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Peter Matika
IT’S not easy to sleep on a train. The monotonous rhythm of the train is quite soporific and could leave anyone feeling quite annoyed and fatigued.
However, perceived as the pride of Africa trains South Africa’s Rovos Rail provides very much more than mere rail transportation — from these transports of delight one can experience the richness of southern Africa.
With various routes between Pretoria and Cape Town, the rail now offers spectacular trips to those wishing to tour southern Africa, with Victoria Falls being one of its major destinations.
The trains combine the golden age of rail travel with modern conveniences, creating an unforgettable extravagant elegance of a bygone era.
From the start of your journey to the memorable time spent on the opulent “pride of Africa” this is an experience not to be missed.
The train offers a memorable experience that one can never forget. Rovos Rail’s unique and exciting train safaris through southern Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour of rail travel.
As you step aboard the reconditioned wood-panelled coaches, you feel as though you have stepped into Mount Olympus, where you can enjoy fine cuisine in a five-star luxury locomotive.
Established in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences.
The trains, which use either diesel or electricity at various stages of the journey — carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
The train offers world class services and experience, where anyone can experience an exquisite and exciting journey for up to five days. Sunday Travel had an opportunity to view the train upon its arrival in Victoria Falls last Sunday.
Guests aboard the train said the epic journey was a must experience.
“Travelling by rail is one of the most energy depleting modes of travel. But in this case this train is the most refreshing. It’s a hotel on steel wheels. All you need to do is get yourself aboard the train,” said an excited tourist.
The adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail’s gracious station in Pretoria, South Africa.
It then winds its way south through Johannesburg and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand before travelling west alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains.
After border formalities at Mafikeng, the train travels north through Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and continues via Mahalapye and Francistown to the Zimbabwean border at Plumtree. The next day the train passes through Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary — where animals can be spotted from the train and a game drive excursion is enjoyed.
After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. Depending on railway capacity, the journey can be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe.
The train’s profile
The suites
The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling, the fully 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, hairdryers and shaver plugs. 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. Room service is available 24 hours.
The lounges
The Rovos Rail train has three lounge areas and a dining area. The lounges consist of a non-smoking lounge car (which accommodates 26 guests), and a non-smoking 42-seat dining car. If the number of guests on the train exceeds 42, then both dining cars are used, as this allows the entire complement of guests to eat all meals at the same time.
Then there is the smoking lounge, with the Observation Car (which accommodates 32 guests) at the tail. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable ride in the lounges.
Cuisine and dining
Rovos Rail takes pride in the fact that all meals are served in one sitting only in the Victorian era atmosphere of the dining cars; lunch and dinner are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. All meals are produced by an enthusiastic team of chefs who are responsible for ensuring that the needs of the guests are met and catered for.
The accent with all meals is on fresh local ingredients; with traditional dishes such as game being a specialty on the train.
Private charter
Rovos Rail prides itself in being able to present a unique and ideal combination for group and incentive travel in southern Africa. The trains can cater for a maximum of 80 passengers in the comfort and luxury that is synonymous with Rovos. Itineraries are varied and exciting, and can be tailored to suit both budget, and time. In addition, there is an Events Train, which accommodates up to 250 guests for day trips (it does not have sleeping facilities). Therefore, the trips are only limited by time and distance, and there are a number of alternative uses for the train — including a three-hour circular trip of Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours’ rail travel time from Pretoria.
The train is a must experience, it is indeed a hotel on wheels.
Bongani Ndlovu