Rovos Rail: Durban Luxury Rail Journey

Itinerary

Pretoria to Durban or v.v.

This special three-day safari between Pretoria and Durban departs during the summer months and includes game drives in two varied and unique game reserves, a battlefields tour with a world class historian and a visit to an unusual African ceramics studio. Experience the diversity of the Nambiti Conservancy, a Big Five private bush retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu Natal.

It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. The Sundays River flows through the reserve and has two 40 metre waterfalls with magnificent ravine bush, home to several rare bird species. Situated on an expansive game farm, SpionKop Lodge which adjoins a 11 000 acre nature reserve, is the perfect base for exploring the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. The turn of the century farmhouse has been beautifully restored in Natal colonial style and the converted barn now forms a magnificent dining room that boasts spectacular views. Ardmore Ceramic Art is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world.

• Day 1

  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. Lunch is served as the train passes through Heidelberg (1 903ms). The train departs Vooruitsig and climbs to 2 146ms as we traverse Majuba Hill. Dinner is served in the dining car/s. The train arrives at Elandslaagte for the overnight stop.

• Day 2

  An early wake up call for a game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Tea, coffee, juices and pastries will be served in the dining car/s. Please ensure you are warmly dressed. As the morning drive progresses the weather can warm up considerably, so please also ensure you have hats and sun protection. Rain capes will be available if required. The game rangers will stop for a short tea, coffee and bathroom break. Brunch will be served in the dining car/s as we travel towards Estcourt. Disembark for the 40min drive to Spionkop Lodge. A choice of two excursions are available : 1. An escorted tour of the battlefields or 2. Game drive in the Spionkop Game Reserve. The weather can be very warm, so please ensure you have hats & sun protection. As the evening progresses the weather can cool down considerably, so please also ensure that you take warm clothing. Enjoy sundowners while overlooking the magnificent Spionkop dam. A traditional South African dinner will be served at Spionkop Lodge. Overnight onboard the train.

• Day 3

  Breakfast is served as the train departs Estcourt and descends the escarpment en route to Lions River station. Disembark the train for a visit to the famous Ardmore ceramics gallery including an equestrian display and tea overlooking the river. The train departs for Pietermaritzburg. Lunch is served as the train traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills. Arrive in Durban.

• Rovos Rail

  Rovos Rail has two trains of 20 painstakingly restored coaches, half of which date back to the twenties and thirties. Each train can accommodate up to 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

  For details on Rovos Rail

• Accommodation

  Royal Suites fill half a carriage at 16 square metres and additionally include full bathrooms with Victorian bath and separate shower.

  Deluxe Suites occupy 11 square metres with three to a carriage and include en-suite bathroom.

  Pullman Suites are seven square metres with five to a carriage and include en-suite bathroom.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.