Our Recommended

Luxury Rail Journeys Through Southern Africa

South Africa is fortunate to have two fantastic luxury rail operators, Rovos Rail (also known as "The Pride of Africa") and the Blue Train. For honeymooners looking for something a little different, then either Rovos Rail or the Blue Train is the answer. Both offer all the luxury and service of a five star hotel on a train. Elegant interiors, period decor, wood panelling, lovingly restored coaches, gourmet food and a romantic atmosphere all form part of the experience. Not to mention the fact that the trains travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa.

The most popular luxury train journeys are between Pretoria and Cape Town and between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. Rovos Rail offers a two night journey from Pretoria to Cape Town and the Blue Train offers an overnight journey. rail between Pretoria and Victoria Falls is a two night journey on both trains. Overnight journies along the Garden Route and to the Kruger National park offer an alternative to the luxury train experience.

The Trains....

Rovos Rail

"The Pride of Africa"

Two first-class chefs ensure that meals aboard Rovos Rail are superb, with outstanding South African wines to complement the food. Full bar facilities and room service are available whenever required. The highly motivated Rovos team of 22 ensures the guests have a truly memorable experience. There is a hostess on duty 24 hours a day and a list of all staff is posted in the observation car.

Dress

Rovos Rail wants guests to feel at home and comfortable clothes are essential for game reserves and the African bush. In keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, many guests prefer to dress for dinner and formal dress might therefore be included in guests' luggage.

Sightseeing

Guests are transported to and from places of interest, and on sightseeing tours in minibuses, accompanied at all times by a tour guide. At the private game reserve all game drives are in fully equipped Land Rovers, in the care of experienced game rangers.

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Overnight stays

Except for one night at the game reserve, guests spend every night on the train. At certain places guests dine at local inns or hotels, chosen for their historical significance and high standards.

Shower & Toilet Facilities

The train has onboard water and sewerage facilities and therefore the showers and toilets may be used at any time, unless otherwise requested by the staff. Sanitary bags and bins are provided in the toilets and we request that guests make use of them accordingly. Do not flush harmful objects down the toilets.

Smoking

Smoking is permitted in most areas of the train with the exception of the dining cars and centre lounge. We request that extreme caution be exercised when smoking in the compartments. We further request that guests show consideration for non-smokers in public areas.

Security

There is a safe onboard the train for use by guests.

Special Diets

Menus can be altered to suit special requirements by prior arrangement.

Children

Rovos Rail does accommodate children but we ask parents to be considerate of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we are endeavouring to maintain.

General

It is not advisable to lean out of the windows whilst the train is in motion. Please bear in mind that steam locomotives emit a considerable amount of soot which is harmful to the eyes. Should guests lean out of the windows, please use the goggles provided for your safety.

The "Pride of Africa" Trains

The history of the carriages and locomotives is fascinating, Rohan Vos travelled the length and breadth of the country hunting for, and persuading owners to sell, pre-1970 South African Railway coaches. Most were in a dilapidated condition with collapsed ceilings and rotting wood, but have now been lovingly restored to their original splendour. Modern comfort has been taken into account in the restoration process and the sleeper coaches have been fitted with wider, more comfortable beds and modern bathroom facilities. The windows of the observation car (no 226) have been enlarged to ensure an unobstructed view and one end of the coach has been glassed in.

The Blue Train

In 1923 the first luxury train commenced operation between Pretoria and Cape Town, known simply as the "Union" Limited. The distinctive blue carriages of the Union Limited brought rise to the now famous Blue train. The recently upgraded Blue Train caters for 84 guests in Luxury and De Luxe Suites.

Travel on the magnificent Blue Train to Africa's most spectacular scenic spot, the dramatically beautiful Victoria Falls, the locals call it the "The smoke that thunders". Experience the ultimate in modern luxury train travel on board South Africa's premier train, the ultimate in railroad sophistication, the Blue Train. Your journey to Victoria Falls will include a stop in Bulawayo where you are taken on a sightseeing tour of this inviting city before reboarding the train. On the homeward journey from Victoria Falls the train stops in Hwange. Guests are taken on an unforgettable game drive through Hwange National Park. Designed as a five-star hotel on wheels, the Blue Train prides itself on its outstanding service and cordon bleu culinary creations prepared by its expert chefs. The beautifully appointed dining car with its exquisite table settings represents a never to be forgotten experience. Guests have a choice between Luxury or Deluxe Suites, each with private bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, remote controlled TV, hairdryers and room safes. Luxury compartments offer a CD player, video machine and dressing table. The Blue Train offers each guest a personal butler, and a 24-hour in-room dining service.

The Blue Train's lounges are world famous for their stylish, relaxed elegance, affording guests the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail or cappuccino, browse in the library, or meet fellow passengers. A distinctive feature of the Club Car is the large screen where guests can view the Blue Train's progress from the locomotive driver's perspective - courtesy of a camera mounted on the front of the train. Fine dining is one of the Blue Train's most special features. All meals are freshly prepared on board by a team of highly skilled chefs. For the connoisseur fine South African wines accompany each meal.

Please contact us for more information on the Blue Train and its Itineraries.

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