GREAT AFRICAN TRAIN JOURNEYS
A sample of our Rovos Rail Luxury Train Journeys:
The Rovos Rail Experience
14 Day Epic Africa Journey Cape Town -Dar Es Salaam
9 Day Golf Rail Safari Kruger Park, Swaziland, Zululand
3 Day Victoria Falls Journey
 A sample of our Shongololo Express Comfort Train Journeys:
The Shongololo Express Experience
16 Day Victoria Falls Express
15 Day Madagascar Railroad Aventure - aboard 'Viko Viko', 'Dia Sora" & the Jungle Express
Enquire about more Rail Journey options here
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
ROVOS RAIL
Rovos Rail's unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel. Experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel when you step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury.
Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, as you experience the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and restored Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and headquarters of this private railway company.
The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring ±172 sq feet in size. Each has its own private sitting area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
The Deluxe Suites (±118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with shower.
The Pullman Suites (±76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day, converted to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower.
All of the very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
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14 Day Epic Africa Journey from $9800
One of the most famous train journeys in the world, the "Pride of Africa" departs 3 times a year and travels from Cape Town to Dar-es-Salaam, with short stops in the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria, and a two night stay at a private lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
The train then crosses through Botswana into Zimbabwe where we overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River, travel northeast through Zambia, joining the Tazara Railway line at Kapiri Mposhe. Enjoy a bush walk at Chisimba Falls then continue the climb towards the Zambian/Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between Africa's two Great Rift Valley lakes.
Descend into the Rift Valley itself and witness spectacular scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Early on the last day, the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve - the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa - shortly before arriving in the bustling city of in Dar-es-Salaam.
A train experience unmatched anywhere in the world.
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Rovos Rail 9 Day Golf Rail Safari from $4980
An opportunity of a lifetime for the avid golfer, this Golf Rail Safari plays some of the greatest golf courses in South Africa, while traversing great stretches of South Africa allowing you to experience the wonderful topographic, social, historic, floral and wildlife diversity of each distinctive area.
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 Country Club or enjoy a game drive in the world famous Kruger Park followed by lunch. Tee off at the Royal Swazi Golf Club, while non-golfers visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, lunch at Guava Galleries followed by a game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve. Then it's on to Zululand for game viewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Play one of South Africa's finest courses, the Durban Beachwood Country Club, while non-playing guests enjoy a city tour of Durban followed by lunch at the Golf Club. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains 18-holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort, with a guided tour of the Battlefields a further highlight for non-golfers.
Relax as the train travels north towards the magnificent resort of Sun City in the Pilanesberg Mountains. A full day is spent at this world-famous facility before departing for
Pretoria where this memorable journey ends. Top
Rovos Rail 3 Day Victoria Falls Journey from $1890
Experience a 1 600-kilometre journey through diverse and truly African scenery as the train meanders westwards into Botswana and then north across the Tropic of Capricorn into the dry reaches of the Kalahari, before entering Zimbawe. The train passes Bulawayo heading towards Thompson’s Junction and Hwange Game Reserve, where wildlife can be spotted from the train.
The majestic Falls and the elegant colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel form an ideal destination.
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SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS
Shongololo Express provides a very special touring experience for travelers. From a warm welcome and transfer to the train at the start of the journey, to an exciting and varied program of touring, superb breakfasts and dinners on board, and a lounge full of new friends each evening - all these combine to create an unforgettable holiday.
Traveling comfortably and securely during the night, Shongololo Express trains save precious holiday time, arriving each dawn at a new and exciting destination. Our unique touring concept eliminates interminable hours traveling long distances in a tour bus and alleviates the daily chore of packing and unpacking suitcases.
A fleet of air-conditioned touring vehicles is transported together with the train and professional multi lingual guides (English, French & German spoken on board) are ready and on hand to drive guests on inclusive, scheduled excursions. Their experience and wealth of knowledge assist passengers to gain the most from each day's program. Top
Shongololo – 16 Day Victoria Falls Express from $6250
This train travels leisurely between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg making numerous calls at destinations in Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
As the tracks unfurl you'll gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical cocktail that
makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting. Top
Shongololo – 12 Day Namibia Dune Express from $3390
This route explores the magnificent landscape of Namibia - a country of compelling beauty, of extreme contrasts, vast colourful deserts, dunes, almost extra-terrestrial rock formations, great game reserves, delightful coastal towns with old world German hospitality, bushman settlements and the wind vitality of the south Atlantic seaboard. The wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density, which is among the lowest in the world, generate a sense of freedom.
Highlights: Augrabies Falls, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz & Kolmanskop, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay & Cape Cross Seal Reserve, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay,
Namib Dessert & Sossusvlei, Windhoek. Top
Shongololo – 16 Day Rainbow Nation Express from $5250
16-day journey offering a comprehensive view of South Africa, incorporating virtually every ‘must see’ sight. Guests can enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures and lifestyles that the “Rainbow Nation” has to offer.
