Stunning topography, great natural beauty and culture diversity that is the envy of countries and continents around the world; it’s easy to understand why Southern Africa has long held a captivating aura in the minds of the intrepid traveller. It’s a region teeming with choices for those adventurers who decide to act on their great wanderlust. However, those who undertake this great exploration will no doubt encounter experiences that will need to see luxury expectations set aside from time to time.
Gently rumbling through Southern Africa’s mesmerising landscapes, Rovos Rail luxury train offers visitors a ticket to travel in unforgettable splendour without having to learn the meaning of local quip: ‘Nothing for mahala’ — nothing without great difficulty. Showcasing deep Brunswick green, wood pannelling on its exterior, passengers will find 36 beautifully appointed vintage-feel suites split into three categories: Pullman, Deluxe and Royal.
Spanning 16 square metres and taking up half a carriage, the Royal Suite is the largest and most opulent of the triptych. Inside, there is a double bed or twin beds (depending on the preference), a private lounge area, writing desk, a plethora of bespoke amenities and an ensuite replete with a Victorian bath for those who wish to spend some time luxuriating in bubbles. The in-suite bar fridge is stocked with on-board beverages of the guest’s choice and should there be any request that needs to be fulfilled, the suite comes with a dedicated host.
At mealtimes, a gentle chime summons passengers to two beautiful pre-1940 dining cars. Begin the day with a breakfast that is made to order before indulging in a four-course meal for lunch that is complemented by fine South African wines. The meals are casual affairs where the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoying your fellow passengers’ company. However, when the bell sounds for dinner at 7.30pm, gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie and ladies are to be adorned in elegant attire.
It is a formal occasion that casts up images of the glitz and glamour of leisure travel of years gone by. While dining on a four-course menu that spotlights local ingredients and produce, one can indulge in French Champagne and other delightful wines and cocktails. Those with a penchant for fine beverages and cigars can head for The Club Car, a space designed for onboard smoking. The area is connected to the Observation Car, where you can savour the gorgeous African scenery thanks to the glass passage wall that lines both sides of the carriage.
The real beauty of Rovos Rail is its collection of journeys throughout Southern Africa that include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions. Take the classic four-night Victoria Falls Journey: priced at US $5,101 (ZAR 94,000) for two sharing the Royal Suite, the trip travels from Pretoria in South Africa to Zimbabwe’s mighty natural water feature and encompasses great landmarks including Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park, the free-flowing Limpopo River and Hwange National Park.
For those who feel more adventurous and have more time to spare, opt for the African Trilogy: an epic 15-night, 5,000-km train ride from Pretoria to Namibia’s glistening Walvis Bay. Priced at $15,900 (ZAR 293,000) for a Deluxe Suite, guests are guided on a spellbinding itinerary, where they can explore the legendary Kruger Park, enjoy a game drive in Eswatini’s Hluhluwe Game Reserve, cross the Kalahari Desert and visit a cheetah conservation in the Namibian capital city, Windhoek.
Rovos Rail journeys run throughout the year and incorporate destinations within Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Rovos.com
