Rovos jouney of a lifetime: 'the Pride of Africa'

Rovos Rail lets you capture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era. Experience the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. 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 offers journeys back in time that takes from overnight to a fortnight, linking some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast.

 

The accommodation

The train has 36 superbly appointed suites and carries a maximum of 72 passengers. Each train has one or two lounge cars and observation cars at the back of the trains, giving passeners the possiblity to have sundowners at the unique open-air balcony. These classic coaches are the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely cup of tea, get to know the friendly hostesses and fellow travellers and read up more about the route and the many fascinating attractions. The lounge car and onboard gift shop is in the centre of the train.

The four Royal Suites (16sqm) each have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath.

The Deluxe Suites (11sqm) each have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The use of traditional furnishings and period decor, with top-class craftsmanship evident in fine wood panelling, has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.

Cuisine is a very important factor on board. An team of chefs is responsible for ensuring guests every need is catered for. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot. The observation car seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking lounge car, which seats 26 passengers in comfort. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard.

 

The route

Rovos has an overnight train from its own back in time railwaystation

nearby Pretoria fromwhere the train to Capetown departs almost every day of the week. The train also rides from Capetown to Pretoria. The journey from Capetown to Dar es Salaam will take 14 days, the journey from Pretoria to Swakopmund in Namibia 7 days. Rovos also organizes golf safaris where additional stops are made at world most magnificent golfcourses.