Photos courtesy of Rovos Rail

 rovos rail with custom touring

A railway journey is a wonderful way to experience a new country and when it is from the comfort of your ROVOS RAIL Suite, this is the ultimate in luxury and will remain an unforgettable memory.

Book your seat to-day on a memorable journey, and perhaps combine it with other destinations in Southern Africa. We will arrange everything for you, from airport/train station transfers, to hotel accommodation, to domestic flights and whatever private touring you would like to include in your itinerary. Why not make up a party of friends and let us customize an amazing adventure for you.

UPDATE FROM ROVOS RAIL: CHANGES FROM 1 JANUARY 2024
We have successfully operated the Shongololo Express since 2016. Acquiring this business was beneficial as we were introduced to new guests and had the opportunity to run more excursion-led programmes. We have made the decision to merge the Shongololo train and its offerings into the Rovos Rail portfolio. 

  • The Shongololo Express name will be steadily phased out.
  • The suites will match the level and be classed the same as on Rovos Rail with Traditional Pullmans, Pullman Golds, Deluxes and Royals. 
  • Dinner on board will be formal. For gentlemen, collar and tie are mandatory while a jacket is optional.   

merged long journeys: 1 jan 2024 - 31 dec 2024

The African Collage and Good Hope Golf will merge to become 11 nights. The running times have been tweaked with the addition of visits to the Kingdom of eSwatini, Golden Gate National Park, the picturesque town of Clarens and Bloemfontein, the city of roses.

RATES 1 JAN 2024-31 DEC 2024 per person sharing

African Collage - Fancourt

The Namibia Safari and Dune Express journeys will merge to become 11 nights. The running times have been tweaked with the addition of a visit to Kolmanskop and Lüdertiz, known for its museum, architecture and coastal wildlife.

RATES 1 JAN 2024-31 DEC 2024 per person sharing

The Southern Cross and African Trilogy journeys will remain as per the schedule but as a Rovos Rail product. 

PROVISIONAL RATES 1 JAN 2024-31 DEC 2024
per person sharing

short journeys:1 oct 2022 - 30 sep 2024

Cape Town itinerary
Durban itinerary

long journeys: 1 jan 2023 - 31 dec 2023

Dar es Salaam itinerary
Namibia itinerary

CREATE EXTRAORDINARY ITINERARIES BY COMBINING SHORT AND LONG JOURNEYS

Victoria Falls/Pretoria/Cape Town8 nights
3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls journey + 2 nights Pretoria Sheraton + 3 nights Rovos Rail Cape Town Journey

Durban/Pretoria/Victoria Falls6 or 7 nights
2 nights Rovos Rail Durban Safari + 1 or 2 nights Pretoria Sheraton + 3 nights Rovos Rail Victoria Falls journey 
(or reverse)
OPTION OF 4-night Victoria Falls itinerary available with 1 night at Sheraton

Cape Town/Pretoria/Durban6 or 7 nights
3 nights Rovos Rail Cape Town journey + 1 or 2 nights Pretoria Sheraton + 2 nights Rovos Rail Durban Safari
(or reverse)

COVID-19 TESTING PROCEDURES NOVEMBER 2021 - VALID FOR DEPARTURES FROM 1 JANUARY 2022

ALL GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT VACCINATION CERTIFICATES FOR ALL JOURNEYS AND CHARTERS
Exceptions: A valid medical exemption or children under 12 years old.
TESTS ARE STILL REQUIRED IF YOU HAVE BEEN VACCINATED OR HAVE HAD COVID-19 BEFORE

The parameters we have set for testing are necessary in order to adhere to international guidelines, the border requirements of the countries through which we travel and to protect all guests and staff along with those who may not be vaccinated due the above exceptions. It is still possible to contract Covid-19 if you have been vaccinated or have had Covid-19 before. We have minimised testing wherever possible and have ensured maximum convenience by organising testing along the routes. Tests include PCR, RAPID ANTIGEN and/or RAPID ANTIBODY depending on the journey and vaccination status. Note that a vaccination will not cause a positive result for a PCR or antigen test as these tests check for active disease. If an individual has not been vaccinated due to the above exceptions, we may require a rapid antigen and antibody test. The antibody test’s goal is to detect if an individual is infectious from a current infection and the antigen test may determine if an individual is in the throes of an infection. The onus is upon the guest to ensure they have the required test results before the journey’s departure. Please see the WHO website for more information. 

ALL TESTS ARE FOR THE GUEST’S ACCOUNT WHETHER TAKEN AT A TESTING FACILITY OR WITH ROVOS RAIL
For journeys across borders, Rovos Rail has organised testing along the route. Nurses will carry out testing on board the train or at lodges/hotels. For tests taken at our departure lounges or along the route, paperwork and payment will take place on the day of departure. Tests are charged for by cash and/or credit card dependent on the journey requirements. 
Please ensure you have the correct payment at departure. Rates are subject to change and will be confirmed before travel. 

WE REQUIRE NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS AND/OR VACCINATION CERTIFICATES PRESENTED AT CHECK-IN or emailed to your agent or [email protected] before the journey’s departure.
Text messages are not accepted.

Pullman Double
Deluxe Double
Royal Suite
Lounge Car
Dining Car
Observation Balcony