Luxury Train Holidays in April 2027

No departures found for the selected travel window.

View all upcoming dates

Pretoria to Cape Town (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria (this is a dedicated, privately owned station, distinct from the main Pretoria Train Station used by The Blue Train) for check-in between 08h00 and 08h30. Explore working loco sheds, coaches being restored by hand, and a museum of railway memorabilia. Listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which is scheduled to depart at 10h00 (it is not uncommon for the train to depart late if there is traffic on the mainline - Africa operates on its own elegant clock). Your hostess will take you to your suite and get you settled in. Enjoy lunch as the train travels south through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Please note that to preserve the traditional golden-era atmosphere, there is no WiFi on board Rovos Rail; connectivity relies entirely on your mobile device passing close to cellular towers.

Day 2: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Disembark in Kimberley for a tour of the city, the Diamond Mine Museum, and the Big Hole (now filled with water), which is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world - a rather impressive testament to humanity's glittering obsessions. Return to the train for lunch as it traverses the vast, ancient plains of the Karoo.

Day 3: Matjiesfontein

The train traverses a vast semi-desert region called the Karoo. Enjoy a morning visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein (there is the opportunity to disembark at Whitehill Siding to walk the last 5km to the town, should you feel the sudden, inexplicable urge for actual exercise). At Matjiesfontein, visit the Lord Milner Hotel, the Marie Rawdon Museum, the Laird's Arms Pub, the historic church, and the post office. On leaving Matjiesfontein, the train descends through the spectacular Hex River Valley.

Day 4: Arrival in Cape Town

Scheduled to arrive at Cape Town Station at 15h00, marking the end of your luxurious journey. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary transfer to your destination in Cape Town. To continue the Rovos vibe in Cape Town, many clients request to stay at St James Manor, which is owned by Rovos Rail.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

2 Apr 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 7 Deluxe 1 Pullman

16 Apr 2027 (10h00) 2 Royal 1 Deluxe 3 Pullman

30 Apr 2027 (10h00) 1 Royal 8 Deluxe

PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from within Victoria Falls to check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel (which makes it a great choice of place to stay!) between 15h00 and 15h30. Listen to the departure speech by a Rovos Rail manager before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station, where there will usually be a traditional community dressed in tribal garb to dance and sing as you board - making you feel far more important than you probably are. Rovos are very efficient and your luggage normally beats you to your suite, denying you any excuse to carry your own bags. The train departs at 17h00. Join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served.

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Enjoy an early morning game drive on safari jeeps at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where you may see lions, cheetahs, serval, eland, and many other species of African wildlife. When you arrive back at the train, continue viewing wildlife from the observation car as you enjoy lunch. Later, the train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - an impressive 114 kilometres - giving the driver a rare chance to simply point the locomotive and push go.

Day 3: Tropic of Capricorn

The train passes Beitbridge and crosses the Limpopo River into South Africa via Musina. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn - an invisible geographic milestone best celebrated with a highly visible gin and tonic.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast as the train passes the edge of the escarpment. Scheduled to arrive at 10h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

4 Apr 2027 (17h00) 7 Deluxe

11 Apr 2027 (17h00) 2 Deluxe

PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the Rovos Rail Lounge in Cape Town between 09h00 and 09h30; listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which departs Cape Town Station at 11h00. Travel inland through the Winelands, ascending 750m through four tunnels (including the 13.5km Hex River tunnel) towards Worcester. Please remember there is no onboard WiFi; consider this a forced, yet highly luxurious, digital detox.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark for a morning stroll through the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded in 1884 by Scottish railwayman James Logan. Explore the Lord Milner Hotel, the vintage car and railway carriage collection, and the Laird's Arms Pub before reboarding the train to traverse the Great Karoo - a landscape so quietly beautiful you might actually forget to check your phone.

