Luxury Train Holiday in Pretoria in January 2027

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Pretoria to Cape Town (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Cape Town (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria (this is a dedicated, privately owned station, distinct from the main Pretoria Train Station used by The Blue Train) for check-in between 08h00 and 08h30. Explore working loco sheds, coaches being restored by hand, and a museum of railway memorabilia. Listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which is scheduled to depart at 10h00 (it is not uncommon for the train to depart late if there is traffic on the mainline - Africa operates on its own elegant clock). Your hostess will take you to your suite and get you settled in. Enjoy lunch as the train travels south through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Please note that to preserve the traditional golden-era atmosphere, there is no WiFi on board Rovos Rail; connectivity relies entirely on your mobile device passing close to cellular towers.

Day 2: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Disembark in Kimberley for a tour of the city, the Diamond Mine Museum, and the Big Hole (now filled with water), which is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world - a rather impressive testament to humanity's glittering obsessions. Return to the train for lunch as it traverses the vast, ancient plains of the Karoo.

Day 3: Matjiesfontein

The train traverses a vast semi-desert region called the Karoo. Enjoy a morning visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein (there is the opportunity to disembark at Whitehill Siding to walk the last 5km to the town, should you feel the sudden, inexplicable urge for actual exercise). At Matjiesfontein, visit the Lord Milner Hotel, the Marie Rawdon Museum, the Laird's Arms Pub, the historic church, and the post office. On leaving Matjiesfontein, the train descends through the spectacular Hex River Valley.

Day 4: Arrival in Cape Town

Scheduled to arrive at Cape Town Station at 15h00, marking the end of your luxurious journey. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary transfer to your destination in Cape Town. To continue the Rovos vibe in Cape Town, many clients request to stay at St James Manor, which is owned by Rovos Rail.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
5 Jan 2027 (10h00) 3 Royal 19 Deluxe 6 Pullman
8 Jan 2027 (10h00) 2 Royal 13 Deluxe 8 Pullman
22 Jan 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 6 Deluxe 2 Pullman
29 Jan 2027 (10h00) 4 Deluxe
PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to check in at Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria between 16h00 and 16h30, where you will hand your passport to the Train Manager. Listen to the departure speech and take a tour of the museum and station if time allows. The train is scheduled to depart at 18h00. Enjoy dinner at 20h00 (formal dress) as the train travels north through Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Modimolle (Nylstroom).

Day 2: Crossing the Limpopo River

There is an opportunity to sleep off any lingering effects of the previous evening's hospitality, with breakfast served until 10h00. Pass through the Soutpansberg Mountains, which form part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. The train crosses the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe - if you have completed your e-visas and paperwork correctly, you won't even have to step off the train for immigration at Beitbridge.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Breakfast is served until 09h00. At 13h30, disembark for a 60-minute transfer to Matobo National Park. You will be guided through the granite hills to see historic San bushmen caves with their ancient rock art, as well as the hilltop grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World's View. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a formal dinner.

Day 4: Hwange National Park

Breakfast is served until 10h00. The train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before arriving at Kennedy Siding. Disembark at 15h00 for an afternoon game drive excursion at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where, if you are lucky, you will view lions, cheetahs, serval, and eland.

Day 5: Arrival at Victoria Falls

Ensure your luggage is packed as you enjoy a final breakfast (served until 09h30). The train is scheduled to arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls Station at 10h00 (delays are common), marking the end of your ultra-luxurious train journey. Walk across to The Victoria Falls Hotel and enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your accommodation in Victoria Falls.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the Victoria Falls Hotel, free chauffeur transfers in Pretoria and Victoria Falls
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
6 Jan 2027 (18h00) 14 Deluxe 2 Pullman
13 Jan 2027 (18h00) 2 Royal 16 Deluxe 4 Pullman
15 Jan 2027 (18h00) 25 Deluxe 3 Pullman
20 Jan 2027 (18h00) 13 Deluxe 3 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing
Victoria Falls to Pretoria (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Victoria Falls to arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel on Mallet Drive between 15h00 and 15h30. Check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel where you can listen to the departure speech before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station. Enjoy watching a traditional tribal dance before your hostess shows you to your suite. The train departs from Victoria Falls Station at 17h00 (if all runs to schedule). Settle into your suite and join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served at 19h30 (formal dress code).

