Rovos Rail

The Rovos Rail experience, and the service in particular on board the train, was excellent. Very hardworking staff who cater to your every need. Our journey took us from Cape Town through Kimberley to Pretoria note that the train stops at Meyerton station, about an hour and a half from Pretoria’s Rovos base, because of damage to the tracks, initially due to stolen cables, and now because of sink holes. Ideal for couples, good friends and train lovers. The pace during the day is slow, with lots of stops for reasons beyond anyone’s control e.g. the longest stop was due to power cables that fell on the roof of the train - the railway in South Africa is an adventure, but somehow they managed to keep to schedule which, I can imagine, does not always happen. Nothing to do but sit and relax, eat, drink, and sleep. Easy to socialise with other guests in the lounges, particularly at the back next to the viewing deck, and even make lasting friends. Perhaps we were lucky, but all the guests were very amicable. And I’m very glad Rovos stick to the tradition of formal attire suits and cocktail dresses in the evening - nice to get dressed and make an effort, and it suits the ambience of the train. Which brings me to the beautiful dining carts at the centre of all the activity, shining the spotlight on food and drink. Here there is room for improvement. The food deviated from excellent breakfasts with lots of choice, to good enjoyed the mushroom risotto in particular, and stuffed chicken to sometimes average offerings overdone and rather tough steak and duck. The latter made it difficult for us - we are not big on complaining and sending items back - because the service was otherwise beyond reproach. Wine pairings during lunch and dinner were generously topped up, beginning with a Lourensford Limited Release Viognier for instance, followed by a Groot Constantia Merlot, and ending with a Joostenberg Nobel Harvest. They did have vegetarian offerings that were on par with the meat options in terms of the effort put in, which we chose in place of more exotic offerings such as crocodile and ostrich. The cheese plate was a bit of a puzzle among guests nicknamed cheese and ‘Biscuit’ in lieu of the crackers to cheese ratio. But, I take my hat off to them - it cannot be easy preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner on a train, and I don’t know the inner workings of prepping food for a group such as this. I think it would be easier for them if the guests were provided with a more detailed form or list of their dietary requirements, likes and dislikes, which they could insist on being filled in prior to boarding, as it is a complicated world we live in. Ultimately though, based on the entirety of this unique experience, I feel that if the opportunity presents itself, get on that train!

Looks outstanding, but the single supplements are prohibitive to a huge potential market of remote workers in tech and other such industries who want to feel they are getting reasonable value and not paying a premium for working in a sector with high levels of global mobility so not therefore necessarily having a travel companion/nearby family home. Would love to go one day as thoroughly enjoyed the Blue Train. Would also be keen to see other shorter routes serviced within South Africa but suppose the railway issues are the obstacle.

Excellent trip!! Fabulous but too much food, drinks flowing and service just cannot be equaled! The staff are so helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble. The Off train excursions were great, well organised and interesting. Thank you for a great trip!

First class, 5 star luxury and service. Just keep in mind it's a train, so space is tight. There are 3 sleeping compartments per car, so train could be 1/2 km long, No entertainment, wifi, tvs etc on the train at all. The philosophy is to relax and socialize. Easy to overeat and drink too much.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYes

We have just finished a Cape Town to Pretoria trip on Rovos rail, and I must say that it was one of the best travel experiences I have had. Worth every penny. The experience is superb, the staff are amazing, the food is excellent. I most strongly recommend it, choose a deluxe compartment if you can!

Outstanding organisation. Well organised company, fabulous staff who follow the owner's work ethos & beliefs.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo wait

What a fantastic trip! Enjoyed every moment of it. Staff is very efficient and friendly and food is superb. Would recommend it to anyone!

Absolutely fantastic! Travel in style! A Dining 5 star experience!

Exceptional service, delicious food.Personal service to detail.Will do it again in the near future.All the carriages are beautifully maintained and the design is stunning.Going back in time.All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.All excursions were well worth it.

Rovos takes you back 80 years with a beautifully restored train, personal service, amazing food and well-travelled passengers that share you journey. Unfortunately they have to make the trek from Pretoria on a failing infrastructure.