Rovos Rail: Cape Town & Pretoria
The Pride of Africa — the world's most luxurious train, edge to edge across South Africa
Overview
Step aboard the Pride of Africa and travel between Pretoria and Cape Town the way the world's great journeys were always meant to be taken — unhurried, gracious and utterly private. Rovos Rail is widely regarded as the most luxurious train in the world, and this three-night, 1,600-kilometre odyssey is its signature journey. Restored wood-panelled carriages, en-suite Victorian-era suites and an open-balcony observation car carry you from the Highveld grasslands, across the diamond fields of Kimberley and the vast silence of the Great Karoo, to the vineyards and mountains of the Cape.
There are no televisions and no radios — only crisp linen, five-star cuisine, a curated cellar of the finest South African wines and the changing landscape sliding past your window. Off-train excursions to the Big Hole in Kimberley and the perfectly preserved Victorian village of Matjiesfontein turn the journey into a moving grand hotel. Dinner is a black-tie occasion; the days are yours to read, doze or simply watch a continent unfold. This is rail travel as theatre, romance and heritage in equal measure.
Who It's For
Made for travellers who believe the journey is the destination — honeymooners, couples marking a milestone, and discerning guests who want South Africa revealed slowly, in extraordinary comfort. It pairs beautifully as the grand finale to a Cape Town stay or the elegant prelude to a Kruger or Sabi Sand safari.
Package Highlights
The World's Most Luxurious Train
Restored 1930s–50s carriages, only 72 guests, personal train manager and stewards
En-Suite Victorian Suites
Pullman, Deluxe & Royal suites with private bathrooms — the Royal has a Victorian tub
Kimberley Big Hole
Off-train tour of the historic diamond mine and museum
Matjiesfontein
Stroll a time-capsule Victorian village in the heart of the Karoo
Fine Dining & Cape Cellar
Five-star cuisine, all beverages, and a curated South African wine list included
Open-Air Observation Car
A rear balcony to watch the Karoo and Hex River mountains drift by
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Rovos Rail's private station in Capital Park, Pretoria, where the team welcomes you with a glass of champagne and a tour of the station and locomotive yard. As the whistle sounds, the Pride of Africa eases out across the Highveld grasslands. Settle into your wood-panelled suite, unpack, and make your way to the dining car for a leisurely lunch as farmland and koppies roll past. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge car; then it is time to dress for the first of the journey's black-tie dinners.
🏨 Accommodation: Rovos Rail — Pullman / Deluxe / Royal Suite
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Pullman Suite
📍 7 m² — the classic Rovos suite
The most intimate of the suites at around 7 m², with a comfortable sofa that converts to a double or twin beds by night, and a private en-suite bathroom with shower. Every bit as beautifully appointed as its larger sisters — polished wood, brass fittings and period detail throughout.
From $983 per person per night
Deluxe Suite
📍 10 m² — the sweet spot
At roughly 10 m² the Deluxe Suite offers generous space, a lounge area and a full en-suite bathroom with shower. The most popular category on board, combining comfort and value on the great Cape Town–Pretoria run.
From $1,420 per person per night
Royal Suite
📍 16 m² — half a carriage
The pinnacle of rail luxury: the Royal Suite occupies half a carriage — around 16 m² — with a private lounge and a full en-suite bathroom featuring a Victorian bath and separate shower. Space, light and old-world grandeur for the ultimate celebration.
From $1,893 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Pullman Suite
(~$983/night)
≈7 m² en-suite suite, all meals, all on-board beverages & excursions included
Get QuoteDeluxe Suite
(~$1,420/night)
≈10 m² suite with lounge area, all-inclusive dining, cellar & off-train tours
Get QuoteRoyal Suite
(~$1,893/night)
Half-carriage ≈16 m² suite with Victorian bath, private lounge, fully inclusive
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 3 nights aboard Rovos Rail in your chosen suite category
- ✓ All meals — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and black-tie dinners
- ✓ All on-board beverages including a curated South African wine, spirit & beer selection
- ✓ Guided off-train excursions (Kimberley Big Hole & Matjiesfontein) with entrance fees
- ✓ Personal train manager and attentive stewards
- ✓ Limited laundry service
- ✓ Station reception with champagne on departure
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International & domestic flights
- ✗ Pre- and post-tour transfers, hotels and touring
- ✗ Imported champagne and rare vintages
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Travel insurance and visas
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Cape Town–Pretoria journey runs year-round. Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) are the most scenic, with clear skies over the Karoo and the Hex River Valley at its most beautiful; book six to twelve months ahead for peak dates.
Why Choose This Package
The Benchmark of Luxury Rail
Rovos Rail is consistently ranked the most luxurious train in the world — a moving five-star hotel with only 72 guests.
A True Cross-Section of South Africa
Highveld, diamond fields, Great Karoo and Cape Winelands in a single, seamless journey between the two anchor cities.
All-Inclusive, Utterly Effortless
Every meal, all beverages, the cellar and the excursions are included — you simply arrive and are looked after.
Perfect Safari & City Pairing
We combine the train with Cape Town, the Winelands, Kruger or the Sabi Sand for a flawless multi-part itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Rovos Rail: Cape Town & Pretoria?
From $2,950 per person | 4 Days / 3 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
