The Old Karoo Pioneering Trail

For many visitors to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than on the popular 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1600-kilometre journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape. Journey’s end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lions Head. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein. This authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village, which was founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890, also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. A stop is also made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

Map: Pretoria - Cape Town

Pretoria - Cape Town - Pretoria
Pretoria • Kimberley • Cape Town

Pretoria to Cape Town

Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday
15h00 Depart Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station aboard the Pride of Africa.

Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday
10h00 Arrive in Kimberley.Passengers visit the Big Hole, the Diamond Museum and take a tram ride.
12h30 Depart from Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West for Matjiesfontein.

Thursday/Friday/Sunday
08h15 Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
10h30 Depart Matjiesfontein and proceed via Touws River, De Doorns and Worcester to Cape Town.
18h00 Arrive Cape Town Station,
Platform 24.

Cape Town to Pretoria

Monday/Saturday/Tuesday
11h00 Depart from Platform 23 at Cape Town Station and proceed inland to Worcester.
18h00 Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein guests may visit this quaint, historical village.
19h00 Depart Matjiesfontein.

Tuesday/Sunday/Wednesday
14h30 Upon arrival in Kimberley take the electric tram from the City centre for a tour of the Big Hole
and museum.

Wednesday/Monday/Thursday
12h00 Arrive at Rovos Rail's Capital Park Station, Pretoria.

Rates: Oct 2007 - Sep 2008

Rates: Oct 2008 - Sep 2009

Rates: Oct 2007 - Sep 2008

Rates: Oct 2008 - Sep 2009