Rovos Rail - Rail Tours South Africa

Since its establishment more than 10 years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - 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 by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion

CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA

For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of the world's top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendour and scenic winelands. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa's economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld's world-famous game reserves. From the coast, the 1600 kilometre route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo, and Kimberley (city of De Beers), the diamond boom-town that's home to the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation.

CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA ITINERARY

PRETORIA TO CAPE TOWN
Tuesday or Friday
15:30 Depart Pretoria aboard the Pride of Africa.

Wednesday or Saturday
09:40 Arrive in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole, the diamond museum and take a tram ride.
13:00 Depart Modder River Station near Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West for Matjiesfontein.

Thursday or Sunday
08:15 Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
10:30 Depart Matjiesfontein and proceed via Touws River, De Doorns and Worcester to Cape Town.
18:00 Arrive at Cape Town station, platform 24.

CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA

Monday
11:00 Depart from platform 23 at Cape Town station and proceed inland via Worcester.
18:00 Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein guests tour this quaint village.
19:00 Depart Matjiesfontein.

Tuesday
12:00 Upon arrival at Modder River Station near Kimberley we transfer to the historic Kimberley Club for lunch and then take the electric tram from the City centre for a tour of the Big Hole and museum.
16:00 Depart Kimberley.

Wednesday
12:00 Arrive Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests can then continue through to the Victoria Falls.

A NOSTALGIC EXPEDITION TO THE VICTORIA FALLS

Combine the luxury of train travel with the excitement of a flight in a vintage airliner. Travel along a beautiful route of special interest, one rich in history, romance and adventure. Spend three days aboard the Pride of Africa as it descends the breathtaking Drakensberg escarpment to the sub-tropical wildlife paradise of Mpumalanga. Travel alongside the famous Kruger Park to Hoedspruit, where an interesting excursion to Kapama's Game Reserve is planned. Thereafter during the afternoon the train slowly ascends the mountain range to the west, passing through Tzaneen and Duiwelskloof up ancient gorges and cliffs to Baobab country. At Pietersburg, board an historic aircraft for the two-hour flight to the Victoria Falls (Livingstone / Zambia), one of the natural wonders of the world.

ITINERARY
PRETORIA - VICTORIA FALLS (LIVINGSTONE/ZAMBIA)

Thursday
10:00 The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail's station in Capital Park
13:00 Lunch is served in the Dining Car en route to Witbank.
20:00 After descending the Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit, dinner is served.

Friday
05:00 Wake up call for an early game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve.
09:30 Brunch at the Rhino Inn followed by a visit to the Cheetah and Wild Dog Project.
13:30 Depart Klaserie and enjoy the relaxed meander of the train en route to Tzaneen and Duiwelskloof.

Saturday
08:30 Arrive in Pietersburg.
09:00 Passengers transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to Livingstone.
12:45 Arrive at the Livingstone Hotel, and 13:15 arrival at Victoria Falls Hotel.

VICTORIA FALLS (LIVINGSTONE/ZAMBIA) - PRETORIA

Saturday
12:00 Guests collected from Victoria Falls Hotel.
12:30 Guests collected from the Royal Livingstone Hotel.
13:30 Take off from Livingstone Airport.

Sunday
05:00 Wake up call for an early game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve.
09:30 Brunch at the Rhino Inn followed by a visit to the Cheetah and Wild Dog Project.
13:30 Depart Klaserie and enjoy the relaxed meander of the train en route to Nelspruit.

Monday
07:00 The train begins the climb between Waterval Onder and Waterval Boven, via a series of tunnels and switchbacks. Breakfast is served in the Dining Car until 10:00. During the morning the train passes through Witbank, where young Winston Churchill, an escaped prisoner of war, jumped a freight train to Mozambique.
14:15 At Rayton, the Pride of Africa is connected to the Rovos Rail Steam Locomotive for the last leg of the journey to Pretoria.
16:00Arrive at journey's end, the gracious Capital Park Station in Pretoria.

THE PRIDE OF AFRICA ON SAFARI

From Capital Park, Pretoria, the Pride of Africa travels towards Witbank, then down the spectacular escarpment to an African bushveld paradise. The following morning you may enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train meanders along the border of the world-famous Kruger Park. Lunch is served in the Dining car as the safari continues south towards Swaziland for an afternoon game drive through the Mkhaya Game Reserve followed by a memorable candelit bush dinner in the pristine river setting of Stone Camp. Travel overnight to Hluhluwe in Zululand, sanctuary of the endangered White Rhino. After a game drive at dawn, the rolling hills and lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal unfold as the train wends its way to Durban and journeys end.

PRETORIA - DURBAN

Friday
10:00 The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail's Station in Capital Park.
18:30 After descending the Drakensberg Escarpment the train arrives in Waterval Onder.