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Do not party too late into the evening on Day 1, as continental breakfast on Day 2 is at 05h00 to get you fuelled for your 06h00 game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Return to the train for lunch as it travels along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114km from Dete to Gwaai. There is no WiFi on the train, and on this remote stretch cellular reception is practically non-existent, leaving you with no option but to converse with your fellow passengers.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Transfer to the UNESCO-listed Matobo National Park at 08h00 for a guided excursion. Explore the ancient San bushmen caves, marvel at rock art dating back thousands of years, and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes carved into the granite summit at World's View. Return to the train as it travels through countryside dotted with baobab trees towards the South African border.

Day 4: At Leisure on Board

You can catch up on sleep as breakfast is served until 10h00. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Highveld, ascending the edge of the escarpment.

Day 5: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars before arriving at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria at 10h00 (scheduled time; delays are common). Join a 90-minute tour of the station and museum. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer at 11h30 to your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Special Offer: Game drive at Hwange National Park
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
10 Jan 2027 (17h00) 1 Royal 20 Deluxe 2 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Cape Town (2 nights) on Blue Train

Pretoria to Cape Town (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to arrive at your check-in in Pretoria; this will either be at Irene Farm (Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion) or the main Pretoria Train Station (note this is separate from Rovos Rail's private station). Enjoy pre-departure beverages, canapes, and live entertainment. When checking in at Irene Farm, a shuttle transports guests the 1km to Irene Train Station. Your butler will welcome you on board and show you to your suite. The train is scheduled to depart at 13h00, after which you can enjoy a light lunch in the lounge car and observation car. Complimentary WiFi is available on board throughout your journey, should you feel the tragic need to check your emails whilst gliding past paradise. Note that departure times are subject to change. Let us know if you would like to extend your experience by staying at Irene Country Lodge the night before your departure.

Day 2: Kimberley

Breakfast is served on a first-come, first-served basis - a gentle reminder that the early bird gets the best bacon. Stop at Kimberley Station to explore the Railway Museum, from where you will be taken by bus for an exclusive off-train excursion to the Diamond Mine Museum (weather and time permitting), including viewing the Big Hole from an enclosed ramp. Back at Kimberley Station, guests are gifted a glass of sherry engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento.

Day 3: Arrival in Cape Town

Enjoy breakfast and a light lunch before the train's scheduled arrival at 18h00 in Cape Town under the shadow of Table Mountain, concluding your magnificent journey. Note that arrival times are subject to change. Butlers will usher guests from the train to the Arrival Lounge. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from the Arrival Lounge to your accommodation in Cape Town.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the 5-star Irene Country Hotel before your 2-night Blue Train journey.
Upcoming Availability
January 2027 11 (13h00), 18 (13h00), 25 (13h00)
De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing
Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing
Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the Rovos Rail Lounge in Cape Town between 09h00 and 09h30; listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which departs Cape Town Station at 11h00. Travel inland through the Winelands, ascending 750m through four tunnels (including the 13.5km Hex River tunnel) towards Worcester. Please remember there is no onboard WiFi; consider this a forced, yet highly luxurious, digital detox.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark for a morning stroll through the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded in 1884 by Scottish railwayman James Logan. Explore the Lord Milner Hotel, the vintage car and railway carriage collection, and the Laird's Arms Pub before reboarding the train to traverse the Great Karoo - a landscape so quietly beautiful you might actually forget to check your phone.

Day 3: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Enjoy breakfast as the train approaches Kimberley, the historic heart of South Africa's 1871 diamond rush. Disembark to tour the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum and peer into the Big Hole (now partially filled with water) before returning to the dining cars for lunch and a final formal dinner on board.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Scheduled to arrive at 16h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Take time to explore the working locomotive sheds and railway museum if you wish. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Gauteng.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
12 Jan 2027 (11h00) 1 Royal 4 Deluxe
26 Jan 2027 (11h00) 11 Deluxe 3 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Victoria Falls (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Pretoria

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to check in at Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria around 08h00. Listen to the departure speech and take a walking tour of the museum and locomotive workshops before the train departs at 10h00. Rolling east along the historic line through the coal-mining hub of eMalahleni (Witbank) - where Rohan Vos first founded Rovos Rail - the train passes Middelburg, known as the "stainless steel capital of Africa". Lunch and a formal dinner are served in the dining cars.

