The Most Luxurious Train Ride in the world

[Texas Star]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo_ng1S2OxE[/ame]

Not to step on the other train topic here, I thought I'd post this link to view a ride on the Rovos Rail train from Pretoria to Cape Town. Yes, in South Africa.

I think this is what was once called the Blue Train, and it's billed as the most luxurious train ride in the world.

I know we have some train buffs who'll enjoy this. This in NOT the video link I posted in the other train topic today. This is longer, and you get a look at the meals, inc. the menu and wine list. These are impressive. Note that one meal features filets of ostrich! Looks like a dark meat, and probably goes best with a red wine.

There's a stop at Kimberly, where you see the Big Hole of the mine and there's a diamond museum.

Enjoy!

 

[FredBart]

Rovos Rail is a separate company from the Blue Train. The Blue Train is operated by the South African government. Rovos is independent and uses restored railway cars and locomotives.

 

[Onomea]

The exterior and interior of the cars are beautiful!

 

[Texas Star]

Rovos Rail is a separate company from the Blue Train. The Blue Train is operated by the South African government. Rovos is independent and uses restored railway cars and locomotives.

Thanks. How would you compare the two? Have you ridden on either?

I'll look for Blue Train videos.

 

[FredBart]

My wife and I went on the shortest Rovos train trip about ten years ago. It was a three day trip, ending in Pretoria. The food and accommodations were wonderful. Food, alcohol drinks and Cuban cigars are included.

The thing is, you only travel a few hundred miles in three days. The train does not move at night. Every time that you leave your cabin, you are required to lower steel window shutters to protect against theft and vandalism. The last car ( the bar car) has an open end for observation. Any time the train stops, that open end is sealed off to protect against crime.

Rovos rail offers trips up to 21 days that travel up the continent of Africa. I have friends who have done that trip and friends that have gone on the Blue Train. Everyone enjoyed their experiences.

Incidentally, the Kimberly mine and tour were fantastic. A motor coach takes the passengers from the rail siding to the mine tour. The mine pit is miles deep and there is a walkway with a perfect overview. That this hole was dug by men and mules is a wonder.

 

[Texas Star]

My wife and I went on the shortest Rovos train trip about ten years ago. It was a three day trip, ending in Pretoria. The food and accommodations were wonderful. Food, alcohol drinks and Cuban cigars are included.

The thing is, you only travel a few hundred miles in three days. The train does not move at night. Every time that you leave your cabin, you are required to lower steel window shutters to protect against theft and vandalism. The last car ( the bar car) has an open end for observation. Any time the train stops, that open end is sealed off to protect against crime.

Rovos rail offers trips up to 21 days that travel up the continent of Africa. I have friends who have done that trip and friends that have gone on the Blue Train. Everyone enjoyed their experiences.

Incidentally, the Kimberly mine and tour were fantastic. A motor coach takes the passengers from the rail siding to the mine tour. The mine pit is miles deep and there is a walkway with a perfect overview. That this hole was dug by men and mules is a wonder.

What sort of prices are involved?

Did you take a handgun, and how much red tape was involved, if so? South Africa is one of the few countries where one can carry, and foreigners can get licenses. In view of the very high crime rate since apartheid ended, I'd want to be armed.

If I can ever afford it, I'd like to ride Rovos or the Blue Train and also hunt there. Does Rovos say anything about bringing rifles onto the train?

What are the South African knife laws like? Can one carry a lockblade folder with a four-inch blade?

 

[FredBart]

You can check prices on their website. As I mentioned, it has been ten years since we went. It is not an inexpensive trip. The dollar has been strong against the South African Rand. Air fare on South African Airlines is very inexpensive, generally less than $1000 round trip from Atlanta or Dulles. Air fare is heavily subsidized by the South African government to Encourage tourism.

Although firearms licenses are available to South African citizens, I doubt an American can bring a handgun to South Africa. If you have a hunting outfitter, you can probably easily bring a hunting rifle. Most of these questions can be addressed by a South African embassy or consulate.

Rovos would have no problem carrying a hunting rifle. All luggage stays in your cabin, locked and secured.

Travel to central Johannesburg is not recommended. Crime in that city is a serious concern. It is a complicated country and it may not be the best place to hunt large game in Africa. Get some books from a library or book seller for a more complete picture.