Join us aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail private train which we have chartered for this captivating journey and travel from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The majesty of the landscapes we travel through cast a lifelong spell on all who visit.
We depart from Pretoria bound for Kimberley, the location of one of the world’s most famous diamond rushes and where we will visit the Big Hole. The railway line then traverses the stark vistas of the arid Northern Cape into Namibia which boasts seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning and diverse wildlife and colonial cities. One of the numerous highlights will be a visit to the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand Canyon and a truly spectacular sight. However the ultimate highlight for many will be the sand dunes at Sossusvlei for which Namibia is so renowned.
Sossusvlei lies in the heart of the Namib Desert and is home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, some of which tower over 300 metres high. Watching the changing mood and colours at sunrise and sunset is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Arriving by private flight we enjoy a night’s stay with desert drives and a bush dinner, before flying to Windhoek to rejoin the train and continue overnight to Otjiwarongo. Here we visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund before continuing to the game-rich Etosha National Park where we enjoy an overnight lodge stay and some game drives. Our journey continues on to Swakopmund, a perfectly preserved 19th century German Hansa town set between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the roaring Atlantic Ocean; an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey.
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Our View
“If you enjoy travelling by train and have a hankering to explore South Africa and Namibia then this is the perfect opportunity. From its home at Capital Park, Pretoria, the Rovos Rail will take you on a journey of discovery through some of the most historic and scenic areas of Southern Africa. The train will carry you in world-class style and comfort from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic Ocean, reuniting by rail the republics of South Africa and Namibia. Journey’s end is at Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. At this perfectly preserved 19th century German Hansa the Namib desert dunes meet the ocean. There’s no finer way to explore this desert land than by luxury train.”
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Pretoria.
Arrive into Johannesburg this morning and transfer to our hotel in Pretoria for an overnight stay. This afternoon we will walk to the Union Buildings designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Completed in 1913, it now houses the offices of the President and Ministers and the buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square at the centre of the city. We return to the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner this evening. (D)
Day 3 Board Rovos Rail in Pretoria.
After breakfast we transfer to the Rovos Rail station at Capital Park in Pretoria which, once a bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal is now the headquarters for Rovos Rail. We will have the opportunity to tour this gracious, colonial-style railway station and the ever-expanding railway museum. The eyes of rail enthusiasts will be drawn to the vast carriage and locomotive sheds where teams of dedicated personnel keep the rolling stock in perfect order. We board our train in the late morning and travel south across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Take lunch and dinner on the train as we continue towards Kimberley. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Kimberley.
This morning we will reach the historical train station of Kimberley, the city of diamonds. At the end of the 19th century, the town experienced a real diamond rush, from which the diamond empire of De Beers emerged. On arrival, view the famous Big Hole, once the largest diamond mine in the world and visit the lovingly restored original buildings of Kimberley’s Belle Epoque. After lunch on the train we spend the afternoon crossing the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an inland sea. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Upington.
We arrive into Upington, which the railway reaches by means of a bridge 1067 metres long, the second longest bridge in South Africa. Sir Thomas Upington, attorney general of the Cape, was the man principally responsible for liquidating the business activities of the Orange River pirates and capturing their leader, Klaas Lucas. When the desperadoes were finally chased away in 1884, the town was founded on the banks of the Orange River and named in his honour. After a walking tour of the city we will join a sundowner cruise on the Orange River. This evening we will make our way across the Namibia border. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Fish River Canyon, Namibia.
Over lunch we arrive in Holoog for our visit to the Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona in geological importance. Eroded over many millennia, the canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa, 161 kilometres long, 549 metres deep and, in some places, 27 kilometres wide. Baboon, rock dassie, ground squirrel and klipspringer are often seen in the canyon, while the presence of leopard and mountain zebra is indicated by tracks left at waterholes. Enjoy the stunning views and the opportunity to take a short walk along the canyon’s edge. We return to the train and depart for Aus. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Kolmanskop & Luderitz.
Today’s tour begins with a bus ride to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. Sparking a “diamond rush” the town grew in the ensuing years, peaking in the 1920s, until the discovery of richer deposits further south. By the 1960s the population had left and the town is now at the mercy of the weather and encroaching sand dunes. Continue to the harbour town of Luderitz which was first landed by Portuguese mariners in the 15th century but it was not until 1883 when the land was bought by a wealthy merchant, Adolf Luderitz, that the town developed as part of German colonization of the region. A walk will see the Luderitz Museum and the colonial buildings including the Goerke Haus and Felsenkirche. Return to the train at Aus station as our private train continues on its journey north. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Keetmanshoop & Quiver Tree Forest.
