There is something timeless about experiencing the world from a luxury train. Certainly, since the days of old, rail journeys have provided the ultimate in glamour, luxury and travelling pleasure.
South Africa boasts a few luxury train options that are definitely worth the ride.
Rovos Rail
Since 1989, Rovos Rail has specialised in offering luxury train experiences all over southern Africa. For good reason, it has been referred to as ‘The Most Luxurious Train in the World’.
There really is something special about the Rovos experience. Think wood-panelled coaches, five-star service and delectable cuisine. The interior of the train consists of rebuilt sleeper coaches that offer spacious comfort with all the luxuries imaginable. Suites are air-conditioned and come complete with writing desk, bar fridge and double bed. And the Royal Suites boast a Victorian bath.
Delectable Cuisine
A highlight of any Rovos Rail journey is the cuisine. A skilled team of chefs ensure the finest dining experiences with all the extras: fine china, crisp linen and polished silver to create an atmosphere evocative of Victorian sumptuousness. There is also a lounge cart and a bar for pre-dinner sundowners, giving guests the opportunity to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines.
Another fantastic feature is the Observation lounge. This is the perfect place to while away the hours as you enjoy the South African landscape rushing by.
Rovos Facts
- Rovos Rail offers two beautifully built Classic trains each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers
- Rovos Rail departs from a private station in Pretoria (we’re talking red carpet treatment from start to finish)
- Golf Safari packages are also available
- There are a number of planned routes to choose from including Pretoria to Cape Town, Pretoria to Mpumalanga, Pretoria to the Victoria Falls and a much-coveted trip to Dar Es Salaam in East Africa
- Charter train journeys for groups are also available.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train, with personal butler service, is a South African travel icon. Launched in 1946, it prides itself on being an ‘inclusive luxury rail cruise’. Suites have all the splendours imaginable, including air conditioning or under-floor heating.
The Main Lounge and Club Lounge are the perfect places to socialise with other guests. For connoisseurs, the Club Lounge offers imported cigars. An innovative feature is the huge television monitor in the Main Lounge, which broadcasts the unfolding landscape from a track camera mounted on the front of the train.
Wining and Dining
Wining and dining is a highlight of the Blue Train, which has won many awards. Included amongst these is the Diner’s Club accolade for its delectable selection of South African wines. Meals focus on traditionally South African and include such delicacies as Cape crayfish, Karoo lamb and Knysna oysters.
The Blue Train offers travellers the ultimate journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, as well as other popular routes around the country.
Facts at a Glance:
- The Blue Train offers scheduled and charter services
- The most popular route is Pretoria to Cape Town
- The trip from Pretoria to Hoedspruit (on the fringe of the Kruger National Park) is also a favourite amongst international visitors
- Train/safari packages are available.
Premiere Classe and Shongololo
While not in the same class as The Blue Train or Rovos Rail, Spoornet’s Premiere Classe and the Shongololo Express are certainly worth a mention.
Premiere Classe
The Premier Classe is a weekly luxury train service between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town. This train is extremely comfortable and fine dining is available in the Dining Car (we’re talking five course meals).
The lounge car is the place to relax as you view the sights from the comfort of an armchair, and afternoon high tea is a highlight. Both single and double accommodations are available.
Shongololo Express
Adventurer-types just love The Shongololo Express. This train offers accommodation to suit all pockets, but if you are looking for a luxurious experience then the Gold or Emerald suites are for you. These include en-suite shower facilities and a number of extra luxuries.
This train Express has a number of chartered and scheduled journeys including the Garden Route, the Drakensberg, the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal, Route 62 in the Klein Karoo, the Kruger National Park and Namaqualand during the springtime flower season.
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