Experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world. Rovos Rail’s unique trains travel through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel. These beautifully rebuilt trains offer accommodation of the highest standard, combining the opulence of a bygone era with subtle modern innovations.  Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches – classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition – and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows and play some of the best golf courses in South Africa. The trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. 

LOCATION:

Rovos Rail head office is located at their private train station, Capital Park in Pretoria

Approximately 61km from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

ACCOMMODATION

The Suites - The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodates two people 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 measure 16 sq metres and have a lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower, the Deluxe Suites measure 11 sq metres with a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Pullman Suites measure 7 sq metres and are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening and also have en-suite bathroom with shower.

FACILITIES - RESTAURANTS & BARS  

Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Breakfast is between 07h00 and 10h00, lunch at 13h00, tea at 16h30 and a formal dinner at 19h30. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.

Dress 

For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.

GOLF JOURNEYS

The journeys are full board (including premium open bar, 19th hole, off train meals, afternoon teas, excursions and fully inclusive of caddies, golf, carts, & prizes).

Golf Pro – on all the golf journeys a resident golf professional accompanies the group and organises a competition each day as well as giving tuition.

Luxury coach transfers golfers and leisure guests between train stations and locations and excursions are privately guided.

THE GOLF SAFARI

This nine-day, five round Golf Safari has been designed to entertain the most discerning golfer with excursions for non-playing guests at all venues. This journey begins in Pretoria and travels North West to Sun City for a full day at this renowned facility. The journey then heads south into the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, 18 holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort with a guided tour of the Battlefields a further highlight for non-golfers. Then continuing south to Durban, where golfers can play Durban Country Club or  Beachwood or Zimbali, while non-playing guests enjoy a city tour of Durban followed by a coastal lunch. Next it is on to Zululand with an overnight stop in Hluhluwe followed by game viewing the next morning in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Then it is onto Swaziland, where golfers will tee off at the Royal Swazi Sun Golf Club or a morning game drive in Mkhaya Rserve with a visit to a local village for shopping. The train then continues north to Malelane, play at Leopard Creek or White River or Nelspruit or visit the world-famous Kruger Park for a game drive followed by lunch. The train travels the Highveld towards Pretoria with an overnight stop in Witbank before departing for Pretoria where this memorable journey ends. Golf Courses: Lost City or Gary Player Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club or Beachwood or Zimbali, Royal Swazi Sun and Leopard Creek or White River or Nelspruit.

THE AFRICAN GOLF COLLAGE

This ten-day, six round Golf Collage winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town (visa versa) and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. The journey traverses the majestic Drakensberg escarpment en route to Malelane. The following morning non golfers enjoy an early game drive through the famous Kruger Park and golfers get to play the stunning Leopard Creek GC or White River Country Club or Nelspruit. During the night the train continues south to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the oldest reserve in Africa, then through to Durban for overnight in the city. The next day golfers play Durban CC or Durban Beachwood and non golfers enjoy a short city tour of Durban and then the train steadily traverses the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop, where golfers get to play Champagne Sports Resort and leisure guest a bout of the battlefields. The train then travels across the Highveld to wards the coast to Port Elizabeth, for a visit to the Addo Elephant Park for non golfers and a chance to play Humewood for golfers. Over night the train travels inland to Wilowmore and in the morning golfers get to play Ernie Els Oubaai, and leisure guests enjoy an ostrich farm visit in Oudsthoorn with dinner in Fancourt Estate, The following morning golfers tee off at Fancourt and non golfers enjoy a ferry ride on the Knysna lagoon. During the afternoon the train travels the Garden Route to Riversdale and the final day is at leisure traversing the Cape Fold Mountains ending at Gape Town station in the late afternoon.

Golf Courses: Leopard Creek or White River or Nelspruit, Durban Country Club or Durban Beachwood, Humewood, Ernie Els Oubaai and Fancourt.