Home » South African Holiday » Luxury Rail Journeys – Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Kruger National Park » Rovos Rail – Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Sabi Sands Lodges Reservations » Namibia Safari Rovos Rail Journey – Sabi Sands Lodges Reservations
Namibia Safari Rovos Rail Journey
The train travels on this route from the Highveld savannahs to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The first stop after leaving Pretoria is Kimberley, the epicentre of one of the most well-known diamond rushes in history, where visitors can experience the ambiance of a mining hamlet in the 1870s. Travelling through the austere landscapes of the Northern Cape, the train passes through Garas Park, home to the quiver-tree forest, and the Fish River Canyon, which is second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Travellers go through the wild splendour of the Kalahari Desert to a project aimed at conserving cheetahs, then pause for a tour in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Windhoek is a vibrant, international city with a distinct German influence. After a quick flight, spend the night in the game-rich Etosha National Park before returning the next morning to Sossusvlei, a breathtaking pan in the Namib Desert. An amazing adventure comes to an unforgettable close when the train travels the Namib to Walvis Bay and the immaculately preserved 19th-century German Hansa village of Swakopmund on the final morning. Reverse accessible.
Rovos Rail Reviews
I did my research before booking into which area we wanted to stay and which camp, so I knew what
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I did my research before booking into which area we wanted to stay and which camp, so I knew what we expected , but what we got was beyond that.
From our collection at the airport to our return to the airport we had amazing service from all the staff, shout out to Wonder who picked us up from the airport and to Pell who greeted us as we arrived at the camp. We saw a few smaller animals on the drive from the airport to camp including bush McDonalds ( Impala - will explain later) we frantically took photos amazed at how close we were for Wonder to tell us first you will take and first you will delete as you will run out of space and have loads of them
Our luggage was taken to our lodge by Dale and the team (cant all them rooms as they were so much more) whilst we were given a quick tour and then told lunch was waiting for us.
What a lunch it was - my friend said it was the best steak pie she has EVER had - so much so that she asked Jann for the recipe, there is no shortage of food that's for sure. We said a quick hello to a few other camp guests and all were welcoming as were the team who served us, everyone introduced themselves to us. We had our first interaction with he camp monkeys (I now truly know where the phrase cheeky monkey comes from) we found it funny at first that they were trying to pinch food from the tables but we could soon see the nuisance they were for the staff (cute nuisances though) They really do work as a family
It was then a quick freshen up and out on our first game drive. Well that's when we got to the jeep as a warthog decided to pay us a visit blocking our path from the lodge, I love how the animals are free to roam. Jeff was our driver and Conrad was tracking , it wasn't long before we saw our first of the big five a leopard who was resting after a good feed on its catch which we could see some leftovers up the tree and the male hyena hoping for it to fall, I was rather nervous at first as we were close than I ever thought we would be but I also felt safe , That drive we saw loads of animals Rhino, Wildebeest, Elephants, Hypo, Dad Leopard with son and daughter Kudo to name a few and then we met the other guest out in the bush for sundowners.
Back to the lodge, we popped to our room to change and a lovely bath had been prepared for us with candles and a bottle of bubbly for our wedding anniversary, the oil lamps were lit and the ambiance stunning, of to diner and another amazing spread, we thought we were not hungry after the big lunch but we still managed to eat a fair amount. A nice few drinks then we headed back to our lodge as we knew we had an early start.
The weather took a bit of a turn whilst we were there but given we are English (and northern) we are used to it, but as we went out for the early drive Conrad had prepared the vehicle and our seats had nice blankets and hot water bottles to help with the early chill until sunrise - another great drive seeing lots and Jeff teaching us so much about the animals and general bush life.
The change in weather meant that we didn't unfortunately get to use the pool, we did though have a massage and that was fantastic and great value
There wasn't a single drive that we didn't see something that took our breath away and I can tell you about it and show you pictures but nothing can replicate the feeing. On talking to other guest that had experienced safari holidays in other camps or countries all said the same they saw more animals with Nottens easily than they had with others, this reinforced my research as A safari trip was always on my dream bucket list as a once in a lifetime - however I loved it so much I will be returning and hope to get my family from Australia to meet us there.