ITINERARY
Saturday
07:00 Breakfast is served as the train departs Malelane travelling along the border of the Kruger Park.
12:30 Lunch is served as we pass through the Swaziland border en route to Mpaka station.
15:00 We arrive at Mkhaya reserve for our afternoon game drive and bush dinner.
20:00 The train departs for the overnight journey to Hluhluwe in Zululand.

Sunday
05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
09:30 The Pride of Africa departs Hluhluwe for Durban. 17:00 Arrive Durban.

DURBAN - PRETORIA

Monday
10:00 The Pride of Africa Departs Durban.
13:00 Lunch is served as the train passes through the rolling hills and cane-fields of Kwazulu Natal.
20:00 Dinner is served in the Dining Car as we pass through the Swaziland border.

Tuesday
05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve.
09:30 The train departs en route to Komatipoort.
11:00 Brunch served in the dining car.
15:15 We arrive in Malelane for the game drive in the Kruger Park followed by a boma dinner. After dinner the train travels to our overnight stop at Waterval Onder.

Wednesday
07:00 Breakfast is served as we depart Waterval Onder (3950') and climb this most attractive escarpment route up to Belfast at 6463 ft.
12:30 Lunch will be served as we depart Witbank and head for Rayton where we pick up the steam engine.
15:00 We arrive in Pretoria at Rovos Rail's private station.

GOLF SAFARI

Rovos Rail has designed a delightful nine-day Golf Safari to entertain the most discerning player. At all venues, there are optional excursions for the entertainment of non-playing guests. This special journey commences in Pretoria and travels east towards the spectacular Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit. Play at Leopard's Creek or enjoy a game drive in the world famous Kruger Park followed by shopping and lunch at Casterbridge near White River. Tee off at the Royal Swazi Golf Club, near Manzini in Swaziland, while non-golfers visit the Mlilwane Game Reserve, Houses of Parliament and the Swazi Candle Factory. Then it's on to Zululand for game viewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St. Lucia Estuary.

GOLFERS

17 APRI /19 AUGUST/01 DECEMBER
10h00 Depart Rovos Rail's private station, Capital Park in Pretoria
18h30 Arrival Waterval Onder

18 APRIL/20 AUGUST/02 DECEMBER
10h00 Eighteen holes of golf at Leopard Creek in Malelane
18h00 Train departs for Swaziland

19 APRIL/21 AUGUST/03 DECEMBER
09h00 Tee-off at Royal Swazi Golf Club near Manzini

20 APRIL/22 AUGUST/04 DECEMBER
06h00 Game drive in Hluhluwe;
16h00 Cruise on St Lucia lake

21 APRIL/23 AUGUST/05 DECEMBER
09h00 Tee-off at Durban Beachwood Country Club

22 APRIL/24 AUGUST/06 DECEMBER
09h00 Tee-off at Champagne Sports Resort - Drakensberg

23 APRIL/25 AUGUST/07 DECEMBER
07h00 Depart Ladysmith
Day at leisure on the train

24 APRIL/26 AUGUST/08 DECEMBER
09h00 Tee-off at Gary Player Country Club, Sun City
14h00 Lunch at Club
16h30 Game drive in Pilansberg Game Reserve

25 APRIL/27 AUGUST/09 DECEMBER
07h00 Depart Rustenberg
10h00 Arrive Capital Park Station, Pretoria

NON-GOLFERS

17 APRIL/19 AUGUST/01 DECEMBER
10h00 Depart Rovos Rail's private station, Capital Park in Pretoria
18h30 Waterval Onder

18 APRIL/20 AUGUST/02 DECEMBER
09h00 Game drive in the Kruger Park, lunch at Casterbridge
18h00 Train departs for Swaziland.

19 APRIL/21 AUGUST/03 DECEMBER
09h30 Game Drive Mlilwane Game Reserve, followed by a visit to Houses of Parliament and the Swazi candle factory

20 APRIL/22 AUGUST/04 DECEMBER
06h00 Game Drive in Hluhluwe;
16h00 Cruise on St Lucia lake

21 APRIL/23 AUGUST/05 DECEMBER
09h00 Durban City Tour followed by lunch at the Durban Beechwood Club

22 APRIL/24 AUGUST/06 DECEMBER
09h00 Walk at Champagne Spots Resort or professional tour of Battlefields near Ladysmith, shopping and join the golfers for lunch

23 APRIL/25 AUGUST/07 DECEMBER
07h00 Depart Ladysmith
Day at leisure on the train

24 APRIL/26 AUGUST/08 DECEMBER
09h30 Explore Sun City
14h00 Lunch at Gary Player CC
16h30 Game drive in Pilansberg Game Reserve

25 APRIL/27 AUGUST/09 DECEMBER
07h00 Depart Rustenberg
10h00 Arrive Capital Park Station, Pretoria

THE AFRICAN COLLAGE 2004

Rovos Rail will once again run this annual journey starting 29th May 2003. This panoramic nine-day sojourn commences at Rovos Rail Station at Capital Park in Pretoria. The first leg of the journey takes the train through Witbank and Middleburg and then traverses the majestic Drakensberg escarpment en route to the lowveld of Mpumalanga. The following morning you will receive an early wake up call to join a game drive through the famous Kruger Park. Brunch will be served in the Dining Car while the train winds its way southwards to Swaziland in time for an afternoon game drive in the Mkhaya Reserve. The day will be rounded off with a candlelit bush dinner in the pristine riverine setting of Stone Camp.

