Experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world. Rovos Rail’s unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international 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.
Destination Africa
In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations from Cape Town, at the tip of Africa, 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 in Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape south coast.
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. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and restored Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and headquarters of this private railway company.
The Train
The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring ±16 sq metres/±172 sq feet in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
The Deluxe Suites (± 11 sq metres/±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 Pullman Suites (±7 sq metres/±76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower.
The very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
St James Manor and Seaforth House
The St James Manor and Seaforth House overlook the trendy and vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay with majestic views across False Bay and the Indian Ocean. St James, historically known as “millionaire’s mile” is making its comeback as one of the trendiest places to stay in Cape Town. The area still boasts the traditional colourful Victorian bathing boxes and grand old houses. Fresh fish can be brought from the local fishermen and the harbour itself offers excellent seafood restaurants from rustic local cuisine to fine dining experiences.
Mediterranean in style, the main road is a hive of novel antique shops, delis, boutiques and art galleries a mere three minutes walk from the St James Manor and the Seaforth House. A favourite pastime is the early morning swim in the wind protected, warm waters of St James famous tidal pools and swimming beaches. St James also offers interesting walks along the historic promenade and up the imposing mountains. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the land based whale watching in season. They appear literally meters from the shoreline and can be seen clearly from the houses.
21 Reasons why the Rovos Rail Trains are the most luxurious and unique in the world
- Rovos Rail has its own unique 56-acre private station facility allowing for maximum security, cleanliness and efficiency. Convenient free parking areas for cars and buses within the station facility.
- Each sleeper carriage, 22 metres long, accommodates five Pullman suites at 7 m² or three Deluxe suites at 11m² or two Royal Suites at 16m² making these by far the largest suites on any train in the world today.
- Permanent beds made up 24 hours a day. 90% of the suites have full King size beds (6’.2” x 6’.2”) Different bed configuration of single beds in an L shape available.
- Two comfortable chairs per suite in Royal and Deluxe Suites with daytime couch in Pullman.
- Bar fridge in each suite. All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary.
- Tea and coffee making facilities in each suite.
- A digital safe in each suite.
- Storage space for 6 large suitcases and a set of golf clubs in each suite.
- 25% more cupboard space than nearest competition.
- Individual air conditioners for heating and cooling.
- Windows that open providing fresh air and communication with the outside.Smoking allowed in suite.
- Bathrooms are 25% larger than the nearest competition.
- Royal suites have full bathtub and separate shower.
- Every bathroom has an opening window, a heated towel rail and a wall-mountedhairdryer.
- Toilets are standard household flushing units.
- Meals are at one sitting allowing guests to linger as long as they choose.
- Separate smoking lounge in the last sleeper carriage.
- The Observation Car at the rear of the train has an open deck.
- The train travels at a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour allowing for greater comfort and scenic appreciation.
- 25% more train tonnage per passenger than the nearest competition (11 tons per passenger).
- The owner of the train endeavours to meet and greet departures and arrivals of the trains.
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