Rovos Rail
Experience the extravagent elegance of rail travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Rovos Rail's epic 3 night journey between Pretoria and Cape Town combines magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel. Step aboard the reconditioned wood-panelled coaches and sit back and relax while the stunning views unfold beyond the windows.
Departing Pretoria in the afternoon on selected dates throughout the year, travel the grasslands of the gold-rich highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo, trundle through spectacular mountain ranges and the scenic Winelands of the Cape, and end your journey in Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa.
Highlights of the journey include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, and a stop in Kimberley, providing an opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world's largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.
Guests can enjoy accommodation of the highest standard, combining the opulence of a bygone era with subtle modern innovations. The Pullman Suites are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The slightly larger Deluxe Suites accommodate 2 passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.
For many travellers, the friendly interaction with the people who make up the Rovos Rail 'Pride of Africa' staff is as much a highlight as the scenery and the train itself.
Rates Include
Three meals daily; all alcoholic and other beverages; sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide; entrance fees to places of interest; and 24 hour full room service/bar facilities are included. Please note that any off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes any off-train beverages.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.
General Information For Guests
There is a guest safe in every suite on board the train.
Smoking of cigarettes and cigars only is allowed in the privacy of the suites and in the club lounge.
It is not advisable to lean out of the windows while the train is in motion.
There is a small Gift Shop on board the train and at the station premises at Capital Park in Pretoria.
The use of credit cards is preferred. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.
Gratuities for the staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, there is a suitably marked envelope in your suite that you can hand directly to the Train Manager who will distribute any amounts on a pro rata basis amongst the staff on board.
Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Breakfast 07:00 to 10:00; Lunch 13:00; Tea 16:30; Formal Dinner 19:30. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
During the day, the dress is smart-casual. In keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, many guests prefer to dress for dinner - a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement for the gentlemen; and for ladies cocktail/evening dresses or suits are suggested.
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours.
The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception is poor while the train is moving.
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