Day 3: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Enjoy breakfast as the train approaches Kimberley, the historic heart of South Africa's 1871 diamond rush. Disembark to tour the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum and peer into the Big Hole (now partially filled with water) before returning to the dining cars for lunch and a final formal dinner on board.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Scheduled to arrive at 16h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Take time to explore the working locomotive sheds and railway museum if you wish. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Gauteng.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

5 Apr 2027 (11h00) 4 Royal 8 Deluxe 9 Pullman

19 Apr 2027 (11h00) 2 Royal 7 Deluxe 9 Pullman

20 Apr 2027 (11h00) 18 Deluxe 4 Pullman

PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Pretoria to Cape Town (12 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Pretoria

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria. We suggest arriving at least two hours prior to the scheduled 18h00 departure to join a guided tour of the locomotive restoration workshops and railway museum (check-in closes one hour before departure, and please ensure the Train Manager has your passport). The train rolls out along the historic eastern line built between 1893 and 1895 by the Dutch railway company NZASM to connect Pretoria with Lourenco Marques (Maputo). Pass through the coal-mining hub of eMalahleni (Witbank) - where Rovos Rail was originally founded - and Middelburg, known as the "stainless steel capital of Africa", while enjoying a formal dinner at 19h30.

Day 2: At Leisure on Board

Breakfast is served until 10h00 as the train winds through the rolling hills of eMakhazeni (Belfast), eNtokozweni (Machadodorp), and Emnothweni (Dullstroom) - high-altitude Mpumalanga villages renowned for the genteel yet skilful sport of trout fishing. Spend a civilised day relaxing on board over lunch at 13h00, afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars at 16h30, and a formal dinner at 19h30 as the train descends towards Malelane.

Day 3: Kruger National Park or Kambaku & Leopard Creek Golf

Rise early for a 05h30 breakfast. Leisure guests depart at 06h30 for a full-day game drive in the two-million-hectare Kruger National Park - home to 147 mammal species including the Big Five and over 500 bird species - complete with lunch and curio shopping before returning to the train at 15h00. Golfers transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to play Kambaku Golf Club at the confluence of the Crocodile and Komati Rivers (or, subject to availability and for your own account, you may request a round at Johan Rupert's ultra-exclusive Leopard Creek, where resident crocodiles give the water hazards a rather sharp edge). Reunite for afternoon tea at 16h30 and a formal dinner at 19h30 as border formalities take place at Mpaka into the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Day 4: Kingdom of Eswatini or Royal Swazi & Nkonyeni Golf

After an 06h00 breakfast, leisure guests depart at 08h00 for a 90-minute transfer into mountainous Eswatini to watch artisans crafting colourful paraffin wax creations at Swazi Candles and visit the Mantenga Cultural Village - a living museum of 1850s Swazi traditions nestled beneath Execution Rock - with lunch included. Golfers transfer (approximately 75 minutes) for tee-off and lunch at either the championship Royal Swazi course on the slopes of the Lebombo Range or Nkonyeni Golf Estate overlooking the Great Usuthu River (famous for its 18th-hole island green). Return to the train at 14h00 for afternoon tea, border formalities at Golela back into South Africa, and a formal dinner en route to Hluhluwe.

Day 5: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Continental breakfast is served from 05h00 before an 06h00 transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for a morning game drive. Covering 960km² of hilly Zululand bushveld, Hluhluwe is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and the conservation stronghold that famously saved the white rhino from extinction. Return to the train for lunch at 12h30 as it travels south along the Indian Ocean coastline, followed by afternoon tea and a formal dinner.

Day 6: Durban & Valley of a Thousand Hills or Coastal Golf

Following an 06h00 breakfast, leisure guests set off at 09h00 for a guided tour of Durban - South Africa's third-largest city and busiest port - visiting the botanical gardens before enjoying lunch on Umhlanga's beachfront. Golfers transfer to tee off and enjoy lunch at either the historic 1922 Durban Country Club (carved out of giant coastal sand dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean) or Peter Matkovich's parkland layout at Cotswold Downs near Hillcrest. At 15h00, the train climbs inland through the dramatic Valley of a Thousand Hills towards Ladysmith. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 7: Spionkop Battlefield or Champagne Sports Resort Golf

Breakfast is served from 06h00 as the train sits beneath the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains - named "Dragon's Back" by the Voortrekkers. At 09h00, leisure guests transfer (30 minutes) to Spionkop Lodge to walk in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi whilst hearing the gripping account of the 1900 Battle of Spionkop, followed by lunch and an afternoon nature drive. Golfers transfer (approximately 75 minutes) to Champagne Sports Resort to tackle its 84 bunkers beneath Champagne and Cathkin Peaks, returning at 15h30. Afternoon tea and a formal dinner are served as the train climbs into the Free State towards Harrismith.

