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SOUTH AFRICA BY LUXURY RAIL
For the train enthusiast, South Africa offers two spectacular rail experiences: Rovos Rail and The Blue Train. Each train and each itinerary is wonderful in its way - but they are quite different:
ROVOS RAIL
Rovos Rail is Africa's "Orient Express", operating two trains of beautifully restored vintage cars pulled (where possible) by spectacular period steam locomotives. The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush! These two elegant trains transport the traveler across spectacular landscapes and across time.
Red carpet service and world-class gourmet cuisine are the hallmarks of this family-run operation. From the moment you step into your large luxurious suite, you are carried away to another era. Fine woods, brass, crystal and soft lighting create an atmosphere of romance and history throughout the train. Sip fine South African wines in the elegant pillared dining car or watch the countryside unfold from one of two lounge cars. The gentle motion of the train will rock you back in time.
Rovos Rail offers four regular itineraries (each can be taken in either direction):
Pretoria - Cape Town - 2 nights with stops at Kimberley and Matjiesfontein
Pretoria - Victoria Falls- 2 nights with a stop at Bulawayo
Pretoria - Komatipoort (Kruger National Park) - 2 nights with game viewing in a private reserve
Cape Town - Knysna - 1 night along the "Garden Route"
These journeys can be combined for a longer time on the train. In addition, each year, they make one round trip from Pretoria to Swakopmund, Namibia (three nights in each direction with stops at Kimberley, Fish River Canyon, and Windhoek) and a 26-day round trip grand journey from Cape Town to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
BLUE TRAIN
The famous Blue Train is a sleek, modern train which offers passengers a magnificent way to travel. Newly refitted and redesigned in 1997, the "New" Blue Train is even more luxurious than before. It is a 5-star hotel on tracks that carries you through the beauty of the South African countryside in ultimate comfort.
By day, your private compartment is an elegant, relaxing haven. Generous lounge chairs afford the opportunity to enjoy unparalleled views of Africa's panoramic scenery. As night falls, while you dine on gourmet food in the dining car, your suite is transformed into a romantic boudoir of soft glowing light and fine cotton linen. Single or double beds folded down and draped in soft eiderdown ensure that you will fall asleep in complete comfort.
The Blue Train offers four 1-night itineraries (which can be taken in either direction):
Pretoria - Cape Town
Pretoria - Victoria Falls
Pretoria - to the "Valley of the Olifants" (near Kruger National Park)
Cape Town - Port Elizabeth along the "Garden Route" and over the majestic Outeniqua Pass.
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