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Rovos Rail E-2-C Pullman 28066. Photo by Bob Adams.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail is a private railway company based in Pretoria, South Africa, that operates from Capital Park Station. It has earned an international reputation for providing truly world-class travel experiences since its inception in 1989. This rail connects some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions in a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days.

Step aboard the vintage wood-paneled coaches and relax as the most diverse scenery imaginable unfolds outside the windows. Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era, encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration, with discreet and friendly service, top cuisine, and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines.

1. Rovos Rail has two private hire options 

Rovos Rail in Pretoria, South Africa. David Brossard.

Charter Train is one of Rovos Rail private hire options. I would recommend it to incentive groups, historical expeditions, cycling tours, and private gatherings. Combine their 42 or 72 bed trains with other entertaining products. You could select a charter train package or book one of their scheduled departures exclusively.

The other private train is the Events Train. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours of rail travel time from Pretoria.

Weddings, private gatherings, incentives, conferences, and product launches are all ideal for the Events Train. Only suitable for day trips. It can host with full bar facilities Рa four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests or canap̩s served for the duration of the journey for up to 250 guests.

2. The Rovos Rail Station is a must-see

A visit to the private station in Capital Park, Pretoria, is a highlight for Rovos Rail passengers. The once-bustling steam locomotion hub is now the Rovos Rail headquarters. The elegant railway station serves as the departure or arrival point for the majority of train journeys.

In addition to its other comprehensive facilities, the property has an ever-expanding railway museum. It displays a historical collection of train paraphernalia, and recreates the atmosphere of a fully-fledged railway system with the addition of semaphore signals and a footbridge. This facility is intended to become the world’s foremost working train museum over time.

3. The company was founded by Rohan Vos

Rohan Vos  founded the company in 1989, and it is still family-owned. Rovos Rail employs 210 people, ranging from on-board personnel to those working in the company’s Capital Park depot to restore carriages. 

4. There is a loyalty program for returning customers

Rovos Rail. Photo by Bob Adams.

The Rovos Shongololo Club from Rovos Rail is designed to reward frequent travelers while maintaining their commitment to providing a high level of personal service and meeting the unique needs of valued guests.

The Rovos Shongololo Club is an extension of this policy, providing an opportunity for the company to thank guests for their support and loyalty through a personalized incentive-based program. After deducting the Rovos Shongololo Club discount, Luxury Train Club Members receive an additional 2.5 percent discount.

The incremental discounts are applied based on the number of journeys taken. These discounts are only available to members and are limited in number. Club members also receive a 10% discount at their Cape Town guesthouse, St James Manor.

5. One of the trains was involved in an accident

Train accident. Photo by Harris & Ewing.

On April 21, 2010, a Rovos Rail train derailed near Pretoria. Three passengers were killed, and several others were injured. The train’s nineteen carriages were uncoupled from the locomotive during a changeover at Centurion Station.It freewheeled out of control, crashing back at Pretoria station. Half of the 55 passengers were on board, as were some thirty crew members. 

6. Rovos Rail owns seven steam locomotives

They were purchased between 1987 and 2007. They include: 

• 439 Tiffany
• 2701 Brenda
• 2702 Bianca
• 3360 Shaun
• 3484 Marjorie
• 3442 Anthea
• 3533 King Zog

7. Engines acquired for Rovos Rail were named after the Vos family

All the engines acquired for Rovos Rail were named after the Vos family. Brenda, Bianca, Tiffany, and Shaun are Rohan Vos’ children. Nothing could be more fitting, given the family’s history and memories are so intertwined with the Rovos Rail story of acquisition and expansion.

On the tenth anniversary of Rovos Rail, Rohan’s mother, Mrs Marjorie Vos, christened the magnificently restored and rebuilt locomotive 3484 Marjorie. 3442 Anthea is named after Rohan’s wife, and 3533 King Zog is named after Rohan’s late Dalmatian.

8. Routes Rovos Rail runs on

Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa on a gentle curve. Photo by David Brossard.

• Pretoria to Cape Town or the other way around
• Pretoria to Durban or the other way around
• Pretoria to Victoria Falls or the other way around
• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Cape Town and vice versa
• Pretoria to Walvis Bay, Namibia, or the other way around
• Golf safaris and private train charters are available from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Lobito, Angola.
• Rovos Rail operates a Cape to Cairo route every two years (using private chartered aircraft and lake cruiser for parts of the journey). This was first made available in 2008. 

9. The train has three types of accommodations on board

Rovos Rail Dining Car. Photo by David Brossard.

• The Pullmans

The Pullmans, which are used on short trips. It sits one or two passengers and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. The suites have a comfortable sofa-seat during the day that converts to a double or twin bed for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is on hand at all times and services the suites on a daily basis.

• The Deluxe Suites

The Deluxe Suites sleep one or two people in double or twin beds. It has its own lounge area as well as an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin. A dedicated host/ess is on hand at all times and services the suites on a daily basis. A bar fridge is stocked with the passengers’ preferred on-board beverages.

• The Royal Suites

Each Royal Suite takes up half a carriage and has its own private lounge area as well as an en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet, and basin. They can sleep one or two people in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is on hand at all times and services the suites on a daily basis. A bar fridge is stocked with the passengers’ preferred on-board beverages.

10. There is an observation car 

Pullman observation car No.114 at Swanage railway station. Photo by Keoghoe.

The observation car has 32 seats. It has great mingling areas. Quiet corners to while away the days with its open-air balcony, big picture windows, bar, sofas, and booths. On most days, afternoon tea is served at 16:30 in the lounge and observation cars, and bar service is available from 07:00 to 01:00.