Rovos Rail Special Events Train - Vote Now
Established in 1989, the Rovos Rail Events Train serves as a perfect venue for weddings, private gatherings, incentives, conferences, and product launches. Accommodating up to 250 guests, it harks back to an elegant era of African exploration with fine cuisine and top South African wines.
For more details on private train hire, visit the Rovos Rail Luxury Charters page.
WhatsApp Rovos Rob or email him for assistance with booking the events train.
Event Options & Capacities
Limited only by time and distance, events are strictly suitable for daytime journeys and can take place on the train whilst:
- It does a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria.
- It takes a one-way journey to any destination within an eight-hour rail travel time from Pretoria (e.g., Magaliesburg, Naboomspruit, or Dullstroom).
Depending on guest numbers, the train offers full bar facilities and can host:
- A four-course sit-down lunch or dinner for up to 120 guests.
- Canapés served for the duration of the journey for up to 250 guests.
Cuisine & The Station Experience
The private station headquarters are located in Capital Park, Pretoria. Hosts are encouraged to use the spacious and luxurious station lounge for speeches, which is provided at no extra charge and can be styled as desired.
An enthusiastic team of chefs oversees the catering, focusing on fresh local ingredients and traditional specialities. Dietary requirements can be catered for with detailed advance notice, though meals requiring strict religious observance in preparation cannot be accommodated. Menus are printed on custom recycled paper and can be personalised with 15 days' notice for an additional charge.
Suggested Lunch or Dinner Run Format
Whether hosting a corporate event or a wedding, the following format is suggested:
- 11:00/18:00 - Guests arrive at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Sparkling wine, orange juice, and light canapés are served while background musicians play light classical music. A steam locomotive idles on the platform, allowing for photographic opportunities.
- 11:15/18:15 - The locomotive moves off to collect the train. This is an ideal time for speeches or presentations while the lounge and platform areas are quiet.
- 12:00/19:00 - The train departs for a circular tour around Pretoria, and drinks are served.
- 12:30/19:30 - Lunch or dinner is served in the dining cars or lounge areas.
- 15:00/22:00 - The train arrives back at the Rovos Rail Station, and guests disembark.
Pricing & Packages (2026 Rates)
Prices for a 3-hour trip around Pretoria are based on the number of guests:
- Up to 42 guests: R236 500 (Sit-down meal or canapés).
- Up to 72 guests: R292 000 (Sit-down meal or canapés).
- Up to 120 guests: R380 500 (Sit-down meal or canapés).
- Up to 200 guests: R528 000 (Canapés only).
- Up to 250 guests: R620 500 (Canapés only).
Inclusions: Station reception (drinks, canapés, and a 1-hour string duet), steam locomotive on the platform, all on-board meals and beverages, menus, use of the PA system, flowers, luggage handling, and secure parking. Rovos Rail is zero-rated for VAT.
Exclusions: Gratuities, special requests (like international sparkling wine), luggage transport, and a photographer.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
- 181+ days prior: 20% refundable deposit required.
- 180 - 121 days prior: 20% non-refundable payment.
- 120 - 61 days prior: 60% non-refundable payment.
- 60 days or less: 100% non-refundable payment.
Rovos Rail contact for the events train
Carole O’Connor is the Rovos Rail employee in charge of MICE and Charters: carole@rovos.co.za
World MICE Awards
Rovos regularly participates in the World MICE Awards for Africa, best events venue. Other South African events venues competing against Rovos Rail's events train are The Twelve Apostles Terrace at the top of Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
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