We had read much about Rovos Rail, and dreamt of making this trip as a once in a lifetime event. In February this year, 2026, we finally did. We are not getting younger – so, we are happy we made it.

Founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail began as a hobby-turned-business, transforming antique carriages into a premier luxury train experience, the ”Pride of Africa.” The company, based in Pretoria, restores historic coaches to operate opulent, vintage, and multi-day journeys across Southern Africa, serving destinations like Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Dar es Salaam.

We were lucky to pull into his private station – and get a guided tour- from Mr. Rohan Vos himself! (He turned 80 this March )We learned that he is usually greeting his travellers with a handshake, every one of them, when they step off the train in Pretoria. And he did this time as well. It was an honour to meet this gentleman.

When reading the history of the company, I wasn’t surprised that it was a combination of influences and events that led to the purchase of the first coach, the start of what would become Rovos Rail. A Wilbur Smith heroine with her own private railway coach, a man called Phil Acutt with a passion for trains and the presence of the Witbank Steam Railway in the coal-mining town where Rohan Vos ran his successful auto spares business, all played a part.

According to his wife, Anthea Vos, Rohan had always been obsessed with things mechanical. “In fact, he started his first business with the capital derived from the sale of a 1940 Packard and a 1928 Austin that he had rebuilt. Rohan was involved in so many ventures, but I didn’t see this one coming.”

The train is a dream from days gone by, an era well restored – no phones, wifi, radio or TV. Meticulously handmade details for every coach. Rohan pointed out that of all the things he had done, he was most proud of the workers who made every piece in his Pretoria factory. He had picked them out himself ”from the street” and taught them how to restore and build the trains.

We were served delicious food every meal, every day – I hadn’t thought of the problem of not getting any walks or excercise…but we struggled along the narrow corridors through 17 coaches twice a day. Getting bruised arms against the handrails as the train was moving.

The observation car and its outdoor ”deck”.

The farewell gifts in our suite.

To understand this kind of man, we should listen to his wife! (As always,,,) In 1985, Rohan and Anthea took up a last-minute invitation on a Magaliesberg train trip for business suppliers. “I became a train widow on that day,” said Anthea. “I sat all dressed up by myself; Rohan spent most of the time in the engine with the driver. The irony was that we should have seen then how difficult it would be – the train broke down and we were bussed back to town.”

Despite all the obstacles and difficulties: “Consisting of a locomotive and seven carriages, the train was launched on 29 April 1989, and with four paying passengers, friends and press we set off for the Eastern Transvaal. So, with a four-night Lowveld experience and in 1991 the Pretoria to Cape Town run, the business began to find direction.

Train enthusiast? Read more here.

Key Historical Milestones via AI:

• 1985–1986 (The Idea): Rohan Vos, a car spares businessman, conceived of restoring a private train carriage for family holidays with his wife, Anthea.
• 1987–1989 (Development): The hobby grew into a business, acquiring old SAR coaches and steam locomotives, notably naming them after their children: Brenda, Bianca, Tiffany, and Shaun.
• 1989 (Launch): On April 29, 1989, the first train, with seven carriages and four paying passengers, was launched to the Eastern Transvaal.
• 1990s (Growth): Despite early financial struggles, the company expanded. The iconic Pretoria-to-Cape Town trip was established in 1991.
• 2000s–Present: The company added Rovos Air (2001) for fly-safaris, acquired the Shongololo Express (2016), and continues to operate as a premier, family-owned luxury train company.

Key Facts & Operations:

• The Fleet: Rovos Rail owns steam locos dating back to 1893, alongside diesel/electric engines for longer trips, maintaining a strict, pre-war, and colonial-era aesthetic.
• The Experience: Trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in fully restored wood-paneled suites and feature a signature observation car at the rear.
• Base: The company runs its own workshops and station at Capital Park in Pretoria, which serves as the hub of operations.