Experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world – Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa.

By Ian Armitage

Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa is arguably the most luxurious train in the world and it, in the words of marketing manager David Patrick, offers an “old-world elegance and luxury”.

“We are celebrated for our class and elegance and are rightfully proud of our dining and on-board service,” Patrick says. “Our entire experience is consistent in meeting the highest possible luxury standards. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt with fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and period décor for a grand ambiance.”

Unsurprisingly, since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences.

“Our unique safaris through the heart of Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel,” Patrick says.

Rovos rail is not just a South African experience, and its routes extend to five countries.

“Our unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel,” Patrick explains. “We create an atmosphere of good food, good wine and good conversation. On board you can 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.”

Rovos Rail is the work of Rohan Vos, a latecomer to the world of trains. He was involved in the motor spares industry when one of his staff got him involved in a steam train restoration project in 1986. Since then he has collected and restored probably the largest and most original train set in the world. The rolling stock dates from around 1911 to 1930 and now runs on private tours all over Southern Africa. He even has his own station, Capital Park, built in the 1940s in Pretoria.

“There's a story behind all of the Rovos Rail locomotives, their acquisition and restoration,” Patrick says.

Indeed, each one has a distinctive character and charm and all are named after members of owner Vos' family.

The first engine acquired was No 2702 Bianca, a Class 19D locomotive built by Borsig in 1938. It was purchased in 1986 from Loewenthal's Scrap Metal.

Today, the company runs two trains with a passenger capacity of 72 each. They, along with Rovos Rail’s rolling stock, consisting of 60 carriages and five operating locomotives, its administrative operations and workshops, are based at Capital Park.

“Capital Park has played such an important part in South African Railways History and provides the perfect home for our trains,” Patrick says.

The site covers 25-acres and boasts 15 lines, totally a distance of 12km of which a 100m section is under roof.

“We have something wonderful here,” Patrick adds. “We have rebuilt the site to world-beating standards, establishing a working railway museum.

“Our Headquarters caters to steam enthusiasts, tourists and local visitors alike. "

Unsurprisingly, the services offered by Rovos have becoming increasingly popular amongst members of South Africa’s business community. So much so that it runs a Rovos Rail Events Train, which Patrick says is “an ideal venue for corporate clients to stage conferences, incentives or product launches”.

The train accommodates up to 250 guests and is only suitable for daytime journeys.

“Limited only by time and distance, there are many alternative uses for the train, which include a three-hour circular trip around Pretoria or a one-way journey to any destination within eight hours’ rail travel time from Pretoria,” explains Patrick. “Depending on the number of guests, the Events Train can host, with full-bar facilities, a five-course sit-down dinner for up to 96 guests, a three-course sit-down meal for up to 192 guests in two sittings or, for 250 guests, hot snacks, canapés and cocktails served for the duration of the journey. “

Overnight journeys of varying durations remain the core business, however.

“I would encourage South Africa Magazine readers to step aboard the wood-panelled coaches, classically remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury.”

There is a lot going on at Rovos Rail. To learn more visit www.rovos.com.

From South Africa Magazine Issue 17