Coast to the City: Cape Town, Rovos Rail & Johannesburg

Overview

Begin your South African adventure with four nights in vibrant Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the V&A Waterfront on private guided tours. Then, enjoy a luxury journey aboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria. Conclude with two nights in Johannesburg, including a full-day tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, visiting Kliptown, the Hector Pietersen Memorial, Vilakazi Street, and the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Inclusions

2 nights at the Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City

4 nights at the Commodore Hotel in an Executive Room

3 nights onboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria in a Pullman Suite, including all meals and off-train excursions as per the itinerary

Breakfast included as per itinerary

Full day tour of Soweto and Apartheid Museum

Private guided Cape Town tour including Table Mountain or Signal Hill, The Diamond Works, city highlights like Bo-Kaap, and wine tasting at Groot Constantia

Transfers as per itinerary

Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations. This vibrant, multicultural city offers a lively mix of urban and suburban life, bustling day and night spots, outdoor activities, and opportunities for relaxation. Fringed by two oceans with stunning white-sand beaches, Cape Town is a city immersed in nature.

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver holding a name board and transferred to the Commodore Hotel, ideally located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Check into your room for a 4-night stay, then enjoy a free afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Cape Town

Day 2 Cape Town

After breakfast, depart with your private driver and guide for a visit to Table Mountain via the Cable Car (weather permitting), one of the World’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. If conditions prevent access to the summit, enjoy the views from Signal Hill instead. Next, visit The Diamond Works for a diamond cutting demonstration, and browse their exquisite hand-crafted jewellery, as well as authentic African crafts, décor, and gifts.

Continue with a city tour of South Africa’s “Mother City,” including a visit to the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, before proceeding to Groot Constantia Wine Estate (or similar) for a tasting of locally grown wines. Lunch will be at a nearby restaurant, at your own expense.

Return to your hotel at approximately 4-5pm for a free evening. Dinner is also on your own account and can be enjoyed either at the hotel or at one of the many restaurants within easy walking distance at the V&A Waterfront.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Bo-Kaap

Day 3 Cape Town: Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach Tour

After breakfast, meet your private driver/guide and set out along the stunning coastline to Hout Bay, continuing along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive. Visit Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the African continent, and take a walk to the summit for panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking False Bay (at your own expense), before visiting the African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, home to these charming birds in their natural habitat. On the return journey, pause in Simon’s Town, South Africa’s historic naval base, to see the statue of “Just Nuisance” and hear the fascinating story of this local legend.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free to relax, with dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Boulders Beach

Day 4 Cape Town: Winelands Tour

After breakfast, depart for a full-day tour of the Cape Winelands, exploring the scenic beauty and charm of this renowned region. Begin with a visit to the Taal Monument in Paarl, offering stunning panoramic views, followed by a stop at a local wine estate for cheese and wine tasting. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (on your own account), then continue to Stellenbosch to explore its quaint streets and boutique shops. Conclude the day with a visit to a brandy distillery for a tour and tasting, or alternatively, visit a second wine estate. Return to your hotel in Cape Town for a free evening.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Taal Monument in Paarl

Day 5 Rovos Rail: Cape Town Station

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting your driver in the hotel foyer for your transfer to Cape Town Station. Here, your Rovos Rail journey begins as you depart through the scenic Western Cape winelands toward Worcester. Relax with afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars as the train ascends approximately 750 metres up the escarpment. In the evening, enjoy a formal dinner served in the elegant dining cars, before the train continues through four tunnels, including one stretching 13.5 kilometres.

Overnight onboard Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rovos Rail Station

Day 6 Rovos Rail: Matjiesfontein

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at the historic village of Matjiesfontein. Explore the village museum and vintage railway carriages near the Lord Milner Hotel. The train then journeys through the vast semi-desert Karoo, an ancient inland sea basin. Lunch and afternoon tea are served on board. End the day with a formal dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.

Overnight onboard Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lord Milner Hotel

Day 7 Rovos Rail: Kimberley

Breakfast is served as the train approaches Kimberley. Disembark for a guided tour of the renowned Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole, key highlights of the Northern Cape’s diamond-rich history. Return to the train for lunch as you travel northeast across the Highveld’s expansive grasslands. Enjoy afternoon tea followed by a formal dinner on board. Overnight on the train.

