Riding the Rails
For many of our parents, train travel was a way of life. It was a connection to relatives far away and a lifeline to children in boarding schools all over the country. And while it was considered “normal” back then, many of them look back wistfully to the days of riding the rails and having the luxury to sit and watch the world glide past their window. Thankfully, the romantic world of train travel still exists and passengers on Rovos Rail get to experience firsthand what it means to enjoy the journey just as much, if not more, than the destination.
Rovos Rail offers a wonderful assortment of picturesque journeys all over South Africa, its neighbouring countries, and even as far afield as Cairo. But irrespective of which adventure guests choose to embark on, all begin with the warm welcome of the Rovos staff and the excitement of exploring the train for the first time.
All of the carriages, locomotives, dining cars and lounge cars that make up Rovos’ Pride of Africa trains are restored originals, dating anywhere from the late 19th century to the mid 20th, ensuring a truly authentic experience from the glory days of train travel.
All of the train’s suites come complete with an en suite bathroom. These still contain the copper piping and stainless steel basins of yesteryear, but also come kitted out with all the requisite luxury mod cons, from heaters and shaving plugs to hair dryers, hot showers and even traditional Victorian baths for those lucky enough to travel in the top of the range Royal suites.
In homage to traditional train cabins of old, the Pullman suites boast sofa seats that fold down into beds at night. Those who prefer the option of an afternoon snooze can elect to stay in a Royal or Deluxe suite instead. These come with double or single beds already laid out, as well as a separate seating area for that mid-morning cup of tea.
All suites boast a fully stocked minibar, as well as snacks to nibble on, but most guests prefer to make use of the train’s observation car to truly drink in the spectacular views whizzing past. Comfy armchairs, the attentive service of the resident barman, and large picture windows make this the ideal spot to read a book, swap train stories with the other passengers, or just to partake in that favourite activity of train life: gazing out the window. An open air balcony section at the rear, as well as fully opening windows throughout the train (a rarity these days), allows guests to feel the wind in their hair, which is a necessary joy for anyone reliving the train journeys of their youth.
Another favourite part of train life is the food, and meals in the beautifully restored dining car do not disappoint. Immaculate white linen, crystal glasses and silver service all add to the effect, as does candlelight and elegant attire in the evenings. Breakfast is a sumptuous buffet affair of fresh fruit and yoghurts, cheese platters and hot breakfasts. One has to make a decided effort not to get too carried away, since three course lunches and dinners are still to follow. The menus for these exhibit a decided South African influence (think Springbok and milk tart), but dished up with ingenious five-star culinary flair that will have you asking for seconds (which of course you are entitled to do).
The slow pace of life on board, full bellies and the rhythmic rocking of the carriages ensures that guests become increasingly loathe to leave the comfort of the train, but an array of interesting excursions on each journey are worth the effort of disembarking. From Namibia’s sand covered ghost town of Kolmanskop, to the spectacular Victoria Falls, these excursions provide guests with the opportunity to experience some of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations.
That said, there are not many Rovos Rail passengers who, upon arriving at their eventual destinations – and after being seduced by life on the rails – would not happily hop right back on board and head all the way back again!
Rovos Rail runs a host of train journeys throughout Southern Africa. These range from three day trips between Cape Town and Pretoria to the ultimate African experience of 14 days from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. Visit http://www.rovos.com/ for more information. Email reservations@rovos.com or call +27 12 315 8242 for bookings and last minute special deals.
The St James Manor
For Rovos Rail guests either embarking or disembarking in Cape Town, a stay at Rovos’ stately St James Manor – a five-star seaside retreat in Kalk Bay – is highly recommended. Guests have a choice of six elegant suites, most with sea views and each individually decorated with comfort and understated style in mind. The St James is within easy walking distance from the quaint village of Kalk Bay, which is equally famous for its quirky antique and bric-a-brac shops as it is for its fishermen and their catch. For more information on St James Manor contact +27 21 788 4543 or visit http://www.rovos.com/.
Story by Rebecca Johnson