Day 8: Golden Gate, Clarens & Sandstone Heritage Trust

After an 06h00 breakfast, depart at 08h00 for a scenic drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, renowned for its deeply eroded golden-ochre sandstone cliffs and Brandwag Rock. Continue at 09h30 to the picturesque village of Clarens in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains to browse the galleries and enjoy an early lunch (own account). At 13h00, transfer to the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a vast agricultural estate housing an extraordinary private collection of heritage steam locomotives, vintage tractors, buses, and military vehicles. Rejoin the train in Bethlehem at 15h30 for afternoon tea and a formal dinner.

Day 9: Bloemfontein & The Great Karoo

Enjoy breakfast from 06h00 before an 08h00 city tour of Bloemfontein, the "Rose City" and judicial capital of South Africa, visiting the Anglo-Boer War Museum and the poignant Women's Memorial commemorating the 27,000 women and children who perished in British concentration camps. Back on board at 10h30, the train begins its grand crossing of the semi-arid Great Karoo and descends the Great Escarpment towards the Eastern Cape coast, with lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner served on board.

Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park or Humewood Links Golf

Breakfast is served from 07h00. While golfers transfer (approximately 90 minutes) to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to brave the coastal winds and fast greens at Humewood Golf Course - South Africa's premier true seaside links course on the dunes of Algoa Bay - leisure guests enjoy lunch on board at 12h30 before heading out on an afternoon game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. Stretching from the Zuurberg Mountains to the Sundays River valley, Addo boasts one of the densest African elephant populations on earth, with over 600 elephants. Rejoin the train in Port Elizabeth for a formal dinner at 19h30.

Day 11: Knysna Lagoon or Pezula & Simola Golf (Overnight at Fancourt)

Please pack an overnight bag for your stay at Fancourt in George (canvas tog bags are provided in your suite). After an 06h00 breakfast, disembark in Port Elizabeth to travel along the lush Garden Route via a morning refreshment stop at Oudebosch Farm Stall. Leisure guests continue to Knysna for a lagoon ferry cruise looking out towards the dramatic sandstone Knysna Heads with lunch included, before transferring to check in at Fancourt at 16h30. Golfers transfer to Knysna to tee off and enjoy lunch at either Pezula (set high on the clifftops overlooking the lagoon and Indian Ocean) or Jack Nicklaus's wind-sheltered signature course at Simola, before checking in at Fancourt for a smart casual dinner at 19h00.

Day 12: Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves or Fancourt Golf

Enjoy breakfast at Fancourt from 06h30 and check out. At 10h00, leisure guests cross the Outeniqua Mountains into the Klein Karoo to visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn - the historic "feather capital" whose early 20th-century boa boom created instant feather millionaires - complete with lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of the towering limestone chambers of the Cango Caves. Meanwhile, golfers tee off right at Fancourt on either the tree-lined Montagu layout or the Gary Player-designed Outeniqua course before lunch. Both groups travel by road through the Karoo to rejoin the train at Prince Albert Road Station in the late afternoon, celebrating the final night on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner en route to Matjiesfontein.

Day 13: Cape Winelands & Arrival in Cape Town

Breakfast is served until 10h00 as the train winds through the dramatic mountain passes and scenic winelands of the Western Cape. Enjoy a final lunch in the dining cars at 13h00 and afternoon tea at 16h30 (please ensure your luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival). The train is scheduled to pull into Cape Town Station at 18h00, where a complimentary chauffeur transfer awaits to whisk you to your accommodation in Cape Town, courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

6 Apr 2027 (10h00) 5 Deluxe 2 Pullman

PULLMAN: ZAR 207,000 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 288,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 372,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to check in at Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria between 16h00 and 16h30, where you will hand your passport to the Train Manager. Listen to the departure speech and take a tour of the museum and station if time allows. The train is scheduled to depart at 18h00. Enjoy dinner at 20h00 (formal dress) as the train travels north through Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Modimolle (Nylstroom).