Day 2: Panorama Route & Graskop

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09h00, followed by a full-day excursion along the scenic Panorama Route visiting historic Pilgrim's Rest, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and Graskop for lunch. The Graskop viewing lift (own account) descends 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest below, where wooden walkways and suspension bridges meander along a 600m trail. Return to the train for a formal dinner en route to Malelane.

Day 3: Kruger National Park

After an early breakfast, disembark for a full-day game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, complete with lunch and time for curio shopping. Rejoin the train in the late afternoon for high tea in the lounge and observation cars as the train crosses the border at Komatipoort and Ressano Garcia into Mozambique. Enjoy a formal dinner en route to Maputo.

Day 4: Maputo, Mozambique

Breakfast is served until 09h00 before you disembark for a guided tour of Maputo, Mozambique's vibrant coastal capital. Famous for its blend of African, Portuguese, and early colonial architecture, the excursion includes a decadent lunch before returning to the train. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train climbs towards the Goba/Mpaka border into the Kingdom of Eswatini, followed by a formal dinner.

Day 5: Kingdom of Eswatini

Following breakfast, transfer (approximately 90 minutes) into the mountainous heart of Eswatini to visit Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Village, followed by lunch at Mantenga Lodge overlooking Execution Rock. Return to the train for afternoon tea and border formalities back into South Africa as the train heads north towards Hoedspruit. Dress for dinner is formal.

Day 6: Kapama Reserve & Endangered Species Centre

Rise early for a continental breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve, followed by a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as you travel towards Louis Trichardt. Tonight's dinner dress code is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 7: Limpopo Valley & Beitbridge Border

Sleep in a little with breakfast served until 10h00 as the train winds through the dramatic Soutpansberg mountain range. After lunch, the train crosses the semi-arid Limpopo River valley at Musina and Beitbridge into Zimbabwe, entering classic baobab country. Dinner is formal - because one must always dress for dinner, even when surrounded by giant baobabs.

Day 8: Great Zimbabwe Monument

After breakfast, transfer (approximately 75 minutes) to the Great Zimbabwe Monument on the southeastern edge of the central plateau. Dating back to the 11th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest precolonial stone structure south of the Egyptian pyramids. After a guided tour and lunch, return to the train for a formal dinner as it travels towards Gweru.

Day 9: Antelope Park

Following breakfast, transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to Antelope Park, a 3,000-acre savannah reserve near Gweru. Enjoy lunch and choose from optional extras including canoeing, game drives, horseback game viewing, and bird-watching cruises. Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner en route to Bulawayo.

Day 10: Matobo National Park

Breakfast is served until 09h00, followed by a 60-minute transfer into the balancing granite boulders of Matobo National Park. Explore ancient San bushmen caves adorned with rock art and visit the hilltop grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World's View. Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner bound for Kennedy Siding.

Day 11: Hwange National Park

After breakfast, head out on a full-day game drive with a packed lunch in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve. In the late afternoon, the train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114 kilometres between Gwaai and Dete - towards Thompson's Junction. Tonight's final onboard dinner is "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 12: Victoria Falls & Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and keep your passport handy. Breakfast is served until 09h30 before the train pulls into Victoria Falls Station. Walk across to The Victoria Falls Hotel to drop your bags, then join a guided walking tour of the village and the mighty Falls with lunch included. Conclude the day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your 4-star accommodation in Victoria Falls.

Day 13: Victoria Falls Extension

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out after your complimentary night at a 4-star hotel in Victoria Falls, courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com.

