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Rovos Rail.
The
Train
Step aboard the Pride of Africa
Since its establishment in 1989,
Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly
world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled
coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition
- and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most
varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture
the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged
travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a
relaxed and elegant fashion.The trains - which may be hauled by
steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the
journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly
appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the
historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive
yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private
railway company.
The Suites
World Class Comfort and Style
The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train
suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and
comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling and
period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites
accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious
double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for
valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled
with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is
available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original
fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair
dryers and shaver plugs. The Royal Suites, each of which take up
half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring 16 sq
metres in size (172 sq ft). Each has its own private lounge area
and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The
Deluxe suites (11 sq metres/118 sq feet) also accommodate two
passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area
and en-suite bathroom with shower. A third level of
accommodation, the Pullman suite is 7 square metres (76 sq ft)
in size and while it includes the identical bathroom to that of
the deluxe suites, the bedroom is smaller with a one up one down
bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During
the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch. |
Slide Show, click to show picture
Slide Show, click to show picture
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The Coaches
A Superb Collection of Restored
Coaches
Rovos Rail operates two classic 20-coach, 72 berth trains as
well as a third 13-coach, 42-berth Edwardian train which is
available year round for charter. Each one of these
carriages, from kitchen cars to sleeper coaches and guards
vans, has its own story. A few dating back to 1911 were
constructed in Europe and shipped to South Africa in the
first half of the last century. Some carriages have carried
royalty, while others have ended up serving as restaurants
or lying derelict and forgotten on sidings for decades.
These coaches have been collected from the far corners of
the country and are now cherished members of the Rovos fleet
of 75 carriages. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt
and the use fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and
period décor has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and
grandeur. Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of
the Rovos Rail trains. Each one has a proud history and has
been meticulously restored from a derelict state. For
example Dining Car No 195 ‘ Shangani ‘, which was built in
1924, was found parked in a siding in Alberton near
Johannesburg before its acquisition by Rohan Vos in 1986.
Three of the magnificent teak pillars had been removed and
these were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victorian
atmosphere. Each of the trains has two 42-seater dining cars
to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in
total comfort at one sitting. Each train has a non-smoking
Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach
next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature
of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air
balconies. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers
dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which houses the Gift
Shop. |
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