Jann and the team in the kitchen are hidden gems the food is all outstanding and wine keeps flowing as does Amarula (one of my new fav drinks)
For me Notten's was perfect it was natural and bush like, but we were treat like royalty without the pretence, the whole staff team are a credit from those very early wake up calls right through till the last person goes to bed nothing is too much trouble.
Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were
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Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!
This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very
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This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions that we had. The game drives were exciting and the search for the leopard was one of the highlights of the trip. The rooms were spacious, and the food was almost unending. The only downside, and understandably so, was the inability to move from one room to another, after dark. While our sons were older and able to stay on their own, families with slightly younger children may have to stay in one chalet. Strongly recommend it!!
I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every
...more I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every way. The lodgin itself was so nice and luxury, the food excellent and you really had everything you could possible need.
We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our
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We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our guide was knowledgeable and nice (the others in our group had a guide who had had incredible intuition for finding animals and we benefited from it). The rooms are nice, beautiful and comfortable. The food was good/okay... We were there for three nights and it seemed like there were a lot of repeats between the meals. The staff were all friendly and the customer service was great!
I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her
...more I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her birthday and I was planning to propose. From the moment the booking was made until the last minute we left the location the service was impecable.
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide Michael. We saw so much and learnt so much in the "Land That Time Forgot". Leopard with Waterbuck kill, wild dogs, Lion and Elephant swimming and wrestling in a dam and so much more!!
The camp manager Gary was so welcoming and friendly. His enthusiasm for the bush is infectious. Thanks for a wonderful time in a special place.
Also thanks for arranging a truly unique bat sighting!!!!
Stayed May 2017, travelled with family
I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights
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I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights we stayed there. Highly recommended.
Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we
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Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we surprised a rhino and it charged our Land Cruiser, leave it to our guide, Brogan, to take care of business. With a sharp, "OY!", the rhino stopped it charge, turn around and trotted back to its mate. Note that the wifi was only available in the office when we went, but it's due for an upgrade any date. Pro-tip: No cell coverage, but the office has a cell tower booster. Turn off your wifi, and your phone will pick up the cell booster if you have a local phone or international plan
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are extremely helpful with information and when you arrive they make you feel part of the lodge community not just a guest (truly welcoming).
The staff are genuinely interested in your adventure and happiness joining in stories and experiences of each game drive .Be prepared for the early starts 5.30 am game drive however believe me this is the best time of the day to see the animals and is a magical time to see the bush. The lodge and rooms are to a very high standard with all rooms having great views and the best bit being no fences !!!! YOU REALLY ARE IN THE BUSH 🙂 .
This is without doubt a luxury Safari
We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first
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We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first game drive, we got to know why Sabi Sands Lodges are the best when it comes to big five game viewing. We managed to view all of the big five on one day.
The accommodation was perfect and the staff were exceptionally friendly. We are hooked, we will certainly visit Sabi Sabi again, very soon.
We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and
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We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and comfortably decorated, the food was delicious (I'm a San Francisco foodie pescetarian and absolutely loved the food/presentation), and the game drives were unforgettable. Don't miss the bush walk--we walked through a field of butterflies, saw all kinds of animal tracks, and enjoyed a different view of the landscape we'd been driving through all week. I would also highly recommend visiting the Thornybush Community Project gardens with Gavin, where some of the beautiful food served in Sabi Sand resorts is grown by local women as part of a community collective. We also visited a school, which had an incredible impact on us. I loved Simbambili--a little piece of my heart is still there
A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always
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A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always good), our Ranger and Tracker were great fun and very knowledgable, the staff were on the ball and the atmosphere and mood relaxed and attentive. My 6th visit, and great that Ulusaba is back to its best, thank you!
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days.
