Trains are the most agreeable, comfortable and relaxing of any form of long distance travel. Whether you are seeking spectacular scenery, luxurious carriages, heritage steam trains or epic long-distance journeys, perhaps aboard a sleeper, there is no better perspective on the world than from a railway carriage.
From the rhythmic hum of metal wheels on welded rails to ever-changing panoramas beyond the window, few journeys evoke the glamour and elegance of a bygone era as deftly as luxury train travel in Africa.
Trains remind us of the golden age of travel. Of journeys packed with nostalgia, charming comforts and a little old-world sparkle. And luxury train travel in South Africa, in particular, has seen something of a revival over the past two decades. Today, a few five-star options confidently rattle along tracks throughout the Cape Winelands, the beloved Karoo, game reserves and brilliant historical regions, making for an unprecedented travel experience like no other.
One of the most popular train routes that run throughout the country, falls between the bustling cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. This route covers a lengthy portion of the South African countryside in style and top-class comfort, allowing you to be well rested and refreshed upon your arrival at your respective destination. Below are three of African Travel Gateway’s best options for luxury train travel in South Africa. We can assist you in planning your entire trip by train or to incorporate sections by rail into your itinerary.
Notorious for its elegance and extravagance, the grandeur of the Rovos Rail epitomises luxury train travel at its finest. Amble your way back towards the Victorian days with the help of the train’s glamourous vintage carriages and lounges finished with sleek wood-panelling and winged back chairs. Guests will also indulge in a first-class dining experience with excellent cuisine, in an amiable pre-1940s atmosphere.
An overview of the itineraries offered by Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail offers extravagant elegance rail travel through Africa. Regular destinations include Cape Town, Durban and Victoria Falls. Multi-day annual train journeys take in South Africa, Namibia and go as far as Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Rovos Rail features elegant lounges, a dining car and an observation car. The suites are spacious and elegantly appointed, each with its own bathroom.
More about the suites and compartments?
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars (±42 seats), a lounge car (±26 seats), small gift shop, smoking lounge (±11 seats) and observation car (±32 seats) with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites available – Pullman (7sqm), Deluxe (10sqm) and Royal (16sqm) – offer passengers privacy and comfort with double or twin beds and fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard.
All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen, and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.
Rovos welcomes all travelers – singles, couples, and groups. The dining cars are made up of two-seaters and four-seaters where guests eat together or individually. Their lounge and observation cars – with their big picture windows, sofas, and booths – make for great mingling areas or quiet corners to while away the days.
Many of their passengers enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Days onboard are smart casual while evening attire is more formal. On long journeys, enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Meals are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. The bar menu is comprehensive although special items such as French Champagne would need to be requested in advance. Breakfast: 07:00-10:00 • Lunch: 13:00 • Tea: 16:30 • Formal Dinner: 19:30. Bar service is from 07:00-±01:00. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the itineraries.
What to wear
Think of the train as a moving upscale resort or a luxurious land-based cruise liner. The dress code is smart-casual for men and women – this is not a ‘let it all hang out’ venue. For excursions, have comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Flat shoes are easiest for moving around on the train when it is in motion.
Dinner has a ‘cocktail’ dress code. Men are expected to wear a jacket and tie while women should wear a dressy cocktail number. It really adds to the sophisticated ambiance for everyone to ‘dress up’ and make an effort.
Don’t worry about how much pack: each suite can easily accommodate several suitcases and obviously there’s no weight limit. If you are going on safari or Rovos Air, both of which have strict luggage limits, ask me to arrange storage for your extra bags.
Depending on your itinerary, the train will stop at various points so passengers can enjoy a round of golf, a game drive, or a tour of a local attraction like the Victorian town of Matjiesfontein or the Big Hole at Kimberley. All off-train excursions are guided and you will be able to buy mementoes along the way. If you are venturing out of South Africa, your excursions could include game drives and a visit to the Victoria Falls.
Once back on board, savour a drink in the open-air observation car, which is the last carriage on the train and a firm favourite with all passengers. The non-smoking lounge has a small library, and classic board and card games – or head to your suite for a much-welcome afternoon nap.
Why do people choose luxury train travel?
In an age where every aspect of our modern lives have been taken over by electronic devices and social media, what better way than to disconnect, relax, and rediscover a distant era of elegant travel aboard a vintage luxury train.
This celebrated style of travel can transport you to some of Africa’s most exciting destinations in unforgettable style, allowing you to relive the days of high tea, dressing up for dinner and watching the landscape gently unfold before you.
