Rovos Rail Pride of Africa

Rovos Rail
South Africa
Loading Map...
The Journey

Navigate from Rovos Rail Station, Capital Park, Pretoria to Cape Town Station across a span of 1600km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Highveld Grasslands approaching Pretoria
  • The Great Karoo Desert — vast, open, timeless
  • Cape Winelands approach into Cape Town
  • Table Mountain panorama from the approach
  • Kimberley Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum
  • Matjiesfontein Victorian village
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    72 hours

  • Distance

    1600 km

  • Est. Price

    R207,000–372,000 per person sharing one-way (2026)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: All-Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All-Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All-Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel-electric locomotives — typically Class 15E (South African Railways) or equivalent diesel-electric units for the Rovos consist

Locomotive Weight

Approximately 120–140 tonnes per locomotive

Track Gauge

1,067 mm (Cape gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (Westinghouse-style) on carriages; diesel-electric locomotive braking

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 1,600km route traverses multiple climate zones — from Highveld grassland to Karoo desert to Cape winelands

  • Significant elevation change from Highveld (1,200m+) to sea level at Cape Town

  • Aging South African rail infrastructure requiring careful route management

  • Long sections of single-track operation requiring precise scheduling

Maximum speed

60 km/h (by design — leisurely pacing is part of the experience)

Total route distance

1,600 km (Pretoria to Cape Town)

Number of carriages

18–22 (typically): sleeping, dining, lounge, observation, gift shop, smoking lounge

Suite dimensions

Pullman ±7m², Deluxe ±10m², Royal ±16m²

Gauge

1,067 mm (Cape gauge)

Historic rolling stock

Pre-1940 restored Edwardian carriages with original wood panelling

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    72 hours

  • Distance

    1600 km

  • Est. Price

    R207,000–372,000 per person sharing one-way (2026)

Official Booking Provider