Luxury trains in Africa
 

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has taken luxury train trips in Africa. We are gathering info on a possible trip.

I myself have never done this -- I would rather fly and have the extra time in Cape Town -- but my uncle and aunt and two adult cousins recently returned from taking the Blue Train to Cape Town and this was the e-mail I got from my uncle: "Forget the Blue Train...it is not the Orient Express. Train service and meals were excellent, but the train engine broke down twice. The shower in our cabin sprayed out the side not out the nozzle. The air conditioning system needed to be cleaned and the filter changed. The scenery was desert for the most part. We arrived 4 hours late. But again the service and meals on board were EXCELLENT. I would not do the train again...save that money for better things."

Rovos Rail is an amazing adventure. The owner Rohan Vos has commited much time and personal effort to making this train a model for others to emulate. The suites are beautiful with lovely furishings and great baths and showers en suite. We were fascinated by the excellent food preparation and friendliness of the staff who all speak excellent English.

Our trip was from Pretoria to Cape Town and we had a great send off in the beautiful Victorian station in Pretoria.

During our trip, we had two stops: the first at Kimberley to visit the historic town and see the largest man made hole on earth and the second at Matjiesfontein to trek into town and visit the museums and historic little town.

The trip was unique and worth every penny. We were even met by Rohan Vos when we departed the train in Cape Town!

NOT the Nairobi Mombasa Railway.
Not yet.
Not until it's sorted.

Unlike Lisa's relatives - we had a wonderful trip on the Ble Train. We travelled from Pretoria to Cape Town last month (October) and everything was perfect. From the welcome at the beautiful station lounge in Pretoria to the farewell in Cape Town, the trip was all we had hoped for and more. Our suite was extremely comfortable, the staff were very helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The lounge/bar is beautiful with large windows on both sides so that the view is unencumbered and ever changing.

We stopped at Kimberley and had a very entertaining tour of the mining operation and history as well as a bus ride through the town.

I was truly sorry when the trip ended and felt we had made lots of new friends.

My sister travelled with Rovos Rail last year and had nothing but praise for that company as well. We chose the Blue Train because the schedules fitted in better with our itinerary.

I guess everyone has their own experience and maybe we were lucky but I would rate it 10/10.

Cheers,
Alison

Yeah, on their trip because it was running so late the mine tour was cancelled.