Overnight onboard Rovos Rail.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rovos Rail Lounge Car Tea Area

Day 8 Rovos Rail: Pretoria station Johannesburg (Gauteng Province)

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the train travels northeast through the gold-rich Witwatersrand region. Lunch is served in the dining cars before arriving at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria, marking the end of the journey. Guests wishing to explore the museum or take a station tour are advised to arrange pick-up about 90 minutes later to allow time for these activities. Please note that departure and arrival times may vary.

Upon arrival at Pretoria Station, you will be met with a name board for a meet-and-greet and transferred to Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City. The hotel is located approximately 60 kilometres from Pretoria Station in Gauteng Province, a journey of around 50 minutes by car. Check in to your room at this charming hotel for a two-night stay.

Overnight in Johannesburg at Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City.

Breakfast, Lunch

Johannesburg

Day 9 Full-Day Soweto & Johannesburg Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private guide at 8:00 am. Depart for a full-day exploration of Johannesburg and Soweto.

Begin with a visit to Constitution Hill, a living museum that chronicles South Africa’s journey to democracy. Once a prison and military fort, this historic site now houses the Constitutional Court, a powerful symbol of justice and human rights.

Continue to the Apartheid Museum, an immersive experience featuring film footage, photographs, and personal accounts that trace South Africa’s struggle and triumph over apartheid.

Next, proceed to Soweto—short for South Western Townships—a vibrant urban area that played a pivotal role in the nation’s history. Drive through its bustling streets, including the famous Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which offers insight into the events of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Enjoy lunch at Chez Alina Restaurant (for your own account), followed by a panoramic drive through Johannesburg to see some of the city’s notable landmarks.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner this evening is at leisure and on your own account

Breakfast

Soweto

Day 10 Farewell

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel, and be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport for your homebound flight.

Considering an extension? Why not continue your journey to Kruger National Park. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will be met and transferred to Leopard's Bend Bush Lodge, located in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, for a three-night stay. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge, along with morning & afternoon game drives, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Commodore Hotel

Experience the very best of Cape Town while staying in the stylish and elegant Commodore Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel offers stunning views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and Robben Island. With its prime location, exceptional services, and sophisticated ambiance, The Commodore provides the perfect base to explore the city’s renowned sights, vibrant dining, and unforgettable experiences.

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City offers modern, comfortable accommodation in the heart of Midrand, Johannesburg. Ideally situated just minutes from the iconic Mall of Africa, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to Sandton and Midrand CBDs, as well as major transport hubs like Gautrain Midrand Station. With close proximity to key roadways and conference venues such as Gallagher Convention Centre, Kyalami International Convention Centre, and Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, the hotel is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guest rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and convenience. Each room features well-appointed bathrooms, mini-fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers, and electronic safes large enough to accommodate laptops. Rooms also offer desks with lighting and plugs to facilitate easy work connectivity.

The hotel’s 10 floors house a variety of amenities, including restaurants, versatile meeting rooms, a swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness room. Whether you're here for a business trip or a relaxing stay, Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City is the ideal base for exploring the vibrant area while offering everything you need to unwind.

Rovos Rail

Upgrade available

Enjoy the extravagant elegance of rail travel on Rovos Rail, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations.

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard.

The Pullmans, used on short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Double or twin beds
Upper and/or lower bunk
Daytime sofa setting
Ensuite with shower, toilet and basin
Fold-up writing desk
Luggage shelf
Cupboards
Safe
Air conditioning
Tea facilities
Bespoke amenities
Robes and slippers
Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
Shaver plugs (2-pin)
USB ports
Safety glasses
Emergency torch
Fire extinguisher
Laundry bag
Shoe bag
Internal telephone system
Room service

Room Upgrades

Deluxe Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Deluxes accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Royal Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Royals each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is always available and services the suites daily.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Optional Extras

Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve Experience | 3 Nights | Greater Kruger Park Region

Enhance your journey with an unforgettable safari adventure in the pristine wilderness of the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Johannesburg, transfer to OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit, gateway to the Greater Kruger area. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge, your luxurious retreat for the next three nights. Settle into your Superior Room, enjoy a delicious lunch, and then embark on your first afternoon game drive, where sightings of elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard await.