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days. One extra walking safari midday. Excellent game viewing. Night time star gazing by the fire. Trip to the village. Great amenities. Boma, Observation points. Nice little library. The staff will walk you to your cabin at night. Our first time here was 2006 but this is the place to come for the best safari lodge experience.
This is the place to come back to.
My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved
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My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved the fact that we were teamed up with the same driver/tracker/four other guests in the same car over the course of all the days - we had such fun together and really got involved in trying to spot the animals. And we were rewarded with multiple leopard sightings and the other big 5, as well as all the other beautiful animals - zebra, giraffes, kudu, impala etc - and many birds. The rooms - including outdoor shower, dining area, food, pool, gift shop, massage, the lovely candle light (and lack of electric lighting) and special sundowner by the river were all fabulous. We felt so relaxed and welcomed. The staff were professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. They went the extra mile to engage with my 9 year old daughter. This place suited us perfectly. It was top class without being pretentious. Worth every penny - and actually better value than some other lodges. Recommended without hesitation. We hope to return one day. Thank you to all - Dale, Suzie, Gift, Desmond, Tulani, Riddent, Joe and everyone else (sorry if names are miss-spelt).
Stayed April 2017, travelled with family
After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both
...more After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both Lodges are in the same Reserve and very close they offer a different athmosphere. The Dulini Lodge gives you a stronger "Africa feeling" in terms of decoration and setup in my view.
The bungalows are very spacious and well equipped.The welcome is kind and warm and the staff is amazing. They provided me with a special birthday dinner which made the stay even more memorable.
The game drives with the Ranger Fred and our tracker May where an experience. We saw a lot and as haveing been on Safari before we received so much more indepth information since we did not have to worry about seeing all the big 5 (which we saw anyway).
Will try to be back whenever possible
Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't
...more Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't fault it and would love to go back. You have to be there to believe how good it is, and how close you get to what is after all wild animals. I could have almost touched one of the lions we saw!!
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect.
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect. The game drives were so exiting. Of 8 game drives we saw leopards at 7 of them.
The staff were so friendly and helpful. The food was nice. The skills of the tracker and ranger was fantastic. It was so nice to follow how they read the tracks in the sand and bushes. We saw the big 5 and a lot more. If would go back? YES
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is a must. We have been travelling to to South Africa every year for the past 12 years and stayed at many game reserves including the Krugar many times. This year we saved up hard and achieved our dream, to stay in Sabi Sands. All that I can say it's Well Worth every penny, the reserve is just something else! It's the best and it's a must, forget the rest push the the boat out and and stay at in Sabi Sands.. We chose Elephant Plains due to our budget. It was wonderful food fantastic, staff brilliant, service first class.
We saw the big five for the the first time in 12 years....
So if you are looking for a safari holiday then look no further this place is the best.
Memories we will never forget.
Journey Itinerary
Pretoria to Walvis Bay
Day 1: Pretoria
Please arrive at least one hour in advance of your departure. If you would like to take a site tour or visit our museum at Rovos Rail Station, we recommend arriving two hours before departure.
11:00am Leave the Pretoria Rovos Rail Station. Cross the Witwatersrand goldfields to the south.
Before joining other passengers in the lounge car or observation car at the back of the train, guests can freshen themselves in their suites.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire.
Please make sure your passport is in the hands of the Administration Deputy or the Train Manager.
Day 2: Kimberley
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
Take a tour of the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley. The Northern Cape's capital, Kimberley, is well known for the diamond finding that prompted the town's founding in 1871.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. Our rail aficionados will appreciate the unique feature of the observation car leading the train until after tea. Travel across the Karoo, a large semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. What geologists refer to as the Karoo system was formed over millions of years as volcanic materials was crushed and deposited as silt on the seafloor.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm While travelling to the significant railroad intersection at De Aar, dinner is provided in the dining cars. Formal attire is required.
Day 3: Upington & The Orange River
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
Take a stroll around Upington and then take an Orange River sundowner sail.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. There are procedures at borders. "Africa" theme attire or smart casual.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
12:30pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. Along the southern edge of the Kalahari Basin, the railroad traverses.
