Rovos Rail Review – The Golden Age of Travel Returns

With a blow of a whistle and a steam engine slowly pulling us down a track, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being transported back in time. Back to a place where travel was so much more than getting from A to B. A time when travel was adventurous and new. The popping cork of a bottle of sparkling wine snaps me back to the modern-day.

As I gaze out the window watching the skyscrapers of Johannesburg disappear and sip on the most amazing South African sparkling wine, my third of the day, I realize that this is no daydream. This is my Rovos Rail review, where old travel is new again.

The Golden Rails

What originally started as one man’s dream to vacation with his family in style, Rovos Rail’s return to the golden age of travel was a tricky one, to say the least. Rohan Vos, a lover of all things mechanical, began scouring the continent for vintage coach cars and locomotives in the mid-’80s.

After failing to get permission to use the railway lines in South Africa for private transportation the idea of opening Rovos Rail to the public was born. Understandably, times were tough for Rohan and his family. They are all part of the business in one way or another. Rovos Rail survived financial challenges; large ones I can only imagine with an operation like this and has grown into the magnificent company it is today.

Thankfully Rohan Voss’s vision of a better way to travel survived and today operates several journeys including a trip to Victoria Falls, a golf Safari, and a 15-day trip from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town. My journey, the Durban safari, was just getting started… and I was late for lunch.

5 Star Meals on Wheels

Meals onboard are nothing short of a miracle. Five-star quality dishes paired with South Africa’s best wines, all served in a beautifully decorated Victorian dining car…on a train. This high standard of travel was new to me, and I liked it.

Gone are the cold chicken or fish options with utensils that struggle to put a dent in soft butter. No, not on Rovos Rail. Instead, you will find fine China and Crystal with the signature “RR” embroidered on it. Then there is the staff. They are actually smiling and eager to please. Yes, this was a wonderful way to travel, not banging your knee on the beverage cart and all.

Carriage for a King

The high-quality craftsmanship, service and attention to detail aren’t just reserved for the dining car. Upon boarding, our personal assistant and the 24-hour concierge gave us a rundown on our suite – and what a suite indeed.

Gorgeous wood panelling and décor are reminiscent of days gone by with all the modern conveniences of today. This includes an ensuite bathroom with hot water and a hairdryer. There is a double bed, a lounge area, and a bar fridge that is full of whatever you want. Again, all of this on a train. And by the by, you haven’t lived unless you have had a hot shower on a moving train after indulging in your own bottomless minibar.

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Rovos Rail Excursions

Although I was more than content to spend the entire journey in my cosy cabin (or bar car) Rovos Rail does an excellent job enticing you out. This Durban Safari journey includes a game drive at Nambiti private game reserve, a stop in Ladysmith for a fascinating history lesson, and a visit to the inspiring Ardmore ceramics gallery. Of course, these excursions are in true Rovos Rail style.

Upon disembarking the train you’re sent off with a waving goodbye from the entire crew. This touching gesture makes it a tad sad to leave each time but don’t sweat it, those same smiling faces are there to greet you on your return, this time with cold towels, and more champagne.

I love this train.

Wonderful Downtime

When not eating amazing meals or seeing the sights my time on this Rovos Rail review was spent enjoying the scenery for my comfortable cabin as well as from the observation car, which is conveniently attached to the bar car. Sipping South African cognac while watching the sun go down is a beautiful thing. Sipping South African cognac while watching the sun go down from an open-air observation car takes it to the next level.

Rovos Rail Routes

Rovos Rail offers a variety of scenic rail routes through South Africa and beyond. For those who really like a long train ride, Rovos Rail has expanded over the years to offer a service that stretches the content. For shorter trips, here are some of the notable Rovos Rail routes:

Cape Town to Pretoria

This is Rovos Rail’s most popular route, taking passengers on a captivating journey from Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa). The 1,600-kilometer trip traverses diverse landscapes, including the Cape Winelands, the Great Karoo, and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.

Victoria Falls

This route combines a thrilling African safari experience with a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls. Starting in Pretoria, the train journey takes passengers through Zimbabwe or Botswana’s impressive landscapes, including the Madikwe Game Reserve, Hwange National Park, and finally reaches the breathtaking Victoria Falls. There guests can relax in one of the many great Victoria Falls hotels, take a river cruise on the Zambezi, and get soaked by the misty falls themselves.

Durban Safari

Departing from Pretoria, the Durban Safari route showcases the beautiful landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal. Passengers have the opportunity to explore the scenic Battlefields, enjoy a game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, and experience the cultural heritage of the Zulu Kingdom.

Namibia Safari

This route is a mesmerizing adventure through the vast and stunning landscapes of Namibia. Starting in Pretoria, the train travels through the barren beauty of the Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon, the historic town of Kolmanskop, and concludes in the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund.

Golf Safari

Golf enthusiasts will love this unique route that combines luxury train travel with exceptional golfing experiences. The train journey starts in Pretoria and includes stops at renowned golf courses in Sun City, Durban, and the Fancourt Estate in George, offering an unforgettable blend of relaxation and sport.

Each Rovos Rail route provides passengers with luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the destinations they visit.

Ride the Rovos Rails

As we rounded the corners of the Valley of a Thousand Hills I realized Rovos Rail is about enjoying the finer things in life, doing so from a vintage rail car nonetheless. I’m more than thankful for Rohan Voss’s vision of returning to this golden age of travel.

Rovos Rail believes in this vision so strongly that it even enforces a no-cell phone policy that is, in my opinion, very welcomed and long overdue. It makes you enjoy the company and scenery around you, just like those early travellers did not too long ago.

Hats off to them for reaching this lost time.

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Although I was provided with a complimentary journey for this Rovos Rail review,
the experience, opinions, and trip through the golden age of travel are my own.