© Rovos Rail
Luxury Rail
There is something about luxury rail travel that takes one back to a bygone era. South Africa is fortunate to have two famous luxury trains. The Blue Train and the Pride of Africa, operated by Rovos Rail. Both are known for their refined elegance and attention to detail. Luxury rail journeys offer a unique way of experiencing some of southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes, landmarks, and golf courses. Of course, you will have the opportunity to meet with other interesting people from all over the world. Onboard, guests indulge in fine cuisine accompanied by superb South African wine. Around-the-clock personal butlers see to one’s every need, be it in the comfort of their private suites or in one of the luxury lounges. As most travelers to South Africa wish to see Cape Town in the south and visit game lodges in the north, a rail journey creates a perfect way to tie the two together. If you are looking for a slower pace and a taste of bygone days, choosing one of the varieties of exciting itineraries on offer is indeed the way to travel.
Rovos Rail – this information is obtained directly from the Rovos Rail website
General make-up of the train Locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, a non-smoking lounge car (26 guests), two non-smoking 42-seat dining cars (if required, plenty of space for the maximum of 72 guests carried), kitchen car, guest sleepers, smoking Club Lounge and Observation Car (32 guests) at the tail.
Cuisine Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty.
Dress For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen, a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings. On long journeys, we enjoy theme evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
Mobile Devices and Internet In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or televisions onboard. The use of mobile phones, laptops, and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites.
Choose from a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight:
- Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa
- Game Safari from Pretoria to Durban
- Meander between Pretoria and Victoria Falls
- Discover the Garden Route between Cape Town and George
- 14-day Dar es Salaam Sojourn
- Seven-day Namibian Special
- Nine-day Collage between Pretoria, Kruger Park, Durban, and Cape Town
- An exciting nine-day Golf Safari
The Blue Train – this information is obtained directly from the Blue Train website
Each of the two trains consists of a Baggage Van, Power Car, Personnel Car, Club and Lounge Cars, Kitchen and Deluxe and Luxury accommodation coaches.
The Club Car, ideally situated behind the train’s engines, offers the feel of a burnished, wood-paneled gentleman’s club where you are free to enjoy a Cuban cigar after dinner, with cognac or any drink of your choice.
The Conference car is the area for celebrations. Weddings, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. When not in use it is used as an Observation Car with a similar feel to the Lounge Car
The Deluxe Suites transform from elegant lounges during the day, to subtly-lit bedrooms at night. The bedding is all goose-down and 100 percent percale-cotton. Under-floor heating, opulent marble bathrooms, and plush monogrammed towels all add to the luxury.
The Deluxe coaches each have four suites that measure 4 by 2 meters. One of these contains a double bed and a ¾ size bathtub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.
The Luxury Suites are one meter longer in length. The twin or double bedded suites have luxurious bathtubs and private digital interactive entertainment systems.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres.
The Blue train runs a regular service between Pretoria and Cape Town and vice versa and an occasional service between Pretoria and Kruger Park. Private charters can be arranged for groups of up to 84 people.
Talk to us about your travel plans
Take the stress out of planning. Free yourself up to look forward to your adventure. We at Cape Classics strive to understand your personal style in creating itineraries that will feed your soul.