Visit Garas Park where we will see the unique quiver trees and the interesting rock formations. The quiver tree is not really a tree, rather a plant of the genus aloe, as evident from its scientific name, and one of the few species of aloe that reaches tree proportions, it can grow seven to nine metres high. Return to the train and depart for Mariental. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Sossusvlei.
After breakfast we transfer to the airstrip for our specially chartered flights to the Namib-Naukluft Park. We will check into our overnight lodge and enjoy lunch before taking an afternoon drive in the desert. The dunes of the Namib Desert were created by sand carried by the wind from the coast of Namibia. The sand here is five million years old and is red in colour due to its iron-oxide content. As the lighting changes with the time of day, so does the appearance of the dunes’ characteristic colour, allowing for interesting photographs at any time. The wind in the Sossusvlei area blows from all directions which means that the type of the dunes here are known as “star dunes”. A special dinner will be served in the desert before we return to our lodge for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Sossusvlei & Windhoek.
Awake at dawn and take an early morning drive into the desert enjoying breakfast in the vlei. Later this morning we return to the airstrip for our specially chartered flights to Windhoek where the train has travelled to meet us. Situated in Namibia’s central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. The city tour of Windhoek starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow gauge locomotive (vintage 1900), which used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church which we will drive past, this is one of the city’s most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained-glass windows. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Cheetah Conservation Fund, Otjiwarongo.
Arriving at lunchtime in Kranzberg we will drive to Otjiwarongo and the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Founded in 1990, the fund is dedicated to saving cheetah in the wild. The centre is a hub for conservation programming and education working with farmers, researchers and students to attain their goal. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Etosha National Park.
After breakfast we transfer to the Etosha National Park for an overnight stay in a lodge. The park offers excellent game viewing in one of Africa’s most accessible venues. Zebra and springbok are scattered across the endless horizon while the many waterholes attract endangered black rhino, lion, elephant and large numbers of antelope. The Etosha Pan, an extremely flat salt pan, lies at the heart of the National Park. This shimmering “great white place”, as its name says, is the largest salt pan in Africa and with herds of wild animals passing through is an unforgettable experience. We take an afternoon game drive and return to our lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Etosha National Park & Namib Desert.
An early morning game drive provides another opportunity to observe wild animals close up. In the late morning we return to our train and spend the afternoon heading southwest across the Namib Desert towards the Atlantic Ocean. The Namib stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres along the Atlantic Coast of Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Having endured arid conditions for roughly 55-80 million years, the Namib may be the oldest desert in the world. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Walvis Bay & Swakopmund.
We arrive at Walvis Bay and bid our train farewell as we transfer to our Swakopmund hotel for an overnight stay. Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the west coast, is a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and enjoys a restful and relaxing atmosphere. The source of Swakopmund’s continental vibe is the graceful Art Nouveau buildings dating back to the turn of the previous century. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and meet this evening for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 15 Swakopmund to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to Walvis Bay for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 16 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 27 April to 12 May 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Pullman Suite | £9495 | |
| Deluxe Suite | £10995 | |
| Pullman Suite for sole use | £12295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAROVOS
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Nine nights aboard Rovos Rail • Overnight accommodation in Pretoria, Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park & Swakopmund • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • House beer, wine & soft drinks with included meals • All drinks on the Rovos Rail (excluding premium brands) • Limited laundry service on Rovos Rail • Excursions • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Local guides • Onboard Train Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
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Information Directory
Information Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences and we are delighted to offer their luxury train, the Rovos Rail. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
ACCOMMODATION
The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. All have en-suite bathrooms with original fittings that combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hairdryers and shaver plugs. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There are three categories of accommodation available:
Royal Suites (16 m2): The Royal Suites are both spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of side-by-side twin or spacious double beds. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Deluxe Suites (10 m2): The Deluxe Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Pullman Suites (7 m2): The Pullman Suites are equipped with a comfortable sofa seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort.ADAPTORS
A limited number of international adaptors are available on board.