Special Offer: 3 Extra nights at Victoria Falls Hotel
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
14 Jan 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 6 Deluxe 2 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 179,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 255,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 339,000 per person sharing
Cape Town to Pretoria (2 nights) on Blue Train

Cape Town to Pretoria (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to The Blue Train Lounge at Cape Town Station. Registration and check-in take place while you enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks. Board the train, settle into your luxurious suite, and depart the Mother City. The train glides through the Cape Winelands towards the majestic Hex River Valley. Stay connected to home using the train's complimentary onboard WiFi - though we strongly recommend looking out the window instead.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark at Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian railway village. Enjoy a glass of sherry at the bar of the Lord Milner Hotel and soak in the historical charm of the 19th-century architecture before returning to the train to continue your journey through the starkly beautiful Karoo.

Day 3: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a light lunch as the train winds its way through the Highveld. The train is scheduled to arrive at the main Pretoria Train Station by late afternoon. Upon disembarking, enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your final destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at The Capital 5 Star Hotel, before your 2-night Blue Train journey
Upcoming Availability
January 2027 14 (13h00), 21 (13h00), 28 (13h00)
De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing
Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing
Victoria Falls to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from within Victoria Falls to check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel (which makes it a great choice of place to stay!) between 15h00 and 15h30. Listen to the departure speech by a Rovos Rail manager before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station, where there will usually be a traditional community dressed in tribal garb to dance and sing as you board - making you feel far more important than you probably are. Rovos are very efficient and your luggage normally beats you to your suite, denying you any excuse to carry your own bags. The train departs at 17h00. Join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served.

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Enjoy an early morning game drive on safari jeeps at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where you may see lions, cheetahs, serval, eland, and many other species of African wildlife. When you arrive back at the train, continue viewing wildlife from the observation car as you enjoy lunch. Later, the train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - an impressive 114 kilometres - giving the driver a rare chance to simply point the locomotive and push go.

Day 3: Tropic of Capricorn

The train passes Beitbridge and crosses the Limpopo River into South Africa via Musina. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn - an invisible geographic milestone best celebrated with a highly visible gin and tonic.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast as the train passes the edge of the escarpment. Scheduled to arrive at 10h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
17 Jan 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 4 Deluxe 2 Pullman
19 Jan 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 9 Deluxe 4 Pullman
24 Jan 2027 (17h00) 1 Royal 15 Deluxe 2 Pullman
26 Jan 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 17 Deluxe 12 Pullman
31 Jan 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 13 Deluxe
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Durban (2 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Durban (2 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Pretoria, The Gold Route & Elandslaagte

Enjoy a free chauffeur transfer to arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park by 08h00. We highly recommend utilising the two hours before departure for the walking tour of the locomotive workshops and railway museum. The train departs around midday. Lunch is served at 13h00 as the train travels across the Witwatersrand goldfields to Heidelberg - the site of the first Rand gold strike. In 1895, this vital railway line finally linked the Transvaal to the Natal coast, allowing gentlemen to transport their newfound wealth without the sheer indignity of an ox-wagon. Following afternoon tea, a formal dinner is served as the train travels towards Elandslaagte.

Day 2: Nambiti Private Game Reserve & Spionkop

Breakfast is served at an eye-watering 05h00. One must make certain sacrifices for a 07h00 game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big Five retreat built upon the historic Elandslaagte battlefield. Return to the train for a well-deserved brunch at 11h00. At 15h00, transfer to Spionkop Lodge with a choice between hearing the rather sobering historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop or taking a nature drive through the 11,000-acre reserve. Dinner is formal. Shortly after passing Chieveley, watch out for the memorial to Winston Churchill, who was captured here by Boer forces in November 1899 after his armoured train was ambushed - a stark reminder to mind one's surroundings, even from the comfort of a luxury carriage.

