Rovos Rail
Step aboard the pride of Africa, the world’s most luxurious train, and begin a journey to southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. 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. 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.
Relive the romance of a bygone Africa on a nostalgic expedition to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Experience a 1 600-kilometre journey through diverse and truly African scenery as Rovos Rail’s luxurious train 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 it arrives at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe. Continuing in a northwesterly direction, the train passes Bulawayo heading towards Thompson’s Junction and Hwange Game Reserve, where animals can be spotted from the train. The Falls and the elegant colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel form an ideal destination.
Itinerary - Pretoria to Victoria Falls
Day 1 10h00 The Pride of Africa departs from Rovos Rail’s private station at Capital Park. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s en route to Zeerust. 19h30 After traversing the Magaliesberg Range, dinner is served as the train heads towards Mafikeng for border formalities.
Day 2
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s as the train heads for the Zimbabwe border. 17h00 Border formalities at Plumtree. 19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s.
Day 3
07h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s. 13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s. 17h00 Arrive at the Victoria Falls where the Rovos Rail journey ends.
Rovos rail’s rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites In the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. 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 takes up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites have a double or twin beds, a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Pullman Suites 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. 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.
Cuisine life on board is simple, elegant and entertaining. 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. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order as well as a tempting breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner guest can enjoy a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes followed by a delicious dessert, and meals 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. 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 get very hot. The Observation Car seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. Maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board.
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