The Blue Train has limited routes whereas Rovos rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania. Answered: Hi, Would love to have up-to-date information on Rovos Rail vs. Blue Train. Reviews are split between the two, but it seems that the Rovos rail is the preferred choice for the mature sophisticated traveller whilst the Blue Train boasts more of a modern feel. Suffice to say we were spoilt rotten and when we huffed and puffed into Capital Park, after a steam locomotive was hitched to the front for the last part of the journey, it was hugs and kisses with fellow travellers who just 50 hours before had been complete strangers. Air cushion suspension and double-glazed windows completely silences any sound from the outside world. By having one point of contact you are not only saving valuable time, but also money by benefiting from our travel … This was not a problem on the Blue Train where the much larger windows cannot be opened. According to the website for the Blue Train, "smart casual" is the daytime dress while jacket and tie/semi formal attire is … I'm travelling from Jo'Burg/Pretoria to Cape Town. Everything you eat and drink is included in the price on both trains. You are now in a faraway world. I’d written an article (April issue) about my family’s experience on the Blue Train. Many thanks. Also, does anyone know of very special deals on Rovos? Food and service on Rovos Rail was exceptional. We finished with melktert and koeksisters – this was definitely gourmet country but I decided to wait until the evening meal before making a call on the food. C’était sans compter sur les difficultés imposées par la compagnie des chemins de fer. The Blue Train This moving five-star hotel takes its passengers through the breathtaking countryside of South Africa. 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. Shongololo Express reviews and Rovos Rail reviews The spacious suite boasts privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings of the highest standard. 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. Your complete online vehicle rental resource, supplying a wide range of car, 4x4, camper and luxury rental services across Southern Africa. Cuban cigars are offered on BT. 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. Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa) R13 197 per person sharing for two nights 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. The Blue Train operates on All meals and drinks are included on both trains with the Blue Train offering a slightly wider selection. All Rights Reserved. Trains from that almost forgotten era conjure up nostalgic images of well-dressed passengers being transported over long distances, while enjoying lavish cuisine in luxurious dining saloons. Le Rovos Rail est un train d’exception parmi les plus luxueux au monde. I'm hoping Rudik, Peterscot, ArthurSA or some other kind soul can help me out regarding the Blue Train vs. the Rovos Rail (Pretoria to CPT route). 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. Read my review of my trip onboard Rovos Rail here: https://theluxurytravelexpert.com/2017/02/15/review-rovos-rail-from-pretoria-to … Contact us today to book your chauffeur drive or rent a car and take the experience self-drive the rest of the way. That was followed by a lemon-grilled prawn skewer on a green salad and then a drunken Pecorino dish. The Blue Train has limited routes whereas Rovos rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania. Victoria Falls with flights, hotel and Botswana Safaris are a good fit with Rovos. Rovos Rail routes. Les voyages en train ne sont pas plus difficiles que cela. The Blue Train celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016 and can boast Kylie Minogue, Mia Farrow and Margaret Thatcher as passengers. The train departs Kimberley at 12h30 and you proceed on your overnight journey that runs via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein. I don't have first hand experience on the Blue Train, but I understand it is a bit less luxurious. thanks Rail Journeys – Blue Train, Rovos & Shongololo Express Africa's most luxurious train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria (or vice versa) with the 5* service you'd expect from something so specialThe Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Luxury African Train reviews for Rovos Rail, Blue Train, and Shongololo Express Southern Cross trip to Victoria Falls. The Rovos Rail with custom painted 5E locomotives passing through a rainy Pretoria Station making its way home to Capital park from Cape town. 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. 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. Rovos Rail can also be chartered for those who want the ultimate exclusive, luxury rail journey. I have seen a programme showing the Blue Train and was really taken with the idea. Our focus is to find the best luxury train and safari to fit your requirements. 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 … 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. trip. Joe also pointed out a few rules. Rovos Rail From my experience of having the honor to travel with both the Rovos Rail and the Blue train, the Rovos Rail is way better. Three people were killed and several passengers were injured. