All You Want to Know
About Pride of Africa — Rovos Rail

The Pride of Africa is Rovos Rail's flagship luxury train, departing from its private Edwardian station in Pretoria, South Africa. It travels across an extraordinary range of African countries and landscapes — South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Angola and Swaziland — linking cities, game reserves, deserts, waterfalls and coastlines on journeys that range from a quick 2-night escape to a 15-night transcontinental expedition.

There are nine distinct itineraries, spanning 2 to 15 nights. Shorter journeys include the 2-night Durban Safari (Pretoria to Durban) and the 3- or 4-night Cape Town Journey (Pretoria to Cape Town) and Victoria Falls Journey. Longer options range from the 9-night Golf Safari and 11-night Southern Cross to the epic 13-night Namibian Safari, the 14-night Copper Trail (Victoria Falls to Lobito, Angola), and the 15-night Dar es Salaam Journey and African Trilogy — both transcontinental crossings from one ocean to the other.

Fares start from R40,800 per person for the Durban Safari in a Pullman Suite, rising to R165,000 per person for The Southern Cross and from US$16,500 per person for the Dar es Salaam Journey. Prices vary significantly by itinerary, cabin category, season and party size — contact Palace Trains for a personalised quote and to confirm current pricing: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, +1-786-408-0610 (international/WhatsApp), or travel@palacetours.com.

There are four suite categories. Royal Suites (16 sqm) are the most spacious, featuring a private lounge area, a full-sized Victorian bath, separate shower, and the exclusive attention of a dedicated host or hostess. Deluxe Suites (11 sqm) offer a lounge area and en-suite with shower. Pullman Gold Suites, used on longer journeys, convert from daytime sofa-seats to double or twin beds. Pullman Suites (7 sqm), used on shorter journeys, similarly convert from sofa configuration to beds or upper and lower bunks. All suites include air conditioning, a safe, bespoke amenities, robes and slippers.

All Pride of Africa fares are fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, all excursions, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Each suite has a complimentary mini-bar stocked to individual guest preferences, and 24-hour room service is available throughout the journey. The only additional costs are typically personal items and gratuities.

The Pride of Africa runs year-round across its various itineraries. For upcoming departures through Palace Trains, there are currently 96 departures available between July and December 2026, across routes ranging from the Cape Town Journey to the Dar es Salaam transcontinental. Availability on longer and special itineraries is limited — please check the departure table on the train's page or contact Palace Trains to confirm sailings for your preferred dates.

The Pride of Africa is operated by Rovos Rail, a South African company that has restored a fleet of vintage carriages to a standard of luxury that has earned the train worldwide recognition. Departures originate from Rovos Rail's own private Edwardian-styled station in Pretoria, which also houses a working railway museum. The train's signature blend of earthy African safari atmosphere with traditional Victorian and Edwardian elegance — including full-sized bathtubs, silver service dining and an open observation car platform — sets it apart from any other rail experience in the world.

You can book through Palace Trains, which specialises in luxury train journeys worldwide. Contact our team by phone on 1-800-724-5120 (toll-free) or +1-786-408-0610 (international/WhatsApp), or by email at travel@palacetours.com. We'll confirm cabin availability, current pricing and help you choose the itinerary and departure that best suits your plans.

The rear observation car features an open outdoor platform at the back of the train — one of the most memorable features of the Pride of Africa. Guests can step outside to watch Africa's landscapes unfold in real time, from game-rich savannahs and desert plains to the twilight and balmy darkness of the African night. It offers an unobstructed, immersive connection with the continent that simply cannot be replicated from inside a sealed carriage.

Yes — several itineraries are designed around wildlife encounters. The Victoria Falls Journey passes through Hwange Game Reserve, where animals can be spotted from the train itself. The Durban Safari includes Big Five game viewing at the malaria-free Nambiti Conservancy. The Southern Cross features game drives at Antelope Park and Hwange, and the Dar es Salaam Journey includes a two-night stay at Madikwe Game Reserve and a dawn passage through the Selous Game Reserve. On many routes, guests will also spot wildlife from the observation car as the train rolls through remote bush country.