Since its establishment more than twenty years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Unique train safaris through and over some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of train and air travel. Step aboard the remodeled and refurbished wood paneled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine and superb South African wines in luxury and comfort. Choose from a series of train journeys lasting from 48 hours to a month as the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations.
The three beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carry a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious train suites in the world. With fine wood paneling, period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the air-conditioned suites carry two people offering the option of twin or double beds. The four Royal Suites (16 m2) each have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath. The Deluxe Suites (11 m2) each have a lounge area and private bath with shower and the en Suite Pullman Suites (7 m2) have a sofa during the day that converts into a comfortable bed at night. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.
The coaches, which were collected from the far corners of the country, have been painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished and, while providing the same spaciousness as the classic trains, offer discerning travellers the last word in nostalgic comfort and style.
Two of the most legendary journeys across Africa are offered by Rovos Rail, namely the epic sojourn from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam as well as a train, flight and ship combination from Cape Town to Cairo. In July every year, the epic 14-day journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and has become one of the most famous train journeys in the world.
This magnificent sojourn will take you through South Africa with short tours of the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria. After two nights in a private game lodge in the Madiwke Game Reserve the train continues through Botswana and Zimbabwe, with another overnight stop at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River travel north eastwards through Zambia, joining the Tazara Railway line at Kapiri Mposhi.
Guests enjoy a bush walk and picnic at Chisimba Falls, and continue the climb towards the Zambian/Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes. Descend into the Rift Valley itself and enjoy spectacular scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Early on the last day the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve, the largest on the Continent – a vision of timeless Africa shortly before the bustle of arrival in Dar Es Salaam Station.
The Cape Town to Cairo journey is conducted every two years, starting with a 2 night stay in Cape Town, followed by a train journey up to the Victoria Falls. From here onwards guests board a private plane and travel north to Zanzibar and continue with a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and the world famous Serengeti. After a two night stay in Uganda and a further two nights in Sudan the journeys end is in Egypt with a cruise on Lake Nasser as well as the final flight to Cairo.
Photos: Rovos Rail
www.rovos.co.za