I had been planning to make such a trip for many years, but something always got in the way. Last year, everything was ready, but professional matters thwarted the plans. Finally, it happened! I went to South Africa.
Johannesburg and the famous The Saxon hotel, Villas & Spa
Most people would probably associate such an African adventure with safari, untamed nature, wild animals, and endless desert. However, out of spite, I wanted to taste a different South Africa. I have read so much about her, heard so many stories. As safari expeditions, cheetah tracking and following lion tracks are familiar to me and I have had the opportunity to participate in them many times, this time I decided to get to know this slightly different side. Africa surprised me once again.
I started my journey with one night in The Saxon, Villas & Spa hotel in Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela himself lived there at one time, and frequent guests include: Bill Clinton (famous cigar lover, former US president), Oprah Winfrey and many other famous personalities. In the evening, at the invitation of my friends from Johannesburg, we went for dinner to one of the restaurants in the city center. If you want to eat a tasty and real steak - only in Africa!
The pride of Africa – Rovos Rail
The next day, after resting at the Saxon Hotel, I was transported in a comfortable limousine to Pretoria, less than an hour's drive away. The most fascinating stage of my adventure began there. A bit off the beaten track, in a slightly industrial environment, there is a small, very charming and unique railway station. Only one train leaves, but what a train!
The most luxurious train in the world, The pride of Africa – Rovos Rail. As soon as I got out of the car, a smiling lady in an impeccably tailored uniform was waiting for me with a glass of champagne. The butler immediately took care of my luggage, and I went to the station building in a great mood. Other travel participants were already waiting in the cozy and beautifully furnished waiting room, arranged like a lobby in a luxury hotel. There can be a maximum of 72 lucky winners. Therefore, it is best to make reservations for travel on this train several months in advance. As for long, 9- or 14-day routes, do so at least a year in advance! Travel is not cheap and nor should it be. For years, there have always been more people interested than places on board.
Ready for your journey?
My adventure was supposed to last, unfortunately only three days. This is one of the shortest and most common routes. The destination was Cape Town. I was placed in a Deluxe cabin, with a comfortable and large double bed. It is decorated very elegantly and stylishly. I had all the amenities that a luxury hotel suite can offer. Naturally, your own bathroom with shower. Everything in slightly smaller proportions than usual in hotels, but very comfortable - let's not forget that it is a train. Care was taken to provide sets of cosmetics and daily hygiene products, packed in elegant cosmetic bags with the Rovos Rail logo. My luggage was already waiting for me in the cabin. All that remained was to unpack, hang up my things in the closet, and give my shirts to Butler for ironing. A moment later, the chef himself visited me, accompanied by a smiling lady from the staff, carefully noting down my culinary preferences. I felt as if I was the only, the most important guest on board a wonderful hotel on wheels.
All the time, even for a moment, I was aware and excited that I was participating in something special. It was clear from the faces of the other participants of the trip that they were also touched by this atmosphere. What else fascinated and pleased me was that the travelers were a real mix of many nations and very diverse in age. So I didn't feel strange, too young or too old. Rovos Rail enthusiasts come from all continents.
Rovos Rail and what awaits you along the way
Believe me, such a trip is a unique form of exploring Africa (and not only that, similar trains on other continents are offered by Luxury Travel). The train covers distances at night so that guests can wake up in a new place the next morning. During the trip, interesting stops, trips, safaris with wild animals in national parks, golf, cultural evenings and many other attractions are organized. All this, depending on the route you choose.
You can visit the now closed, once largest diamond mine in the world with the largest "hole" in the ground made by human hands - Big Hole. It is a very interesting place with an amazing history. It was the cause of many tragedies, hides many legends, but it was also the seed of countless fortunes, joy and tears of happiness. There, in the treasury, you can see beautiful, real diamonds and replicas of the most famous and largest diamonds ever mined. However, the train ride itself is also an amazing experience. Fascinating, living images moving outside the window in your own compartment or in a viewing carriage, half of them in a convertible version. On the route we pass animals, endless steppes and savannahs, beautiful vineyards, but also cities, villages and slum settlements. We have the opportunity to observe beautiful natural surroundings, as well as everyday life, houses, both modern and comfortable, but also poor and dingy ones.
From the windows of Rovos Rail we can see Africa as it really is…
Colorful, picturesque and joyful, beautiful and friendly, but also its sad and dark side. There are no censors in this film, on the screens of our windows we learn something that no film or guidebook can provide us with. We can see the true soul of this fascinating and mysterious country and continent. What is exceptionally nice is that when traveling by Rovos Rail train, we experience these observations and experiences while sitting in a comfortable armchair, with a glass of good cognac and, if we like, enjoying the taste of an excellent cigar. Professional and very friendly train staff will take care of this and many other luxurious extras. All for one purpose - to make our trip perfect!
Due to my further plans to explore Africa, I was only on board Rovos Rail for three days. I managed to take a trip to Big hole and visit a charming, colonial settlement on the route, with a nice-sounding name - Matjesfontein. I spent the rest of the time relaxing in one of the train's two restaurants, serving incredibly exquisite and tasty dishes. There are also two well-stocked bars, two lounges and a lounge for smokers.
Rovos Rail is a wonderful and luxurious "time machine". It allows us to go back to another era and feel the charm of colonial Africa. It is also a perfect place to make new, international friends, experience a fascinating adventure and amazing experiences. I highly recommend this time travel!
After three days we arrived in Cape Town. After a ceremonial farewell to the train staff, a personal driver was waiting for me, in whose friendly company I went to the next stage of my journey. But I will write about this next time. For those who are impatient, just call or write to me and I will be happy to tell you what happened next.
Our personal advisors will also answer your questions and organize an unforgettable, tailor-made trip.
Author: Marek Mazur
