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The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring approximatelly16 sq metres in size (172 sq ft). Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites (approximately 11 sq metres/118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and provide a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Pullman Suite is about 7 square metres (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. During the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch.
The Coaches on Rovos Rail
A Superb Collection of Restored Coaches
Rovos Rail operates two classic 20-coach, 72 berth trains as well as a third 13-coach, 42-berth Edwardian train which is available year round for charter. Each one of these carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards vans, has its own story. A few dating back to 1911 were constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the first half of the last century. Some carriages have carried royalty, while others have ended up serving as restaurants or lying derelict and forgotten on sidings for decades. These coaches have been collected from all over South Africa and are now proud members of the Rovos fleet of 75 carriages.
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. Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains.
Each of the trains has two 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. Each train has a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air balconies. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which houses the Gift Shop.
Dining and Services available on Rovos Rail
Simple Elegant & Entertaining
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible to ensure that guests' every need is catered for. Importance is placed on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty.
Every morning the passengers awake to 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. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly.
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.
Journeys
1. Cape Town - Pretoria
The Old Karoo Pioneering Trail
For many tourists coming to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than on the popular 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1600-kilometre journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Passengers travel the grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape. Journey's end is Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil's Peak and Lions Head. Highlights of this journey 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.
Please note that the travel itineraries are subject to change at anytime.
2. Pretoria to Durban
Durban Safari on Rovos Rail
In the heart of the African Bush, An Unforgettable Journey Into The Heart Of KwaZulu Natal
Join this three-day safari on the most luxurious train in the world and experience the splendour of KwaZulu Natal. Take in the Big Five, a battlefields tour with a world class historian and unusual African ceramics.
Experience the diversity of the Nambiti Conservancy, a Big Five private bush retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu Natal. It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. The Sundays River flows through the reserve and has two 40 metre waterfalls with magnificent ravine bush, home to several rare bird species.
Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge which adjoins an 11 000 acre nature reserve, is the perfect base for exploring the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. The turn of the century farmhouse has been beautifully restored in Natal colonial style and the converted barn now forms a magnificent dining room that boasts spectacular views.
Ardmore Ceramic Art is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world.
Word of Ardmore has spread far and wide and those who believe they have the talent arrive at the Ardmore studios in the rolling hills of Caversham in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Many have little knowledge of sculpture and painting and mostly no experience of ceramic art. They learn quickly however and within a short time develop their own particular style of sculpting and painting.
Please note that the travel itineraries are subject to change at anytime.
3. Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
A Leisurely Sojourn By Luxury Train through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
The passengers two-night three day train adventure begins with the departure from Rovos Rail's station in Pretoria. This special journey departs in the morning and slowly meanders westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaborone. Once the train has passed through the dry reaches of Botswana, the guests arrive at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe. The journey then continues in a north-westerly direction passing Bulawayo heading towards Thompson's Junction and Hwange Game Reserve. Journeys end is the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River.
Please note that depending upon railways capacity this journey could be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe and that the travel itineraries are subject to change at anytime.
4. Cape Town - George, Garden Route South Africa
The Scenic Beauty of The Garden Route
CAPE TOWN - WORCESTER - ASHTON - GEORGE
This picturesque 550-kilometre 24-hour trip runs between Cape Town and George during the summer months. Departing from Cape Town, the Rovos train travels through the Du Toits Kloof tunnel towards Worcester. Grapes are grown in vast quantities in this area, and apart from several co-operative wine cellars, there are a number of brandy distilleries. The KWV Brandy Distillery is visited on the George to Cape Town leg. The train then continues along the Breę River Valley towards Robertson and then onto Ashton. On the Cape Town to George leg a stop is made here to sample the wines of a local wine estate. Then it is on towards the coast passing through stations such as Swellendam, which is South Africa's third oldest town. Leaving the coast behind the train passes near Mossel Bay, a commercial seaport that enjoyed a boom in the 1990's due to the discovery of offshore oil. George is a quiet inland town, founded in 1811 and named after King George 111.
5. NAMIBIA
A Epic Journey of Discovery
PRETORIA - KIMBERLEY - FISH RIVER CANYON - WINDHOEK - ETOSHA PAN - SWAKOPMUND
Once a year, this 3400 kilometre 7-day journey takes this luxury train from Pretoria to Kimberley. Kimberly is the centre of one of the world's most famous diamond rushes where guests have the opportunity to visit the Big Hole which is the world's largest man-made excavation. Travellers can also savour the 1870's atmosphere of the mine museum village. The railway line covers the stark vistas of the arid Northern Cape as the train travels through Upington to the border into Namibia. There is time for an excursion to the Fish River Canyon - second only in size to the Grand Canyon and a truly spectacular sight. The Rovos train continues across the untamed beauty of the Kalahari Desert and onto Windhoek, which is the capital of Namibia. After a short city tour in Windhoek and an afternoon game drive the train continues onto Tsumeb for an overnight stay at Mokuti Game Lodge in the Etosha National Park. On the last morning the train passes along the German built railway through the Namib desert and into Swakopmund, a perfectly preserved nineteenth century German Hansa town set on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey.
  
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