14:00pm Go to the Fish River Canyon after a 60-minute transfer.
19:30pm On the way to Australia, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Formal attire.
Day 5: KOLMANSKOP & LÜDERITZ
06:00am Up to departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
08:00am After a about 60-minute transfer to the abandoned settlement of Kolmanskop, have lunch in Lüderitz. Lüderitz is well-known for its ostriches, seals, penguins, and flamingos in addition to its museum and colonial architecture. Keep an eye out for the elusive mythical horses that are said to wander the Namib.
18:00pm Go back to the rail car. Proceed to Keetmanshoop. The train will be led by the observation car until after supper.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire.
Day 6: KEETMANSHOOP & GARAS PARK
07:00am Up to departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
Explore Keetmanshoop and Garas Park (Quiver Trees), which are home to about 300 examples of the dichotomy plant.
The 5 meter-tall twisted branches of the ancient trees provide excellent photo opportunity.
13:00pm Actually, lunch is provided in the dining carriages. Head towards Mariental.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm On the way to Rehoboth, dinner is served in the dining cars. Formal attire is required.
Day 7: SOSSUSVLEI
Kindly bring a modest overnight bag for your Sossusvlei stay. For your convenience, tog bags have been provided in your suite.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
Make your way to the airstrip. Take a one-hour light aircraft ride to a Sossusvlei lodge where you will spend the night.
Enjoy lunch and a free afternoon after checking in.
16:30pm Desert drive in the afternoon, followed by a bush meal at dusk. Spend the night at the lodge. Casual attire.
Day 8: SOSSUSVLEI & WINDHOEK
Before the drive, please make sure your overnight bag is prepared to be picked up from your suite. The lodge's baggage section will be where bags are kept. To be confirmed is the drive time.
a tea and coffee wake-up call early. Take a breakfast-in-the-vlei trip through the desert.
To utilise the amenities, check out and make the transfer to the airstrip, return to the lodge.
12:30pm Depart in a light aircraft for the one-hour flight to Windhoek.
14:00pm After lunch at the Windhoek Country Club, take a tour of the city. See the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a remarkable landmark, the Trans-Namib Transport Museum, the Independence Memorial Museum, and the Namibia Craft Centre, housed in the former Breweries Building.
18:00pm Head towards Kranzberg.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Wear something formal.
Day 9: Cheetah Conservation Project
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
12:30pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
14:30pm Visit a cheetah conservation project in Otjiwarongo for around sixty minutes. The goal of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), which was established in Namibia in 1990, is to preserve cheetahs in the wild.
18:00pm Make your way to Otavi.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire.
Day 10: Etosha National Park
Please pack a modest overnight bag for the stay in Etosha.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
Spend the night at an Etosha lodge after a 60-minute transfer. The lodge's amenities, including the pool, are open to visitors.
After enjoying lunch, check in.
15:00pm Game drive in the afternoon (around three hours).
19:30pm Overnight at the lodge and dinner. Wear something casual.
Day 11: Etosha National Park
By 10:45, please make sure your overnight bag is prepared to be picked up from your suite and continue with the checkout process. The cars will be filled with your bag. The game drive's time will be confirmed.
06:00am After breakfast at the lodge till seven in the morning, go on a game drive through Etosha National Park.
Reach the lodge by 10:45 to change and complete the check-out process.
11:00am At Tsumeb Station, transfer (±60 min) to the train.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. Until tomorrow, the observation car will lead the train.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. In the direction of the Atlantic Ocean, the train heads southwest.
Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual.
Day 12: Walvis Bay
Please make sure your passport is with you and that your luggage is available for pickup fifteen minutes before your arrival.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00. Travel towards Walvis Bay through the Namib Desert.
12:00pm Reach the finish of your voyage in Namibia's Walvis Bay.
Walvis Bay to Pretoria
Day 1: Walvis Bay
10:00am At Namibia's Walvis Bay Station, check in.
