The Rovos Rail African Collage is a luxury train journey that includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town (southbound). Or, vice versa. It also offers stops in Golden Gate National Park, the picturesque town of Clarens and Bloemfontein, the city of roses. Plus, some of the sights or golf in Eswatini too. The golf offered on this journey is at some of South Africa’s best golf courses.
Skip to Rovos Rail African Collage Journey Rates and Departure Dates or Golf Courses
Highlights on the Rovos Rail African Collage
The famous Kruger National Park (2-million hectares) is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. It is home to an impressive number of species. For example; 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds. And of course; 147 species of mammals including the Big Five.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
The Drakensberg Mountains were first named by the Voortrekkers. They thought the unbroken chain of heavily weathered peaks reminded them of the spines on a dragon’s back. Hence the name ‘Dragon Mountain’ or Drakensberg in Afrikaans. Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s most notable features are its golden ochre and orange-hued deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops. Especially the Brandwag Rock.
As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe consists of 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand. It is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. It has all the Big Five game animals and is also a prime birding destination.
Durban is the third largest city in South Africa. It enjoys great importance due to its industry and very large port.
Orange Free State
Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the capital of the old Boer Republic of The Orange Free State. Bloemfontein is capital of the Free State Province. It is also known as the Rose City. Loch Logan Waterfront is next to the city’s newly renovated stadium. Which was one of the venues during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The Women’s Memorial at the Anglo Boer War Museum is a reminder of life in the concentration camps. It commemorates the 27 000 women and children who died in these camps. The Museum itself is a graphic depiction of the hardship endured by all during the war. It relates the history of South Africa from 1652.
Cape
Addo Elephant Park is South Africa’s third largest national reserve stretching from the semi-arid Karoo. Over the Zuurberg Mountains, and down through the Sundays River valley to the coast. The park is home to one of the densest African Elephant populations on earth.
The Garden Route
Traverse the Karoo, a vast and beautiful semi-desert stretching across the great South African plateau. Inland from the Cape coast with scattered towns and villages. Cross the dry southeastern region with its variety of grasses, hardy shrubs, tumbleweeds, and succulents. And descend the Great Escarpment towards the coast. This semi-desert region is at the foot of the majestic Swartberg mountain range. Where many rivers, streams, and falls have their origins.
Oudtshoorn is regarded as the center of the Klein Karoo. It is famous for feathering the world in the time of the boa and grand hats. The ostrich boom of the early 20th century turned out many millionaires. Who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote part of Africa.
George and Knysna sit between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Two sandstone cliffs guard the mouth of the lagoon connecting the estuary with the sea; Knysna Heads. It is a dramatic viewpoint. The train travels the Garden Route. A narrow coastal terrace lying between the deep-set coastal cliffs. Rising sheer out of the sea and the mountains a short distance inland. A topology that facilitates for heavy rainfall, hence the name as it is always lush and green.
Eswatini
The tiny landlocked Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) covers only 17 000km2, most of which is mountainous. For such a small country, it is surprising that it sustains two capital cities. Mbabane is the administrative capital and Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital. In April 2018; Swaziland changed its name to the Kingdom of Eswatini (meaning “place of the Swazi”) and is an absolute monarchy. It borders South Africa and Mozambique.
Available in reverse from Cape Town to Pretoria.
13 Day Luxury Rovos Rail African Collage
Rovos Rail African Collage Golf Courses
Golf courses on the journey are dependent on availability:
White River or Mbombela (Nelspruit) with Leopard Creek at an extra charge,
Nkonyeni or Royal Swazi,
Durban Country Club or Beachwood,
Champagne Sports Resort,
Humewood, Pezula or Simola,
Fancourt Montagu or Outeniqua.
Rovos Rail African Collage Rates and Dates
2024
Pullman Suite: R138 000
Deluxe Suite: R192 000
Royal Suite: R248 000
Pretoria to Cape Town:
2nd – 14th April 2024
23rd April – 5th May 2024
18th – 30th October 2024
Cape Town to Pretoria:
31st October – 12th November 2024
2025
The 2025 rate is:
Pullman Suite: R150 000
Deluxe Suite: R208 000
Royal Suite: R269 000
Pretoria to Cape Town:
28th January – 9th February 2025
2nd – 14th April 2025
25th April – 7th May 2025
21st October – 2nd November 2025
Cape Town to Pretoria:
5th – 17th November 2025
Have a look at a second similar train journey; the Rovos Rail Golf Safari for golfers and non-golfers. This tour includes Sun City Gary Player or Lost City, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club or Beachwood, Royal Swazi, and Highland Gate.