Rovos Rail

Route overview

The Rovos Rail route is a luxury train journey that traverses southern and eastern Africa, typically operating between Pretoria in South Africa and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The journey covers approximately 6,100 kilometres, crossing South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. It is one of the longest and most famous luxury rail routes in the world, offering passengers a unique way to experience the African continent. The route combines segments of existing national railway networks, including the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) line. The train often includes stops at iconic locations such as Victoria Falls and the Selous Game Reserve. The journey is designed for leisure, with excursions and overnight stays, rather than rapid transit. The route showcases a variety of landscapes, from savannas and deserts to mountains and tropical regions. The Rovos Rail experience is renowned for its vintage carriages, fine dining, and attentive service, making it a bucket-list trip for rail enthusiasts and travellers seeking adventure.

History of the line

The Rovos Rail company was founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, who restored vintage railway carriages to create a luxury train experience. The first journey departed in 1989 from Pretoria, and the company gradually expanded its routes across southern Africa. The trans-African journey to Dar es Salaam was introduced in the early 1990s, utilising the TAZARA railway, which was built in the 1970s with Chinese assistance. The route has since become a flagship service, although it has faced operational challenges, including track conditions and scheduling. The train itself consists of restored carriages from the 1920s to 1950s, many of which were originally used in South Africa. The Rovos Rail journey is not a daily service but operates on a set schedule, often several times a year. Over the decades, it has gained a reputation as one of the world’s great luxury train journeys, attracting international travellers. The company also operates other routes within South Africa, such as to Cape Town and Victoria Falls, but the Dar es Salaam route remains the most extensive.

Landscape and scenery

The Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Dar es Salaam offers a diverse array of African landscapes. It begins in the highveld of South Africa, characterised by rolling grasslands and farmlands. As the train heads north, it passes through the bushveld region, with its thorn trees and wildlife. The route then crosses into Zimbabwe, where passengers can visit the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Continuing into Zambia, the train traverses the Kafue National Park, offering opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. The journey then enters Tanzania, where the landscape shifts to the Miombo woodlands and the Great Rift Valley. The final leg passes through the Selous Game Reserve, a vast protected area with diverse wildlife. The scenery varies from dry savannas to lush river valleys and mountainous terrain. The train travels at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to take in the ever-changing vistas. The route also crosses several major rivers, including the Zambezi and the Rufiji, providing spectacular views from the observation car.

Key stations and cities

The journey begins at Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Pretoria is known for its jacaranda-lined streets and historic buildings. The train then travels through South Africa, often with a stop in the town of Polokwane or Messina before crossing into Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, a highlight is Victoria Falls, where the train stops for an excursion to the falls and the town. The route continues through Zambia, with a stop at the capital, Lusaka, though passengers typically do not disembark there. The train then crosses into Tanzania via the TAZARA line, passing through the town of Mbeya and the Selous Game Reserve. The final destination is Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, where the journey ends at the TAZARA station. Dar es Salaam is a major port city with a mix of Swahili, Arab, and German colonial influences. Other notable stops may include the town of Chisumbanje in Zimbabwe or the Kafue National Park in Zambia, depending on the itinerary. Each stop offers a glimpse into local culture and history.

Rolling stock and service

Rovos Rail operates a fleet of vintage carriages, most of which date from the 1920s to 1950s. These carriages have been meticulously restored to their original elegance, featuring wood panelling, brass fittings, and period-style furnishings. The train typically consists of around 20 carriages, including sleeping cars, dining cars, a lounge car, and an observation car at the rear. Accommodation ranges from standard suites to royal suites, all with private bathrooms. The dining experience is a highlight, with meals prepared by onboard chefs and served in the dining cars, often accompanied by fine South African wines. The service is attentive, with a high staff-to-passenger ratio. The train is hauled by various locomotives, including steam, diesel, and electric, depending on the section of track. On the TAZARA line, diesel locomotives are used. The observation car provides panoramic views and is a popular spot for passengers to relax. The overall atmosphere is one of old-world charm and luxury, evoking the golden age of rail travel.

Technical facts and engineering

The Rovos Rail route uses existing railway infrastructure, primarily the South African railway network, the National Railways of Zimbabwe, and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) line. The gauge in South Africa and Zimbabwe is standard gauge (1,435 mm), while the TAZARA line in Tanzania uses narrow gauge (1,067 mm). This change in gauge requires the train to switch locomotives or bogies at the border, typically at the town of Kidatu in Tanzania. The TAZARA line was built between 1970 and 1975 with Chinese assistance and is approximately 1,860 kilometres long. The route crosses diverse terrain, including mountains, rivers, and game reserves. The maximum speed on most sections is around 60 kilometres per hour, but on some stretches, it is lower due to track conditions. The train is equipped with modern safety systems, and the carriages have been updated to meet contemporary standards while retaining their vintage appearance. The journey involves careful scheduling to coordinate with freight traffic and maintenance windows. The engineering challenges include steep gradients and curves, particularly in the escarpment regions of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Dar es Salaam take? The full journey typically takes around 15 days, including excursions and overnight stops. The train does not run continuously; passengers disembark for off-train activities and overnight stays at hotels or lodges in some cases. What is the dress code on board? The dress code is smart casual during the day and formal or semi-formal for dinner. Jackets and ties are common for men, and dresses or elegant attire for women. Is the journey suitable for children? Rovos Rail generally does not accommodate children under 10 years old, and the atmosphere is geared towards adults. What about visas and border crossings? Passengers are responsible for obtaining necessary visas for South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. The train staff assists with border formalities, but it is advisable to check requirements in advance. Are there medical facilities on board? A doctor may be available on some journeys, but passengers should bring personal medications and consult their physician before travel. The FAQ section provides essential information for prospective travellers.