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five* hotel. Visit one of the elegant lounges for a nightcap of cognac and cigars in true celebrity style. The Rovos Rail train arrives at 10h00 in Kimberley Station. I'd like to hear from anyone who has taken either, and if anyone knows the advantages, disadvantages and differences between them. You’ll be wined and dined from […]. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. Answer 1 of 8: I will be in South Africa next year and want to travel on either Rovos Rail or the Blue Train toCape Town. Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa) R9 370 per person sharing for one night plus one night in five-star hotel in either Cape Town or Pretoria. L’aventure de ce mécanicien commence la même année. 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. Rovos Rail is offering residents of South Africa and neighbouring countries a special 2-for-1 rate on board a two-night Cape Town journey between April and September 2019. By now we were on friendly terms with an assortment of Germans, Swiss, Norwegians, Fins, Chinese, Englishmen and fellow South Africans. Both Rovos and Blue Train suites are good, but the latter is slightly better with its unusually wide windows. We discovered a bottle of bubbly in the mini bar before the wheels started rolling. 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. Board the most luxurious train in the world for a Cape Town, Durban or Victoria Falls journey. Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa Rovos Rail … Cellphones, laptops and tablets were to be used only in the privacy of your suite and one needed to dress for dinner. Without taking anything away from the modern marvels of air suspension, for me the ‘clickety-clacks’ form part of the charm of train travel. Whether you’re on honeymoon, looking for a quick romantic getaway, or fantasize about a life of luxury, both trains will offer an unforgettable experience. I would book early to give yourself the most options. Answer 1 of 7: Does anyone have any experience of both these trains as I'm looking to book but want to make sure I pick the best one. Why Elgin is the perfect weekend away to reset. Both are exceptional, so the choice is yours. With its modern suspension, Blue Train passengers can sleep peacefully even while the train travels through the night. These two trains are unique in their own way. I know the difference between the two trains, routes, timings, etc. Please note our DAR ES SALAAM and LOBITO journeys are NOT included in these terms – please contact alicia@rovos.co.za regarding these journeys. The wood-panelled sleeper coaches offer modern comfort and luxury and the train itself comes to a standstill at night to ensure guests have a peaceful night’s sleep. You and your spouse are invited to experience a journey on Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world.” The voice on the phone was that of Querida Nel from the marketing office of this world-famous private rail company in Capital Park, Pretoria. Rovos Rail offers more routes, some of which operate on a romantic vintage-style steam engine. Especially those noisy, majestic, puffing ones that spout plumes of steam and smoke and I don’t think there has ever been a kid, in the golden age of steam trains, who did not announce it was his ambition to be a train driver. Thank you. Ride quality: the BT wins by a country mile but when it comes to the staff, RR turns the tables – it is as though you’ve known them for years. 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. I would appreciate any feedback from people who have travelled on either train … Both Rovos and Blue Train suites are good, but the latter is slightly better with its unusually wide windows. 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. Rovos Rail. The welcome: no comparison, RR wins by a long shot Exterior appearance: a matter of taste, but RR would get my vote Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo as you travel from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa with stops at Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the quaint Victorian village of Matjiesfontein. However, reading such mixed reviews of the Blue Train, I'm now not sure. but I have a question about the dress code. Your tastebuds will be tantalized with a selection of Karoo lamb, bobotie, melktert, Cape brandy pudding – what a delight. Food: both are excellent but the BT has more menu options and this gives it the edge. 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. Day 3 Sunday / Friday Early this morning (08h15) you will enjoy a visit … There are a number of itineraries and routes to choose from, and many routes available in reverse. The portions were just right and delicious. I was in seventh heaven but then came Boland Camembert-style cheese, melon preserve, chives and shortbread. You’ll be wined and dined from the moment you step on and taken on a journey through the most diverse and spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. 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. You will be collected at the station and taken your visit to the Town, Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum. During my searching I came across Rovos Rail doing the same(?) Plus one-way flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg (or vice versa) including transfers. Haven't found any reviews yet on Ravos Rail. © 2002 - 2020 Drive South Africa. 