Take a ride with the famous Rovos Rail, part 2

If you have ever fantasized about an old-time Orient Express-style adventure, a luxurious vintage train journey through majestic landscapes, then Rovos Rail is the right fit for you. For over 30 years operating sojourns across Southern Africa lasting from a few nights to two weeks, it bills itself as “the most luxurious train in the world”— a claim we would absolutely sign ;)

Our Mirjam and Jana recently took a two nights ride with the famous Rovos Rail from Durban to Pretoria, the flagship station. Honestly, the Durban station is not as fancy and stylish as the Pretoria or Cape Town station, but this only increases anticipation. Sparkling wine and a few snacks were served as they were waiting for the ride to begin.

And then it started, the guests were called per wagon and led to their compartment. The suits are exactly the vintage luxury you imagine, with dark-wood paneling, plush linens, and a writing desk stocked with monogrammed stationery. Royal suites, deluxe suites and Pullman suites come in a range of sizes, but all have a green, brown and orange color scheme.

The luxurious family-run Rovos Rail really taps into this romantic nostalgia and puts you back into the glamorous 20s and 30s in british style. Enjoy luxurious en-suite cabins with an old-timey feel yet with modern amenities, delicious wine-paired four-course meals in a glamorous dining car and day-stops at interesting places along the way (as comfortable as the train is, sometimes it’s good to just stretch your legs a bit).

A few hours later, lunch started. Even though you could eat the entire time and you have a 4 course menu for lunch and dinner, there is always a bit of anticipation and excitement about what cuisine arrives. Also the vegetarian options are simply delicious.

From the butlers to the bartenders, the stellar Rovos Rail staff seemed to know what we wanted before we did and they were extremely attentive. If your glass of wine or water was almost empty, the waiter refilled a second later. They also struck a rare and perfect balance between helpful and deferential: polite and formal yet also casual, engaging and genuine. The overall mood of the train is just that: stylish but not stuffy, a kind of elegant minimalism that smacks of, well, class.

And one refreshing thing about the Rovos Rail is that they don’t allow phone or mobile devices in the dining car, the observation deck or dining car. It’s okay to take some pictures, but not to sit somewhere surfing on the internet or checking mails, facebook, twitter, etc. This automatically puts you to a zone of relaxation and meditation, as scenery trumped screens and the main activity should be staring out of the window, enjoying the passing nature and the people you travel with.

At the back of the train, you find the well-stocked bar and observation car with an inside and outside section. Sipping on a Gin & Tonic or a good glass of wine as the wind whipped your hair and the sun gently set in the beautiful nature – wherever you are at the moment – is an absolute highlight. Guests tend to gather here pre-meal and it’s a lovely way to meet and mingle with your fellow passengers.

We had 3 activities during the 3 day trip: a visit at a ceramic factory, a nature drive/battle field experience and a game drive. Due to some power issues and cable theft along the road it might happen that the train needs to stand still for a couple of hours, but hey, this is Africa ;)). Please also don’t plan a flight back to your home on the same day as the Rovos Rail arrives at the destination: you can never be 100% sure that the train will arrive on time.

Do not miss this extraordinary experience. For further information or quote, please contact us at "info@amazing-africa.co.za".