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.

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.

CUISINE & SERVICE
Simple Elegant & Entertaining
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests every need is catered for, while considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus. Unlike many of the great trains of the world, travellers are on board the trains for several days at a time, requiring a much wider selection of meals. There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty.

Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly.

Dress
During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot.

The Train
The Observation Car seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which seats 26 passengers in comfort. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard.

CAPITAL PARK - Headquarters of Rovos Rail

The gracious colonial-style railway station, Capital Park, just north of Pretoria, serves as an elegant departure and arrival stage for Rovos Rail journey. The once derelict locomotive yard is now a permanent base for the world’s most luxurious train.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Rovos Rail Head Office, P.O. Box 2837, Pretoria 0001, Gauteng South Africa
Tel: (+27-12) 3158242 Fax: (+27-12) 3230843
E-Mail:

Rovos Rail Cape Town, P.O. Box 50241, Waterfront Cape Town, 8002
Tel: (+27-21) 421 4020 Fax: (+27-21) 421 4022
E-Mail:

Australia Jennifer Vos, Tel: +61 2 6687 2774 Fax: +61 2 6687 2775

Germany Mary De RidderTel: +49 2837 664 9811 Fax:+49 2837 664 9815

United Kingdom, Robert Schaerer, Tel: +44 207 228 8283 Fax: +44 207 228 8316

United States, Henry Kartagener, Tel: +1 631 858 1270 Fax: +1 631 858 1279

Rovos Rail
Pretoria
Gauteng
South Africa