Rohan Vos's lovingly restored vintage trains traversing Southern Africa in Edwardian elegance. Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam to Pretoria. The Pride of Africa.
Rovos Rail was founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, a South African businessman with a passion for vintage trains. Vos began by purchasing old South African Railways carriages from scrapyards and railway museums. Today, Rovos Rail operates the largest fleet of vintage steam and diesel locomotives in private hands. The carriages are restored to Edwardian elegance — polished wood paneling, brass fixtures, crystal glassware, and silver service. Each carriage has a unique history, and Vos has personally overseen the restoration of every one. The result is a train that feels like a time capsule of colonial Africa — refined, romantic, and utterly unique.
Rovos Rail operates several epic routes across Southern Africa. The Cape Town to Victoria Falls journey (9 days) covers 3,400 km through the Karoo, the Great Karoo, and Zimbabwe. The Cape Town to Pretoria journey (3 days) is the classic route, traversing the Cape Winelands, the Karoo, and the Highveld. The Dar es Salaam to Pretoria journey (15 days) is the ultimate African rail adventure, crossing Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The train also operates routes to Namibia, Mozambique, and a golf safari. Each route includes off-train excursions — game drives, wine tastings, and historical tours.
The Rovos Rail carriages date from the 1920s to the 1950s and have been meticulously restored. The Royal Suites are the most spacious, featuring a full-size bath, separate shower, and a private lounge. The Deluxe Suites are slightly smaller but equally elegant. The Pullman Suites are the entry-level option, still featuring en-suite bathrooms and period furnishings. All cabins have writing desks, armchairs, and windows that open to the African savanna. The observation car at the rear of the train features an open-air balcony — the perfect spot for sundowners as the African sun sets over the bush.
The Rovos Rail dining experience is a highlight — formal, multi-course meals served in two dining cars with crystal, silver, and white linen. The menu features South African and international cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the regions the train passes through — Karoo lamb, Cape wines, and fresh produce from the Winelands. Breakfast is served in your suite or the dining car; lunch and dinner are formal affairs. The lounge car features a bar with a selection of South African wines, spirits, and cigars. The staff, in period uniforms, provide attentive but unobtrusive service. Children under 12 are not permitted, ensuring an adult atmosphere.
Southern Africa
Classic Route
East Africa
Desert & Coast
Indian Ocean
Golf + Safari
"Rovos Rail is not just a train. It is a journey through the history of Africa."— Rohan Vos, Founder