From aboard Rovos Rail. We are embarking on a two-day luxurioius train excursion. Rovos Rail consists of Victorian Era trains that have been repaired and restored, but still maintain their original charm. A family run business, Rovos Rail donated this luxury journey to the ProjectExplorer crew so that we could experience (and share with you) a bit of the past and the South African landscape.

At Pretoria station, we bid a sad farewell to our guide, Cromwell. Porters gathered our belongings and placed everything in our respective cabins. When we finally boarded the train, I couldn’t believe the size of our suite. There was even enough room for a table and two chairs! I felt as if I had been transported back to the 1930s. For me, Rovos Rail conjured up images from The Great Gatsby.

After dinner, we headed the observation car, which is the last car on the train. From the observation deck, I watch the tracks disappear beneath you. Here, I could see more stars than I EVER had before. I could even see the shadowy clouds of the Milky Way!

Day 2 on the Rovos. Today, we had a brief excursion from the train to Kimberley, an important town in South Africa’s history. It was here, in 2000, that a summit was held to discuss how to eradicate the world of ‘conflict’ diamonds, which led to a process for certifying diamonds’ origins now known as the Kimberley Process. It is also home to the Big Hole, which is where the diamonds were dug from the earth. It really has to be seen to understand its size and depth. (photo left)

As night fell on the train, Jenny and I witnessed one of the most amazing electrical storms churning over the countryside. The lightning was so magical that we even tried to film it, but that proved nearly impossible.

Day 3 on the Rovos. On this, our last day on the Rovos Rail, guests were offered the chance to disembark the train and walk or jog along the tracks for about 3 miles, while the train pressed-on without them. It was a very strange sight to see the train heading away as we tried to make our way through the South African landscape. Christopher and I jogged for as long as we could, but the terrain was a little rough in places so we opted to walk the remainder of the way.

Once back on the train (and after breakfast) we sought out the always-friendly train manager, Peter Winterbottom. He told us about the behind-the-scenes efforts on the train as well as the challenge of preparing meals for 70+ guests three times a day. Then, we packed quickly because we were nearing our final destination, Cape Town. As we approached Cape Town the terrain changed from grasslands to lush vineyards. Then, finally, our first view of Table Mountain (we will get there later) which is the beautiful backdrop to the big city.

At our new hotel, the Cape Diamond, in downtown Cape Town, and ready to begin exploring tomorrow,

Hurry up!: Cape Town awaits.

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