Detailed Itinerary: (also run in reverse)
 Day 1. CAPE TOWN. Welcome to Cape Town, an area considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, and whose character results from the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Khoisan (Bushmen & Hottentot) tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north. The paternal presence of Table Mountain, the pristine coastline with its white sandy beaches, the magnificent countryside with its bountiful rivers, vleis and dams, and the unique flora kingdom, together with the warm summer climate and friendly community, makes the Western Cape perfect for any vacation. Overnight on board - train stationary.
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DAY 2. CAPE TOWN. Enjoy a day spent touring Cape Town and the Peninsula. The train stays stationary for this night. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Table Mountain, The Castle, SA Museum and Company Gardens. Bo Kaap and its Museum, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. District 6 and its museum.
~Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, Chapman's Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Kalk Bay fishing Harbour.
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Day 3. WINELANDS – STELLENBOSCH, FRANCHHOEK PAARL & OVERBERG REGION. Today the train moves to Paarl station, while you visit the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. The Overberg region to the southeast embraces mountains, valleys and coastal areas and annually welcomes the Southern Right Whale to its waters. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~Historical Village Walk, 4 Passes Route, Wine Tasting or Whale Watching.
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Day 4. GARDEN ROUTE. Visit Knysna, the gem of the Garden Route and its picturesque lagoon and forest. This evening enjoy a South African “Fish Braai” (BBQ). Bring your cameras and video cameras, as the “Shongololo Choir” will be making an appearance. Overnight on board - train stationary.
Touring options: ~Old Passes Route and Knysna, Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and Knysna, Robberg Hike and Knysna or Mossel Bay Leisure.
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Day 5. KLEIN KAROO - OUDTSHOORN, Ostrich Capital of the world, lies in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Ascend through the inspiring Robinson pass by train. Tonight the train departs Oudtshoorn at approximately 10:00pm and travels 445km to Port Elizabeth.
Touring options: ~Enjoy Oudtshoorn and Swartberg Pass or Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Cango Caves.
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Day 6. PORT ELIZABETH. nestled in Algoa Bay, abounds in national and historical treasures, dating from the days of the 1820 British settlers. The train departs in the early evening for an overnight journey of 700 km to Bloemfontein. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Addo Elephant Park, Port Elizabeth City Tour, or a combination of the two.
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Day 7. BLOEMFONTEIN AND KIMBERLEY. Visit the historical Boer capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein, with its fine examples of Sand Stone buildings, filled with stories of the Anglo Boer War, (1899 - 1902). Evening departure at approximate 7:30pm for the overnight journey to Ladysmith. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Bloemfontein and Soetdoring Nature Reserve or Kimberley.
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Day 8. LADYSMITH AND DRAKENSBERG. Awake to the mountain of dragons, South Africa’s highest mountain range offering breathtaking scenery. The Train departs late at approximately 1:00am from Ladysmith, and travels 324 km down to Durban. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Battlefields or Drakensberg.
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Day 9. DURBAN. Subtropical playground of South Africa with year round swimming and mild warm weather. Late departure from Durban about 1:00am, heading 150km up the North coast to Mtunzini. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ East meets West City Tour and Botanical Gardens (Half Day), Botanical Gardens and Natal Sharks Board (Half Day) or Durban Historical Tour (Full Day).
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Day 10. SOUTHERN ZULULAND. Pristine nature and wildlife and the ancestral hunting grounds of Zulu royals await you today. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Zulu Culture and Shakaland, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Park, Walking Trails at own leisure or South African “Meat Braai” (BBQ).
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Day 11. NORTHERN ZULULAND. Early this morning at approximately 4:00am, the train travels 80km, further up the coast to Mtubatuba, where you disembark. After the days touring we reach the South Africa / Swaziland border post at Golela and board the train. At approximately 10:00pm the train take us into Swaziland and on to Mpaka station, 90km. Overnight on board.
Touring options: ~ Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve, St. Lucia Estuary and beach, or a combination of the two.
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Day 12. SWAZILAND. The train takes you through picturesque Swaziland and after just 128km you re-enter South Africa. Overnight Swaziland.
Touring options: ~ Tour through Swaziland.
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Day 13. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. It's Safari Time and we search for animals in the Kruger National Park, while the train heads to Hazyview station. Overnight on board - train stationary.
Touring options: ~ Kruger National Park.
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Day 14. PANORAMA ROUTE - NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG. A scenic drive along the breathtaking Panorama Route, with it’s many fantastic sights. The train depart at 7:00pm from Hazyview for Johannesburg.
Touring options: ~ Panorama Route or Kruger National Park.
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Day 15. JOHANNESBURG. Explore Johannesburg the city of Gold, combining South Africa’s art, pride, history and culture. Overnight at Nasrec Station.
Touring options: ~ Pretoria and Soweto via Johannesburg.
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Day 16. JOHANNESBURG. Tour concludes. Top
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TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel. |
