Sep 16 2010
Luxury Train Travel In South Africa
Its abundance of spectacular scenery, friendly people and unique travel destinations are some of the reasons why an increasing number of tourists visit South Africa & other countries in the Southern African region. Big five safaris and sites of historical or other interest present tourists with a host of unusual opportunity for travel. A wide selection of ways is available to move around and see the region, however luxury train travel is one of the more unusual and elegant. If you seek a different sort of vacation and Southern African experience then you should really investigate this option.
An unusual company that is known for its high standards in South Africa and beyond is Rovos rail. Started in 1989 by Rohan Vos (from whose name the company name is derived), they operate from the meticulously restored Capital Park Station. Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city is just a short distance away.
Trip lengths vary from long expeditions of 2 weeks right down to 24 hour, with many options in between. Aside from special charter trips a variety of regular routes are run. Departing from Pretoria you can go to Cape Town or Durban; or further afield to Victoria Falls or Swakopmund. From Cape Town you can travel along the picturesque Garden Route to the town of George or even to Tanzania’s Dar Es Salaam.
Rovos runs two trains that are regarded by many as the world’s most luxurious. Each train carries up to seventy two passengers in the lap of luxury on a trip that is sure to be unique and unforgettable. The engines used by the company to pull the trains share names with the Vos children; Tiffany, Shaun, Bianca and Brenda.
The rolling stock consists of lovingly restored classic coaches originating from a time when rail travel was both common and elegant. Rovos’s suites are reputed to be the most spacious in the world and range in size from 7 square meters (76 square feet) to 16 square meters (172 square feet).
Private (en-suite fitted) compartments, stylish dining car, observation car & lounge are just some of the facilities offered on the train. Traditional furnishing and period decor add a touch of class and a memories of a bygone era to the observation and dining cars.
There is much more to train travel, even in Africa, than low standard facilities and cramped, uncomfortable carriages. When compared to being rushed along on busy package tours or charging through crowded airports, luxury train travel is a much more elegant and relaxing option.
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