General Information - Luxury Train Tours
First Class Travel
Step aboard the Pride of Africa - the world's most luxurious train - and begin a journey to southern Africa's most spectacular destinations.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast.
The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers from any one of the destination points. These include the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this superb private railway company.
Luxury and Comfort
An aspect that sets Rovos Rail apart is the superb collection of rebuilt and refurbished coaches that offer world-class comfort and style.
For the convenience of passengers, Rovos Rail operates two classic trains of 20 superbly restored coaches, half of which date back to the 1920's. Each train can accommodate up to 72 passengers in unrivalled spaciousness. A third 13-coach, 42-berth Edwardian train is available year round for charter. The coaches - which have been collected from the far corners of the country - have been painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished to offer discerning travellers the last word in comfort and style.
The use of traditional furnishings and period décor, with top-class craftsmanship evident in fine wood panelling, has ensured that the atmosphere of elegance and grandeur far exceeds the original. Each one of these carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards vans, has its own story. A few dating back to 1911 were constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the first half of this century. Some have carried royalty, others have ended up serving as restaurants or lying derelict and forgotten in sidings for decades. All are now cherished members of the Rovos Rail fleet of 60 carriages.
At Capital Park, the new headquarters of Rovos Rail, teams of craftsmen and engineers ensure that every inch of the coaches is up to standard and that their gleaming green paintwork is immaculate.
Power and Glory
Five superbly reconditioned steam locomotives are the heart and soul of Rovos Rail and a sight to gladden the heart of any rail enthusiast.
There's a story behind each one of the Rovos Rail locomotives and their acquisition and restoration. Each one has a distinctive character and charm and are all named after members of owner Rohan Vos' family. The first engine acquired was no 2702 "Bianca", a Class 19D locomotive built by Borsig in 1938 and purchased in 1986. No 2701"Brenda", a Class 19D locomotive unexpectedly just one digit away from "Bianca", was purchased in 1989 from a scrap-metal yard in Volksrust and rebuilt in Witbank.
Rohan Vos had his eye on No 3360 "Shaun" since he first saw it standing on the scrap line at Witbank, way back in 1986. It was purchased a decade later and restored by Rovos personnel. The oldest engine in the stable is also the smallest. "Tiffany" No 439, a Class 6 locomotive, was one of the 40 constructed by Dubbs & Co. in Glasgow, the first of which was delivered in 1893. The Vos family first saw the little engine as it stood on a platform plinth at Winburg Station in the Eastern Free State and it was love at first sight. The engine was purchased in 1987 and returned to the rails. The latest addition to Rovos Rail is "Marjorie", a glorious 25 NC locomotive that has been converted from a coal burner to an oil-fired engine. It has just completed an 18-month overhaul, which has brought a gleam to every bit of brass and a glow to the team who have painstakingly restored her to her prime. A highlight of the official opening of the new Capital Park station on the 17th of May 1999 was the christening performed by Rohan's mother, Mrs. Marjorie Vos.
At various times diesel or electric engines from the local railways are hired to head the Pride of Africa. In and out of Pretoria however, the magnificent Rovos Rail steam locomotives haul the trains, adding excitement and an authentic atmosphere to the journeys.
Simple, Elegant & African
The superb cuisine served aboard the Pride of Africa is simple and elegant and mealtimes in the dining rooms are a highlight of the journey.
When you are catering a full complement of 72 guests within the limited space of a Rovos Rail kitchen car, achieving a standard that rivals that of a first-class restaurant is a serious challenge.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring that guests indulge and that all their favourite drinks are on board. Considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus. Unlike many of the great trains of the world, travellers are on board the Pride of Africa trains for several days at a time, requiring a much wider selection of meals.
There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a speciality. Every morning, there's a full breakfast, with a selection of cold meats, croissants and preserves as well as dishes cooked to order. For lunch and dinner, there's a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dish followed by a tempting dessert.
Of course there's a selection of fine wines aboard to complement the food - all from South Africa's most renowned cellars and estates.
Meals can be adapted to suit special requirements by prior arrangement.
The Accommodation
Relax in the privacy of spacious suites, each with a perfect blend of period ambience and modern features.
Like all Rovos Rail carriages, the rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world and are an epitome of luxury. With exquisite wood panelling and period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people and offer the option of twin or spacious double beds.
The Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are named after colourful characters of the Victorian era in South Africa, including Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit. Spacious and elegant, the Royal Suites measure 16sq metres in size (173sq ft). Each one has its own private lounge area and full en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. The Deluxe Suites, restored with the same care as the Royal Suites, also accommodate two passengers in either double or twin beds, with en-suite bathrooms and lounge areas. Each suite is 11 sq metres (118 sq ft).
The suites offer guests the space to relax in privacy and the opportunity to travel in comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing desk and, for valuables, a personal safe. There's also a bar fridge filled with the drinks of the passenger's choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings are combined with the modern technology of hot showers, hair-driers and shaver plugs.
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