Rovos: Cape Town to Pretoria

From Cape Town to Pretoria OR From Pretoria to Cape Town

Rovos rail tour Karoo landscape of Tankwa Karoo National Park in South Africa

Rovos Rail tour Aloe ferox plants in bloom native to South Africas Karoo region

RVR tour, Map for Cape Town & Pretoria itinerary

Tour Overview

Experience the timeless elegance of Rovos Rail as you journey through South Africa’s spectacular landscapes and fascinating history.

Discover the romance of luxury train travel as you journey between Cape Town and Pretoria, passing through the breathtaking scenery of the Cape Winelands and the vast plains of the Karoo. Relax in elegant accommodation, savour exquisite dining and enjoy the nostalgic charm of one of the world's most luxurious trains.

Step back in time with a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, where charming museums offer a glimpse into South Africa's past. Continue to Kimberley, a city famous for its rich diamond mining heritage. Explore the iconic Big Hole and Diamond Museum, uncovering the fascinating stories of the region's diamond rush.

Combining spectacular scenery, fascinating history and exceptional onboard hospitality, this journey captures the golden age of luxury rail travel.

This journey is also available in reverse.

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Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of luxury train travel from a bygone era. Enjoy a luxurious experience, with elegantly appointed cabins and fine dining.

Throughout the journey, witness breathtaking views of South Africa's diverse landscapes, from the grasslands of the Highveld to the semi-desert region of the Karoo.

Explore the iconic Big Hole, a striking reminder of Kimberley's mining heritage, and learn about the history of diamonds in the region at the Diamond Museum.

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Day 1

Cape Town

Embark on a journey of luxury and nostalgia as you depart from Cape Town Station. Enjoy rolling through the picturesque winelands of the Western Cape, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Relax with some tea in the lounge and observation cars, taking in the views. Look forward to a delicious dinner in the evening, served in the dining cars. Around midnight, the train heads into the first of four tunnels on the pass. The last tunnel is a whopping 13.5 kilometers long, so be careful if you're walking through the train.

Day 2

Matjiesfontein

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the train and disembark today at Matjiesfontein, a historic village steeped in charm and character. Explore its treasures, from the museum on the platform to a captivating collection of vintage cars and railway carriages. As the day unfolds, the train winds its way through the expensive Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea and has a rich geological history.

Day 3

Kimberly

Embark on a captivating tour of Kimberley, a city steeped in history and renowned for its significant role in the diamond industry. Embark on a fascinating journey as you visit the iconic Big Hole, a testament to Kimberley's diamond mining heritage. Explore the intriguing displays at the Diamond Museum, delving into the captivating story of diamonds in this region. Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, offers a glimpse into its past, marked by the discovery of diamonds in 1871 that shaped its development. Indulge in delightful meals aboard the train as it heads northeast towards the expansive grassland plains of the Highveld and immerse yourself in the panoramic views unfolding outside.

Day 4

Pretoria

Enjoy your last breakfast on the train before disembarkingat at Kookrus Station, approximately 100km south of Rovos Rail Station with an optional complimentary transfer available to Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.

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Day 1

Pretoria

Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure.

Board the luxurious Rovos Rail train at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Settle into your cabin and prepare for a journey filled with luxury and nostalgia. Enjoy a delightful lunch as the train departs from the station. As you traverse through the expansive grassland plains of the Highveld, take in the panoramic views outside.

Day 2

Kimberly

Enjoy the morning with amazing views of the scenery. After lunch you arrive in Kimberley, a city steeped in history and renowned for its significant role in the diamond industry. Embark on a fascinating journey as you visit the iconic Big Hole, a testament to Kimberley's diamond mining heritage. Explore the intriguing displays at the Diamond Museum, delving into the captivating story of diamonds in this region. Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, offers a glimpse into its past, marked by the discovery of diamonds in 1871 that shaped its development.

Day 3

Matjiesfontein

In the morning enjoy the scenic journey through the expansive Karoo, a vast semi-desert region. After lunch, guests have the option to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and take a leisurely 5km walk into Matjiesfontein, accompanied by a staff member. Upon reaching Matjiesfontein, visitors can explore the historic village, with highlights including the museum located on the platform and a collection of vintage cars and railway carriages. About an hour after Matjiesfontein, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The first tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful when walking through the train and may wish to turn on necessary lights. Enjoy your last dinner aboard the Rovos Train as the train climbs ±750m down the escarpment towards Worcester.

Day 4

Cape Town

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the train as it winds its way through the picturesque Hex River Valley in the Western Cape. Relax on your last day aboard the train and take in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying delightful meals. You arrive in Cape Town in the afternoon.

Accommodation

3 nights accommodation in your selected Suite
Upgrades available

Food

All Meals and Beverages on board

Fees & Services

Limited Laundry Service
Guided Excursions and entrance fees (where applicable)
On board historian
Taxes
International sparkling wine, Gratuities, visas, insurance and anything not specified

Transportation

Rovos Rail

Dining onboard the beautifully restored dining cars is an unforgettable experience
Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the diverse landscapes from the observation car
Visit historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders guided by knowledgeable experts
Explore Kimberly and learn about the rich diamond mining history

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Duration

4 days

Price from

$3,002 USD

Per person, sharing

based on a Pullman Suite

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