Day 3: Ardmore Ceramics, A Thousand Hills & Durban

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 as the train meanders through the rolling green pastures of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Disembark for a morning visit to the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery to inject some local artistic culture into the proceedings. Lunch is served as the train negotiates the rugged Valley of a Thousand Hills. This section of the historic Natal Main Line, built in the 1880s, required monumental engineering and steep gradients that severely tested early steam locomotives. The train is scheduled to arrive at Durban Station at 16h00. Durban is famously the birthplace of South African railways; the first working line opened here in 1860, running a modest 3 kilometres from Market Square to Point - just far enough to escape the port without requiring an overnight bag.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
22 Jan 2027 (10h00) 2 Royal 7 Deluxe
PULLMAN: ZAR 49,900 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 71,500 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
Durban to Pretoria (2 nights) on Rovos Rail

Durban to Pretoria (2 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Durban, Ardmore Ceramics & The Natal Main Line

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from your hotel in Durban to Durban Station Lounge at 08h00 where you can check in. The train departs Durban Station at 10h00, tracing the historic Natal Main Line - first built in the late 19th century. Enjoy lunch as the train traverses the rugged, undulating terrain of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a monumental engineering feat that severely tested early steam locomotives. In the afternoon, disembark to visit the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery for a spot of culture. Return to the train for a formal dinner as it travels to Ladysmith, passing the very spot near Frere where Winston Churchill was captured from an armoured train in 1899.

Day 2: Spionkop & Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Awaken in the Ladysmith area - a critical railway junction famously besieged by the Boers for 118 days. After breakfast, transfer to Spionkop Lodge to either hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop from a resident historian or enjoy a nature drive in the 11,000-acre reserve. Return to the dining cars for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in the malaria-free Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a stunning 23,000-acre Big Five bush retreat. Do try to look suitably impressed when a lion, or perhaps a majestic kudu, interrupts your afternoon sundowner. Conclude the day with another formal dinner on board.

Day 3: Arrival in Pretoria

Breakfast is served until 10h00 as the train travels across the broad grassland plains of the Highveld from Heidelberg - site of the first Rand gold strike and a historically vital rail link to the Witwatersrand. After one last hurrah for the waistline at lunch, the train is scheduled to arrive at 16h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Once a bustling locomotive depot for the South African Railways, it now serves as Rovos Rail's headquarters. If you wish to tour the museum, we suggest delaying your pick-up by 90 minutes to allow ample time to admire the polished brass.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
25 Jan 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 7 Deluxe
PULLMAN: ZAR 49,900 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 71,500 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Victoria Falls (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to arrive at Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria for check-in between 08h00 and 08h30. Visit the railway museum, explore the working locomotive sheds, and listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which is scheduled to depart at 10h00 (it is not unusual to depart late as accessing the main line is subject to commuter and freight traffic). Settle into your suite and enjoy lunch as the train travels north through Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Modimolle (Nylstroom).

Day 2: Limpopo & Matabeleland

The train crosses the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe. Usually it takes about 90 minutes to clear border formalities at Musina and Beitbridge, though on a busy day it can take up to five hours - a perfect excuse to thoroughly test the barman's cocktail repertoire. Travel through the wide-open baobab landscapes of Matabeleland and pass through Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's historic railway hub.

Day 3: Hwange National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114 kilometres between Gwaai and Dete - before arriving at Kennedy Siding on the edge of Hwange National Park. Disembark for an afternoon game drive excursion at The Hide in search of elephant herds, lions, and birdlife before returning to the train for a formal dinner.

Day 4: Arrival at Victoria Falls

Scheduled to arrive at Victoria Falls Station at 10h00, marking the end of your journey. Step off the train and prepare to explore the mighty Zambezi River. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from The Victoria Falls Hotel to your accommodation in Victoria Falls.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the Victoria Falls Hotel, free chauffeur transfers in Pretoria and Victoria Falls
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
28 Jan 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 13 Deluxe 1 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing

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Rovos Rail The Blue Train

Suite Categories & Dimensions

Pullman Suite ±7 m²

Wood-panelled cabin with a daytime sofa that converts to twin or double beds (or upper/lower bunks on long hauls) and an en-suite shower, basin, and toilet.

Deluxe Suite ±10 m²

Permanent double or twin beds (no daytime conversion needed), a dedicated lounge seating area, bar fridge, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower.

Royal Suite ±16 m²

Occupies half a carriage. Features a permanent double or twin bed, private lounge area, and a full en-suite bathroom with both a Victorian claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

4 Days (3 nights). A deliberately unhurried, leisurely pace that allows for deeper immersion into the landscape (and the wine list).

