The Carriages
Rovos Rail's coaches were gathered from sidings and scrapyards in every corner of South Africa, then rebuilt from the frames up. What arrived as a rusting shell leaves the workshops at Capital Park in Pretoria with fine wood panelling, period fittings and the kind of craftsmanship that has largely disappeared from modern trains.
The result is a train that feels like a country house on rails rather than a hotel that happens to move. The Pride of Africa carries a maximum of 72 guests in 36 suites, looked after by a crew of around 30, which is roughly one member of staff for every two guests. Details of the accommodation are on our suites page.
The Lounge and Observation Cars
Each train has one or two lounge cars. When guest numbers call for it, a lounge car sits at the centre of the train seating 26, with the small gift shop alongside it. Next to the observation car is a smoking lounge seating eight, the only public space on board where smoking is allowed.
The observation car takes up the rear of the train and seats 32. Rovos sought and were granted permission by South African Railways to run these cars at the back, which meant the windows could be enlarged and an open-air balcony built at the very end. It is the best seat on the train. Stand at the rail with a drink as the track unwinds behind you, the air smelling of dust and thorn scrub, and you understand why people book these journeys again and again.
These are the places where the journey becomes sociable. Afternoon tea in the lounge car, a gin and tonic before dinner, a chat with the hostesses about what is coming up tomorrow, and the guide books and maps to look through as the country goes past.
Dining
Food matters a great deal on this train. The chefs plan the menus around fresh local ingredients, and traditional South African dishes, game among them, are a speciality. All meals are served in a single sitting in the two dining cars, which seat 42 each, in an atmosphere of fine china, crisp linen and silver.
Breakfast is cooked to order, alongside a buffet of cold meats, croissants and pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals and preserves. Lunch and dinner each bring a starter, a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian main course, and a dessert, matched with South African wines. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge car, and special diets can be catered for if you tell us when you book.
What the Fare Includes
Rovos Rail journeys are fully inclusive. All meals are included, as are drinks throughout the journey, covering South African wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, teas and coffees. International sparkling wine is the main exception and is charged separately. Off-train excursions are included in the fare too, as is laundry on the longer journeys.
Dress
During the day, dress is relaxed. Cool, comfortable clothes and a hat are sensible for the excursions, particularly in the game reserves, where it can be very hot. Evenings are more formal, and most guests enjoy dressing for dinner. A jacket and tie is the minimum for gentlemen, and an evening or cocktail dress or a suit is right for ladies. Full details are on our general information page.
No Screens
In keeping with the spirit of an older way of travelling, there are no radios or televisions on board, and mobile phones and laptops are kept to the privacy of the suites. It takes a day or so to adjust, and then most people find they do not want the screens back. The view out of the window is the entertainment, and the other guests turn out to be rather good company.