Destinations

Luxury Train Travel in Africa - Rovos Rail & The Blue Train

By Vanessa Dean Updated December 3, 2024 Read time 5 min

Experience timeless elegance with luxury train travel in Africa. Rediscover the elegance of a classic era of exploration as you travel across Southern Africa on board Rovos Rail or The Blue Train. Both Rovos Rail and The Blue Train pride themselves on offering travelers the height of comfort with wood-paneled carriages; plush, sophisticated furnishings; sumptuous cuisine; as well as attentive friendly staff.

Rovos Rail

Recognized as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, and ranking 4th in Japan Rail Pass' top 10 most popular luxury trains in the world, Rovos Rail has pampered guests from around the world for over three decades. Without a doubt, the attention to period décor and traditional furnishings will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

The Blue Train

Take a luxury train journey on South Africa's 'Blue Jewel' into a timeless world of grace and elegance. It was recently ranked 6th in Japan Rail Pass' top 10 most popular luxury trains in the world. On-board The Blue Train guests are taken through some of the most breathtaking countryside in the world. With the finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms, guests are treated like royalty.

Dress code on-board a luxury train

Guests Enjoying a Drink at the Bar on The Blue Train

There is a dress code for Rovos Rail and The Blue Train which you are expected to adhere to. During the day, guests should be dressed in smart-casual wear. Evening attire should be more formal. For men, a jacket and a tie is a minimum requirement and ladies should wear cocktail/evening dresses or suits. It's worth noting that on longer Rovos Rail journeys there are themed evenings where guests can choose to dress accordingly or opt for smart-casual wear.

Luxury train travel routes in Africa

Rovos Rail and The Blue Train link you to Africa's most iconic destinations via a selection of scheduled routes.

Rovos Rail routes

Rovos Rail journey map, courtesy of Rovos Rail

There are a number of itineraries and routes to choose from, and many routes are available in reverse. Rovos Rail can also be chartered for those who want the ultimate exclusive, luxury rail journey. A number of Rovos Rail's routes include exclusive off-train excursions and game drives led by experienced guides and historians, and other routes are designed especially for golf enthusiasts. Rovos Rail journeys depart from Pretoria and Cape Town in South Africa to various destinations across Africa:

Pretoria to Durban - 3 day safari rail journey which includes a game drive in Nambiti Conservancy.
Pretoria to Cape Town - 3 day rail journey through the grasslands, mountain ranges and Cape Winelands or a 10 day rail journey which includes game viewing, city tour and scenic views of Cape Winelands.
Pretoria to Victoria Falls - 3 night rail journey to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Pretoria to Namibia - 9 day rail journey to Namibia which includes an overnight in Sossusvlei Lodge.
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam - 15 day rail journey through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania.

The Blue Train routes

The Blue Train journey map, courtesy of The Blue Train

The Blue Train runs a scheduled service from Cape Town to Pretoria as well as Cape Town to Durban. Also, The Blue Train can be chartered for special occasions allowing you to have a totally tailor-made luxury rail journey experience.

Pretoria to Cape Town (available in reverse) - 2 night rail journey through some of the most diverse and breathtaking scenery Africa has to offer.
Pretoria to Kruger National Park - one way 19 hour rail journey to South Africa's Limpopo Province, home to the Kruger National Park.

Rovos Rail vs The Blue Train

When it comes to luxury train travel in Africa, Rovos Rail and The Blue Train are the top choices. Here are some of the main differences:

Route Options: Rovos Rail can take you on extensive journeys across South Africa and even to neighboring countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. On the other hand, The Blue Train has a more limited selection of routes, with its classic journey between Pretoria and Cape Town.
Itinerary Length: Rovos Rail offers longer trips that can range from a few days to several weeks, perfect for those seeking an immersive train travel experience. The Blue Train offers shorter journeys lasting one or two nights, ideal for those with limited time.
Train Decor and Style: Rovos Rail's vintage trains have been meticulously restored and exude an old-world ambiance with wood-paneled suites, antique furnishings, and Victorian-inspired decor. The Blue Train boasts a contemporary and elegant style with modern furnishings, plush upholstery, and striking blue exteriors.

How to extend your luxury train holiday in Africa

aerial view of zuri zanzibar beach — Zanzibar Beach

Each of the final stations on Rovos Rail and The Blue Train are ideal hubs from which to extend your luxury train travel journey.

Big 5 Safari - With The Blue Train's Pretoria to Kruger National Park route, you could easily tag on a classic Big 5 safari in one of the game reserves.
Explore Cape Town - If your final station is Cape Town, why don't you experience the culture, cuisine and city lights?
Walking Safari in Zambia or Zimbabwe - With Rovos Rail's routes there are seamless transitions from train to train for a walking safari in Zambia or Zimbabwe.
Tropical Beach - If your final station is Dar es Salaam, you could catch a light aircraft flight to tropical Zanzibar. Or from Cape Town you can directly fly to Mauritius.