Grand Rovos Rail Journeys
The Rovos Rail Golf Safari is a uniquely luxurious way to combine world‑class golf, exclusive travel and unforgettable safari experiences into one spectacular South African adventure.
This nine‑day journey aboard the iconic Rovos Rail Train is often described as one of the world’s most elegant trains, offering discerning guests a seamless blend of sporting challenge and refined leisure.
From the moment you depart in beautifully appointed suites, complete with en‑suite bathrooms and attentive service, travellers are immersed in old‑world glamour rolling through South Africa’s stunning landscapes.
Along the way, golfers enjoy tee‑offs at premier courses such as Sun City’s Gary Player and Lost City layouts, Durban Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort and Royal Swazi – each offering exceptional play amid breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the fairways, the itinerary is rich with safari encounters and cultural moments, including Big Five game drives in Hluhluwe and optional visits to historic battlefields and artisan towns.
Back aboard the train, every meal becomes a highlight. Elegant dining cars serve gourmet cuisine paired with fine South African wines, bringing together the best of local flavours and sophisticated hospitality. This is an exclusive journey where the thrill of golf, the wonder of wildlife and the indulgence of fine dining are perfectly intertwined — ideal for those who seek adventure without compromising on luxury.
Aboard Rovos Rail: Where Championship Golf Meets Safari Luxury of a Bygone Era
The Rovos Rail Golf Safari is a uniquely luxurious way to combine
world‑class golf, exclusive travel and unforgettable safari experiences
into one spectacular South African adventure.
This nine‑day journey aboard the iconic Rovos Rail Train is often
described as one of the world’s most elegant trains, offering
discerning guests a seamless blend of sporting challenge and refined
leisure.
From the moment you depart in beautifully appointed suites,
complete with en‑suite bathrooms and attentive service, travellers are
immersed in old‑world glamour rolling through South Africa’s stunning
landscapes.
Along the way, golfers enjoy tee‑offs at premier courses such as Sun
City’s Gary Player and Lost City layouts, Durban Country Club,
Champagne Sports Resort and Royal Swazi – each offering
exceptional play amid breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the fairways, the itinerary is rich with safari encounters and
cultural moments, including Big Five game drives in Hluhluwe and
optional visits to historic battlefields and artisan towns.
Back aboard the train, every meal becomes a highlight. Elegant dining
cars serve gourmet cuisine paired with fine South African wines,
bringing together the best of local flavours and sophisticated
hospitality. This is an exclusive journey where the thrill of golf, the
wonder of wildlife and the indulgence of fine dining are perfectly
intertwined — ideal for those who seek adventure without
compromising on luxury.
The legendary journey aboard Rovos Rail offers one of Africa’s most elegant ways to combine world-class golf, luxury travel, and unforgettable safari experiences. Known as the “Pride of Africa,” this beautifully restored train travels through spectacular landscapes across Southern Africa, linking iconic golf courses with premier wildlife destinations, historic cities, and scenic regions — all while guests enjoy refined Edwardian-style luxury on board.
The Golf Rovos Rail Journey
The Golf Safari is one of the most sought-after itineraries, typically operating between Pretoria and Cape Town. This curated rail journey combines championship golf with private safaris and scenic touring, allowing guests to experience multiple destinations in one seamless itinerary.
Golfers enjoy rounds at some of Southern Africa’s finest courses, including the spectacular Leopard Creek Country Club overlooking the Crocodile River and bordering Kruger National Park. This exclusive course is renowned for its pristine conditioning, dramatic wildlife sightings, and design that blends perfectly with the surrounding bushveld. The journey often includes golf at Durban Country Club, a classic coastal layout consistently ranked among the best in Africa, and the scenic Gary Player Country Club, host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge and set within the Pilanesberg region.
Further highlights may include rounds at Fancourt Links, widely regarded as South Africa’s premier links-style course, and the historic Royal Cape Golf Club, the oldest golf club in South Africa with magnificent views of Table Mountain.
Beyond golf, the journey incorporates exceptional safari experiences. Guests enjoy game drives in private reserves such as Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas, and optional excursions near Pilanesberg National Park. These safaris offer the chance to encounter the Big Five alongside giraffe, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife in diverse landscapes ranging from savannah to riverine woodland.
Other Rovos Rail Journeys in Southern Africa
In addition to the Golf Safari, Rovos Rail offers a range of remarkable itineraries across Southern Africa. The journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls travels through South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a highlight stop at Hwange National Park. Guests enjoy game drives in this vast wilderness, home to large elephant herds, lion, and diverse plains game, before continuing to the iconic Victoria Falls.
The longer expedition to Dar es Salaam crosses Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania, offering a truly transcontinental adventure. Highlights include safaris in Madikwe Game Reserve or Chobe National Park, where river cruises and game drives reveal elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile along the Chobe River. Guests also visit Victoria Falls before travelling through the Great Rift Valley landscapes of East Africa.
The journey to Walvis Bay showcases dramatic desert scenery across Namibia, including stops in the Kalahari and the historic town of Kimberley. This route highlights the stark beauty of Southern Africa, from red desert dunes to wide-open savannah, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural excursions.
The Onboard Experience
Life aboard Rovos Rail is defined by understated elegance and personalised service. Spacious suites feature en-suite bathrooms, period décor, and large windows for viewing Africa’s ever-changing landscapes. Guests enjoy fine dining in beautifully appointed dining cars, complemented by South African wines, while the observation lounge and open-air balcony provide perfect vantage points for scenic photography.
Each day combines relaxed rail travel with curated off-train excursions — from championship golf and Big Five safaris to historic towns and natural wonders. The Golf Rovos Rail Journey and other itineraries offer a seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and discovery, making them the perfect addition to a bespoke Golf & Safari holiday across Southern Africa.