Journeys on Rovos Rail
In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Rovos Rail, also referred to as the “Pride of Africa”, links some of Africa’s most sought after destinations from Cape Town to Cairo. Scenic vistas are the order of the day, coupled with interesting and entertaining off train excursions to take in the highlights of the various areas one passes through. Scenery that passes your window varies from wild game in game reserves, cities, mountain passes, vineyards, farmlands, forests, waterfalls, vast open scrublands and much more. Below is a brief idea of what each journey is about. Drop us a line should you be interested in more detailed versions of these journeys.
The Cape Town Journey for many visitors to South Africa is the best way to see South Africa for the beautiful country that it is. This is a popular 48-hour weekly journey that runs between Pretoria and Cape Town. The distance covered 1600-kilometre and show cases South Africa as truely a world in one country, from grasslands of the Highveld to vast open scrub of the Great Karoo, to the craggy mountains of the Western Cape and brilliant green scenery of the Cape wine lands.
The Victoria Falls Journey also covers about 1600-kilometres and offers guests a window to some typically Africa scenes. The train winds west through Mafikeng and then enters Botswana where it veers north towards Mahalapye. Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn the train eventually enters Zimbabwe at Plumtree. The journey continues in a north-west direction passing the town of Bulawayo and then heading towards Thompson’s Junction and the famous Hwange Game Reserve where wild animals are often seen. Finally is comes to a halt at the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
The Durban Journey is a fantastic three-day safari that operates between Pretoria and Durban. This journey runs during the summer and includes game drive safaris in two different game reserves. An off train tour of the battlefields conducted by a top class historian brings some fascinating history to the itinerary. A visit to an African ceramics studio adds a shopping dimension. Guests also experience the Nambiti Conservancy, a Big Five game reserve situated in a Malaria-free bushveld area of KwaZulu Natal.
The Golf Journey on Rovos Rail is an exciting nine-day Golf Safari that entertains even the most discerning player. However it is not necessarily for golfers only, as optional off train excursions for non-players are available at all golf stops. The journey departs Pretoria and then heads east towards Nelspruit. One of the highlights is a game at the Hans Merensky Golf Estate on the border of the famous Kruger National Park, or a visit to the park itself.
The Namibia Journey takes place once a year in May. Its is a long journey of about 3400kilometres and takes seven days. The start is Pretoria and Kimberley is your first destination, famed for being one of the biggest diamond rushes in history, and also boasting one of the world’s largest “hand” dug holes. Here guests also have the oppoertunity to savour the 1870s atmosphere of the mine museum village in Kimberely.
The Collage Journey is also an annual event on the Rovoso Rail calender. It covers 3 400kilometres over nine days. The itinerary takes you east from Pretoria to Malelane on the southern boundry of the Kruger Park. Then south into the kingdom of Swaziland and onto Durban. From here it steams west to Bloemfontein and then turns south , then southwards again to Port Elizabeth, where it then takes in the Garden Route passing Oudtshoorn and George to Cape Town.
The Dar es Salaam Journey takes place July every year. This is an epic 14 day railway journey that takes in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and is considered by many as one of the most exciting train journeys in the world. The itinerary is extensive and for the South Africa section takes in the diamond town of Kimberley, the capital city Pretoria, and also a two night safari at the Madikwe Game Reserve.
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