Two weeks ago Grant and I set off on a much-anticipated adventure on Rovos Rail! It is a trip which was on our bucket list for as long as I can remember – so you can well imagine the excitement!
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Cape Town
The first part of our journey was travelling to Johannesburg from Cape Town, via Kulula Airlines. We then caught the Gautrain, from O.R. Tambo, another first for me, to Pretoria Station. A short taxi ride from the station and we arrived at the Rovos Rail Station, at Capital Park. Capital Park houses the gracious colonial-style station and is also the headquarters for Rovos Rail.
While waiting for the other passengers to arrive, we were able to have a wander around the station. We were eager to see the trains up close and personal.
Rovos Rail
In 1986 Rovos Rail founder, Rohan Vos received the first letter of permission to run a train on the national rail network. The following year, the first loco 2702 BIANCA was rebuilt, along with the first seven carriages. Together they departed on their first journey on 29 April 1989. The Pride of Africa’s magnificent collection of locomotives are all named after Vos family members.
Seeing the beautiful steam locomotives up close was a real treat! I naturally had to haul out my camera and snap a few{well many actually} photographs.
After a glass or two of bubbles, a short welcome speech, and luggage loaded onto the train, it was all systems go.
Life On Board
It was our first overnight trip on a train, and neither of us knew what to expect. I did my research as I usually do and the one thing I did know for sure, was that Rovos Rail is known to be the most luxurious train trip in the world. Bring on the luxury – we were ready!
Once on board, we were shown to our luxurious Deluxe Suite and given a chance to settle in. We then received a briefing from our hostess, Busi, about life onboard the train.
Our suite had a double bed, a small seating area and an en-suite shower room, fitted with a hairdryer and a shaver plug. Each guest is also provided with a dressing gown and slippers to use for the duration of their trip. The beds are incredibly comfortable and fitted with electric blankets, which we used every night!
There is also a bar fridge in the suite, filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
The attention to detail on the train is outstanding; you want for nothing! There is even a laundry service available, which was a good thing, as everything was a bit creased from being in our suitcases.
Not only is your every need catered for but, everything is complimentary, from all drinks and meals to off-train excursions; even the laundry service is on-the-house!
Even though Grant and I have done quite a bit of travelling, this trip was something unique. Once you step through the train doors, you are transported to a different era! The olde-worlde feeling is something somewhat magical. It felt like a second honeymoon.
Meals On Board
Meals on board are a lavish affair. Lunch and dinner include three courses, plus cheese and biscuits. You will not go hungry! Meals are served in the charming Victorian Dining Car. Tables adorned with crisp white tablecloths, the finest silverware and beautiful cut crystal glasses make you feel like royalty.
Lunch and dinner meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines, and there is a pairing suggestion for each course.
All the meals were delicious and paired wonderfully with the wines selected. I was ecstatic to see one of my favourite wines, the Meerlust Pinot Noir, on the wine list!
All the staff were amazingly attentive. Our wine and water glasses were never empty, thanks to the enthusiasm of our wine steward and barman Pieter!
In keeping with the colonial atmosphere on the train, guests are expected to “dress” for dinner. I must admit I was slightly nervous about this aspect, as it has been a while since I donned anything that formal. I opted for trouser suits, with a lovely blouse and Grant, a formal jacket, trousers and a tie. It was lots of fun getting all dressed up; I cannot remember the last time either of us looked so darn good!
High Tea
As well as the standard three meals per day, high tea served at 16h30, for us was less about tea and more about G&T! Tea is served in the Observation Car, which has larger windows than the dining car and a fantastic open-air balcony.
The Observation Car is the perfect spot to relax. Either sit and read in one of the comfy armchairs, mingle with the other guests or sit outside, while sipping a G&T and enjoy the view. As you can imagine, it was one of my favourite places on the train.
That concludes the first part of our amazing Rovos Rail adventure. There is too much to squeeze into one post, so please check back next week for more about our Rovos Rail Journey from Pretoria to Cape Town.
Contact Details
To make a reservation or find out more about the journeys available, please visit the Rovos Rail Website or contact Head Office: + 27 (0) 12 315 8242, Cape Town: + 27 (0) 21 421 4020 or via Email.
Images: ©2010 – 2018 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}
Disclosure
We enjoyed our stay, meals, and activities as guests of Rovos Rail. All information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. These are, however, subject to change at the establishment’s discretion. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
Stunning trip, now on my bucket list too. Beautiful photographs.
Thanks Sarah! 🙂
Wow what an amazing opportunity! I’ve always wanted to do this and hope to still someday.
XoXo One Stiletto At A Time