Welcome aboard the African Pride!
With Rovos Rail you travel in style and luxury and the romantic atmosphere of traveling in the distant past comes to the fore again. The time when privileged travelers explored the continent of Africa in a very elegant way.
A train journey where you will play on six beautiful golf courses, for the golf enthusiast this is a true dream journey! South Africa passes by … but there are also numerous excursions where game drive and wildlife are not forgotten. There is an adapted program for the non-golfer.
The train
Rovos Rail has two classic 20-compartment trains, called the ‘Prides of Africa’, each of which seats 72 passengers. There is also a third Edwardian train, which can accommodate 42 passengers and can be used throughout the year as a special charter.
All the coupes of the different trains, from kitchen coupé to suite coupé, have their own story. A number of coupes were built in Europe in 1911 and shipped to South Africa. Some coupes have transported royal ones, others have been converted into roadside restaurants or have been found neglected on the side of a switch track. The coupes have been collected throughout the country and are now part of the 75 beloved coupes from Rovos Rail. The compartments have been restored to perfection, with the wooden panels, the traditional furniture and the decor from the past having restored the atmosphere of splendor and elegance.
The excellent Dining Coupés are the showpiece of Rovos Rail. Every Dining coupé has its own proud history and has been renovated in detail. Dining Coupé No 195 Shangani, for example, was found in 1986 on the side of an alternating track in Alberton near Johannesburg.
Each train has two 42-person Dining Coupes, where a total of 72 people can comfortably sit. At the end of the trains there is a smoke-free Observation Coupé, with a small smoking lounge attached to it. Special details in the Observation Coupé are the enlarged windows and the open-air balconies. Here you can enjoy the fantastic view of the landscape through which you travel.
The coupés
The renovated coupes are spacious and offer all necessary conveniences and comfort. The luxury two-person suites have beautiful wooden panels and details dating from the Edwardian period of 1900 and are air-conditioned.
All suites have a choice of twin beds or a spacious double bed and are equipped with writing furniture and a safe for your valuables.
There is also a minibar stocked with drinks of your choice. Room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en-suite bathroom, the original fittings are combined with the modern technology of a hot shower, hairdryer and electrical shaver sockets.
The Royal Suite (+/- 16 square meters) is half a coupe in size and is spacious and elegant. The Royal Suites have their own private living room, bathroom with a Victorian bath and a separate shower.
The Deluxe Suites (+/- 11 square meters) is also a double suite with twin beds or double bed, living room, bathroom with shower.
The Pullman Suite (+/- 7 square meters) has a bathroom that is identical to that of the Deluxe Suite, but the size of the bedroom is smaller. There is a choice of bunk beds for the separate sleeping arrangement or a double bed. During the day, the bed can be folded into a comfortable seating furniture.
The price on our website is based on a stay in the Pullman Suite. At an additional cost you can also stay in a Deluxe Suite or a Royal Suite. Ask us about the possibilities.
Cuisine and Service
An authentic team of chefs is responsible for the important task of creating and planning the menus that will meet all your expectations. The emphasis is on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are the specialty.
A full English breakfast of your choice is served every morning. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pasta, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals and jams are part of the tempting breakfast buffet.
During lunch and dinner, a starter and main course is reserved where you can choose from fish, meat or vegetarian, followed by a tempting dessert
The dishes are complimented by an excellent selection of South African wines. All meals are served during one joint session in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars.
Meals on board are served according to the following times (depending on activities / excursions):
7:00 am – 10:00 am breakfast
13:00 lunch
4:30 pm tea
7:30 pm dinner
Clothing
In the train, clothing wear during the day is smart casual. However, in the evenings during dinner, you are requested to wear formal clothes. Men must at least wear a jacket and tie and for ladies a cocktail / evening dress or suit is proposed.
Golfers must wear appropriate golf clothing (no t-shirts, jeans, training pants, etc.). Golf shoes with soft spikes are preferred at most clubs. If ladies want to wear shorts while playing golf, they must be at least knee-long.
Departure dates:
15 May 2019 and 30 October 2019.