Rovos Rail Southern Africa — curated grand journey by private rail
From Kruger to the Mount Nelson, every detail handled by our team.
Highlights at a Glance:
Rovos Rail's Moving Palace
Traverse Southern Africa's most spectacular landscapes aboard Rovos Rail where Edwardian elegance meets contemporary luxury, crystal and silver service complement world-class South African cuisine.
Seamless VIP Experience
Journey knowing every detail has been anticipated—from VIP airport arrivals to private transfers, with our dedicated 24/7 expert Luxury Train Club team ensuring your African odyssey flows seamlessly.
Continental Exploration
Experience the most comprehensive luxury rail journey across Southern Africa, revealing the continent's diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife through an expertly curated 17-day expedition.
Observation Car Theatre
Watch the Big Five perform against African sunset backdrops from Rovos Rail's Observation Car—your private cinema where comfortable armchairs and panoramic windows transform wildlife viewing into theatrical experience.
£27,999
Why This Journey
Africa chooses its own timetable, and Rovos Rail honours it. This isn't a holiday; it's an awakening. Seventeen days where your greatest decision is whether to watch elephants from your suite's window or the observation car's armchairs. Where professional rangers become storytellers, and every sunset feels like a private performance. Rovos restores something precious—your capacity for wonder. When did you last gasp at a view? Feel genuinely surprised by wildlife? Experience silence so profound it becomes music?
Historic Saxon Hotel Legacy
Sleep where Nelson Mandela penned the final chapters of 'The Long Walk to Freedom' at the Saxon Hotel, where history's most inspiring story of triumph was completed.
Mount Nelson's Iconic Status
Claim your place at Cape Town's most legendary address — the Mount Nelson's famous 'Pink Lady'— where beneath Table Mountain's ancient silhouette, over a century of refined hospitality creates the perfect sanctuary.
Kruger Untamed Exclusivity
Sleep under African stars at Kruger Untamed — an exclusive luxury tented sanctuary in the heart of the continent's most celebrated national park — where canvas walls dissolve the boundary between comfort and wilderness.
£27,999
Route & Highlights
Begin at the Saxon in Johannesburg and trace the city’s arc from Apartheid Museum to Mandela House in Soweto. Board Rovos at the private station; move through the highveld towards Kruger National Park. Expect extended game viewing with professional rangers, then cultural encounters with communities and conservationists. Reaching the Cape, step into Belmond’s Mount Nelson — the city’s pink‑walled grande dame — for gardens, tea and that last toast.
Triple Safari Excellence
Witness Africa's magnificent wildlife through three distinctly different safari experiences—each offering unique perspectives on the continent's most celebrated conservation areas, ensuring Big Five encounters across diverse ecosystems.
Franschhoek Wine Estate Privilege
Savour South Africa's viticultural excellence through private tastings at Franschhoek's most celebrated wine estates, where French Huguenot heritage meets New World innovation in globally acclaimed wines.
Continental Wildlife Diversity
Experience the full spectrum of Southern Africa's wildlife across multiple countries and ecosystems, from desert-adapted species to riverine populations, creating unparalleled biodiversity encounters.
£27,999
On Board Experience & Suites
Deluxe Suites feature a private shower room, seating, and refined fixtures. In the dining cars, crystal and silver set the stage; the Club Car and Observation Car prompt conversation and long gazes over the veld.
Deluxe Suite
(≈10 m²)
Calendar
11th - 27th June 2026 | Full Southern Africa Experience (17 days) | 30 couples only
Please contact us for single supplements.
June 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a laundry service on board Rovos Rail?
Yes, a complimentary basic laundry service is available (wash, dry, iron) with a 48-hour turnaround. No dry-cleaning is available. Rovos is not responsible for damage or loss.
Is WiFi available on Rovos Rail?
WiFi is available at:
- Cape Town Lounge
- Rovos Rail Station
- Tau Game Lodge
- Victoria Falls Hotel
- Mokuti Lodge
- Most Namibia Safari lodges
Are mobile phones and laptops allowed?
Yes, but only in your private suite. To maintain a peaceful environment, devices should not be used in public areas. Signal is poor while moving.
What are meal times on Rovos Rail?
- Breakfast: 07:00–10:00
- Lunch: 13:00
- Tea: 16:30
- Dinner: 19:30 (Formal)
A gong will announce lunch and dinner.
Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes—please list any dietary requirements on the Reservation Form. Chefs will do their best to accommodate requests. Meals requiring strict religious preparation may not be available without prior notice.
What should I wear on board Rovos Rail?
- Daytime on train: Smart casual
- Dinner: Formal — Jacket and tie for men, cocktail or evening wear for women
- Off-train activities: Comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and hats
- Game drives: Dress in layers — mornings are cool, afternoons warm
Are children allowed on board Rovos Rail?
Long journeys (more than 2 nights) are not recommended for under 13 yr old children.
Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board.
Are tips expected on Rovos Rail?
Tips are optional. If you'd like to show appreciation, place the gratuity in the envelope provided in your suite and give it to the Train Manager. It will be fairly shared among the staff.
Suggested amount: ZAR 100–200 (approx. US$10–20) per person per night.
What currency is used onboard Rovos Rail and during excursions?
- South Africa: South African Rand (ZAR). All major credit cards are accepted onboard.
- Outside South Africa: US Dollars are used for off-train expenses and excursions. Credit cards are accepted.
Are all US Dollars accepted?
No. Only notes printed after 2001 are accepted.
- Use low denominations for tips and shopping.
- Use high denominations for exchanging currency (especially in Tanzania).
Are vaccinations or medications needed for Rovos Rail?
- Malaria precautions are recommended for Swaziland, Kruger Park, Northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- Recommended vaccinations (not required): Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, Cholera (low risk).
- Yellow Fever: If traveling to or from Tanzania, a Yellow Fever certificate or medical exemption is required.
Who should I contact for medical travel advice?
Please consult your doctor. You can also call Travel Doctor Africa:
Local: 0861 300 911 | International: +27 11 214 9030
Should I let Rovos know about medical conditions or allergies?
Yes. Please complete the Passenger Information Form and include any medical conditions, disabilities, or allergies. A basic First Aid Kit is available on board. A doctor is present only on the Dar es Salaam journey.