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. Guests were also requested to keep suite windows shut at stations as a theft deterrent. Conclusion In my Blue Train report, I mentioned the absence of the ‘clickety-clack, clickety-clack’ which is synonymous with train journeys. 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 shower and a bath are available. An extraordinary experience Castello Di Monte and Rovos Rail! We are planning a trip from the USA and came across these train opportunities. Il investit alors de nouveau dans … The rebuilt sleeper coach with its wooden panels, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offers every modern convenience and comfort. Rovos Rail Tickets & Blue Train Schedules and Prices. Now Rovos Rail was keen to show what it had to offer. I thought I wanted to treat her, but it was never a treat. A short stroll led us to the train which bore the name Pride of Africa. When we joined our fellow travellers in the lounge car, the atmosphere could only be described as jovial. South Africa has two luxury trains: Rovos Rail and The Blue Train. Approximately half of the 55 passengers … Rovos Rail est un train de renom qui tire ses origines du mécanicien Rohan Vos ou Ro-Vos. So, which train is the better option? Unlike the Blue Train, Rovos halts at sidings overnight, to ensure a good night’s sleep for its passengers. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. I expect they are both worth experiencing and it is more a question of the best time of year to make the journey and how it plugs in with your itinerary. We were met by charming and immaculately dressed staff who efficiently took care of our luggage, and were then led to a lounge where two musicians set the mood with chamber music while our fellow travellers indulged in canapés and sparkling wine. Son élégance, l’excellence de son service et la diversité de ses itinéraires depuis plus de 30 ans ont participé à sa renommée mondiale. The young and charming Rovos staff members were interacting with their guests – something which immediately set them apart from their Blue Train counterparts. A Rovos Rail train derailed on 21 April 2010 near Pretoria. Interior finish: it’s got to be a tie Now, the Blue Train and Rovos Rail are both offering special rates for the summer season. At night, the dining car takes on a completely different look. 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. Hidden gems: 5 under-the-radar beaches in KwaZulu-Natal, Exploring the outdoors in the Cape Winelands. 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. We had enjoyed it tremendously, and were full of praise for the staff and superb service we received. Both offer a very relaxing way of crossing the landscape of South Africa and both will give you an unforgettable experience. . Make no mistake, both trains offer an unforgettable experience, but if I were to go again, the choice would be Rovos Rail. This “Palace on wheels” offers a five-star hotel experience linking veld to sea. Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit […] En 1985, ce dernier voyagea pour la première fois en train et tomba amoureux de la mécanique de cet engin. Rovos Rail tickets and Vic Falls Safari packages is a popular choice. A party was inevitable – and another full day and a half of being pampered lay ahead. Period fittings in the en-suite bathroom and shower combine with modern technology, with hair dryer and plug for shaver. Windows of the Blue Train are double-glazed and cannot be opened, but are slightly bigger than those of the Rovos Rail. As the Pride of Africa slowly pulled out of Cape Town station, our glasses were charged and, surrounded by luxury, we were feeling rather smug – and why not? The owner of Rovos Rail said that the train’s nineteen carriages were uncoupled from the locomotive during a changeover at Centurion Station when they freewheeled out of control, crashing back at Pretoria station. 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. Prenez un autre cocktail, asseyez-vous dans la voiture d'observation en plein air au bout du train et regardez le monde passer. Elegantly attired patrons and impeccably dressed waiters, together with the glittering silverware and shining wine glasses give off a sumptuous atmosphere. The Blue Train trip has been a "Bucket List" item for my wife. 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. Luxury Trains & Safaris have been operating since 2006. 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. 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. 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. We thought the Blue Train was a fantastic experience, we haven't tried Rovos Rail, which I believe travels up to the Victoria Falls. For daydreamers and romantics, the Rovos Rail … Windows of the Blue Train are double-glazed and cannot be opened, but are slightly bigger than those of the Rovos Rail. Off-train excursions: it’s got to be RR as you visit both Matjiesfontein and the Kimberley Mine Museum while on the BT you get one of the two – depending on the direction of travel. Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. On-board chefs are ready to tantalize your tastebuds in the Dining Car with their signature dishes sourced from local ingredients including Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, and oysters while enjoying a tasteful selection of background music. 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