Everything you eat and drink is included in the price on both trains. With its modern suspension, Blue Train passengers can sleep peacefully even while the train travels through the night. Both offer a very relaxing way of crossing the landscape of South Africa and both will give you an unforgettable experience. The welcome: no comparison, RR wins by a long shot Exterior appearance: a matter of taste, but RR would get my vote A short stroll led us to the train which bore the name Pride of Africa. The spacious suite boasts privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings of the highest standard. If it’s romance you’re after, why not indulge and take your partner on a classic journey across Africa in one of these luxury trains with lavish sleeping carriages, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views. You won’t ever regret jumping on the Franschhoek wine tram. As with the Blue Train, we stopped at the quaint little village of Matjiesfontein for about an hour, and when we got mobile again, it was time to get ready for dinner. Approximately half of the 55 passengers … The portions were just right and delicious. The Blue Train has limited routes whereas Rovos rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. The coaches on Rovos Rail all started life in the 1920s and ’30s and so it is to be expected that one will be aware of more clanks and shakes from the tracks. The Blue Train takes the same route, but does it in 1 night/2 days, as it doesn't stop overnight, nor have as many pull-overs onto sidings. The following two days continued as the first. Contact us today to book your chauffeur drive or rent a car and take the experience self-drive the rest of the way. You’ll be wined and dined from […]. Prenez un autre cocktail, asseyez-vous dans la voiture d'observation en plein air au bout du train et regardez le monde passer. I don't have first hand experience on the Blue Train, but I understand it is a bit less luxurious. The most popular route Cape town to Pretoria will take a day longer on the Rovos rail hence pricing also a bit more, both include a stop at the quaint little town of Matjiesfontein. Plus one-way flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg (or vice versa) including transfers. Rovos Rail offers more routes, some of which operate on a romantic vintage-style steam engine. According to the website for the Blue Train, "smart casual" is the daytime dress while jacket and tie/semi formal attire is … Il investit dans 4 wagons afin de les privatiser et partager sa passion du train à des familles en voyage. The Blue Train This moving five-star hotel takes its passengers through the breathtaking countryside of South Africa. Evenings aboard the Blue Train are elegant and sophisticated affairs, with exquisite traditional menus conceived by top chefs, complemented perfectly by the very best of South African wines. Shongololo Express reviews and Rovos Rail reviews There was no main dish, but first up was traditional South African bobotie served with chutney and apricots, with julienne pepper and kiwi fruit salad. I’d written an article (April issue) about my family’s experience on the Blue Train. We thought the Blue Train was a fantastic experience, we haven't tried Rovos Rail, which I believe travels up to the Victoria Falls. These two trains are unique in their own way. I was in seventh heaven but then came Boland Camembert-style cheese, melon preserve, chives and shortbread. Il investit alors de nouveau dans … The sheer magnificence of the coach, as on the Blue Train, is imposing – the craftsmanship, the detail in the finishes, and pride it exudes is overwhelming. Our focus is to find the best luxury train and safari to fit your requirements. It was lunch time and, being a good trencherman, the thought crossed my mind that Rovos was really going to have to perform if they were to impress more than the Blue Train chefs. Rovos Rail and The Blue Train link you to Africa’s most iconic destinations via a selection of scheduled routes. Blue Train, Rovos Rail offer special discounts Posted by Anita Froneman on 24 November 2020 South Africa’s luxury train services have been suspended for months due to COVID-19. A Rovos Rail train derailed on 21 April 2010 near Pretoria. The fact that you are on the train for more than 50 hours (compared to 27) makes the journey more of a holiday, and after all, luxury travel is about the journey and not the destination. Luxury Trains & Safaris have been operating since 2006. During my searching I came across Rovos Rail doing the same(?) The Blue Train celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016 and can boast Kylie Minogue, Mia Farrow and Margaret Thatcher as passengers. It was almost as if Querida was saying “You ain’t seen nothing yet… come ride with us and then talk again.” I have always been fascinated by trains. Rovos Rail tickets and Vic Falls Safari packages is a popular choice. Our Southern Africa travel specialists have years of experience and are also at your service to share their product knowledge with the planning of your pre- and post train travel arrangements. So, which train is the better option? The Rovos Rail train arrives at 10h00 in Kimberley Station. Cuban cigars are offered on BT. Interior finish: it’s got to be a tie Board the most luxurious train in the world for a Cape Town, Durban or Victoria Falls journey. Blue Train As the hills, valleys, deserts and mountains of South Africa pass by your window, you'll be treated to a meal that will delight your tastebuds. The train departs Kimberley at 12h30 and you proceed on your overnight journey that runs via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein. I would appreciate any feedback from people who have travelled on either train … If this is the kind of safari you appreciate, then have a look … There’s no WiFi on RR but it is available on BT. If it’s romance you’re after, why not indulge and take your partner on a classic journey across Africa in one of these luxury trains with lavish sleeping carriages, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views Experience Both will provide you with a unique experience and the feeling of luxury and nostalgia. South Africa has two luxury trains: Rovos Rail and The Blue Train. The reception was grander than the Blue Train welcome, and train manager Joe Mathala welcomed each of the 41 passengers by name; a nice touch. The Blue Train trip has been a "Bucket List" item for my wife. Rovos Rail. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five* hotel. Extensions to Cape Town, Garden Route … Jannie Herbst recently took a ride on the luxury Rovos Rail train service – just a handful of months after taking in the sights and sounds of the Blue Train. Now Rovos Rail was keen to show what it had to offer. The “Pride of Africa” with its Edwardian grandeur will guide you through spectacular views with it’s all familiar “clickety-clack” sounds of the wheels on its steel path. Hidden gems: 5 under-the-radar beaches in KwaZulu-Natal, Exploring the outdoors in the Cape Winelands. The Dining Car offers spectacular meals created by ambitious chefs with the aim of tradition and local ingredients and served with a fine selection of South African wines as accompaniment. Your tastebuds will be tantalized with a selection of Karoo lamb, bobotie, melktert, Cape brandy pudding – what a delight. Fast forward a couple of weeks and the wife and I strolled down a red carpet outside Rovos Rail in Marine Drive, opposite the Cape Town railway station. All suites are airconditioned and the  De Luxe Suite transforms into a bedroom of indulgence at night with goose-down and 100 percent percale-cotton bedding and underfloor heating. So which is better, then? You are now in a faraway world. It is also worth mentioning that while baths (as an alternative to showers) are available on the Blue Train, you need to upgrade to a Royal Suite on Rovos, where both a … One of the more popular options is to travel from Pretoria to Cape Town, so rent a car when you arrive in town and do a quick trip into the Winelands to finish things off. The Rovos Rail offers a romantic, intimate, luxurious experience with an 'old style classic feel' while the Blue Train offers similar luxury but with modern features such as television in the rooms, and electrical train engines. Blue Train reviews on Cape Town to Pretoria and return. 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