THE PRIDE OF AFRICA : ROVOS RAIL

Our decision to spend Christmas in South Africa was primarily based around one particular adventure : Rovos Rail.I discovered pretty quickly that Rovos Rail is the definition of a family-run business…with an intense attention to detail and focus on quality service! This concept became all to clear when we arrived at the Cape Town departure lounge to be greeted by none other than Rohan Voss, the founder of the elegant African train line. He also welcomed us in Pretoria as we completed our journey with RR…a gesture that truly shows he is the heartbeat of this brand! The basics : Rovos Rail is a luxurious train line offering seven routes through southern Africa, all with curated itineraries for exploring the region. From the Safari adventures to the Golfing journeys, you can find a route that suits anyone! Especially with the top notch service and delicious meals onboard.  We opted for the 3 day train journey from Cape Town to Pretoria. This was so perfect for our itinerary because we wanted to spend several days in CT and then venture north for a safari. Traveling with Rovos Rail meant a luxurious journey from point A to point B with scenic stops along the way.Starting in Cape Town, we arrived at the RR lounge and sipped champagne awaiting our departure. I imagined the train journey would feel like a step back in time…and with the string trio playing and tea served on embroidered china, we felt transformed to another era! Once onboard, we set out to explore every corner of the hotel train! The rooms are all decorated in classic Victorian fashion with exposed wood and opulent trim. Every detail sorted–with a custom in-room mini bar…you select the drinks you prefer and the room is stocked! The individual essential kits include all the items you might need onboard (and may have forgot!)…from the basics (toothbrushes, first aid kit, shoeshine) to the more detailed (sunscreen, bug repellent, lip balm). Even onboard laundry and steaming is arranged.Next, we ventured to the observation carriage to see Cape Town drift away as we started the journey! With the lounge and bar nearby, we sipped on some bubbly as we drifted through the winelands.  Our first lunch onboard was quite a treat! Each course carefully crafted and then paired with a delicious local wine. It was the perfect way to try a variety of South African wines and finally after the journey, decide on our new favorite red, the South African Pinotage.  I can’t rave enough about the service onboard…which I think is a South African quality because overall, the country just shines in customer service! From every little question or request, the staff onboard greeted us with smiles and positive attitude. The first stop on the northbound journey is the remote, historical town of Matjiesfontein. It’s a quaint and charming village that feels untouched from the time. Founded in the late 1800’s by a Scottish railwayman, it was meant to be a refreshment stop between Cape Town and the diamond mines of Kimberley but developed into a quiet oasis in the middle of the Karoo desert. The original Lord Milner Hotel, several museums and the town’s original buildings are a charming, picturesque stop! There was even a red double decker bus! [gallery type="rectangular" size="medium" ids="7146,7151,7148"][gallery type="rectangular" size="medium" ids="7150,7144,7145"]Tea time is served daily onboard around 4pm....we settled in the observation deck to enjoy this afternoon treat and continue watching the world pass by!Dinners on Rovos Rail are an elegant and formal affair. For someone like me, who adores any excuse for dressing up, this is a highlight! Late night cocktails in the lounge are a must! It kind of completes the whole James Bond feel...unless, of course you're Ryan and you are scheming a way to run on top of the carriages! I must say though, he did look the part... The other essential thing about a late night cocktail is that you're up and awake to venture to the observation carriage for stargazing! These were some of the clearest, brightest stars (and the Milky Way!) I have seen. It was such a breathtaking kind of view!Our mornings on Rovos Rail were just the way I like them...slow and lazy. A coffee in bed with the carriage windows open....talk about coffee with a view! The afternoon stop for day two was the diamond capital of South Africa, Kimberley and the Big Hole. A true taste of life during the diamond rush, the museum and mine tour bring to life a time of the past....the old town area is also pretty photogenic!  [gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="7161,7164,7159,7162,7158,7155,7156,7157" orderby="rand"]Following the excursions in Kimberley, we had afternoon tea and then prepped for our final dinner onboard--a lobster finale!The next morning, following a delicious breakfast, we soaked up our last few hours onboard before arriving at the Rovos Rail Pretoria Station...and of course, the steam train pulling us in! The Pretoria station is eloquent and charming, a final testament to the Rovos Rail concept.I couldn't recommend our journey on Rovos Rail enough--it was the perfect way to experience many great things about South Africa in a luxe, slow travel kind of way.