SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS |
Luxury Train Safaris |
The Rovos Rail: Step aboard the Pride of AfricaIntroduction Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for it’s truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodeled 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. The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey -carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.Rovos Rail operates two classic 20-coach, 72 berth trains as well as a third 13-coach, 42-berth Edwardian train which is available year round for charter. 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 the last century. Some carriages have carried royalty, while others have ended up serving as restaurants or lying derelict and forgotten on sidings for decades. These coaches have been collected from the far corners of the country and are now cherished members of the Rovos fleet of 75 carriages. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt and the use fine wood panelling, traditional furnishingsand period décor have ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains. |
Each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. For example Dining Car No 195 ‘ Shangani ‘, which was built in 1924, was found parked in a siding in Alberton near Johannesburg before its acquisition by Rohan Vos in 1986. Three of the magnificent teak pillars had been removed and these were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victorian atmosphere. Each of the trains has two 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. Each train has a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train,while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air balconies. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which houses the Gift Shop.An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests everyneed is catered for, while 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 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 specialty. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries,fresh fruit, yoghurts,cereals and preserves make up a tempting breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed by a tempting dessert and is complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot. The Observation Car seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which seats 26 passengers in comfort. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard. The gracious colonial-style railway station, Capital Park,just north of Pretoria, serves as an elegant departureand arrival stage for Rovos Rail journey. The once derelict locomotive yard is now a permanent base for the world’s most luxurious train. In 1939 Capital Park was chosen as the site for a new locomotive shed and marshalling yard. Completed in 1943, the yard in its heyday was extremely busy housing some 140 steam locomotives. Technology and time moved on and with the arrival of electric and diesel engines the steam locomotive sheds at Capital Park experienced a steady decline. In January 1998 Rovos Rail was successful in obtaining a long-term lease over Capital Park. The property has recently grown to 56 acres, has 15 lines totaling a distance of 7km, of which a hundred meter section is under roof, and has a coal stage with 40 loading chutes. All the rolling stock, consisting of 75 carriages and 6 locomotives,the administrative offices, stores and workshops are now based at Capital Park. The loco shedsare being rehabilitated and the loco department will take occupation in November 2006. The aim was not only to rebuild the site to a world beating standard, but also to transform it into a working railway museum. |
The Blue Train: The window to the soul of South Africa
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Suite facilities On The Blue Train luxury assumes a new dimension, becoming the working definition of everything your heart desires. You’ll feel it from the moment you step into your suite, transformed from an elegant, spacious lounge by day, into a sanctuary of comfort and slumber by night. All suites on board The Blue Train come equipped with a writing desk, ideally positioned next to the window, where you can note the view in style. Each suite is a world on its own, with an individually controlled air-conditioning system and a private entertainment centre with a choice of movie channels and radio stations. The Luxury Suite takes the choice even further, with an inviting selection of compact disks and movies on video and DVD. You can also tune into the driver’s eye view camera, and watch the world ahead as you swiftly glide along. The Blue Train is synonymous with the luxury of personal service that comes as standard with a dedicated Butler at your beck and call to ensure the ultimate definition of luxury in motion. |
Fine dining The Blue Train provides fine dining and the gourmet cuisine is complemented by the carefully selected, best South African wines. All meals are freshly prepared on board the train by Executive Chefs. In keeping with the classically romantic ambience of the 42-seater dining car, lunch is a casual affair, while dinner is formal. Men are requested to wear a jacket and tie or dress in traditional attire and ladies are requested to dress in elegant evening wear or traditional attire. |
Elegant lounge facilities The warm ambience of the elegant lounge car with its large windows allows for panoramic views of the passing countryside. Enjoy high tea in the warm surroundings of the lounge car or meet for a pre-dinner drink. Should you prefer the more relaxing ambience of a gentleman’s pub atmosphere, then the club car is the idealplace to be, offering impeccable service with its card tables, a small library and a fully-equipped bar. Here guests can watch a short film about the areas, which the train is passing. After dinner guests can also enjoy a Cuban cigar before they retire to their suites. |
Accolades For over half a century South Africa’s Blue Train has enjoyed an international reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent travelling experiences. It has been voted for four consecutive years (1998/99/2000/01) the “World’s leading luxury train” by some 250 000 travel agents in 181 countries at the World Travel Awards. The Blue Train has also been awarded Diners Club International Merit Awardfor its finest wine for four consecutive years (2005/6/7/8). In 2008 it was also awarded an Africa Rail Award for “best passenger rail operator”. Indeed an impressive record of accolades. |
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