If you want to have a closer look at the countryside of South Africa, then there is no better way than boarding the Rovos Rail
A privately owned company, the Rovos Rail was established in 1989 and offers some of the most sumptuous train journeys. Traveling on different routes through South Africa, the train also traverses Namibia and Tanzania.
Itineraries: The train journeys on Rovos Rail vary from 24 hours to a fortnight. The train is hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at different points of the journey.
Cape Town to Pretoria (3 days/2 nights): This is one of the most popular journeys that starts from Cape Town aboard the "Pride of Africa" and takes visitors through the village of Matjiesfontein and Kimberly before terminating at Pretoria. Guests can get down at Matjiesfontein to explore this serene historic village. There is also a brief stop at Kimberly where a tour of the city is arranged. This journey can be taken vice versa also from Pretoria to Cape Town.
Pretoria to Durban (3 days/2 nights): The "Pride of Africa"takes guests from Pretoria to Durban through two game reserves. Leaving Pretoria the train crosses Heidelberg, Vooruitsig and the Majuba Hill. It makes an overnight stop at Elandslaagte. The next day guests are taken out for an exciting drive into the Nambiti Private Game Reserve; after brunch in the train, visitors are again taken to the Spionkop Lodge where they can opt for two types of excursions in the Spionkop Game Reserve. On the third day the train stops for a visit to the Ardmore ceramics gallery and later continues the journey to reach Durban late in the afternoon.
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (3 days/2 nights): The train "Pride of Africa" departs from Pretoria and slowly wanders into through Mafikeng into Botswana. The next day in the evening border formalities are completed at on the borders of Zimbabwe at Plumtree. On the third day the train reaches Victoria Falls in the evening.
Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam (14 days/ 13 nights): A 14-day epic journey onboard the Edwardian Safari. The journey starts from Cape Town making a stop at the Matjiesfontein village on the same day. Short stops are made at cities of Kimberly and Pretoria before reaching the Zeerust for a game drive. Continuing the journey, the train crosses Zimbabwe to arrive at Victoria Falls for an overnight stay and sightseeing. The train passes through Lusaka and after an excursion at Chisimba Falls and Mlimba and finally arrives at Dar Es Salaam on Day 14.
There are also other itineraries such as a 7-day journey to Swakopmund, 9-day golf safaris, 17-day Southern Africa Air Safari, annual 9-day African Collage journey and a classic 28-days Cape Town to Cairo journey that is offered every two years.
Accommodation: There are three types of sleeper coaches in the Rovos Rail trains namely the Royal Suites, Deluxe Suites and Pullman Suites. All the suites are spacious and elegantly designed. Each of the Royal Suites has a private lounge, en-suite bathroom apart from other facilities. The Deluxe Suites have twin or double beds with en-suite bathrooms and lounge area. The Pullman Suites have comfy sofa seats during the day that can be converted into double or twin beds during the evening; these suites also have en-suite showers. Common facilities include writing desk, personal safe and air-conditioning.
Dining: The dining cars on the Rovos Rail are elegant and spacious to accommodate as many as 72 passengers. The food on board is not assured Halal
Observation Deck & Gift Shop: the Observation car is located at the rear end of the train and has seats for 32 passengers. There is also a small gift shop at the center of the lounge car where guests can buy essentials and also souvenirs.