AIR-CONDITIONING
All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each suite has an air-conditioning unit with individual temperature control (this can also be set to heat mode). Fresh-air intake is solved by opening a window; however, windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-departure announcements will be made before boarding the train by the Train Manager. Any further important information will be personally announced by your onboard host/ess.
COMMUNICATIONS
In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. There is an internal telephone system in all suites. The use of mobile phones, laptops and anything else that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception can be poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated. Internet will be available at many of the Rovos Rail lounges and accommodations en-route.
You can contact the train by email at reservations@rovos.co.za. Please indicate the passenger name and departure date as the subject.DAILY PROGRAMME
A day to day itinerary is placed in all suites detailing the arrangements and this will be available for you when you board the train. Any updates will be communicated as necessary.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak with the chef at dinner on your first evening to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
The Rovos Rail has two 42-seater Dining Cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet selection of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are set menus and both are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. Normally breakfast is between 7.00 am and 10.00 am, lunch at 1.00 pm and a formal dinner at 7.30 pm. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. All drinks on board are included except for certain premium label spirits, wines and champagnes.
DISEMBARKATION
Guests should wait in public areas or their cabin until an announcement is made with instructions for disembarking.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire
is appropriate and the evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, it is requested that you refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity on the train is as follows: 220V AC 50Hz 3 point round pronged wall plug. International adaptors are available – please ask your host/ess. There is a USB port in each suite.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. There is a fire extinguisher in your suite and if a fire should break out here, please be quick to apply it. If it cannot be controlled, please advise staff immediately. There are large extinguishers at the end of each carriage for staff application. The train will be brought to a halt for the required action. Do not jump from a moving train.
GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop on board which is located in the central lounge and is open between mealtimes. The host/ess on duty has a basic first aid kit and a limited supply of personal essentials.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so it is not possible to handle a week’s worth of washing in one go. Please note there are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your suite carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.
MAIL
Although your host/ess will be happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway at the stop at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost
en route.MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated defibrillator and wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. All train managers have first aid qualifications.
ONBOARD ACCOUNTAny extra expenses can be settled directly on the train with the host/ess. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.
PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will also provide the necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey.
PUBLIC AREAS
On board there is a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking Lounge Car, which also houses the Gift Shop. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the questionnaire that will be distributed to you during the tour. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Whilst on board, passengers are encouraged to close shutters (and preferably windows as well) in the cabins and passengers are specifically requested to close windows and shutters when not in the cabin. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your cabin door can also lock from the inside. It is requested that guests adhere to the following:
• Never open exterior doors while the train is moving.
• Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving.
• An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be heavily fined.
• When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. Safety goggles are provided in your cabin.
• Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it is not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your cabin you must make certain that your windows and shutters are closed.
• Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark.
• Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only.SERVICE
A dedicated host/ess is available for full 24-hour room service. He/she can be called from the telephone in your suite. The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are also on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
SMOKING POLICY
On board the train, smoking is only allowed in the Club Lounge but please be aware that the train is generally made up of wood. Please do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train as bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.
TELEPHONE CALLS
There is an internal telephone system on board. Please check the room list which details all telephone numbers – this will include the number of your host/ess should you need their service between midnight and 6.00 am.
TOILETRIES
A complete toiletry bag is available in your en-suite bathroom with the following South African products: conditioning shampoo, body and hair bar, shower gel, soap, body lotion, hand sanitiser, insect spray, shower cap, tissues and a vanity kit with nail file, paper-made cotton buds and cotton pads. Products are 100% natural and biodegradable. All bottles are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled rPET, and are returned to the factory for recycling after a journey. Other products are wrapped in cardboard, which is sustainably sourced. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board.
TRACK
The track over which the train travels is inconsistently maintained. The train is therefore restricted to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections the speed is reduced to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available.
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested via your
host/ess.WATER
The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Water inside the cabins has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Our View
“If you enjoy travelling by train and have a hankering to explore South Africa and Namibia then this is the perfect opportunity. From its home at Capital Park, Pretoria, the Rovos Rail will take you on a journey of discovery through some of the most historic and scenic areas of Southern Africa. The train will carry you in world-class style and comfort from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic Ocean, reuniting by rail the republics of South Africa and Namibia. Journey’s end is at Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. At this perfectly preserved 19th century German Hansa the Namib desert dunes meet the ocean. There’s no finer way to explore this desert land than by luxury train.”
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000