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Train: Pride of Africa
Train Type: Luxury
Introduction/History:
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa offers an old-world elegance and luxury to a degree that was never equaled in the 1920s. Many seasoned IRT Society travelers consider it the world’s finest train. Celebrated not only for its fabulous equipment, the train is rightfully proud of its stellar dining and on-board service. In short, the entire experience is consistent in meeting the highest luxury standards. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt with fine wood paneling, traditional furnishings and period décor for an elegant and grand ambience. Some dining cars feature exquisite pillars, a signature feature of this train.
Accommodations
There are three types of accommodation, and Rovos Rail says––and we believe them––there are no other cabins as spacious in the industry. Usually, the train accommodates 72 people.
All cabins are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
All compartments have a plethora of windows that can be opened—a vital feature, in our opinion, for experiencing the African countryside. Windows can be securely locked.
Pullman: These are the newest and most “Spartan.” There are very few of these, and they sell out quickly. They are 76 feet square. A comfortable, daytime sofa-seat converts to double or twin beds (one up, one down) for evening. They also have ensuite, private shower, sink and toilet.
Deluxe: For years, these were Rovos Rail’s standard cabins, but they are huge and beautifully appointed, in comparison with other luxury trains. There are three to each train carriage. Deluxe suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and ensuite toilet, sink and shower. They are about 118 square feet.
Royal Suites: Royal Suites take up half a train car. Special features include en-suite bathroom with Victorian bathtub and shower, and a separate, private lounge. These are about 172 square feet.
Dining
The two restaurant cars feature meal after meal of incredible perfection. All on-board meals and drinks are included in the price of the program. If one highlight of your vacation is fine food and wines, with service to match, this is the journey for you. Jackets and ties for gentlemen and dressy outfits for ladies are expected at the dinner hour on the train.
Fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are frequently on the menu. Every morning, a made-to-order breakfast is served in the diner. Lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs on lovely china, silver and linen. South African wines are served. All meals are served in one sitting in the two Victorian-era diners.
Lounge Cars
The lounge, at the end of the train, has a bar and sitting area as well as an open-air “patio” in the rear for wind-in-the-face viewing. It is a favorite spot on the train, and something just about all IRT travelers mention enjoying immensely. This lounge is nonsmoking; there is also a separate lounge (fully enclosed) where smoking is allowed. All drinks in the bar are included.
Other
Off-train alcohol is not included in the price of the tour. For programs in Africa’s winter, which would be around July, it’s good to note that although rooms are heated, hallways are not. Our single travelers say Pullman class is fine––but our IRT couples report that it’s just too tight a fit for them and their luggage. Next time, they’ll get a deluxe, they say.
Journeys Available on this Train
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