Rovos Rail Journey on the Pride of Africa

February 18, 2013 | Updated: October 31, 2014 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More

I’m blessed with friends and family that share my passion for travel, so holiday cards are often replete with descriptions of recent adventures. In 2012, Mary Anne and Joe Curray took the prize (OK, there isn’t actually a prize) with their tale of a 14-day Rovos Rail Journey on the Pride of Africa from Cape Town, South Africa, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

“This trip was virgin territory for us. We chose Rovos Rail’s 14-day tour from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam on a museum train journey which traveled through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. Near the South Africa/Botswana border, we spent two nights at the Tau Game Lodge and in Zimbabwe we spent one night at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Other than that, it was train all the way.”

I had to know more.

The Pride of Africa rail cars capture the romance of a bygone era.

What I learned is that Rovos Rail Journey on the Pride of Africa is one of the most luxurious train trips in the world and that the historic cars attempt to capture the romance of a bygone era. I also found out that Rovos is known for attention to detail and great service.

The spacious suites, ranging from Pullman to Deluxe to Royal, all have ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. In addition, the train travels at a maximum speed of 60km (36 miles) per hour for comfort and good viewing.

There are various routes and lengths of trips. One takes passengers from Pretoria to Cape Town and in as little as 48 hours. Other short trips cover Pretoria to Victoria Falls and Pretoria to Durban. There’s even a golf safari from Pretoria to Sun City and another excursion from Pretoria to Cape Town that gives non-golfers the option of a safari in Kruger National Park.

The Currays enjoyed the14-day journey from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam so much that I wouldn’t be surprised if they were tempted by the 28-day Cape Town to Cairo extravaganza scheduled for 2014. I know I am.

You can check out the various itineraries on the Rovos website and make reservations at reservations@rovos.co.za Another good source of information and assistance: Travels at Leisure, a South African company that specializes in luxury train travel.

Cheers,

Elizabeth Hansen