Tags
Africa, Animal safari, Hwange National Park, Pretoria, Rovos Rail, South Africa, Tropic of Capricorn, Zimbabwe
Three nights’ on a private train in Africa
After spending just over a week in Zimbabwe and Botswana, my friend Jenny and I took the Rovos Rail, a private railway company that operates out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, from Zimbabwe to Pretoria over three nights.
source: www.trainsafaris.com/rovos-rail-victoria-falls.html
We began our adventure on Christmas Eve morning by meeting the train at Victoria Falls private railway station which is opposite the Victoria Falls Hotel. We were checked in by the Rovos staff and our bags were taken by porters onto the train. This afforded us the opportunity to walk around the hotel’s gardens. The hotel is Edwardian style and was built in 1904 and the grounds are pretty spectacular [not that you can tell that from my photos].Inside is pretty stunning too…The grounds also have a stunning view of the spray from Victoria Falls and the bridge that marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.After a complimentary glass of champagne and a briefing on our impending travel, we boarded our train and within minutes had departed.
My friend and I each chose a Pullman Suite which has a very comfortable sofa during the day which then converts to a double bed for the evening [every evening once the bed is made by the wonderful staff, there would be a lovely little surprise; a small box of chocolates, a small bottle of champagne or a Christmas gift – I loved this!!]. There is also a small bar fridge filled with your beverages of choice. The suite also has an en-suite bathroom with shower. Before we departed the chef and his team came and spoke to me about my dietary requirements – a lovely personal touch.
There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a speciality; of course not for me. Every morning there’s a full breakfast as well as dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals and preserves make up the breakfast buffet.
For lunch and dinner there is a starter then a choice of fish, meat or a vegetarian dish, followed by a dessert and these are complemented by a selection of really good South African wines. Dress code for the train is smart casual during the day and evening attire is more formal – for the men a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for us ladies a cocktail/evening dress or suit is required.
And to celebrate Christmas, the train was decked out with Christmas decorations in each of the common areas and dining cart…a lovely touch! One afternoon I walked up to the one of the two lounge cars; this one being near the rear of the train. It was 4pm and afternoon tea was being served. Fruit, biscuits, petit fours and small sandwiches are on offer along with whatever beverages you wish.
I had just finished two books lent to me by a friend so I borrowed one of the train’s to enjoy during the rest of my journey. It wasn’t that good but gave me something to read.I managed to take some photos of African homes and the countryside.Positioned at the rear of the train past the lounge car is the observation car which can seat thirty-two passengers. It’s a lovely area to sit and watch where the train is travelling and of course see that lovely countryside. Permission was sought and granted by South African Railways to place the observation cars at the back of the trains, which allowed windows to be enlarged and an open air type balcony to be built. During the trip we passed along the edge of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve travelling south-east to Kennedy Siding for an overnight stop.
On Christmas morning we woke very early and disembarked for a game drive at The Hide. As we disembarked the locals were waiting for us selling their wares.We saw zebra, giraffe, elephant and many unusual and beautiful birds…
After the safari we stopped off at a small campsite where the staff had set up a wonderful hot and cold morning tea – so enjoyable and as I didn’t get up for 5am breakfast, I tucked into some lovely food and a cup of tea.
Then when we arrived back at the train, our wonderful staff had again set up tables but this time with champagne and orange juice to celebrate Christmas day – lovely!We then head for Bulawayo whilst Jenny and I exchanged Christmas presents – nice to do this on a train! We then crossed the Botswana border at Plumtree during the evening and in the morning we travelled south through Francistown and on towards Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. A short time later we crossed the South African border and lunch is served as the train passes through the farmlands of the Marico Valley.
We then head over the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, whilst we enjoyed dinner after which we pulled into Krugersdorp for our overnight stop – no rocking to get to sleep on our last night…but a lovely sunset from my suite’s window.Finally [and sadly] we arrive in Pretoria on the day after Boxing Day around mid-morning. A lovely surprise to see Mr Rovos himself waiting to welcome all the passengers. I still had my train legs (bit wobbly) for some time after disembarking the train.
What a worthwhile experience; one I shall not forget!
vinneve said:
Wow! that’s an adventure I haven’t tried yet… spending nights on the train and Africa!
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thetimelessvoyagers said:
This looks absolutely incredible! Loved the observation cart and the fact that the beds are made for you (appreciating the small things). Thanks for a great read 🙂
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The Snow Melts Somewhere said:
That train looks so posh!!! And you get to see the views from a window from such a vast area. Would love to do a trip like this! Do the trains ever get attacked, I wonder?
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sileas said:
This train is gorgeous – it has everything! I love the idea of the observation car, I could probably sit there for hours 😉
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Gary said:
That old architecture is amazing.
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Sophie said:
A dream journey!! How luxurious was that train. Also, I think i would have sat at the back of the train very often if I had a chance to take this trip! I love train trips, and I am delighted to read your post, I imagine you girls in your evening dress having dinner, wine and champagne with fine people around, enjoying the time of your life. Once again, this IS indeed one of “Sue’s fabulous travel”.
