Pretoria to Durban

Traveling from Pretoria to Durban aboard the Rovos Rail offers a luxurious and scenic journey through South Africa's diverse landscapes. Here's an overview of the route, duration, and itinerary:​

Route and Duration

• Route: The train departs from Rovos Rail Stationin Pretoria and travels southeast across the Highveld, passing through regions such as Heidelberg and Balfour, before descending into KwaZulu-Natal and arriving in Durban.

Duration: The journey spans 2 nights and 3 days, covering approximately 800 kilometers. ​

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1: Departure from Pretoria

10:00: Depart from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria

13:00: Lunch is served as the train travels through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand.​

19:30: Formal dinner is served en route to Elandslaagte

Day 2: Nambiti and Spionkop

• Morning: Early game drive in the Nambiti Conservancy, a 20,000-acre private game reserve home to the Big Five.​

Afternoon: Choice between a game drive in the Spionkop Reserveor a visit to the historic Battlefieldswith a historian. ​

Day 3: Ardmore Ceramics and Arrival in Durban

Morning: Visit to the Ardmore Ceramics Galleryin the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, showcasing unique African ceramics.​

16:00: Arrival at Durban Station, marking the end of the journey. ​

Things Attraction:-

Top Attractions Between Pretoria and Durban

1. Drakensberg Mountains

• Detour:Slightly off the N3, but worth it.
• Highlights:
  • Royal Natal National Park (home to Amphitheatre cliffs)
  • Hiking, waterfalls, rock art (San/Bushman)
  • Scenic spots like Cathedral Peak, Giants Castle

2. Midlands Meander (KwaZulu-Natal Midlands)

• Between Mooi River and Howick
• Artisans, farms, cheese, wine, and quaint cafés.
• Peaceful countryside and great for lunch or overnight stays.
• Don’t miss:
  • Howick Falls
  • Nelson Mandela Capture Site(iconic sculpture + museum)

3. Nambiti Private Game Reserve

• Near Ladysmith (off the N3)
• Big Five game viewing, luxury lodges
• Less crowded than Kruger or Pilanesberg

4. Battlefields Route (Optional Detour)

• Near Dundee, if you’re into history
• Sites of famous Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battles (like Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift)

5. Montrose (Stop for Views)

• Scenic N3 rest stop between Harrismith and Estcourt
• Great views of the valley and the Drakensberg foothills

6. Pietermaritzburg

• Historical capital of KwaZulu-Natal
• Victorian buildings, museums, and botanical gardens