Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Luxury Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town with Kruger National Park

Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town plus a Kruger safari

Illustration of Luxury Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town with Kruger National Park

Railbookers' Luxury Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town with Kruger National Park runs 14 days and 13 nights, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town. After two nights and a Soweto and Constitution Hill city tour in Johannesburg, a short flight covers the distance to Kruger National Park for three nights at a game lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar), with twice-daily open-vehicle safaris in search of the Big Five. A flight back to Pretoria for one night is followed on day 7 by the three-night Rovos Rail Discover journey to Cape Town, taking in Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum, the Karoo semi-desert, and the historic village of Matjiesfontein before descending the escarpment toward Worcester. The trip closes with four nights in Cape Town at the 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel, including a city tour, a full day on the Cape Peninsula to Boulders Beach, and a Franschhoek wine tram outing. It suits travelers who want a single luxury itinerary combining a proper safari with a classic South African rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Kruger lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) and the Pretoria hotel (Castello di Monte, or similar) are both listed as 'or similar', so the exact property booked may differ.
  • Kruger National Park is reached by short flights rather than rail, from Johannesburg on day 3 and back to Pretoria on day 6.
  • 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: Johannesburg

    Your Journey Begins in Johannesburg

    Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your luxurious hotel for a two-night stay, allowing time to relax and adjust. (Overnight Johannesburg)

  2. Day 2overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Explore Johannesburg's rich history, including visits to Constitution Hill, Walter Sisulu Square, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and vibrant Soweto, experiencing the energy of Vilikazi Street and a local street market. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Transfer to the airport this morning, for a short flight to one of the world's largest and most popular game reserves, a true bucket-list destination for those who love experiencing wildlife and adventure. On arrival, you will be escorted to your luxury resort (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) for a three-night stay. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  4. Day 4overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Included for your whole time in the park are open vehicle safaris by day and night, entrance fees, environmental awareness walks, and all meals and drinks. You will have an abundance of chances to traverse the terrain in search of the 'Big Five', and in the evening your accommodation will offer expansive decks and luxurious surroundings to enjoy the star-studded African skies at night. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  5. Day 5overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Spend a final day in this wildlife paradise today. Whether it's out-tracking a pride of lions or watching a herd of elephants quenching their thirst at a watering hole, this is the place to see it. With over 135 mammals and 500 varieties of birds, it truly is a jaw-dropping experience just being here. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6overnight: Pretoria

    Pretoria

    Bid farewell to Kruger National Park as you are escorted to the local airport for a flight back to Pretoria. Here you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel (Castello di Monte or similar) for a one-night stay. (Overnight Pretoria)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard Rovos Rail

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Embark on the Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, enjoying the comfort of a Pullman Suite, scenic landscapes, and a gourmet dinner onboard. (Overnight onboard Rovos Rail)

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8railovernight: onboard Rovos Rail

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Discover the Diamond Mine Museum and the famous Big Hole in Kimberly before returning to the train for an exquisite dinner and evening festivities. (Overnight onboard Rovos Rail)

    Meals: B, L, D

  9. Day 9railovernight: onboard Rovos Rail

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Marvel at the semi-desert region of Karoo, explore Matjiesfontein, and savour dinner while descending towards Worcester. (Overnight onboard Rovos Rail)

    Meals: B, L, D

  10. Day 10railovernight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Enjoy a final breakfast on the train before arriving at Cape Town station. Bid farewell to fellow passengers and transfer to the 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel for a four-night stay. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11overnight: 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 neighbourhood. Continue to join a sparkling tour, and witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewellery 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

  12. Day 12overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Prepare for a full-day private tour of the Cape Peninsula and Kirstenbosch. Experience breathtaking views along the Atlantic coast, visit the picturesque Hout Bay, explore Cape Point Nature Reserve with its diverse wildlife, and stop at Simon's Town to see the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. Immerse yourself in the beauty of False Bay and Fish Hoek fishing village. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  13. Day 13overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Begin the day with a tram ride to a local wine estate in Franschhoek, where you'll learn about the region's wine culture, taste unique flavours, and enjoy a three-course lunch at the estate restaurant. Continue to two other renowned wine estates for premium tastings, deepening your appreciation for Franschhoek's wines. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B, L

  14. Day 14

    Your Journey Ends in Cape Town

    Bid farewell to South Africa as you are whisked to the airport for your flight home. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A full day of open-vehicle safari drives in Kruger National Park, tracking the Big Five by day and night
  • Day 7The three-night journey aboard Rovos Rail's Pullman Suite begins as the train departs Pretoria for Cape Town
  • Day 9The train crosses the Karoo semi-desert and stops to explore the historic village of Matjiesfontein before descending toward Worcester
  • Day 12A full-day Cape Peninsula tour to Cape Point and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach
  • Day 13A wine tram day in Franschhoek with a three-course lunch and tastings at three estates

Included

  • 2 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Johannesburg 4 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Cape Town 1 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Pretoria 3 nights’ luxury Game Lodge all-inclusive accommodation, including all entrance fees, and activities 3 nights in a Pullman Suite onboard Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town including: All meals and drinks All off-board experience All freshly prepared meals Private full-day city tour of Johannesburg Private half-day city tour of Cape Town Private full-day Cape Peninsula including Kirstenbosch Private full-day Franschhoek Wine Tram & Babylonstoren Farm Experience Return flights from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park 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 Pretoria to Cape Town, with all onboard meals and drinks included.
Is Kruger National Park reached by train?
No. Short flights cover the distance from Johannesburg to Kruger on day 3, and from Kruger back to Pretoria on day 6.
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.
What is included at the Kruger lodge?
The 3-night stay at the game lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) is all-inclusive, covering open vehicle safaris by day and night, entrance fees, environmental awareness walks, and all meals and drinks.
What hotels are included?
2 nights in Johannesburg, 1 night in Pretoria (Castello di Monte, or similar), and 4 nights at the 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel in Cape Town, all with breakfast.

Similar journeys