Day 2: Crossing the Limpopo River

There is an opportunity to sleep off any lingering effects of the previous evening's hospitality, with breakfast served until 10h00. Pass through the Soutpansberg Mountains, which form part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. The train crosses the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe - if you have completed your e-visas and paperwork correctly, you won't even have to step off the train for immigration at Beitbridge.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Breakfast is served until 09h00. At 13h30, disembark for a 60-minute transfer to Matobo National Park. You will be guided through the granite hills to see historic San bushmen caves with their ancient rock art, as well as the hilltop grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World's View. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a formal dinner.

Day 4: Hwange National Park

Breakfast is served until 10h00. The train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before arriving at Kennedy Siding. Disembark at 15h00 for an afternoon game drive excursion at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where, if you are lucky, you will view lions, cheetahs, serval, and eland.

Day 5: Arrival at Victoria Falls

Ensure your luggage is packed as you enjoy a final breakfast (served until 09h30). The train is scheduled to arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls Station at 10h00 (delays are common), marking the end of your ultra-luxurious train journey. Walk across to The Victoria Falls Hotel and enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your accommodation in Victoria Falls.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the Victoria Falls Hotel, free chauffeur transfers in Pretoria and Victoria Falls

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

7 Apr 2027 (18h00) 2 Deluxe

14 Apr 2027 (18h00) 1 Royal 15 Deluxe

28 Apr 2027 (18h00) 1 Royal 2 Deluxe 1 Pullman

PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Cape Town to Pretoria (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to The Blue Train Lounge at Cape Town Station. Registration and check-in take place while you enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks. Board the train, settle into your luxurious suite, and depart the Mother City. The train glides through the Cape Winelands towards the majestic Hex River Valley. Stay connected to home using the train's complimentary onboard WiFi - though we strongly recommend looking out the window instead.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark at Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian railway village. Enjoy a glass of sherry at the bar of the Lord Milner Hotel and soak in the historical charm of the 19th-century architecture before returning to the train to continue your journey through the starkly beautiful Karoo.

Day 3: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a light lunch as the train winds its way through the Highveld. The train is scheduled to arrive at the main Pretoria Train Station by late afternoon. Upon disembarking, enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your final destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at The Capital 5 Star Hotel, before your 2-night Blue Train journey

Upcoming Availability

April 2027 12 (13h00), 22 (13h00), 29 (13h00)

De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing

Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Walvis Bay to Pretoria (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Walvis Bay

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to Walvis Bay Station for check-in at 10h00 before the train departs at 11h00, heading inland across the ancient gravel plains of the Namib Desert towards Otjiwarongo. For rail enthusiasts, the observation car leads the train right behind the locomotive until lunchtime tomorrow. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner on board.

Day 2: Cheetah Conservation Project

After breakfast, transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo, founded in 1990 to protect Namibia's wild cheetah population. Return to the train for lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train climbs north towards Tsumeb.

Day 3: Etosha National Park

Pack a small overnight bag and transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to a safari lodge bordering Etosha National Park, where wildlife congregates around waterholes fringing the massive 4,760km² salt pan. After lunch at the lodge, head out on a three-hour afternoon game drive, followed by a casual dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 4: Morning Safari & Southbound to Kranzberg

Rise at 06h00 for breakfast and an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park. Return to the lodge to check out and transfer back to the train at Tsumeb Station in time for lunch. Relax over afternoon tea and a formal dinner as the train travels south towards Kranzberg.

Day 5: Scenic Flight to Sossusvlei

Pack your overnight bag and transfer to the airstrip to board a light aircraft for a one-hour scenic flight over the Namib-Naukluft desert to a lodge in Sossusvlei. After lunch and time at leisure, enjoy an afternoon desert drive amongst the towering red star dunes, capped off with a casual bush dinner under the desert sky.

Day 6: Sossusvlei Sunrise & Windhoek

Wake early for a sunrise drive into the vlei and breakfast amongst the dunes before flying to Namibia's highland capital, Windhoek. Enjoy lunch at the Windhoek Country Club followed by a city tour that includes the Trans-Namib Transport Museum. Rejoin the train at 18h00 for a formal dinner as it cuts south through the Kalahari Desert towards Mariental.

