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Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria

Luxury rail journey from Cape Town to Pretoria aboard Rovos Rail

Illustration of Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria

Railbookers' Luxury Rovos Rail journey runs 10 days and 9 nights from Cape Town to Johannesburg, combining time in two cities with three nights aboard the Rovos Rail Discover train. The trip opens with four nights in Cape Town, where private guided tours cover the Castle of Good Hope, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, a scenic Cape Peninsula drive to Hout Bay and Cape Point, and a day at Franschhoek's wine estates, including the 1692 Cape Dutch farm Babylonstoren. On day 5 the train departs Cape Town for a three-night journey to Pretoria, with a stop in Kimberley to see the Big Hole diamond excavation and a stretch through Golden Gate Highlands National Park. All onboard meals and drinks are included in the Pullman Suite fare. The trip closes with two nights in Johannesburg and a full-day tour taking in Soweto, Constitution Hill, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. This suits travelers who want a fully guided, luxury pace with private tours and transfers rather than independent logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this listing does not include specific departure dates; confirm current scheduling and availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cape Town

    Your Journey Begins in Cape Town

    Welcome to South Africa! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your 5* hotel for a four-night stay. (Overnight Cape Town)

  2. Day 2overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Today enjoy a private half-day city tour, passing iconic landmarks and sites such as the Castle of Good Hope, St. George's Cathedral, the Company Gardens, and the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Continue to join a sparkling tour, and witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewelry manufacturing by skilled experts. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa. You will be offered the option of continuing to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top, weather permitting by the revolving cable car. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Make sure your camera is fully charged today, as you head out of the city on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast. Visit the village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. Next is the Cape Point Nature Reserve which includes an abundance of wildlife. On your return to Cape Town, follow the coastline along False Bay and visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, then enjoy refreshments on the slopes of Table Mountain. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town to Franschhoek

    Embark on a unique journey through scenic vineyards on an open-side tram and tram-bus. Explore historic wine estates, including Babylonstoren, a well-preserved Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Guided by an expert, discover the rich history of the French Huguenots in Franschhoek village. Enjoy the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and fine wines. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Bid farewell to Cape Town today as you begin your three-night luxury adventure by train. Relax in opulent surroundings and savor exquisite cuisine as the train glides through stunning landscapes towards Pretoria. Unwind in your elegant cabin and indulge in the impeccable service and amenities offered on board. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Wake up to breathtaking scenery as the Rovos Rail continues its voyage towards Pretoria. Today, enjoy a captivating excursion to Kimberley, known for its diamond mines and rich history. Visit the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation site in the world, and explore the fascinating Diamond Mine Museum. Immerse yourself in the stories of the diamond rush era before returning to the train for a sumptuous dinner. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    As the Rovos Rail meanders through the picturesque landscapes, marvel at the beauty of the Golden Gates Highlands National Park. Admire the majestic mountains, rolling hills, and vibrant flora that surround you. Relax in the elegant lounges, savor delectable meals, and engage in conversation with fellow travelers as you continue your unforgettable rail journey. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8railovernight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Today your rail journey comes to an end in Pretoria, and once you have said farewell to your traveling companions over the past three days, you will be driven on the short journey to Johannesburg for a two-night stay. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Enjoy a full day private tour of Johannesburg today. Discover the history of Johannesburg, the city of gold, and experience the vibrant neighborhood life of Soweto. Visit Constitution Hill, the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg's Old Fort Prison, Walter Sisulu Square - Kliptown Open Air Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. View the iconic Soweto Towers and experience the buzzle of Vilikazi Street and an authentic street market. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Johannesburg

    Following breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight home. B

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A day touring Franschhoek's wine estates by open-side tram, including Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm dating to 1692
  • Day 5The three-night journey aboard Rovos Rail begins as the train departs Cape Town for Pretoria
  • Day 6An excursion to Kimberley's Big Hole, described as the largest man-made excavation site in the world, and its Diamond Mine Museum
  • Day 7The train passes through Golden Gate Highlands National Park
  • Day 9A full-day tour of Johannesburg and Soweto taking in Constitution Hill, Walter Sisulu Square, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial

Included

  • 4 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Cape Town 2 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Johannesburg 3 nights in a Pullman Suite onboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria including: All meals and drinks All off-board experience All freshly prepared meals Private half-day city tour of Cape Town Private full-day Cape Peninsula including Kirstenbosch Private full-day Franschhoek Wine Tram & Babylonstoren Farm Experience Private full-day city tour of Johannesburg Private airport/hotel/station transfers throughout

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights in a Pullman Suite aboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria, with all onboard meals and drinks included.
Is this trip independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation, arranged by Railbookers, with private guided tours and private transfers at each stop rather than a group escort throughout.
Which train is used?
Rovos Rail Discover, traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria.
What hotels are included?
4 nights in a 5-star hotel in Cape Town and 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Johannesburg, both including breakfast.
How much walking or touring is involved?
The trip includes half-day and full-day guided city tours of Cape Town and Johannesburg, a Cape Peninsula scenic drive, and a Franschhoek wine tram outing.

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