The 2028 rates reflect an 8% to 14% increase from the previous year. For short journeys, the 2028 increases range from 9% on the Durban route to 14% on the Victoria Falls route - a moderation compared to the 15% to 20% increases implemented in 2027.

These multi-year rate adjustments are primarily driven by recent infrastructure mandates. In December 2023, Transnet (South African Railways) required Rovos Rail to operate its own locomotives within South Africa. To comply, Rovos acquired a fleet of both diesel and electric locomotives. While this dual capability reduces reliance on the national grid and mitigates the impact of overhead power failures, it required a substantial capital outlay and the ongoing establishment of a nationwide network of service depots.

Rovos absorbed the immediate capital expenses throughout 2024 and 2025. The higher rate adjustments across 2026, 2027, and 2028 reflect the cost of transitioning to an independent fleet. Furthermore, operating long-distance heavy rail is highly energy-intensive; locomotives and onboard services consume approximately 5,000 litres of diesel per day, keeping the operation highly sensitive to global fuel market volatility.

Published rates for 2026 and 2027 remain locked in, and existing bookings will be honoured at contracted prices.

2028 Short Journey Fares & Adjustments

For 2028, the short-journey rate adjustments range from 9% on the Durban route to 14% on the Victoria Falls expedition, compared to a 15% to 20% range in 2027.

Route	Pullman Suite; 2026 fares	Pullman Suite; 2027 fares	Pullman Suite; 2028 fares	2028 fare increase
Pretoria to Cape Town3 nights	R45 000 PPS	R54 000 PPS	R59 900 PPS	11%
Cape Town to Pretoria3 nights	R45 000 PPS	R54 000 PPS	R59 900 PPS	11%
Pretoria to Victoria Falls3 & 4 nights	R57 600 PPS	R66 500 PPS	R76 000 PPS	14%
Victoria Falls to Pretoria3 & 4 nights	R57 600 PPS	R66 500 PPS	R76 000 PPS	14%
Pretoria to Durban2 nights	R40 800 PPS	R49 900 PPS	R54 500 PPS	9%
Durban to Pretoria2 nights	R40 800 PPS	R49 900 PPS	R54 500 PPS	9%

Note: The prices above reflect a per person sharing (PPS) basis for our entry-level Pullman Suites on one-way journeys.

Rates are published per one-way journey, per person sharing. A single supplement of +50% applies.

• Pretoria to/from Cape Town (3 nights): Pullman: R59 900 | Deluxe: R86 500 | Royal: R114 000
• Pretoria to/from Victoria Falls (3 or 4 nights): Pullman: R76 000 | Deluxe: R109 500 | Royal: R143 000
• Pretoria to/from Durban (3 nights): Pullman: R54 500 | Deluxe: R77 500 | Royal: R103 000

Long Journeys Fares (1 January 2028 - 31 December 2028)

Rates are published per one-way journey, per person sharing.

• Dar es Salaam (16 nights): Pullman: $20 020 | Deluxe: $26 400 | Royal: $34 650
• Copper Trail (14 nights): Pullman: $20 020 | Deluxe: $26 400 | Royal: $34 650
• African Trilogy (15 nights): Pullman: R314 600 | Deluxe: R423 500 | Royal: R528 000
• African Collage (12 nights): Pullman: R230 000 | Deluxe: R328 000 | Royal: R437 000
• Southern Cross (11 nights): Pullman: R194 500 | Deluxe: R276 500 | Royal: R368 500
• Namibia Safari (11 nights): Pullman: R280 000 | Deluxe: R355 000 | Royal: R438 000
• Golf Safari (9 nights): Pullman: R147 500 | Deluxe: R209 500 | Royal: R277 800

Combos & Collections

• CPT - VFA (9 nights): Pullman: R129 105 | Deluxe: R186 200 | Royal: R244 150
• DUR - VFA (6/7 nights): Pullman: R123 975 | Deluxe: R177 650 | Royal: R233 700
• CPT - DUR (6/7 nights): Pullman: R108 680 | Deluxe: R155 800 | Royal: R206 150
• Honeymoon / Old Drift (5 nights): Pullman: R139 750 (to R141 500) | Deluxe: R171 600 (to R172 550)

2028 Long Journey Adjustments

Route	PULLMAN PPS 2027	PULLMAN PPS 2028	2028 fare increase
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam16 nights	US$ 18 200 PPS	US$ 20 020 PPS	10%
Dar es Salaam to Cape Town16 nights	US$ 18 200 PPS	US$ 20 020 PPS	10%
Copper Trail Victoria Falls to Lobito14 nights	US$ 18 200 PPS	US$ 20 020 PPS	10%
Copper Trail Lobito to Victoria Falls14 nights	US$ 18 200 PPS	US$ 20 020 PPS	10%
African Trilogy Pretoria to Walvis Bay15 nights	R286 000 PPS	R314 600 PPS	10%
Golf Safari Pretoria to Pretoria9 nights	R136 000 PPS	R147 500 PPS	8%