As travel agents, we can tell you that a lot of our guests have a fascination with rail travel. And so do we!!! As Marula Hill Travel, we have enjoyed spending time on Rovos Rail. Quite simply modern travel is often measured in air miles and hours gained. BUT, there is a growing movement back to the art of slow, deliberate discovery. For those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination, South Africa offers a rare gem — the best train journey in South Africa, aboard the iconic Rovos Rail. It combines old-world elegance, modern indulgence and landscapes that stir the soul.
A Heritage of Elegance
Founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail began as a vision to revive the golden age of rail in Africa — an era when travel was an experience of refinement, reflection and connection. They lovingly restored carriages dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, the train exudes an old-world charm that feels both cinematic and sincere.The team has thoughtfully included every detail — from polished wood panelling and period furnishings to a dress code that invites guests to embrace the theatre of travel. And best of all…. no TV’s!!!!
Yet, despite its heritage aesthetic, this is not a museum piece. Rovos Rail delivers modern luxury with seamless ease — from fine South African wines to gourmet cuisine and attentive service that is discreet yet deeply personal.
The Pretoria to Cape Town Route: South Africa in Slow Motion
While Rovos Rail offers several journeys across Southern Africa, it is the iconic Pretoria to Cape Town route that remains the best-loved among discerning travellers. Spanning approximately 1,600 kilometres over three days and two nights, this journey presents South Africa in exquisite chapters.
Departing from the private Rovos Rail station in Pretoria, the journey meanders through the Highveld before descending into the semi-arid splendour of the Great Karoo. Here, the wide skies and ancient landscapes speak of time in geological terms. This is a place where silence is textured and the pace is unhurried.
Stops along the way offer further immersion. In Kimberley, once the epicentre of the diamond rush, guests can visit the world-renowned Big Hole and learn about the fortunes and fractures of this fabled town. Further south, the train rolls into Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian village that feels like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph. It’s whimsical, slightly eccentric, and utterly unforgettable.
The final approach into Cape Town is a sensory shift — from the arid interior to lush valleys, vineyards and the looming presence of Table Mountain. Arrival into the Mother City is both an ending and a beginning — an invitation to continue the journey, now fully attuned to the rhythm of the land.
We suggest Rovos Rial is a journey as part of a broader itinerary. As the journey either starts at or ends in Cape Town, why not consider a safari? Please read our blog: Safari In Cape Town- Is It Worth Doing?
Why Rovos Rail Offers the Best Train Journey in South Africa
At its core, Rovos Rail is an antidote to modern haste. Our guests can experience the diversity of South Africa from a position of ease and elegance. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned African traveller, this journey offers a new perspective. You’re not simply passing through; you’re inhabiting the land’s rhythms.
Travellers consistently rank Rovos Rail as the best train journey in South Africa, thanks to feeling part of the country’s diverse landscapes. It’s slow travel at its most refined.
Life Onboard: Refined, Unhurried, Unplugged as part of the Best Train Journey in South Africa
Each morning begins with the soft clink of silverware as breakfast is served in the elegant dining car. As the scenery shifts outside the windows, guests enjoy meals that are more than just routine — paired with regional flavours and carefully selected South African wines.
At the same time, the Observation Car at the rear of the train remains a firm favourite. With its open-air balconies and cosy lounges, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet moment, a good story, or simply watching giraffes wander by, it’s a space that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Evenings onboard are something special. Guests dress for dinner, not out of formality but as a way of honouring the experience. Post-dinner drinks follow candlelit meals in the Lounge Car, where soft jazz and conversation drift into the night.
There is no Wi-Fi on board — a deliberate decision that is met with initial surprise and then quiet gratitude. Here, the disconnection is the luxury. Books are read, thoughts are written, and connections are made without algorithms or alerts.
Suites That Move With Grace
Rovos Rail offers three categories of suites: Pullman, Deluxe and Royal. All are beautifully appointed, air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. The Royal Suites, which take up half a carriage each, include full-size bathtubs — a rarity on a train and an indulgence that feels both surreal and sublime.
We have had the pleasure of staying in a Deluxe suite. Our view is that if you want a world-class experience, don’t take the cheapest room type. The decor is unmistakably classic: rich mahogany, brass fittings, fine linens. Yet the atmosphere is never stiff. Instead, it’s the kind of comfort that invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and let the train carry you—not just across the country but into a different headspace altogether.
Without a doubt, for those seeking luxury train travel in South Africa, there’s simply nothing to rival Rovos Rail. It offers a timeless, immersive, and deeply enriching way to see the country — one elegant moment at a time.
Practical Information
- Route: Pretoria to Cape Town (or reverse)
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Departure: Multiple departures throughout the year
- Dress Code: Smart casual during the day; jacket and tie (or equivalent) in the evening
- Best Time to Travel: March to May or September to November for milder temperatures
Final Thoughts
South Africa is a land of vast contrasts — from wild savannahs to coastal cliffs, from ancient cultures to contemporary creativity. And while it can be explored by road, air, or even foot, there is something singularly magical about seeing it by train.
Rovos Rail doesn’t just take you from Pretoria to Cape Town. It invites you to travel as if time were not the measure. We love it!!! It really is the best train journey in South Africa.
Ready to Experience South Africa’s Finest Journey?
So, do get in touch with us — we’d love to help plan your Rovos Rail journey as part of a broader, beautifully tailored South African itinerary.
📞 Phone: +27 82 459 0648
🌍 Website: www.marulahill.com
📸 Instagram: @marulahilltravel
