|
|
Rovos Rail
GENERAL INFORMATION
First Class Travel by holiday train
The Pride of Africa is the world's most luxurious train. Step aboard and join us on a railway holiday to some of the most spectacular destinations in southern Africa.
Since it was first established in 1989, Rovos Rail has become world renowned for the singular holiday experiences it provides the discerning traveller. As soon as you set foot aboard the wood-panelled coaches (each and every one a classic that has been remodelled with the greatest of care) you will be transported to a world of fine cuisine, five-star luxury and inimitable scenery that unfolds outside the window as you lounge in the lap of luxury.
The Pride of Africa hosts journeys that vary in length from one day to two weeks and includes destinations such as Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, awe-inspiring Mpumalanga game reserves, the Victoria Falls, the arid beauty of the Karoo and Namibia, as well as the verdant splendour of the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal cane fields. The trains are fuelled by steam, diesel and electric locomotives at different stages of the journey and only ever carry a maximum of 72 guests at any given time.
Luxury and Comfort
One thing that sets Rovos Rail apart from other train-based holiday operators is its incredible collection of classic refurbished coaches that are imbued with unparalleled comfort and style. Rovos Rail has two classic trains that each comprises 20 beautifully restored coaches of which half hail from the 1920s. Each train accommodates a maximum of 72 travellers at any given time, which ensures that guests have plenty of room. There is also a third train, a 13-coach, 42-berth Edwardian, which is available for private charter throughout the year.
The coaches are simply exquisite. Care was taken to use only traditional furnishings and period décor, which was enhanced by top-class craftsmanship that is apparent in the detailed wood panelling and other finishes. Each carriage, from the kitchen car to the sleeper coaches and guard van has been specially sourced and comes with its own story.
|
|
|
Quite a few of the 60 Rovos Rail carriages date back to the early 1900s and were shipped to South Africa from Europe; some have housed royalty, while others have lain forgotten in sidings for years before being rescued and restored. The teams of craftsmen and specialised engineers at Capital Park (the new Rovos Rail HQ) ensure that every square centimetre of the coaches are kept immaculate and in perfect running order.
Power and glory
The heart and soul of the Rovos Rail fleet is the five breathtaking reconditioned steam locomotives - a sight that has had many a rail enthusiast misty-eyed. Each Rovos Rail locomotive has a singular history and tale to tell of its acquisition and restoration; and has been named in honour of members of Rohan Vos' family. Allow us to introduce the fleet:
- "Bianca", no 2702 and a Class 19D, was assembled by Borsig in 1938 and acquired in 1986.
- "Brenda", no 2701 and a Class 19D, was salvaged from a scrap-metal yard in Volksrust in 1989 and refurbished in Witbank.
- "Shaun", No 3360 was rescued from the scrap line at Witbank in 1996 and lovingly restored by Rovos Rail personnel.
- "Tiffany", no 439 and a Class 6, was one of 40 locomotives assembled by Dubbs & Co. in Glasgow and arrived in South Africa in 1893. The engine was purchased from Winburg Station in the Eastern Free State in 1987 and returned to the rails in full Rovos Rail regalia.
- "Marjorie", a class 25 NC, is the rail company?s latest purchase and was converted from a coal burner to an oil-fired engine. Christened by Rohan's mother, Mrs. Marjorie Vos on the 17th of May 1999, her namesake has been completely overhauled and painstakingly restored her to her prime.
Simple, Elegant & African
Pride of Africa cuisine is known for its simplicity and elegance and oftentimes guests remark that mealtimes were one of the highlights of the journey. Achieving the standard of a first-class restaurant setting in the small amount of space available in a Rovos Rail kitchen car was quite a challenge, but the enthusiastic team of chefs have gone out of their way to ensure that each and every guest is treated in stellar Rovos Rail fashion. Menus are meticulously planned to accommodate the wide selection of clientele the trains accommodate at any given time. The exceptional cuisine is complemented by a superb selection of wines that have been sourced from some of South Africa?s foremost cellars and estates. Guests with specific dietary requirements will be accommodated on prior request.
The Accommodation
Each private suite has been decorated with period ambience pieces that are offset by modern conveniences. Like all Rovos Rail carriages, the sleeper coaches rank among the most spacious the world over and truly epitomise luxurious living. Each suit accommodates two people, with the option of either twin- or double beds.
For those who are looking for just a little bit more, we offer the following options:
- The Royal Suites. Named for colourful characters from South Africa's colonial heritage (Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato and Alfred Beit), the Royal suites each take up half a carriage and measure 16sq metres in size (173sq ft). This includes a private lounge area, as well as a full en suite bathroom with bath and shower.
- The Deluxe Suites. Deluxe suites measure 11 sq metres (118 sq ft) in area and accommodate two passengers in either double or twin beds, with en suite bathrooms and lounge areas.
Both suite types have been fitted with a writing desk and personal safe in which to store valuables. A bar fridge is also available and can be stocked with the passenger's choice of drinks prior to departure. Room service is available 24 hours per day.
FACTSHEET
The two classic Pride of Africa trains (with a maximum capacity of 72 passengers each) and the Edwardian trains (42 passengers) follow the scheduled routes below.
Journeys:
- A 48-hour, 1600km journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, with off-train excursions in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein.
- A 24-hour, 620km journey along the Garden Route between Cape Town and George, with a stopover in the Winelands. Between George and Knysna passengers have the option of boarding the Railway Museum Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam hauled mixed train.
