ROVOS RAIL - AFRICAN GOLF COLLAGE (13 Days / 12 Nights)

Rovos Rail travelling through landscape
"A panoramic 13 day golf sojourn through South Africa encompassing some of the best golf courses South Africa has to offer. This journey is also suitable for non-golfers."

This panoramic sojourn on Rovos Rail winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. After a game drive in Kruger Park* guests travel through eSwatini to Hluhluwe for game viewing and along the coast to Durban* for a city tour. Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop Lodge*, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Continue to Port Elizabeth* for a game drive at Addo Elephant Park then on to the natural paradise of Knysna for an overnight stay at Fancourt*. ~Transfer through the Outeniqua Mountains to the impressive Cango Caves and an ostrich farm for a visit. Traverse the Karoo and the spectacular winelands and Cape mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town. Available in reverse.

*Courses dependent on availability and direction: White River/Mbombela/Leopard Creek (on request), Nkonyeni/Royal Swazi, Durban Country Club/Beachwood, Champagne Sports Resort, Humewood, Fancourt and Pezula/Simola.

Rovos Rail - African Collage Journey Highlights:

Wildlife & Nature
  • Kruger National Park: A sunrise game drive in one of Africa’s largest and most famous reserves to spot the "Big Five."
  • Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: A visit to the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, renowned for its white rhino conservation efforts.
  • Addo Elephant National Park: A safari through the Eastern Cape's premier park, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world.
  • Drakensberg Mountains: Breathtaking views as the train descends the escarpment, passing through the "Dragon Mountains."

Culture & History
  • Kingdom of eSwatini: A visit to this small, mountainous monarchy, including stops at the famous Swazi Candles and local craft markets.
  • Spionkop Battlefields: A guided tour of the historic Boer War site with panoramic views of the KwaZulu-Natal landscape.
  • Clarens: Exploration of this picturesque "arty" town nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
  • Bloemfontein: A city tour of the "City of Roses," including the Women’s Memorial and the Anglo-Boer War Museum.

Scenic Landmarks
  • The Garden Route: Travel through the lush, coastal scenery of the Southern Cape.
  • Knysna: A ferry ride on the Knysna lagoon and a visit to the dramatic "Knysna Heads" sandstone cliffs.
  • Oudtshoorn: A tour of a working ostrich farm and the prehistoric limestone chambers of the Cango Caves.
  • Golden Gate Highlands: A drive through the park known for its brilliant golden-hued sandstone cliffs.

Golf Highlights (Optional)
For those choosing the golf itinerary, the journey includes rounds at some of South Africa's most prestigious courses (subject to change and availability):
  • Leopard Creek (Kruger area)
  • Durban Country Club
  • Champagne Sports Resort (Drakensberg)
  • Humewood (Port Elizabeth)
  • Fancourt (George)
ROVOS RAIL - AFRICAN COLLAGE ROUTE MAP
RATES PER PERSON - 2026
Pullman Suites: R 180 000 p.p
Deluxe Suites: R 250 000 p.p
Royal Suites: R 323 000 p.p
Single supplement: +50% on all suites

RATES PER PERSON - 2027
Pullman Suites: R 207 000 p.p
Deluxe Suites: R 288 000  p.p
Royal Suites: R 372 000 p.p
Single supplement: +50% on all suites
INCLUDED
Meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, 24-hour full room service and limited laundry while on board the train, as well as excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide (where applicable) and government tax. Golf activities: green fees, carts, halfway house and beverages.
2026: ROVOS RAIL - AFRICAN COLLAGE
PRETORIA TO CAPE TOWN (12 NIGHTS)
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DEPARTURE DATES
2026: 1 - 13 April, 20 October - 1 November, 10 - 22 November
2027: 6 - 18 April, 2 - 14 November
CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA (12 NIGHTS)
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DEPARTURE DATES
2026: n/a
2027: n/a
ROVOS RAIL - AFRICAN COLLAGE ITINERARY - LEISURE GUESTS
Day 1 - Depart Pretoria
18h00 Depart from Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train travels on the eastern line towards the harsh eMalahleni coal-mining area and Middelburg, known as the “stainless steel capital of Africa”. 
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy has your passport. It will be returned to you before the end of the trip

Day 2 - At Leisure on Board
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The rolling hills of eMakhazeni, eNtokozweni and Dullstroom are a welcome sight and are renowned for the genteel yet skilful sport of trout fishing.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train descends the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain escarpment.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malelane. Dress: Formal.

Day 3 - Kruger Park
05h30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
06h30 Game drive in the Kruger National Park with tea, lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping.
15h00 Return to the train.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpaka. Border formalities. Dress: Formal.

Day 4 - Eswatini
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Transfer (±90 min) to Swazi Candles and Mantenga Cultural Village with lunch.
14h00 Return to the train (±75 min).
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served en route to Hluhluwe. Dress: Formal
Border formalities.