Atmosphere

Victorian Edwardian elegance. Expect rich wood panelling, openable windows in the observation car, traditional silver-service dining, and a classic, romantic ambience where guests dress formally for dinner.

Connectivity

Intentionally devoid of WiFi, televisions, or onboard radios to preserve the historic golden-era atmosphere and encourage a true, inescapable digital detox.

Pretoria Station

Operates from its own magnificent, privately owned Capital Park Station, which functions as a working locomotive restoration depot, railway museum, and exclusive departure lounge.

Excursions

Includes two off-train excursions in both directions - a visit to the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein and a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, Rovos Rail demonstrated high adaptability by rerouting affected journeys to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), providing guests with a viable luxury travel alternative alongside refund options.

Suite Categories & Dimensions

De Luxe Suite ±8 m²

Elegant daytime lounge that converts into twin beds (with en-suite shower) or a double bed (with three-quarter bath and handheld shower), complete with 24-hour personal butler service.

Luxury Suite ±10 m²

Extended suite offering an extra metre of cabin length, twin or double bed configurations, a full-sized en-suite bathtub with overhead shower, and a private digital entertainment system.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

3 Days (2 nights). A slightly faster journey, ideal for fitting into a tighter travel schedule without sacrificing five-star luxury.

Atmosphere

Contemporary five-star luxury. Think of a modern boutique hotel on wheels with soundproofed carpeted carriages, gold-tinted picture windows, personal butlers, and a dedicated post-dinner Cuban cigar lounge car.

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi and in-suite entertainment screens are available throughout the train for guests who wish to stay connected (or who simply cannot bear to be parted from their inbox).

Pretoria Station

Departs from the main Pretoria Train Station (or occasionally Irene Station in Centurion), where guests are hosted with canapes and live music in a dedicated VIP pre-departure lounge.

Excursions

Features a single focused off-train excursion depending on direction - the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum (southbound to Cape Town) or historic Matjiesfontein (northbound to Pretoria).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, The Blue Train maintained a firm focus on its primary Cape mainline schedule, cancelling affected Pretoria - Cape Town services while offering guests full refunds or alternative dates.

The Gateway to African Rail Exploration

Pretoria stands as the proud heart of luxury rail travel in Southern Africa. Home to the exclusive Rovos Rail station at Capital Park and a major hub for The Blue Train, journeys starting or ending in the Jacaranda City promise historical charm and world-class hospitality from the moment you step onto the platform.

Aboard iconic locomotives like Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, guests are immediately immersed in five-star elegance, creating a striking contrast between the rugged African wilderness outside and the refined luxury inside.

The Highveld's Finest Departure

The on-board experience is designed to be completely effortless. You can expect spacious, wood-panelled suites with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated room service, and impeccable attention to detail. Dining is a grand affair, featuring multi-course meals prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - all expertly paired with award-winning South African wines.

The pace of the journey is deliberately unhurried, encouraging you to disconnect from modern distractions and savour the passing scenery from a dedicated observation car, perhaps with a classic gin and tonic in hand. Depending on your chosen route, the itinerary often includes curated off-train excursions, such as private game drives or historical town tours, adding rich context to your holiday.

How to Secure Your Suite

Securing your suite on these high-demand routes requires careful planning. Cabins - particularly the premium Royal and Deluxe suites - are strictly limited and often book out many months in advance. To make securing your journey as straightforward as possible, we manage all enquiries through a direct, personalised booking service via WhatsApp and email.

When you find a route and date that aligns with your travel plans, simply click the "Book on WhatsApp" button on the relevant itinerary card above. This will automatically open a pre-filled message directly to our dedicated booking team. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email with your preferred travel dates and cabin class.

From that initial contact, we take care of all the logistics. We personally verify real-time availability with the train operators, confirm the exact pricing per person sharing (pps), and place a provisional hold on your suite. Once you review the details and are completely satisfied to proceed, we will guide you through the secure payment process and issue your official travel documents. You pay the exact public rates set by the train operators - there are no hidden markups or booking fees. Our goal is to provide honest, efficient support from your very first enquiry until the moment you disembark.

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