- A 48-hour, 1600km journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls, via Pietersburg, with a game reserve excursion, including a two-hour historic aircraft flight between Pietersburg and Victoria Falls.
- A 24-hour, 460km journey between Pretoria and Malelane. Included is a 2-hour transfer from Kromatipoort or Malelane through Kruger Park to Skukuza Airport.
- A 55-hour safari between Pretoria and Durban, including game drives in the Kruger National Park, Mkhaya Reserve in Swaziland and Hluhluwe in Zululand.
- An epic journey into the heart of Africa takes place in July every year when Rovos Rail takes up to 68 passengers on a 13 day (6100km) EDWARDIAN SAFARI from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, via Kimberley, Pretoria, the Kruger National Park, Beit Bridge, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Lusaka and through Tanzania to Dar es Salaam. The journey is characterised by various off-train excursions and is destined to become the most famous train journey in the world.
- An annual 3400km journey to Swakopmund in Namibia in May. The train takes 6 nights/7 days to reach Swakopmund with an off-train excursion in Kimberley, a visit to the Fish River Canyon, a city tour and game drive near Windhoek, and an overnight stay at a game lodge in Etosha National Park with two game drives.
- An annual 8-day "African Collage" journey between Pretoria and Cape Town in May/June. This trip takes the train via Maputo, Hluhluwe, Durban, Graaff-Reinet, Oudtshoorn and George with various off-train excursions to Cape Town.
Superb Cuisine & Elegant Ambience
The charming Victorian dining car plays host to breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner each day. All meals are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. At the rear of the train, the observation car seats 32; while the lounge car, in the middle of the train, seats 26 passengers in a smoke-free environment where they can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and conversation with fellow travellers. In accordance with our policy of recreating the romantic era of steam travel there are no radios or television sets on board. A cellular phone is available for emergencies.
Locomotion
Due to environmental concerns, steam locomotion has become increasingly problematic over recent years, with many coal and water stores becoming defunct. Wherever possible (and practical) our trains are drawn by one of our four vintage steam locomotives. However, throughout the journey diesel or electric locomotives will also be used. Rovos Rail will, however, try to ensure that all arrivals and departures in Pretoria are steam hauled.
Station Premises
The Rovos Rail headquarters has now been established as a private station in Capital Park. Located on Paul Kruger Street, a scant 3km north of the city centre, this new facility provides our company and trains with a magnificent home.
City Tours & Entertainment
Rovos Rail has a dedicated tour guide that accompanies train or hotel guests on interesting excursions in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg. Please note that during summer months temperatures can rise to between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius in southern Africa. Be sure to pack sufficiently light clothing and remember to take anti-malarial precautions as advised.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The price includes:
- Accommodation
- All meals enjoyed on board
- Sightseeing outings accompanied by a qualified tour guide
- All alcoholic- and other beverages
- Entrance fees to locations of interest
- 24-hour room service and bar facilities
- Government tax
Staff gratuities are not included and are to be given at each guest's discretion.
Tour Payment: A deposit of 25% of the tour price per person at the time of booking is required to secure confirmation. The remainder of the price is payable eight weeks before departure. (Please note that group bookings of ten or more are subject to different conditions.)
Passports and Visas: Each client is responsible for the validity of all passports and visas they may require to cross country boundaries.
Health: Anti-malaria precautions should be taken before departures for game reserves, Victoria Falls and Dar es Salaam. If you are unsure whether or not a location you will be visiting is within a known malaria danger zone, check with a Rovos Rail representative or consult your private healthcare provider.
Cancellation: Cancellations received more than eight weeks prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the pre-person tour price. Cancellations received between eight and four weeks to departure are subject to forfeiture or the 25% deposit. Cancellations within four weeks of departure are subject to forfeiture of the entire tour price.
Please note: Tour cancellation insurance is recommended.
Conditions: Rovos Rail reserves the right to amend the tour price at any time prior to the written confirmation of the reservation. Rovos Rail further reserves the right to cancel or amend any of the sightseeing excursions or tour departure dates, provided they can offer passengers alternative sightseeing excursions or departure dates where feasible.
Rovos Rail is not responsible for any delays or changes in tour arrangements that might be caused by natural or other factors beyond the control of Rovos Rail. There will be no refunds for any parts of the tour that may be missed due to personal reasons.
Security: There is a guest safe in every suite for the safekeeping of valuable items.
Dress: Rovos Rail wants guests to feel at home, and therefore we recommend comfortable clothes for visits to game reserves and the African bush. Please also bear in mind that it can be extremely hot in summer months. In keeping with the dignified atmosphere of the train, many guests prefer to dress up for dinner and evening attire should therefore also be brought along.
Smoking: Smoking is allowed in most areas of the train, with the exception of the dining cars and centre lounge. We however request that extreme caution be exercised when smoking in the compartments. We further request that guests show consideration for non-smokers in public areas.
General: It is not advisable to lean out of the windows whilst the train is moving. Please bear in mind that steam locomotives emit a considerable amount of soot, which is harmful to the eyes. Should guests lean out of the windows, please use the goggles that are provided for your safety.
Children: Rovos Rail does accommodate children, but we ask parents to be considerate of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain throughout our journeys.
MAP
The Pride of Africa
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you should have any further questions with regard to railway holidays or South African tours.
|
|
|
