This morning, we packed up and headed to Pretoria. From here, we will be embarking on a two-day journey to Cape Town on the Rovos Rail.  

Rovos Rail has earned the reputation of being the ‘most luxurious train in the world’, so I am certainly looking forward to this experience. The generous folks at Rovos have donated our trip so that we can experience what travel was like in the early 1900s.

I am sorry to say ‘goodbye’ to this part of the trip and to our new friends in Jo’burg - most of all, Cromwell. However, I will look forward to seeing him before heading back to the states.

Our luggage was tagged and whisked away by porters. We sat in a grand waiting lounge, sipped tea, and had sandwiches and sweets. Once the train pulled in to the station, I was immediately transported back in time.  As I climbed aboard, I felt as if I were in the Great Gatsby. David, who works for Rovos, explained that the train consists of refurbished classic train cars from the mid to early 1900s.  

Henry and I found our sleeper cabin, with our lugguage waiting inside, and prepared for our first night aboard the train. Dinner is promptly at 7pm and guests must dress-up, but that makes the trip even more unique and exciting. Dinner is announced with the ringing of a brass gong. There were two dining cars to choose from. One car on the train is from 1911 and the other is from the 1930s.

Sleeping on a train is an unusual experience. The train stops for several hours during the night, so guests can get some ‘motionless’ sleep. However, in order to get a full night’s sleep you have to get used to the constant rocking motion and the sound of the train on the tracks. I don't know
about other passengers, but I had no problem falling asleep!

The sunrise over the countryside was incredible! Each time I looked out of the windows I saw a different (and perhaps even more spectacular) sight. City turned to grasslands; grasslands turned to desert. The ever-changing view has certainly made me a fan of train travel.

We all met in the dining car for a late breakfast before taking a short off-train excursion in Kimberley. During breakfast, we approached a lake that had close to 30,000 flamingos living there. It was one of the craziest sights I have ever seen!

Soon after the flamingos, we made it to Kimberley, where diamonds were discovered in the 1870s. Digging quickly began after this discovery, which lead to a large man-made hole called the Big Hole. It really has to be seen to understand its size and depth. Kimberley has also gained world-wide attention in recent years due to the Kimberley Process, which addresses conflict diamonds.

Day 12

Once again, I was up with the sun. Early risers got off the train for a 3-mile walk/jog. This was a great way to get some exercise and feel like a true explorer.

Once we finished our countryside adventure, we got back on the train for breakfast.

Then, we had some time to speak with Peter Winterbottom, the train manager. During our journey, Peter seemed to attend to guests every need. He even helped us to arrange our filming, so that we could show you just how opulent this train is! Speaking with him, it was incredible to learn about the operations of the train and their impeccable service. I was amazed to see where the meals are prepared - such a small space for some very elaborate meals.  

As we approached Cape Town, we all gathered in the observation car where we could see green landscape, vineyards, and Table Mountain getting closer. What an amazing site! We arrived right on time at the station in Cape Town and headed for the Cape Diamond Hotel.

Although it was difficult to leave our mobile life on the train, I think I can easily get into the vibe of this new city.

Look out Cape Town; here we come,

Part I: About Rovos Rail	Part II: Tour the train coaches with Sarah

Go to Cape Town >

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