Day 5 - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park
05h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
07h00 Transfer (±30 min) to Hluhluwe for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe encompasses 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. 
11h00 Return to the train.
12h30 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel south along the Indian Ocean coastline.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Day 6 - Durban
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
09h00 Enjoy a Durban city tour, a visit to the botanical gardens and lunch at Umhlanga’s beachfront. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and very large port.
15h00 The train traverses the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual

Day 7 - Spionkop
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
09h00 Transfer (±30 min) to Spionkop Lodge to hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop and walk in the footsteps of Churchill and Gandhi. 12h30 Enjoy lunch.
14h00 Afternoon nature drive OR relax at the lodge.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
 
Day 8 - Golden Gate National Park & Clarens
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Take a drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 
09h30 Visit the small and picturesque town of Clarens situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Enjoy an early lunch (own account).
13h00 Transfer (±60 mins) to the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a large agricultural estate that houses an impressive collection of heritage trains, tractors, busses, cars and military vehicles.
15h30 Transfer (±60 mins) to the train at Bethlehem and depart for Bloemfontein.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
The observation car will be leading the train until Port Elizabeth – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy.

Day 9 - Bloemfontein
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Tour of Bloemfontein including the Women’s Memorial and Anglo Boer War Museum.
10h00 Traverse the Karoo, a vast and beautiful semi-desert stretching across the great South African plateau inland from the Cape coast with scattered towns and villages. 
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal  

Day 10 - Addo Elephant Park
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
12h30 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Game drive in Addo Elephant Park, South Africa’s third largest national reserve stretching from the
semi-arid Karoo, over the Zuurberg Mountains and down through the Sundays River valley to the coast. Return to the train. Depart for Port Elizabeth.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Day 11 - Knysna
Please pack an overnight bag for your stay at Fancourt. Tog bags have been placed in your suites for your convenience.
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Transfer (±90 min) from Port Elizabeth Station to Oudebosch Farm Stall.
09h30 Enjoy a refreshment stop at Oudebosch.
10h00 Transfer (±90 min) to Knysna for a lagoon ferry ride with lunch.
16h30 Transfer (±60 min) to Fancourt and check-in.
19h00 Dinner and overnight at Fancourt. Dress: Smart Casual.

Day 12 - Arrive in Cape town
Please ensure luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport.
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Western Cape towards the coast.
10h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
18h00 Arrive at journey’s end at Cape Town Station.
ROVOS RAIL - AFRICAN COLLAGE ITINERARY - GOLFERS
Day 1 - Depart Pretoria
18h00 Depart from Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train travels on the eastern line towards the harsh eMalahleni coal-mining area and Middelburg, known as the “stainless steel capital of Africa”. 
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy has your passport. It will be returned to you before the end of the trip

Day 2 - At Leisure on Board
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The rolling hills of eMakhazeni, eNtokozweni and Dullstroom are a welcome sight and are renowned for the genteel yet skilful sport of trout fishing.
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train descends the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain escarpment.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malelane. Dress: Formal.

Day 3 - White River/Mbombela
05h30 reakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
Transfer to White River Country Club (±75 min) OR Mbombela (±60 min) for tee off and lunch. *If available, golf at Leopard Creek may be booked
on request for your own account.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpaka. Border formalities. Dress: Formal.

Day 4 -  Nkonyeni/Royal Swazi
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
Transfer (±75 min) to Nkonyeni OR Royal Swazi for tee off and lunch.
14h00 Return to the train (±75 min).
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served en route to Hluhluwe. Dress: Formal
Border formalities.

Day 5 - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park
05h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
07h00 Transfer (±30 min) to Hluhluwe for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe encompasses 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. 
11h00 Return to the train.
12h30 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel south along the Indian Ocean coastline.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Day 6 - Durban/Mt Edgecomber/Cotswold
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
Transfer to Durban Country Club (±15 min) OR Mt Edgecombe (±20 min) OR Cotswold Downs (±30 min) for tee off and lunch. Durban is the third
largest city in South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and very large port
15h30 The train traverses the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual
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Day 7 - Champagne Sports Resort
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
Transfer (±75 min) to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch.
15h30 Return to the train (±75 min).
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
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Day 8 - Golden Gate National Park & Clarens
​06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Take a drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park’s most notable features are its golden ochre and orange-hued deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, especially the Brandwag Rock.
09h30 Visit the small and picturesque town of Clarens situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Enjoy an early lunch (own account).
13h00 Transfer (±60 mins) to the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a large agricultural estate that houses an impressive collection of heritage trains, tractors, busses, cars and military vehicles.
15h30 Transfer (±60 mins) to the train at Bethlehem and depart for Bloemfontein.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal
The observation car will be leading the train until Port Elizabeth – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy.

Day 9 - Bloemfontein
06h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
08h00 Tour of Bloemfontein including the Women’s Memorial and Anglo Boer War Museum.
10h00 Traverse the Karoo, a vast and beautiful semi-desert stretching across the great South African plateau inland from the Cape coast with scattered towns and villages. 
13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Day 10 - Humewood
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars
until departure. Transfer (±90 min) to Humewood Golf Course for tee off and lunch. Return to the train. Port Elizabeth, known as the “Friendly City” or “Windy City”, is a major seaport oriented towards automotive assembly, manufacturing and export industries. It is the most
populous city in the Eastern Cape
19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.

Day 11 - Pezula/Simola
You may call Reception to collect your bag ortake it to check-out before tee off.
06h30 Breakfast is served until tee off at Fancourt.
13h30 After lunch, transfer (±180 min) to Prince Albert Rd
Station to rejoin the train. Enjoy a refreshment stop
en route.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars
19h00 Dinner and overnight at Fancourt. Dress: Smart Casual.

Day 12 - Arrive in Cape town
Please ensure luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport.
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Western Cape towards the coast.
10h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
16h30 Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
18h00 Arrive at journey’s end at Cape Town Station.
GALLERY