakers, and premium alcoholic brands), as well as hand-made Cuban cigars.
Live Entertainment.
The Blue Train Specials vs Rovos Rail Specials
How do the SA Resident 2-for-1 deals on Rovos Rail stack up against The Blue Train specials?
The Blue Train Specials
Eligibility: Generally available to all nationalities.
Timing: Released last-minute (usually 4 to 8 weeks before departure).
Discount: 50% off the standard rack rate (often called a 2-for-1 deal).
Perks: Includes the standard all-inclusive Rovos experience, but no pre- and post-trip accommodation is bundled; however VIP chauffeur transfers are often included.
Annual price increase on 1 October
If you are planning far in advance or want a complimentary hotel stay, The Blue Train is often the smarter financial play. If you are a local resident with flexible dates looking for the classic "slow travel" experience, hold out for a Rovos Rail 2-for-1 deal.
🚂Official Rovos Rail and The Blue Train Partner
Ready to secure your 5-star hotel perk and board the Blue Train? Fill out the form below or email rob@southafrica.to anytime.
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