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 on Rovos Rail. This 1600-kilometre journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country.

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Travel the windswept grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo, the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape to the Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devils’ 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 Station platform. A stop is also made in Kimberley with an opportunity to enjoy a city tour, the Mine Museum and visit the world’s largest man-made excavation, the ‘Big Hole’.   

ITINERARY: PRETORIA TO CAPE TOWN
Day 1
15h00   The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail’s Station in Capital Park
Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the midway Lounge car or Observation carriage at the rear of the train.
19h30   Dinner is served in the dining car/s.

Day 2
07h00   Breakfast is served in the dining car/s until 09h45.
09h30   Ten minutes before arriving in Kimberley there is a shallow lake on the right hand side facing forward. On most occasions there are spectacular flocks of Flamingos (approx. 23 000).
09h45   Arrive in Kimberley. Guests disembark and proceed by coach/combi for a tour of the city, the “ Big Hole “ and the Mine Museum. A ride through the city in an historic tram will be undertaken time and weather permitting.
12h30    Depart Kimberley.
13h00    Lunch is served in the dining car/s.
19h30    Dinner will be served in the dining car/s.

Day 3
08h00   There is an opportunity to disembark the Train at Whitehill siding and walk or jog the 5 kilometres into Matjiesfontein. The Train Manager or a member of staff will accompany you. Comfortable walking or running shoes are essential.
08h25   The train arrives at Matjiesfontein where you will have a chance to stroll through this historic settlement. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Hotel. Breakfast will be served in the dining car/s between 07h00 and 10h00.
10h30   You depart Matjiesfontein passing through Tweedside and Touws River. At 12h00 you reach the first of four tunnels which take us through the Hex River Pass. The second tunnel is 13.5kms long so please be careful if you are walking through the train. If you are in your suite you may wish to turn on a light.
13h00   Lunch will be served as you pass through the Hex River Valley and the town of Worcester.
18h00   Arrival at Platform 24 Cape Town Station where our journey ends.

REVERSE ITINERARY: CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA 
Day 1
11h00   The train departs from Platform 23 Cape Town Station.
Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining other guests in the midway Lounge car or the Observation carriage at the rear of the train.
13h00   Lunch will be served in the dining car/s.
15h00   You pass through Worcester on the way to the village of Matjiesfontein.
At 15h30 you reach the first of four tunnels which take us through the Hex River Pass. The third tunnel is 13.5kms long so please be careful if you are walking through the train. If you are in your suite you may wish to turn on a light.
17h45   Guests may disembark at Matjiesfontein for a stroll through this quaint and historic little village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Hotel. (For refreshments you recommend the pub in the Lord Milner Hotel).
19h00   You depart Matjiesfontein.
19h30   Dinner will be served in the dining car/s.

Day 2
07h00   Breakfast will be served in the dining car/s until 10h00.
12h30   Lunch is served in the dining car/s.
14h30   The train arrives in Kimberley. Here you disembark and proceed by coach/combi for a tour of the city, the “ Big Hole ” and the Mine Museum. A ride through the city in an historic tram will be undertaken time and weather permitting.
16h00   Rejoin the train at Kimberley station.
16h10   Ten minutes after departing Kimberley there is a shallow lake on the left hand side facing forward. On most occasions there are spectacular flocks of Flamingos (approx. 23 000).
19h30   Dinner will be served in the dining car/s as you pass through Bloemhof and Leeudoringstad en route to Klerksdorp.

Day 3
07h00   Breakfast will be served in the dining car/s until 10h00.
The train continues the journey towards Pretoria passing through Krugersdorp, Johannesburg and Germiston.
10h45   You arrive at Centurion where one or two of our Rovos locomotives will collect us for the final leg of our journey.
12h00   Arrive Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria

01 Jul - 30 Sep 2011
R12 725 per person sharing twin / double
R6365 single supplement

01 Oct 2011 - 30 Sep 2012
R13 600 per person sharing twin / double
R6800 single supplement

Includes

Rate one way per person sharing:

Accommodation.

Meals.

Excursions during the train journey.

Alcoholic beverages whilst on board the train.

Excludes

All other sightseeing / entrance fees.

All other beverages.

All transfers to / from train stations.

NOTES

• Single Supplement 50% on Regular Journeys.

• Children Rate On Request.

• Off train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits.

• Departure and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.

• Passengers are advised to take anti-malarial precautions as might be prescribed.

• Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised.

Rovos Rail Departure Schedule