World Travel Awards Nominee 2024
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Incorporating a great train journey into your travel itinerary adds a unique perspective to your vacation. With some of the best-escorted rail tours in the world, traveling by train in Southern Africa has become a firm favorite in recent years.
This meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.
Highlights of the north- and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian Village founded as a refreshment stop in 1890, which also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. Another stop is made in Kimberley to visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Available in reverse
The train departs on set dates throughout the year.
Meal times on the train: Breakfast 7am-10am • Lunch 1pm • Tea 4:30pm • Dinner 7:30pm.
Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved.
Travel and cancellation insurance are compulsory
2023 Departure Dates on request from your Safari.com African Safari Expert
After checking in at Rovos Rail's Station in Pretoria, you depart on your train journey at 11h00am. Travel across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car and observation car.
Enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. Dinner is served in the dining cars Gemsbok.
The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system.
After lunch, there is a chance for guests to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and walk the 5km into Matjiesfontein. A member of staff will accompany the group. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
Enjoy tea in the lounge and observation cars. About an hour after Matjiesfontein, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The first tunnel is 13.5km long so guests are to be careful when walking through the train and may wish to turn on necessary lights. Dinner is served as the train climbs ±750m down the escarpment towards Worcester.
Enjoy breakfast, while your train journey continues through the Hex River Valley ending at Cape Town Station.
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October 4, 2024
Keith was so helpful
Keith was so helpful, against many obstacles, he eventually managed to secure me a place on the train from Victoria Falls
October 3, 2024
Keith - best travel agent in the world
Keith is such an amazing communicator, very organised and helpful. This will be my first ever visit to the Kruger national park. As a fellow South African I never had the chance to visit the Kruger NP. Keith sent us voice recordings and I cried listening to his accent and hearing the beautiful nature in the background bringing back so many fond memories of our beautiful country. These messages were so special! I can’t wait to visit and am really looking forward to the most magical experience.
September 17, 2024
Thanks to Keith!
Keith was prompt, thorough and efficient. He was available as and when needed, answering all the questions I had, and guiding us along the way.
Oct 8, 2024
Excellent and responsive
We have not travelled yet but so far our experience with Anya has been excellent and so responsive. We have booked for a 2025 trip
Oct 4, 2024
Sara at safari.com
Sara very prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable about her product. Always a pleasure dealing with her on my numerous emails!
Oct 4, 2024
Excellent service from Tanya!
Excellent service from Tanya!! She was very patient and remained friendly through all my problems/changes. I will definitely come back to her for my next bookings.
Oct 4, 2024
Keith was so helpful
Keith was so helpful, against many obstacles, he eventually managed to secure me a place on the train from Victoria Falls
Oct 3, 2024
Shaw was very helpful and knowledgeable in hotels and tours.
Shaw was very helpful and patience. Answered all the questions about the hotels and tours options. She is very knowledgeable in travel industry and highly recommend her as a personal travel agent.
Oct 3, 2024
WHAT MADE YOUR EXPERIENCE?ANSER;NOTHING
WHAT MADE YOUR EXPERIENCE?ANSER; NOTHING COMPANY DOING WEL?ANSER; LOTS LOTS OF MONEY
Oct 3, 2024
The itenary provided for our trip to…
The itenary provided for our trip to Victoria Falls by Shann Shaw was clear and concise. Settlement of online deposit payment was seemless. Will provide more reviews when we complete outr trip.
Oct 3, 2024
Kim Abraham is Great!
Kim Abraham worked through all of my questions, always with a pleasant response. This is our trip of a lifetime, and Kim made sure that we are getting it.
Oct 3, 2024
Keith - best travel agent in the world
Keith is such an amazing communicator, very organised and helpful. This will be my first ever visit to the Kruger national park. As a fellow South African I never had the chance to visit the Kruger NP. Keith sent us voice recordings and I cried listening to his accent and hearing the beautiful nature in the background bringing back so many fond memories of our beautiful country. These messages were so special! I can’t wait to visit and am really looking forward to the most magical experience.
