Rovos Rail Holidays

Rovos Rail holidays

Since its first venture on the tracks in April 1989, Rovos Rail has delivered a service of unparalleled luxury across South and Southern Africa. Its magnificently restored carriages and engines are interwoven with the history and memories of the Vos family, who started the business as a way to preserve the magic of the classic rail journey. Travelling from its home in Pretoria to destinations as spectacular as Victoria Falls, Namibia and Angola, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for world-class journeys in the heart of Southern Africa.

Rovos Rail owns one of the biggest private collections of vintage train cabins in the world. All are remodelled with the Rovos classic look in mind, to evoke the original feel of early 20th-century train travel. The Classic and Edwardian trains are equipped with pre-1940 dining cars, resplendent in polished dark wood with grand interior arches and pillars. The train's superbly appointed suites are spread across no more than 20 coaches, all of which have been lovingly rebuilt in a traditional Edwardian style. The result is a timeless collection of train carriages designed to offer guests a truly special experience.

And, of course, the setting for each journey is just as extraordinary. Whether heading out on safari or tasting your way across the winelands, Rovos Rail offers the chance to uncover the very best Southern Africa has to offer. Visit the mighty Victoria Falls, play golf on world-class courses or see the endless apricot deserts of Namibia – wherever you go, it’s sure to be inspiring.

Onboard Experiences

In keeping with the atmosphere of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board Rovos Rail, and the use of mobile phones is confined to the privacy of your suite. The result is sparkling conversation and more attention on the journey itself. A walk through the train reveals elegant lounge and dining cars staffed by the attentive Rovos team, ready and waiting to pour you a glass of South African wine or bring you a cup of hot coffee. Throughout your journey, you’ll have plenty of chances to relax in these spaces, surrounded by plush furnishings and classic décor as the African countryside passes you by.

Meals are served in the dining cars, showcasing a menu of fresh local ingredients and traditional speciality dishes, expertly paired with fine wines. Preparing for dinner each evening is a special time; you’ll retire to your cabin to freshen up and change into your formal attire feeling as though you've travelled back in time. Dressed to the nines in your tuxedo or cocktail dress, you’ll enjoy a multi-course feast before making the most of the onboard bar service as night falls.

Cabins on Rovos Rail

Pullman Suites

The Pullman Suites, all dark wood panelling and tasteful furnishings, offer a plush seating area during the day that converts to double or twin beds each evening. You’ll have air-conditioning, a writing desk and a safe for your valuables, while the convenient en suite bathrooms include a shower, hair dryer and shaver plugs. There’s also room service, 24 hours a day.

Deluxe Suites

The upgraded Deluxe Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds, with a separate lounge seating area and en suite bathroom with shower. These elegant wood-panelled cabins offer every modern convenience and comfort, including air-conditioning, and with no need to convert your cabin before bed, you’ll feel right at home at any time of day. The Deluxe Suites also feature a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and 24-hour room service as standard.

Royal Suites

For the ultimate in luxury, upgrade to one of the signature Rovos Rail Royal Suites. Comprised of half a carriage, each spacious Royal Suite features a private lounge area and full bathroom with a Victorian bathtub and separate shower. Side-by-side twin beds or a roomy double maximise your comfort levels during your stay, while elegant Edwardian features and sumptuous soft furnishings recall the decadence of a bygone era. As with the other suites, 24-hour room service is available, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of a bar fridge stocked with drinks of your choice.

For the most luxurious experience on your Rovos Rail journey we recommend you spoil yourself with a Royal Suite – you'll enjoy more room in which to relax and of course, a bath tub for soaking in, which could be incentive enough.