10:00 AM – Departure from Pretoria
The Rovos Rail departs from Pretoria Station, beginning its journey southeast across the Highveld and the historic goldfields of the Witwatersrand. The route passes through Heidelberg, site of the first Rand gold strike, and Balfour, a small mining town in Mpumalanga. Guests can relax in their suites or settle into the lounge and observation cars to enjoy panoramic views.

1:00 PM – Lunch
A gourmet lunch is served in the dining cars as the train winds through the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. Named by the Voortrekkers, who likened the jagged peaks to a dragon’s back, the mountains provide a striking backdrop to the meal.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars while the train climbs Majuba Hill, the site of the decisive battle that ended the First Anglo Boer War. The journey continues past Newcastle, home to the largest cella-dome Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.

7:30 PM – Dinner
An elegant multi-course dinner is served in the dining cars as the train travels en route to Elandslaagte. Dress: Formal. During the evening, the journey passes through Glencoe, once the site of the first battle of the Anglo Boer War and now the hub of KwaZulu-Natal’s coalfields.

5:45 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure, with a variety of freshly prepared dishes to start the day.

Morning – Nambiti Game Drive
Disembark for a game drive in Nambiti Reserve, a private Big Five retreat spanning 20,000 acres of malaria-free bushveld. The reserve features diverse habitats—savannah, grasslands, thornveld, and acacia woodlands—providing excellent opportunities to view Africa’s iconic wildlife.

11:00 AM – Brunch
Return to the train for a refined brunch served in the dining cars as the journey continues across KwaZulu-Natal’s scenic landscapes.

Afternoon – Spionkop Excursion
Transfer by road (approximately 30 minutes) to Spionkop Lodge. Guests may choose between two excursions:

Battlefield Tour: Hear the dramatic account of the Battle of Spionkop, a pivotal event of the Anglo-Boer War.

Game Drive: Explore the 11,000-acre Spionkop Reserve on a guided drive, with close encounters of Africa’s wildlife in a striking natural setting.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train travels towards Estcourt. Dress: Formal. The evening’s fine dining experience is complemented by the passing history outside your window: shortly after Chieveley, look to the right of the track for the memorial to Winston Churchill, captured here in November 1899 while attempting to free an armored train during a Boer ambush.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 as the train descends the escarpment toward Lions River. Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared dishes while admiring the changing scenery of KwaZulu-Natal.

Morning – Ardmore Ceramics Gallery
Disembark for a visit to the renowned Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Here, artists draw inspiration from nature, Zulu folklore, and tradition, creating imaginative and vibrant ceramic artworks. The gallery is celebrated worldwide for its unique pieces, blending storytelling with craftsmanship.

1:00 PM – Lunch
Return to the train for a gourmet lunch served in the dining cars. As you dine, the journey continues through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, where rolling landscapes and dramatic vistas provide an unforgettable backdrop.

4:00 PM – Arrival in Durban
The train arrives at its final destination, Durban Station. Known for its cultural diversity, lush botanical gardens, and golden, shark-protected beaches, Durban offers a rich variety of attractions to explore at leisure.