11:00am On its way to Otjiwarongo is the train. Before joining other passengers in the lounge car or observation car at the back of the train, guests can freshen themselves in their suites.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train heads towards Otjiwarongo through the Namib Desert.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge. Our rail aficionados will enjoy this unique feature: the observation car will lead the train till lunchtime tomorrow.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire is required.
Day 2: Cheetah Conservation Project
07:00am Up to departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
09:00am Visit a cheetah conservation initiative in Otjiwarongo after a 60-minute transfer. The goal of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), which was established in Namibia in 1990, is to preserve cheetahs in the wild.
13:00pm On the way to Tsumeb, lunch is provided in the dining carriages.
16:30pm Tea in the observation car and lounge car at the back of the train.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Formal attire is required.
Day 3: Etosho National Park
When preparing for your stay in Etosha, please bring a modest overnight bag. Tog bags have been provided in your suite for your convenience.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
Spend the night at a lodge in Etosha after a 60-minute transfer. After checking in, have lunch.
15:00pm Game drive in the afternoon (around three hours).
19:30pm At the lodge for dinner and the night. Casual attire.
Day 4: Etosho National Park
By 10:45, please make sure your overnight bag is prepared to be picked up from your suite and continue with the checkout process. The cars will be filled with your bag. The game drive's time will be confirmed.
06:00am After breakfast at the lodge till seven in the morning, go on a game drive through Etosha National Park.
Reach the lodge by 10:45 to change and complete the check-out process.
11:00am At Tsumeb Station, transfer (±60 min) to the train.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm While travelling to Kranzberg, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Formal attire is required.
Day 5: SOSSUSVLEI
Kindly bring a modest overnight bag for your Sossusvlei stay.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
Make your way to the airstrip. Take a one-hour light aircraft ride to a Sossusvlei lodge where you will spend the night.
Enjoy lunch at the restaurant after checking in.
16:30pm Desert drive in the afternoon, followed by a bush meal at dusk. Spend the night at the lodge. Casual attire.
Day 6: SOSSUSVLEI & WINDHOEK
Before the drive, please make sure your overnight bag is prepared to be picked up from your suite. The lodge's baggage section will be where bags are kept. To be confirmed is the drive time.
a tea and coffee wake-up call early. Take a breakfast-in-the-vlei trip through the desert.
To utilise the amenities, check out and make the transfer to the airstrip, return to the lodge.
12:30pm Take a light aeroplane out of Sossusvlei and fly for an hour to Windhoek.
14:00pm After lunch at the Windhoek Country Club, take a tour of the city. See the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a remarkable landmark, the Trans-Namib Transport Museum, the Independence Memorial Museum, and the Namibia Craft Centre, housed in the former Breweries Building.
18:00pm Passing across the Kalahari Desert, the train heads south.
19:30pm While travelling to Mariental, dinner is provided in the dining carriages. Formal attire is required.
Day 7: SOSSUSVLEI
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00.
12:30pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
14:00pm Explore Keetmanshoop and Garas Park (Quiver Trees), which are home to about 300 examples of the dichotomy plant.
The 5 meter-tall twisted branches of the ancient trees provide excellent photo opportunity.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Wear something formal.
Day 8: LÜDERITZ & KOLMANSKOP
06:00am Up to departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
08:00am After a tour to the abandoned settlement of Kolmanskop, which takes around 60 minutes, have lunch in Lüderitz. Lüderitz is well-known for its ostriches, seals, penguins, and flamingos in addition to its museum and colonial architecture. Keep an eye out for the elusive mythical horses that are said to wander the Namib.
18:00pm Make your way to Holoog. The train will be led by the observation car until after supper.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. "Africa" theme attire or smart casual.
Day 9: Fish River Canyon
06:00am Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
08:30am Transfer (±60 min) to the Fish River Canyon.
13:00pm Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16:30pm Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Border formalities with South Africa.
19:30pm Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Upington. Dress: Formal.
Day 10: Upington & The Orange River
06:00am Until the departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
08:30am Take an Orange River boat and combine it with an Upington walking tour.