A Typical Day in the Game Reserve:

Wake before dawn for a light refreshment before setting out on your early morning game drive, when the bush is most alive and predators are on the move. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax—perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or simply unwind by the pool.

In the late afternoon, gather for high tea before departing on your second game drive, complete with scenic sundowners in the African wilderness. As night falls, return to the lodge to enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars.

On your final morning, enjoy one last game drive followed by breakfast before your transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Inclusions:

Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport from your accommodation in Johannesburg
Return transfer from/to Hoedspruit Airport on your first & final day
3 nights’ accommodation at Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge (Superior Room)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Morning and afternoon game drives with professional rangers and trackers
One sundowner drink per afternoon safari
Select beverages: water, soft drinks, local beer, and house wine
Conservation and gate entry fees
Wi-Fi

Exclusions:

All Flights
Mini bar, premium alcoholic beverages, and drinks not listed above
Spa treatments, curios, laundry, and telephone expenses
Lunch and dinner on final day
Items of a personal nature

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Kindly note that the full tour program starting in Cape Town commences 4 days before the Rovos Rail departures (below) from Cape Town to Pretoria, allowing guests to enjoy the additional tour components prior to boarding the train:

2026 Departure dates:

January 02,13, 20, 27
February 10, 14, 23
March 10, 13, 24
April 03, 07, 14, 21
May 05, 08, 19
June 02, 16
July 14, 28
August 08, 11, 25
September 08, 22, 25
October 13, 20
November 02, 13, 17
December 01, 15, 21, 29

Please note: Pricing is based on a "from price" which varies on each departure and is subject to change without notice. We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means we may need to offer an alternative hotel of equivalent or better quality. Our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
All ‘Optional Extras’ and ‘Optional Tours’ are available for an additional charge and are subject to availability
Champagne, gratuities and personal expenses onboard Rovos Rail

FAQs

What is included in the price?

All onboard accommodation, meals, all beverages except champagne, and off train excursions are included. Some items such a pre & post transfers, flights, gratuities, and personal expenses are not included.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Rovos Rail?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. We can accommodate guests with walking difficulties although we recommend an able-bodied passenger accompany guests. We regret that the train is not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers. Should you have mobility impairments/restrictions or special requirements, we urge you to inform your Agent at time of booking.

Are children permitted onboard?

We do accommodate children, but we kindly ask parents to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train. Long journeys are not recommended for under 13s. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard Rovos Rail?

To maintain the spirit of travel of a bygone era, the use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of suites only.

The signal strength may be weak while the train is in motion, so it is recommended to consult your phone service provider and verify the proper network settings are enabled – as there is no Wi-Fi onboard.

Can Rovos Rail accommodate special dietary preferences?

We cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at that time of your reservation. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board. We regret we are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Is there a dress code when onboard Rovos Rail?

Days on board are smart casual: Neat, conventional yet relatively informal in style combining casual and formal clothing pieces.
Dinner on board is formal: For gentlemen, a collar and tie are mandatory while a jacket is optional. For ladies, a cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please respect this dress code.
On long journeys guests enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual: 1 x “AFRICA” evening and/or 1 x “1920s” evening. See itineraries.
Off-train excursions: It's recommended to have comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats. If required, blankets and rain capes are available.
Game drives are on open vehicles so please dress accordingly: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Please look up average temperatures as a guide.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Club Car is used to host the smokers on the train in a public area and as an overflow facility adjoining the Observation Car. With a glass passage wall, guests can comfortably watch the scenery on both sides of the train.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour. Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.

Are there luggage restrictions?

It is possible to store luggage in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. On selected long journeys, guests are provided with a Rovos Rail Tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft. A soft bag is preferable on plane transfers with a luggage weight restriction of 15kg.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Coast to the City: Cape Town, Rovos Rail & Johannesburg (Tour code: 15770)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions