Description
Rovos Rail offers two beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious and luxurious train suites in the world. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.
Rovos Rail was established in 1989 with the aim of recapturing the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
The trains, which may be pulled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 suites.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 36 suites all with air-conditioning offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Pullman Suites are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Childcare
There are no specific child care facilities available but children are most welcome on board Rovos Rail.
Activities
There will be numerous off-train excursions arranged for your trip and these will depend on the route taken.
Services
Room Service
When to travel
Year-round destination. The summers are generally warm and dry, while winters tend to be wet and cool, the rains brought on by fierce north westerly gales. Neither season experiences extremes of temperature, thanks to prevailing winds. Summer (Nov-Mar) is the hottest with temperatures 20-40°C. Mid season (Apr, May, Sep, Oct) temps between 10-30°C. Winter (from June- Aug) is the low season with temps 0-25°C.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Africa
Travel through South Africa, journeys include Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Durban, Namibia and Dar es Salaam.
How to get there
Most journeys on depart from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, which is a 11-hour 30-minute flight to Johannesburg followed by a 1-hour transfer.
