The Rovos Rail is known as the Pride of Africa, and with good reason. If you’ve ever wanted to experience an old-fashioned luxury train ride while taking in all of the gorgeous scenery that South Africa has to offer, then a trip on the Rovos Rail is just right for you. The rail offers journeys as short as 48 hours and others as long as 28 days, not to mention the special packages and private hire trips that you can arrange. If you’re thinking that a trip on the Rovos Rail might be right for your vacation but you aren’t quite sure what to expect, here’s a small sampling of what you might experience during a Rovos Rail journey.
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Exotic Locations. On a short, two-day trip from Pretoria to Cape Town, you’ll visit hot spots such as Kimberely’s Big Hole, known for producing millions of dollars in priceless diamonds, and the Kimberely Diamond Museum, where you can learn the history of mining in the area. The nine-day African Golf Collage combines stops at some of the country’s finest golf courses with stops at fascination African sites like the Addo Elephant Park. And on the 28-day Cairo Journey between Cairo and Cape Town, you’ll stop for wine tastings, helicopter rides, and river rafting, among other things.
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Luxurious Accommodations. When you take a trip on the Rovos Rail, you sleep in style. You can reserve a Pullman Suite, which gives you seven square meters of space with a pull out sofa bed and a bathroom with shower. Need a little more space? Move up to ten square meters of space with a deluxe suite. These suites easily accommodate two passengers and offer a lounge area, as well as a bar and fridge. Or you can move up to a Royal Suite. These fabulous 16-meter suites feature a Victorian bath and separate shower and period Edwardian features.
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Fantastic Food. You’ll love coming to the dining car to sample traditional area dishes made with the freshest local ingredients, created by highly trained and experienced chefs. You’re also sure to enjoy the excellent South African wines paired with the dishes. The dining car, like the rest of the train, is decorated largely in the style of the Victorian era. You’ll be served breakfast, lunch, tea and a formal dinner each day. The Rovos Rail also offers room service to passengers who choose not to eat in the dining car.
Above all else, the thing that makes the Rovos Rail such a amazing experience is the atmosphere of a previous era, and you get to contribute to that mood while you’re on the train. On the Rovos Rail, you’ll be expected to maintain a smart casual dress code during the day and dress things up with evening or cocktail wear at night. The Rovos Rail has an Observation car and two lounges, one smoking and one non-smoking. Mobile devices and laptops are meant to stay within the confines of your suite. Socialize, get to know your fellow passengers, and take in the scenery, and your time on the Pride of Africa will be every bit as memorable and meaningful as the destinations that you visit along the way. Only select Africa tours include the Rovos Rail.
