Rovos Rail vs Blue Train | Luxury Train Travel in Africa

Key Rovos Rail vs Blue Train Comparisons:

• Style & Atmosphere: Rovos Rail features restored vintage carriages with an old-world charm. The Blue Train is a modern, stylish hotel-on-wheels.
• Routes & Duration: Rovos Rail often takes longer (e.g., 3 days to Cape Town) with more extensive, multi-day routes across Southern Africa (e.g., Zimbabwe, Namibia). The Blue Train typically operates a 2-day/1-night, direct service between Pretoria and Cape Town.
• Suites & Amenities: Rovos offers spacious, wood-paneled suites with windows that open. The Blue Train provides fully air-conditioned, modern cabins with in-suite entertainment and, in some cases, full bathtubs.
• Windows & Views: Rovos Rail is unique in offering carriages with opening windows, making it ideal for photographers and nature viewing.
• Dining & Service: Both offer gourmet, all-inclusive dining. Rovos is known for a very personal, friendly atmosphere. The Blue Train offers a slightly more formal, top-tier luxury service.

Which one to choose?

• Choose Rovos Rail if: You prefer vintage charm, windows that open, a slower pace, or longer, adventurous itineraries (like Victoria Falls).
• Choose The Blue Train if: You prefer modern, sleek luxury, shorter trips, and excellent, hotel-style service.

Rovos Rail vs Blue Train

The Blue Train

Travel across the stunning South African countryside in style with this five-star hotel. Pretoria–Cape Town and Pretoria–Hoedspruit are the two routes that the Blue Train covers. From Cape Town to Pretoria, the Blue Train takes 27 hours and has a reputation for great hospitality since 1946.

There are two suite options available on the Blue Train: the Deluxe and the Luxury. A double bed, a bathtub with a handheld shower, floor heating, individually controlled air conditioning, and a 4-by-2-meter footprint characterise the Deluxe Suite. During the day, the Suite becomes a sophisticated and soothing living area; at night, it becomes a softly illuminated bedroom. The amenities offered by a Deluxe Suite are taken to the next level with the Luxury Suite. This 5-by-2-room suite comes with a choice of twin or double beds, a deep soaking tub, and a digital interactive entertainment system with music, DVDs, and Blu-ray players.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, and there are also classy lounges and delicious food. Indulge in a Cuban cigar and cognac in the Club Car for a relaxing afternoon, or step into the Lounge Car for High Tea.

The Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail connects Cape Town and Dar es Salaam, Swakopmund and Pretoria, Durban and Victoria Falls. It is sometimes called the most opulent train in the world. You can visit Matjiesfontein and the Diamond Mine Museum during the two-night, fifty-hour journey from Pretoria to Cape Town.

The train has three different kinds of suites: Pullman, Deluxe, and Royal. Each Pullman Suite is around 7 square meters in size and features a double or twin bed for the night as well as a comfy sofa-seat for the day. There is a shower in their private bathroom. The Deluxe Suites are around 10 square meters in size and have a living space, a private bathroom with a shower, a twin or double bed, and a balcony. The half-cartrigade Royal Suites feature a private lounge, a bathroom with a separate shower and a Victorian-style tub, and half the space of a standard room. This luxurious room will transport you to a bygone era of elegance with its period Edwardian furnishings and wood panelling.

A bar fridge stocked with drinks is standard in all of the aforementioned suites, and room service is accessible around the clock. In addition, there is an observation car in the rear, lounge cars, and a lovely dining car that dates back to before 1940 aboard the train.