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Beyond Canada · Africa
Rovos Rail
Cape Town → Pretoria
Mahogany-panelled suites, observation cars and a measured roll across the South African Karoo.
Route
Cape Town → Pretoria
Duration
3 days
Best season
Year-round
From
From $3,100
Style
Edwardian luxury
Rovos Rail runs Edwardian-era luxury between Cape Town and Pretoria over three nights, with extended itineraries to Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam and even Lobito on the Angolan coast. Suites have private bathrooms, bay windows and writing desks. Dinner is five courses, jacket required.
The journey
Day by day.
Day 1
Cape Town departure
Board at Rovos Rail's private station in Cape Town. Champagne reception, then an evening departure through the Cape winelands as the sun sets over the Hex River.
Day 2
Karoo crossing
All-day passage through the semi-desert. Lunch in the dining car, afternoon tea, sunset from the observation car at the rear.
Day 3
Kimberley
Off-train excursion to the Big Hole diamond mine and the Open Mine Museum.
Day 4
Pretoria arrival
Morning roll through the Highveld, mid-morning arrival at Capital Park Station — Rovos's restored 1930s home.
On board
What to expect.
- Three suite categories: Pullman (7 m²), Deluxe (10 m²), Royal (16 m² with Victorian bath).
- All meals, drinks (excluding French champagne and premium spirits) and excursions included.
- Strict no-mobile-phones policy in public areas — this is a no-screens train.
- Smart casual by day, jacket and tie at dinner.
Insider tips
Call it like a local.
- 01Royal Suites have a freestanding bath at the window — book early, only six per train.
- 02Pre-book the 14-night Pride of Africa to Dar es Salaam if you have the time.
- 03Add a Cape Town pre-trip — the train leaves early afternoon so a final morning is leisurely.
FAQs
Rovos Rail, answered.
How much does Rovos Rail cost?+
From CAD 4,000 per person in Pullman to CAD 12,000+ in a Royal Suite for the 3-night Cape Town–Pretoria run.
Is WiFi available?+
No — the train is deliberately offline. There's an observation car where conversation is the entertainment.
Can I combine with safari?+
Yes — Rovos itineraries to Victoria Falls include Hwange game drives, and Kruger add-ons from Pretoria are easy to arrange.