Day 7: Keetmanshoop & Garas Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board with breakfast and lunch served in the dining cars. At 14h00, disembark to visit Keetmanshoop and Garas Park, home to roughly 300 prehistoric Quiver Trees (Aloe dichotoma). Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner bound for Aus.

Day 8: Kolmanskop Ghost Town & Luderitz

After an early breakfast, transfer at 08h00 to the abandoned diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where desert sands drift through grand Edwardian rooms, followed by lunch in the coastal town of Luderitz. Reboard the train at 18h00 as the observation car leads the train towards Holoog. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 9: Fish River Canyon & South African Border

Following breakfast, transfer at 08h30 to the rim of the Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere at 161km long and up to 550m deep. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as border formalities into South Africa take place en route to Upington. Dinner is formal.

Day 10: Upington & The Orange River

Disembark at 08h30 for a walking tour of Upington and a boat cruise on the Orange River. At 11h00, the train sets off across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train rolls towards Kimberley.

Day 11: Kimberley's Big Hole

At 09h00, enjoy a guided tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the historic Big Hole before returning to the train for lunch as it begins its climb onto the Highveld. Celebrate your final evening on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner.

Day 12: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 and lunch at 13h00 as the train rolls across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, arriving at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria in the afternoon. A complimentary chauffeur transfer awaits to take you to your hotel or airport in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

19 Apr 2027 (10h00) 13 Deluxe 2 Pullman

PULLMAN: ZAR 258,000 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 327,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 403,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Pretoria to Cape Town (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to arrive at your check-in in Pretoria; this will either be at Irene Farm (Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion) or the main Pretoria Train Station (note this is separate from Rovos Rail's private station). Enjoy pre-departure beverages, canapes, and live entertainment. When checking in at Irene Farm, a shuttle transports guests the 1km to Irene Train Station. Your butler will welcome you on board and show you to your suite. The train is scheduled to depart at 13h00, after which you can enjoy a light lunch in the lounge car and observation car. Complimentary WiFi is available on board throughout your journey, should you feel the tragic need to check your emails whilst gliding past paradise. Note that departure times are subject to change. Let us know if you would like to extend your experience by staying at Irene Country Lodge the night before your departure.

Day 2: Kimberley

Breakfast is served on a first-come, first-served basis - a gentle reminder that the early bird gets the best bacon. Stop at Kimberley Station to explore the Railway Museum, from where you will be taken by bus for an exclusive off-train excursion to the Diamond Mine Museum (weather and time permitting), including viewing the Big Hole from an enclosed ramp. Back at Kimberley Station, guests are gifted a glass of sherry engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento.

Day 3: Arrival in Cape Town

Enjoy breakfast and a light lunch before the train's scheduled arrival at 18h00 in Cape Town under the shadow of Table Mountain, concluding your magnificent journey. Note that arrival times are subject to change. Butlers will usher guests from the train to the Arrival Lounge. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from the Arrival Lounge to your accommodation in Cape Town.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the 5-star Irene Country Hotel before your 2-night Blue Train journey.

Upcoming Availability

April 2027 19 (13h00), 26 (13h00)

De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing

Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Victoria Falls to arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel on Mallet Drive between 15h00 and 15h30. Check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel where you can listen to the departure speech before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station. Enjoy watching a traditional tribal dance before your hostess shows you to your suite. The train departs from Victoria Falls Station at 17h00 (if all runs to schedule). Settle into your suite and join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served at 19h30 (formal dress code).

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Do not party too late into the evening on Day 1, as continental breakfast on Day 2 is at 05h00 to get you fuelled for your 06h00 game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Return to the train for lunch as it travels along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114km from Dete to Gwaai. There is no WiFi on the train, and on this remote stretch cellular reception is practically non-existent, leaving you with no option but to converse with your fellow passengers.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Transfer to the UNESCO-listed Matobo National Park at 08h00 for a guided excursion. Explore the ancient San bushmen caves, marvel at rock art dating back thousands of years, and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes carved into the granite summit at World's View. Return to the train as it travels through countryside dotted with baobab trees towards the South African border.

Day 4: At Leisure on Board

You can catch up on sleep as breakfast is served until 10h00. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Highveld, ascending the edge of the escarpment.

