ROVOS
RAIL |
By
Russ Weston
CEO
Date of Visit:
October 2004 |
Mike and I together with our
lovely wives were recently hosted on the Pride of
Africa rail 48 hour journey between Cape Town and
Pretoria. Claimed as “the most luxurious train
in the world,” Rovos Rail was created high
expectations.
We enjoyed the recreation of the vintage train experience,
a relaxed and slow mode of transportation from Cape
Town to Pretoria.
We appreciated the excellent service with great
attention to details; the all-inclusive format;
the classic décor, especially the antique
1920’s and 1930’s dining cars; the beautiful
custom made crystal glassware, dinnerware and silverware;
the banning of cellular phone use in common areas;
the comfortable observation and lounge cars.
The staff is friendly and pleasant, working hard
to ensure our comfort. Though it was not an issue
for us, the old style train ride with frequent rocking
and noise made getting around and sleeping difficult
for some.
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It is not simply the polished mahogany,
spacious cabins, clean sheets, hot showers and fresh flowers
that make this the most wonderful train. It is also the
delightful way in which you are looked after by teams
of real professionals from the cup of tea in the early
morning until the last glass of brandy at night.
If you include incidentals such as a daily laundry service
and a blissfully comfortable, glassed observation car
with sofas and armchairs where drinks, tea or coffee are
served all day then you begin to understand why this train
has such a reputation for excellence.
The journey offers the visitor, a slice of life of South
Africa, as we pass through some of the lesser known towns
and landscapes.
More energetic travellers may find the rail trip a bit
long winded.
We would recommend that prospective travellers take the
south bound route which ends in Cape Town. At least one
ends the journey on a high note in a worthy destination. |