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Emma Cownie said:
Wow!!! What luxury! So beautiful – the train and the landscape. Nothing like my experience of sleeping on a train when I went inter-railing around Europe in the late 80s.
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Little Miss Traveller said:
What a marvellous way to spend Christmas Sue and to exchange festive gifts. The train looks so beautiful and I loved the observation coach at the rear to admire the passing landscape. Did it ever get busy. I like the formality and sense of occasion of dressing for dinner and your wood panelled Pullman suites, absolutely gorgeous. What memories for you to cherish and look back on! I had no knowledge of this rail journey so thank you for bringing it to my attention, I’d love to do this one day, I can dream! Hope you have a good weekend, Marion.
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mavimet said:
I loved getting to see your train ride – what a fabulous experience to be able to see so much variety on this trip.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Yes it was pretty special thanks Vinneve.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
How lovely are you. Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. But yes it was a fab trip!!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi. Train was definitely so posh. I haven’t heard of the trains getting attached at all which is good.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
The train was so gorgeous and that observation car was so lovely and not crowded at all times which was great.
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Amy said:
What an adventure, Sue! The train looks luxurious.
Beautiful photos of these special birds and creatures. 🙂
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steveo said:
Wow! The only thing missing is Agatha Cristie. 🚂
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Rosie said:
That sounds like such a lovely experience – I especially like the look of the open-air observation carriage at the rear of the train! I’m sure that’ll be a Christmas to remember in years to come.
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Isabelle said:
What a lovely train trip! I love train tours but have yet to experience something as adorable as this. Beautiful Christmas decorations. The staff are so attentive.
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JohnRH said:
Wow! What a treat. Beautiful train. And a safari! Oh my!!
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Lignum Draco said:
This sounds so fabulous. There’s something very old fashioned, romantic, yet James Bond like about a great multiday and overnight train voyage. I’m jealous.
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Simone said:
An amazing holiday Sue, so much to see and experience. I loved reading this and your photography made it all the more enjoyable. I can’t wait for your next adventure! Xx
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
You have summed up exactly how it was Sophie. What a trip!!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Yes I bet that was completely different Emma. Ha ha. But still a fabulous experience for you of course.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi M. The first time o went to the observation coach there were no free seats so I sat inside and had some afternoon tea the. All of a sudden everyone left and I was out there just with one other person. It was so lovely.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Mavis. It’s funny I hadn’t even heard of the train until my friend said she wanted to catch it when planning our trip. Thank goodness I have now been on it. What an experience. I am actually also taking the TransSiberian one from Beijing to Moscow in September…can’t wait.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Amy. Those birds were really lovely to see as I hadn’t seen any of them before.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Ha ha. So true. Actually I did go and see the movie ‘murder on the orient express’ before I left just to get some idea of what the train would be like. Luckily no Murder on mine!!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Rosie. I loved the observation cart too. Very special.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi Isabelle. The staff were fabulous. So attentive and treated each of us so well. We all left tips to be shared amongst the staff to thank them.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi thanks as always John.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
It definitely was a special trip. One I don’t think I I will forget.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
You are a lovely girl Simone. Thank you. Xx
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wheretoeatabuja said:
Fantastic post. I would love to get the opportunity to experience this train journey one day. Thank you for sharing and I very much look forward to your next experience.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Oh how lovely are you. Thank you so much.
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Wammyspeaks said:
I cant wait to go to Africa
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JoHanna Massey said:
Oh this was certainly a BIG Adventure! I thought the Victoria Falls Hotel won hands down as one of the most beautiful spaces you have visited….until I saw the train. I adore trains and this one is just so luxurious. Not one detail seems to have been overlooked whether the outdoor viewing car, and the plush chairs and books to borrow Your photos are simply excellent, and your descriptions full and rich and I’m so happy that you and your friend shared this experienced and you chose to share it with this excellent photo/essay.Thank you.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Yes it’s definitely worth a visit.
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reocochran said:
I love this latest tour on a private train, the Edwardian style hotel and that amazing spectacle of spray from the Victoria Falls! Wow, Sue!
The spray holds glowing, rainbows. 🌈
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
What a beautiful comment. You are really lovely. Thank you J.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
It was pretty special I must say R. Thanks so much.
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reocochran said:
You’re so welcome, Sue. Thanks for your sharing the worldwide photos. I live vicariously through your views.
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Wammyspeaks said:
So I’ve been told. They say its everything
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sidran said:
What a wonderful trip! The personal touches made it special. I associate train journeys with mystery and romance. Lucky girl!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
I am smiling reading your comment as I regard myself as very lucky too. Thank you Sidran.
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reocochran said:
I was here to say your train post next year could coordinate with the US celebration of National Train Day. ❤️ 🚂
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Cherryl said:
Ypur photos are brilliant 😊
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you SO much Cherryl. Very kind of you to say.
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Cherryl said:
Pls excuse the typo 😆 (the brain hasn’t been the same these last couple of weeks!!)
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