Day 5: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars before arriving at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria at 10h00 (scheduled time; delays are common). Join a 90-minute tour of the station and museum. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer at 11h30 to your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Special Offer: Game drive at Hwange National Park

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

25 Apr 2027 (17h00) 1 Royal 2 Deluxe

PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing

DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Pretoria to Lilongwe (16 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Pretoria

After enjoying a complimentary night at a 5-star hotel in Pretoria, a free chauffeur transfer takes you from your hotel to the private Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park to check in at 08h00. Enjoy a station tour and a visit to the railway museum. At 10h00, the train is scheduled to depart the station (do not panic if it is late to get moving; this is common as it must wait its turn to join the main line), with lunch served in the dining cars at 13h00. The train travels on the Pretoria to Maputo line, built in 1895 to facilitate trade for the then Boer republics, through the coal-mining area of eMalahleni (Witbank - a little piece of trivia is that before starting his luxury train line, Rohan Vos ran a successful auto spares business in Witbank). Dinner is served at 19h30. Dress code is formal.

Day 2: At Leisure on Board

Enjoy a day at leisure on board with lectures taking place in the lounge car. Breakfast is served until 10h00 as the train rolls through the hills of eMakhazeni (Belfast) and Emnothweni (Dullstroom), an area renowned for trout fishing. After lunch at 13h00, the train descends the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain escarpment, travelling towards Malelane. Do not overdo things in the evening, as Day 3 is an early start.

Day 3: Kruger National Park

Following an early 05h00 breakfast, disembark at 06h30 for a game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, which covers 2 million hectares and is home to an unrivalled diversity of wildlife including the Big Five. Lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping are included. Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner as the train travels towards the border towns of Komatipoort and Mpaka. To route the train through Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), the journey uses tracks originating from the Goba Railway, opened in 1909 to allow the landlocked territory to export its natural resources through Maputo.

Day 4: Mountainous Kingdom of Eswatini

After breakfast and border formalities, transfer at 08h30 to Swazi Candles where guests can interact with local artisans making colourful candles, textiles, and woodcarvings. Continue to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions representing the classic Swazi lifestyle of the 1850s, followed by lunch at Mantenga Lodge. Return to the train for a formal dinner and onward border formalities.

Day 5: Maputo, Mozambique

Breakfast is served until 10h00. Disembark for a city tour of Maputo, Mozambique's vibrant capital, exploring its mix of African, Portuguese, and early colonial architecture. Enjoy lunch at the historic Polana Hotel before returning to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner.

Day 6: At Leisure on Board

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 and spend a relaxing day on board as the train traverses the humid and swampy interior of Mozambique. You will cross the famous Limpopo River before travelling towards Chicualacuala. Dinner is served at 19h30 with an "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual dress code. During the Mozambican Civil War (1977-1992), this part of the line suffered near-total degradation due to ambushes and sabotage. While it was restored in the 1990s, the railway had to be practically rebuilt from scratch in 2004 after devastating floods in the Limpopo and Incomati river valleys washed much of it away.

Day 7: Gonarezhou National Park

After border formalities and breakfast, the train traverses the 5,053-square-kilometre Gonarezhou National Park, the "Place of Elephants", which forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Pass the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs, standing over 180m high. Travel through attractive granite hill country towards Oreti, followed by a formal dinner.

Day 8: Great Zimbabwe Monument

Following breakfast, embark on a transfer to the Great Zimbabwe Monument for an educational visit. This impressive site is the largest precolonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. After the tour and lunch, return to the train and travel towards Gweru.

Day 9: Antelope Park

After breakfast, transfer to Antelope Park, a 3,000-acre haven of tranquillity and home to the ALERT lion rehabilitation programme. Optional extras (own account) include canoeing, game drives, horseback viewing, and bird-watching cruises. Enjoy lunch at the park before the train continues to Harare.

Day 10: Harare

Enjoy breakfast until 09h00, then depart for a tour of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Visit local galleries and bustling street flea markets to experience the artistic talent of the locals. Return to the train for lunch and travel through a varied landscape of farmlands and msasa trees towards Mutare.