11:00am Pass across the huge Karoo, an area of semi-desert land that was formerly home to a massive inland sea. What geologists refer to as the Karoo system was formed over millions of years as volcanic materials was crushed and deposited as silt on the seafloor.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm While travelling to Kimberley, dinner is served in the dining cars. Formal attire is required.
The train will be led by the observation car till breakfast.
Day 11: Kimberley
06:00am Up to departure, breakfast is provided in the dining cars.
09:00am Take a tour of the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum in Kimberley. The Northern Cape's capital, Kimberley, is well known for the diamond finding that prompted the town's founding in 1871.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch. The train keeps climbing towards Pretoria.
16:30pm Tea in the observation cars and lounge.
19:30pm The dining cars are used to serve dinner. Smart casual or a "1920s" theme for clothing.
Day 12: Pretoria
Please make sure your passport is with you and that your luggage is available for pickup fifteen minutes before your arrival.
07:00am The dining cars provide breakfast till 10:00. Pass through the Witwatersrand's goldfields.
13:00pm The dining cars are used for serving lunch.
17:00pm Reach the finish of your adventure at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.
Includes:
Accommodation - all meals - all beverages - room service - limited laundry - excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable) - entrance fees as per itinerary - government tax.
Excludes:
International sparkling wine - gratuities - personal expenses - visas - travel insurance - pre- and post-tour transfers - accommodation and flights.
Namibia Safari with Rovos Rail - Video
Royal Suite
The immaculately renovated and updated wood-paneled sleeper coaches provide every contemporary comfort and convenience, along with the best amenities. With a private lounge space, a Victorian bath, a separate shower, a toilet, and a basin, each Royal Suite occupies half of a carriage. They have split twin or double beds that can fit one or two passengers. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available. Suite arrangements may not match photos; refer to SUITES.
Suite Facilities:
Double or twin beds - En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin - Small lounge area - Writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service
Deluxe Suite
The immaculately renovated and updated wood-paneled sleeper coaches provide every contemporary comfort and convenience, along with the best amenities. The Deluxe Suites offer their own lounge space, en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin, and can sleep one or two people in double or twin beds. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available. Suite arrangements may not match photos; refer to SUITES.
Suite Facilities:
Double or twin beds - En-suite with shower, toilet and basin - Small lounge area - Writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in) - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service
Pullman Gold Suite
The Pullman Golds, which are mostly utilised on our lengthy trips, offer an en suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink and can sleep one or two people in double or split twin beds. The ideal configuration between the Split Twin and Double Lengthways is the Split Twin, which will be demonstrated during check-in. Every day, a committed host or hostess comes to the suites to provide everyday services. Configurations of the suite may not always be available.
Suite Facilities:
Double or twin beds - Daytime sofa setting - En-suite with shower, toilet and basin - Fold-up writing desk - Luggage shelf - Cupboards - Safe - Air conditioning - Fridge - Tea facilities - Bespoke amenities - Robes and slippers - Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in - Shaver plugs (2-pin) - USB ports - Safety glasses - Emergency torch - Fire extinguisher - Laundry bag - Shoe bag - Internal telephone system - Room service
Rates
| Room Type: | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate |
| Royal | R258,000.00 (Single Occupancy POR) | R280,000.00 (Single Occupancy POR) | R336,000.00 (Single Occupancy POR) |
| Deluxe | R210,000.00 (Single Occupancy R315,000.00) | R228,000.00 (Single Occupancy R342,000.00) | R273,000.00 (Single Occupancy R409,500) |
| Pullman Gold | R165,000.00 (Single Occupancy R247,500.00) | R179,000.00 (Single Occupancy R268,000) | R215,000.00 (Single Occupancy R322,500.00) |
Route Map
Rovos Rail Reviews
We had some great wildlife photo moments with our experienced guide. The food was one of the highlights at Elephant Plains. Great value for money and we are already planning our next visit to Elephant Plains.
Rovos Rail - Gallery
