Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail tours across our destinations. A unique and memorable journey awaits you on the Rovos Rail.

For more than 30 years, family-run Rovos Rail has operated rail journeys through some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery, in a style redolent of a bygone era of elegance and a spirit of African exploration. Still overseen by Rohan and Anthea Vos, Rovos Rail’s ethos is to share their love of the romance of rail travel with their guests by offering wonderful rail itineraries through Southern Africa.

Today, as you step aboard the beautifully restored vintage wood panelled coaches and experience discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, you too can discover the delights of rail travel, onboard Rovos Rail, dubbed ‘the most luxurious train in the world’.

Distant Journeys offers the opportunity to join Rovos Rail on our 18-day Spectacular South Africa tour. Travelling from Durban to Pretoria over three days, enjoy 800kms of wonderful scenery and fascinating excursions, on this all-inclusive and unforgettable experience. Or, on our 16-day African Rail Adventure, enjoy 11 incredible nights on Rovos Rail, visiting four different countries, and providing memories to last a lifetime. Simply take a seat by a window with a view, and enjoy the relaxing ride as a new world sweeps by.

Your Exquisite Suite
The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly-appointed suites.

Offering a truly high standard of rail accommodation, these wood-panelled carriages have all been remodelled and refurbished to pristine condition. Adjourned with period Edwardian features and combined with all with all the modern conveniences you could need, the suites provide a cosy, comfortable retreat and home-from-home at the end of a fabulous day exploring the wonders of Southern Africa.

Pullman Suites (7m2)
Distant Journeys’ guests will be accommodated in comfortable Pullman Suites. These suites can be configured with double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks).

Deluxe Suites (10m2)
The Deluxe Suites are slightly larger and include their own seating area and bar fridge, which will be filled with on-board beverages of your choice.

Royal Suite (16m2)
The largest of the suites available, The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath.

All suites feature the following facilities

  • Double or twin beds
  • Private en suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet
  • Bathrobe and slippers
  • Tea-making facilities
  • Power outlets including USB ports
  • Safe
  • Air-conditioning

Life on board Rovos Rail
Aboard, you’ll be transported through many mesmerising landscapes you won’t want to miss and where you can savour life in the slow lane throughout your journey. In keeping with the spirit of travel exploration from times gone by, there are no radios or television sets on board; so, there is nothing that will disturb you truly immersing yourself in this wonderful experience. The use of mobiles is confined to the privacy of your personal suites.

In keeping with the stylish ambience, days on board are smart casual, with safari clothing and cool linens a popular choice, while evening attire is a little more formal. Enjoy the opportunity to dress up to the nines and revel in the elegance of the evening

Lounge and Observation Cars
During the daytime on board Rovos Rail, guests mingle and socialise in the lounge car and observation car, whose big picture windows allow you to soak up the spectacular scenery.  You’ll find the observation cars at the back of the train, with their unique open-air balconies, allowing you to take in the moving landscapes that fall into your path. The lounge’s deep sofas and wingback chairs are extremely comfortable and the windows can be opened to allow in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.

Elegant dining
Delicious food and drinks take centre stage on your all-inclusive Rovos Rail journey, with meals served in the charming Victorian dining cars. Setup with one or two dining cars, dependent on the number of passengers the elegant dining cars consist of two and four seater tables, where guests eat together or individually.

An enthusiastic team of chefs take great pride in ensuring guests’ every need is catered for, with an accent on fresh local ingredients to create traditional and speciality dishes as well as international favourites.

The striking of a gong heralds the start of lunch and dinner service; the tables are set with crisp linens and sparkling crystal glasses and each delicious course is complemented with a selection of the finest South African wines, which can be recommended with your dish of choice.

Both lunch and dinner are four-course meals, and the well-stocked bar is open from morning to late at night.

Afternoon tea is served most afternoons in the lounge and observation cars, as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. In the evening the lounge car is where guests may relax with a nightcap before bed.

 

Rovos Rail is featured in the following itineraries:
Spectacular South Africa, including Rovos Rail
African Rail Adventure