Day 11: Mutare

After breakfast, visit the charming Mutare Museum, which features collections of archaeology, ethnography, natural history, and vintage vehicles. Return to the train for lunch and border formalities as you cross back into Mozambique and travel towards the port city of Beira.

Day 12: Beira

Breakfast is served until 09h00. Enjoy a tour of Beira (in a somewhat ruinous state having been battered by the civil war and cyclones), Mozambique's second-largest port, including a visit to the 1904 red-and-white-striped Macuti Lighthouse (decide to climb to the top of this derelict 28-metre-tall structure at your own risk!) and the Macuti shipwreck (a tugboat intentionally run aground in 1985 to serve as a breakwater). The railway from Beira to Bulawayo was built by the Portuguese and opened in 1899 (and defended by Zimbabwean troops during the Mozambican Civil War so trade could continue), and Beira became a favourite holiday spot for Rhodesians (the derelict Grande Hotel is a stark reminder of this). The initial construction through tropical swamps and forests was brutal; outbreaks of malaria claimed the lives of thousands of labourers working on the tracks. Return to the train as it travels towards Inhamitanga.

Day 13: The Dona Ana Bridge

Enjoy a day at leisure traversing the undulating interior of Mozambique. This part of the line harks back to British investors in 1901 wanting to connect the Protectorate of Nyasaland (Malawi) to the coast. The Sena line remained Malawi's primary transport link to the sea until 1979, when it was destroyed during the civil war. The line has since been rehabilitated to support modern coal exports, which (fortuitously for us!) also allows luxury passenger trains to safely travel the route once again. The train crosses the historic Dona Ana Bridge from Vila de Sena to Mutarara. At 3.67km long, it is the longest railway bridge to span the mighty Zambezi River. Dinner is served as the train travels towards Moatize.

Day 14: Moatize & Tete

After breakfast, embark on a coal-mine tour in Moatize. Return to the train for lunch, then enjoy a driving tour of the riverside city of Tete, a mining hub featuring the iconic Samora Machel Suspension Bridge and the bustling Feira Market. Conclude the day with sundowners on the banks of the Zambezi River before returning to the train for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Lake Malawi

Pack a small overnight bag (flight luggage is restricted to 15kg in soft bags; surplus luggage stays securely on Rovos Rail). After breakfast, transfer to Chingozi Airport in Tete for a 60-minute charter flight to the palm-fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi. Check in at The Makokola Retreat, where you can enjoy lunch and an afternoon of leisure with optional watersports, swimming, and tennis. Overnight at the retreat.

Day 16: Liwonde National Park

Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure. At 09h15, transfer by road to Mvuu Lodge ("mvuu" meaning hippopotamus in Chichewa), nestled under fever trees on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. Enjoy lunch followed by a late afternoon boat safari with sundowners. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 17: Arrival in Lilongwe

Start the day with a 06h00 morning game drive and breakfast. If lucky, you may spot elephant, cheetah, lion, black rhino, and wild dogs in the woodlands and floodplains. Check out and proceed to the airstrip for a 60-minute flight to Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Arrive at journey's end at 11h00, where you will be reunited with your main luggage and transferred to your city hotel. Enjoy a free chauffeur transfer and a complimentary night at a hotel in Lilongwe, courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at a 5* Hotel in Pretoria and Lilongwe, free chauffeur transfers

Upcoming Availability

Updated 4 Nov 2026

29 Apr 2027 (10h00) 1 Pullman

PULLMAN: USD 18,200 per person sharing

DELUXE: USD 24,000 per person sharing

ROYAL: USD 31,500 per person sharing

Book on WhatsApp

Which train fits you?

Rovos Rail The Blue Train

Suite Categories & Dimensions

Pullman Suite ±7 m²

Wood-panelled cabin with a daytime sofa that converts to twin or double beds (or upper/lower bunks on long hauls) and an en-suite shower, basin, and toilet.

Deluxe Suite ±10 m²

Permanent double or twin beds (no daytime conversion needed), a dedicated lounge seating area, bar fridge, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower.

Royal Suite ±16 m²

Occupies half a carriage. Features a permanent double or twin bed, private lounge area, and a full en-suite bathroom with both a Victorian claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

4 Days (3 nights). A deliberately unhurried, leisurely pace that allows for deeper immersion into the landscape (and the wine list).