During the night the train will continue south to the village of Hluhluwe in Zululand. Starting early once again, a wide variety of game can be seen on a morning game drive through the scenic Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The Pride of Africa departs mid morning and makes its way south through the lush cane fields and rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal, arriving in Durban late afternoon. The train, after an evening in Durban, steadily ascends the scenic escarpment through Pietermaritzburg and The Valley of a Thousand Hills en route to Ladysmith and Bethlehem. This route takes the train past Lesotho and the highest mountains in the Drakensberg range at 3,482 metres (11 425 feet). During the night we continue onto Bloemfontein, the Freestate capital, where we will enjoy a morning excursion to the Addo Elephant Park close to Port Elizabeth. The next stop of the Pride of Africa will be Oudtshoorn for a visit to the Highgate Ostrich farm followed by another spectacular rail descent down the Montagu pass into George. A morning visit to Knysna and the surrounding attractions will complete the visit to this natural paradise. The train sets off at midday from George travelling along the scenic Garden Route through Mossel Bay and Riversdale. The next morning, after a short visit to the KWV Brandy Distillery in Worcester, the Pride of Africa ends its magnificent collage in the Mother City of Cape Town.
ITINERARY 2004

PRETORIA - CAPE TOWN

DAY 1 - THURSDAY 27 MAY
10:00 The train departs from Rovos Rail’s Capital Park private Station in Pretoria

DAY 2 - FRIDAY 28 MAY
05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Kruger Park in open vehicles.
11:00 Brunch served in the dining car while we travel through Komatipoort to the Swaziland border.
15:30 We arrive at Mkhaya reserve for our afternoon game drive and bush dinner.
20:00 The train departs for the overnight journey to Hluhluwe in Zululand.

DAY 3 - SATURDAY 29 MAY
5:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve
09:30 The train departs Hluhluwe for Durban.
18:00 Arrive Durban for an evening in the City

DAY 4 - SUNDAY 30 MAY
6:00 Depart Durban en Route to Bloemfontein. Day at leisure on board

DAY 5 - MONDAY 31 MAY
10:00 Tour of Bloemfontein
13:00 Depart Bloemfontein on Route to Port Elizabeth.

DAY 6 - TUESDAY 1 JUNE
09:00 Tour of Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth.
12:00 The train departs Port Elizabeth for Oudtshoorn

DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE
10:00 Arrive Oudtshoorn for Ostrich Farm visit.
15:30 Arrive George for afternoon at leisure.
18:30 Depart for dinner at Fancourt Golf Estate.

DAY 8 - THURSDAY 3 JUNE
09:00 Depart for morning tour of Knysna.
13:30 Depart George.

DAY 9 - FRIDAY 4 JUNE
17:00 Arrive Worcester for KWV Brandy Distillery tour.
17:00 Arrive Cape Town.

CAPE TOWN - PRETORIA

DAY 1 - MONDAY 7 JUNE
9:30 The train departs from Cape Town Station
16:00 Arrive in Ashton for a visit to Zandvliet Wine Estate

DAY 2 - TUESDAY 8 JUNE
12:00 Arrive in George for lunch and an afternoon visit to Knysna. Overnight in George

DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE
8:00 The train departs George for Oudtshoorn.
Lunch and afternoon visit to an Ostrich Farm.
15:00 Depart Oudtshoorn.

DAY 4 - THURSDAY 10 JUNE
6:00 Depart Klipplaat for Port Elizabeth.

DAY 5 - FRIDAY 11 JUNE
Train en route to Durban.

DAY 6 - SATURDAY 12 JUNE
19:00 Arrive in Durban for an evening in the City.

DAY 7 - SUNDAY 13 JUNE
06:00 Depart Durban for Hluhluwe.
15:30 Arrive for afternoon game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve after which we depart for Swaziland.

DAY 8 - MONDAY 14 JUNE
05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve.
19:30 The train departs for Komatipoort.
11:00 Brunch is served in the dining car.
15:15 Arrive in Malelane for an afternoon game drive in the Kruger Park, followed by a Boma dinner.

DAY 9 - TUESDAY 15 JUNE
07:00 Breakfast is served as the train departs Waterval Onder.
12:30 Lunch is served.
15:00 Arrive at the Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria.