Luxury Rail Safari — Rovos Rail & Big Five
Travel in Edwardian elegance aboard the world's most luxurious train, then track the Big Five
Tour Overview
Rovos Rail is the most luxurious train in the world — a rolling five-star hotel where Edwardian elegance meets African adventure. Wood-panelled suites, silver-service dining, observation cars with leather armchairs, and the African landscape rolling past your window. This unique 8-day journey combines a 3-night Rovos Rail journey with a 4-night Big Five safari. Begin aboard the train from Pretoria — crossing the Drakensberg escarpment, the Lowveld, and the historic Waterval Boven before arriving at the doorstep of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Then trade your train suite for a luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sands or Timbavati — where leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos roam through unfenced private reserves. This is the safari for those who believe the journey is as important as the destination.
Your Journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park station in Pretoria. Welcome with champagne on the platform. Board and settle into your Royal Suite. Depart as the sun sets over the Jacaranda City.
Tonight's Stay
Rovos Rail Royal Suite
Wake to the dramatic scenery of the Drakensberg escarpment. Watch from the observation car as the train winds through mountain passes and over historic bridges. Silver-service lunch and dinner with premium South African wines.
Tonight's Stay
Rovos Rail Royal Suite
Cross into the subtropical Lowveld. Optional stop at Waterval Boven for a short walk to a magnificent waterfall. Afternoon tea on the observation deck. Evening lecture on the history of the route.
Tonight's Stay
Rovos Rail Royal Suite
Disembark and transfer to your luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sands. Settle in and enjoy lunch. Afternoon game drive — your first encounters with the Big Five.
Tonight's Stay
Sabi Sands luxury lodge
Dawn and dusk game drives. The Sabi Sands delivers remarkable encounters — leopard on almost every drive, lion prides, elephant herds crossing your path. Bush breakfast served in the veld.
Tonight's Stay
Sabi Sands luxury lodge
Morning walking safari — learn to read tracks, identify birds, and understand the bush at ground level. Afternoon drive focused on predator activity — wild dogs, hyena dens, and lion kills.
Tonight's Stay
Sabi Sands luxury lodge
Final full day in the bush. Morning and afternoon drives targeting any remaining bucket-list species. Farewell boma dinner under the stars — traditional South African braai with live music.
Tonight's Stay
Sabi Sands luxury lodge
Final morning game drive. Transfer to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport or drive to Johannesburg. End of the Rail & Safari journey.
8 Days of Unforgettable Moments
23 curated activities across 2 unique stays
Interactive Route Map
What's Included
- 3 nights Rovos Rail Royal Suite
- 4 nights luxury safari lodge
- All meals on train (silver service)
- All meals & drinks at safari lodge
- Unlimited South African wines on train
- Twice-daily game drives
- Walking safari
- Transfer Rovos–Safari lodge
- All park & conservancy fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Spa treatments
- Premium champagnes on train
How to Get There
Fly to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Transfer to Pretoria's Capital Park station for Rovos Rail boarding.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Sabi Sands best May–Oct (dry season). Rovos Rail runs regular departures throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting from
$7,200
per person sharing
No booking fees · Free cancellation up to 30 days
Ideal For
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