Atmosphere

Victorian Edwardian elegance. Expect rich wood panelling, openable windows in the observation car, traditional silver-service dining, and a classic, romantic ambience where guests dress formally for dinner.

Connectivity

Intentionally devoid of WiFi, televisions, or onboard radios to preserve the historic golden-era atmosphere and encourage a true, inescapable digital detox.

Pretoria Station

Operates from its own magnificent, privately owned Capital Park Station, which functions as a working locomotive restoration depot, railway museum, and exclusive departure lounge.

Excursions

Includes two off-train excursions in both directions - a visit to the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein and a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, Rovos Rail demonstrated high adaptability by rerouting affected journeys to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), providing guests with a viable luxury travel alternative alongside refund options.

Suite Categories & Dimensions

De Luxe Suite ±8 m²

Elegant daytime lounge that converts into twin beds (with en-suite shower) or a double bed (with three-quarter bath and handheld shower), complete with 24-hour personal butler service.

Luxury Suite ±10 m²

Extended suite offering an extra metre of cabin length, twin or double bed configurations, a full-sized en-suite bathtub with overhead shower, and a private digital entertainment system.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

3 Days (2 nights). A slightly faster journey, ideal for fitting into a tighter travel schedule without sacrificing five-star luxury.

Atmosphere

Contemporary five-star luxury. Think of a modern boutique hotel on wheels with soundproofed carpeted carriages, gold-tinted picture windows, personal butlers, and a dedicated post-dinner Cuban cigar lounge car.

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi and in-suite entertainment screens are available throughout the train for guests who wish to stay connected (or who simply cannot bear to be parted from their inbox).

Pretoria Station

Departs from the main Pretoria Train Station (or occasionally Irene Station in Centurion), where guests are hosted with canapes and live music in a dedicated VIP pre-departure lounge.

Excursions

Features a single focused off-train excursion depending on direction - the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum (southbound to Cape Town) or historic Matjiesfontein (northbound to Pretoria).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, The Blue Train maintained a firm focus on its primary Cape mainline schedule, cancelling affected Pretoria - Cape Town services while offering guests full refunds or alternative dates.

The Golden Age of Rail Exploration

Luxury train travel is not merely a mode of transport; it is a return to the golden age of exploration. Traversing vast, untamed landscapes - from the arid expanses of the Great Karoo to the lush hills of Southeast Asia - offers a perspective that simply cannot be replicated by air travel or a standard road trip.

Aboard iconic locomotives like Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, guests are immediately immersed in five-star elegance, creating a striking contrast between the rugged African wilderness outside and the refined luxury inside.

An Unhurried, Bespoke Experience

The on-board experience is designed to be completely effortless. You can expect spacious, wood-panelled suites with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated room service, and impeccable attention to detail. Dining is a grand affair, featuring multi-course meals prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - all expertly paired with award-winning South African wines.

The pace of the journey is deliberately unhurried, encouraging you to disconnect from modern distractions and savour the passing scenery from a dedicated observation car, perhaps with a classic gin and tonic in hand. Depending on your chosen route, the itinerary often includes curated off-train excursions, such as private game drives or historical town tours, adding rich context to your holiday.

How to Secure Your Suite

Securing your suite on these high-demand routes requires careful planning. Cabins - particularly the premium Royal and Deluxe suites - are strictly limited and often book out many months in advance. To make securing your journey as straightforward as possible, we manage all enquiries through a direct, personalised booking service via WhatsApp and email.

When you find a route and date that aligns with your travel plans, simply click the "Book on WhatsApp" button on the relevant itinerary card above. This will automatically open a pre-filled message directly to our dedicated booking team. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email with your preferred travel dates and cabin class.

From that initial contact, we take care of all the logistics. We personally verify real-time availability with the train operators, confirm the exact pricing per person sharing (pps), and place a provisional hold on your suite. Once you review the details and are completely satisfied to proceed, we will guide you through the secure payment process and issue your official travel documents. You pay the exact public rates set by the train operators - there are no hidden markups or booking fees. Our goal is to provide honest, efficient support from your very first enquiry until the moment you disembark.