Rovos Rail harks back to good old fashioned luxury, with a modern twist

Travelling by rail has a certain nostalgia; one tends to think of elegance and opulence. South Africa has two luxury train services: The http://www.vacation.co.za/en/Listings/Travel/Gauteng/Pretoria/Travel--Accommodation1/The-Blue-Train/1865/ Blue Train. and Rovos Rail. Both offer extreme luxury, but if forced to decide, on pain of death, travel experts point towards Rovos as the most luxurious. In fact, Rovos Rail is considered by many to be the most luxurious train service in the world.

The company prides itself on old fashioned, five-star class. Most of its coaches date back to the early 1900s and have been carefully and lovingly refurbished to their former glory. Rovos Rail comprises three trains: two classic trains of 20 coaches each – capable of hosting 72 passengers; and a 13-coach train that can host 42 passengers, which is available for charter at various times throughout the year. Chartered journeys can be arranged for a single day up to 10 ten days. Charters can be arranged for almost any African destination that can be reached by rail.

Scheduled journeys include: • 24-hour trip from Cape Town to George. • 48-hour trip from Pretoria to Cape Town. • 50-hour trip from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. • 55-hour trip from Pretoria to Durban. • 7-day trip from Pretoria to Swakopmund. • 9-day trip from Pretoria to Cape Town via the Kruger Park, Durban, Bloemfontein, Graaff-Reinet, George, Knysna and Worcester
• 9-day Golf Safari, which is a round trip from Pretoria to Malelane, Swaziland, Durban, Ladysmith, Sun City and back to Pretoria.
• 13-day trip from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.
Accommodation, dining and observation There are two types of suites available: • Deluxe suites with twin and double bed options and en suite bathrooms (shower, no bath).
• Royal suites, with separate lounge area and Victorian bath, as well as shower in the en suite bathroom. Both types have a writing desk, bar fridge and personal safe.
There are two dining cars which serve five-star meals, as well as two lounge cars. Each train has an observation car at the back, which has specially enlarged windows and open-air balconies. Visit http://www.rovos.com/contactus.php for more information.