Africa

Rovos Rail

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned a reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.

Each one of the carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards vans, has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. A few dating back to 1911 were constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the first half of the last century. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt and the use fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and period décor has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur.

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The air-conditioned suites with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and 24 hour room service is available. In the en-suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard.

The first level of accommodation is the Pullman suite which is about 7 sq metres (or 76 sq ft) in size and while it includes the identical bathroom to that of the deluxe suites, the bedroom is smaller with a one up one down bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples whichs can be converted into a comfortable couch during the day. The second level of accommodation is the Deluxe suite (about 11 sq metres or 118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The final level of accommodation is the Royal Suite, each of which take up half a carriage and about 16 sq metres (or 172 sq ft) in size, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.

An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for the considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals and preserves make up a tempting breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed by a tempting dessert and are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars.

For many visitors to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than on the popular scheduled 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1600-kilometre (994 miles) journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Highlights of both the north and southbound routes include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein. This authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village, which was founded by Mr Logan as a refreshment stop in 1890, also boasts an impressive museum on the platform. A stop is also made in Kimberley providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. 

During certain months of the year Rovos Rail also offers scheduled trips from Pretoria to Victoria Falls , Pretoria to Durban and Cape Town to George and vice versa.

The Blue Train

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service. The suspension, braking, lighting and under-floor heating systems have been designed and customised with your comfort in mind allowing you to savour the experience of a smooth, pleasurable ride. Every modern convenience, including a telephone service and a choice of digital entertainment channels, serves to make the journey all the more memorable.

The Blue Train is the ultimate definition of luxury in motion. All the suites are equipped with 100% percale cotton linen, goose down duvets and pillows and private bathrooms with marble vanity basins, marble wall and floor tiles, gold fittings, and a choice of shower or bath as well as wardrobes with hangers. Each suite has a writing desk, ideally positioned next to the window, where you can enjoy the view in style or write a postcard to someone special.

Your suite is a world on its own, with individually controlled air-conditioning, an entertainment centre with a choice of movie and radio channels and under-floor heating in the rooms and bathrooms.The suites transform from an elegant, spacious lounge by day into a sanctuary of comfort at night. The Deluxe suites offer a choice between twin beds with a shower or double beds with a bath whilst the Luxury suites are more spacious, offering a choice between twin or double beds with bath facilities and boasting a selection of compact discs and movies on DVD.

The Blue Train operates scheduled routes between Pretoria & Cape Town as well as special charter routes and once you are aboard you will be transported to a world of gourmet cuisine and exquisite service. The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 27-hour journey of 1 600 kilometres (994 miles) through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. On the southbound trip, there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where you take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.

On the northbound journey, the train stops at Matjiesfontein for an excursion. The Victorian buildings and original nineteenth century London lampposts impart to the traveller, the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp – an oasis suspended in a different age. Whichever route you choose, the scenery is spectacular and this surely has to be one of the grandest and most gloriously relaxing ways in which to enjoy it.

Please contact us for the latest routes and departure dates for both the Blue Train & Rovos Rail.