In short… A luxurious, vintage-inspired train-hotel with journeys throughout Southern Africa
The backstory… Established in the 1980s by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail was one of the first trains in the world to tout on-board luxuries like plush double beds and en-suite bathrooms. Today, the family-run company is now largely helmed by women, though Mr. Vos himself still sees off guests at every departure.
The vibe… Stepping on board feels like stepping back in time as you’re greeted by wood-panelled walls, gold accents, soft lighting and plush, richly colored carpets. Embracing the spirit of a bygone era, there are no modern distractions—no TVs, radios, or even WiFi—encouraging you to savor a slower, more intentional pace. Here, the days are ruled by old school traditions—afternoon high tea, Scrabble tournaments, and indulgent mid-morning naps. Though the routes vary, each Rovos Rail train has several spaces to spend your day: a lounge car, smoking lounge, and my personal favorite, the bar and open-air observation car.
I took my parents on the four-day journey from Pretoria, South Africa to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to celebrate my Dad’s 70th. Our trip included a game drive in the heart of Hwange National Park, where we spotted an array of wildlife, including playful baby elephants, graceful giraffes, and a dazzle of zebras, taking refuge from the 30-degree heat.
The rooms… Rovos Rail’s wood-paneled sleeper coaches have a timeless charm that give serious Titanic vibes, but blend the vintage elegance with modern comforts. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, a private en-suite shower, a lounge area, and the attentive care of a host who ensures everything is impeccably serviced daily.
The food & drink… Meals are served during a single indulgent sitting in the dining cars, and highlight traditional dishes around the region (all the game meats like kudu, venison, lamb) paired with an impeccably curated wine list with some of South Africa’s finest. The dinner service itself feels like stepping into a Baz Luhrmann film, an enforced black-tie dress code elevates the ambiance, while the glow of candlelight dances off the RVR monogrammed fine china and crystal.
Extra tip goes to… our train manager, Renolda Motha, who was truly exceptional. Her radiant smile and vibrant energy made it clear that she and her team genuinely love what they do.
Be sure to… Savor a perfectly chilled G&T aboard the open-air observation car at golden hour and catch a front-row seat to Southern Africa’s legendary sunsets.
Parting words… I couldn’t think of a better trip to take with family. The slow pace and no cell-phone/wifi ensured serious bonding and made this the trip of a lifetime.
Date of stay… October 2024
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