.jpg)
Our Partners
Rovos Rail: The Pride of Africa
Step aboard the most luxurious train in the world. At The Luxury Cruiser, we know that true luxury is about the romance of the journey, not just the destination. That is why we are exceptionally proud to partner with Rovos Rail to offer our clients an unparalleled, world-class travel experience through the heart of Southern and Eastern Africa.
Perfectly paired with a luxury ocean cruise departing from Cape Town or Durban, or booked as an epic standalone adventure, Rovos Rail’s "Pride of Africa" transports you back to the golden age of travel. From the moment you step onto the red carpet at their private station in Pretoria, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of Edwardian elegance, bespoke service, and spectacular African landscapes.
The Suites: Your Private Sanctuary
Rovos Rail offers some of the largest and most luxurious train suites in the world, each beautifully appointed with fine wood panelling, Edwardian features, and modern conveniences. Every suite is air-conditioned and features a fully stocked mini-bar and a dedicated host available 24 hours a day.
Royal Suites: The Pinnacle of Luxury
Taking up half a train carriage each, these magnificent suites offer the ultimate indulgence.
- Unrivalled Space: Featuring a spacious private lounge area and a permanent, custom-built double bed.
- Victorian Bath: The lavish en-suite bathroom is a true rarity on a train, featuring a full Victorian claw-foot bathtub alongside a separate shower.
Deluxe Suites: Elegantly Spacious
The beautifully proportioned Deluxe Suites are designed for absolute comfort and relaxation.
- Lounge Area: Features a comfortable lounge area with two armchairs, perfect for private viewing of the passing scenery.
- Premium Comfort: A permanent double or twin bed configuration, alongside a private en-suite bathroom with a shower.
Pullman Suites: Classic Comfort
A brilliant entry point into the Rovos Rail experience, maximizing space through clever design.
- Day-to-Night Transformation: Features a comfortable daytime sofa that your host seamlessly converts into a double or twin bed for the evening.
- En-Suite Facilities: Complete with a private en-suite bathroom featuring a shower.
Life on Board: The Golden Age of Travel
Travelling on Rovos Rail is about disconnecting from the modern world and reconnecting with the art of conversation, fine dining, and the passing landscape. The train travels at a leisurely 60km/h (37mph), allowing guests to open the windows, take in the fresh African air, and capture stunning photographs of the scenery.
- The Digital Detox: To preserve the romantic, bygone-era atmosphere, there is no Wi-Fi on board, and the use of mobile phones and laptops is strictly confined to the privacy of your suite. There are no radios or televisions on board.
- Lounge & Observation Cars: The train features beautifully appointed non-smoking Lounge Cars, often placed in the middle of the train, and a dedicated Club Lounge for smokers. At the rear of the train, the Observation Car features deep sofas, large picture windows, and an incredible open-air balcony—the ultimate spot to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the African tracks disappear behind you.
- The Daily Rhythm & Gastronomy: Dining is a grand, celebrated affair. A charming gong sounds to announce meals, which are served in the magnificent Victorian dining cars.
- Breakfast (07:00 - 10:00): A lavish buffet and made-to-order hot dishes.
- Lunch (13:00): A multi-course plated menu./li>
- Afternoon Tea (16:30): Served in the Lounge and Observation Cars, featuring bespoke pastries and savouries.
- Dinner (19:30): An exquisite, multi-course formal dinner featuring local delicacies, perfectly paired with a selection of South Africa's finest boutique wines.
- The Dress Code: During the day, the dress code on board is smart casual, ensuring comfort while relaxing or participating in off-train excursions. However, dinner on Rovos Rail is an occasion to dress up. The elegant evening dress code (a minimum of a jacket and tie for gentlemen, and cocktail/evening wear for ladies) adds to the spectacular, timeless ambiance of the journey.
- 24-Hour Service: A dedicated team of staff is on hand around the clock, providing intuitive, unobtrusive service, including 24-hour room service for those who wish to dine or enjoy a drink in the privacy of their suite.
The Iconic Journeys: Africa by Rail
Rovos Rail operates a variety of meticulously crafted itineraries, ranging from short escapes to epic transcontinental voyages.
- Cape Town (3 Nights): The classic Rovos journey. Travel between the Jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria and the dramatic backdrop of Cape Town, passing through the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the diamond town of Kimberley.
- Victoria Falls (3 or 4 Nights): Journey north through Zimbabwe or Botswana to the spectacular "Smoke that Thunders." This route offers incredible game-viewing opportunities directly from the train.
- Namibia Safari (11 Nights): A spectacular voyage crossing the stark, haunting beauty of the Kalahari Desert, through to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park and the coastal town of Swakopmund.
- Dar es Salaam (16 Nights): One of the most famous train journeys in the world. This epic trans-African expedition travels from South Africa, through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and into Tanzania, offering an unmatched tapestry of African landscapes and cultures.
Book Your Seamless Luxury Voyage
A journey on Rovos Rail is the ultimate addition to an African cruise itinerary. When you book with The Luxury Cruiser, our concierge team will flawlessly package your rail journey, pre- and post-rail luxury hotel stays, private transfers, and your luxury ocean cruise into one spectacular, fully protected itinerary.