Exploring Africa With Rovos Rail

Africa is ripe for adventure. A continent filled with spectacular landscapes, fascinating wildlife and cultures that go back hundreds of years is always going to be at the top of a list which features destinations perfect for epic explorations. There are so many natural wonders to see, so many unforgettable experiences to be had and so many interesting people to meet along the way.

Rovos Rail is a company that grew out of one man’s love of trains and taking his family on adventures. They now operate four luxury trains, each holding up to 72 guests, which celebrate a bygone era and allow adventure seekers to travel in style. Dining cars offer fantastic cuisine accompanied by elegant South African wines, lounge cars provide somewhere to relax with a drink and observation cars ensure you never miss a second of the passing scenery.

From their main station in Pretoria, Rovos Rail can take you all over South Africa and beyond. Here are three trips that you might want to consider when booking with TravelQuest.

African Explorer – Cape Town to Dar El Salaam (or reverse)

A 14-night trip across Africa will take you through five different countries and allow you tick so many must-do things off your bucket list. The train journey lasts for 15 days and includes stops at the thunderous Victoria Falls, the Rift Valley and the Hwange National Park. Along the way, you will learn about the history of the South African diamond trade, spot wildlife on game drives and bush walks, and have the option to take part in a range of extreme activities.

Accommodation includes lodges in various game reserves as well as the breathtaking Victoria Falls Hotel, which offers unrivalled views of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. There is no better way to experience the highlights of southern Africa in one trip.

Namibia Safari – Pretoria to Swakopmund (or reverse)

If you would prefer to see just one country in more detail on your African tour, a trip through Namibia is a great choice. Starting in Pretoria and heading west, you will travel through diamond country before entering Namibia from the south and journeying to the Atlantic coast at Swakopmund. Highlights of this 9-day rail adventure include visits to the capital, Windhoek, which has a strong German influence; the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and host of an gruelling annual marathon; and the Etosha National Park, where you will go in search of black rhinos, leopards and the largest elephants in Africa.

As well as the stops, the scenery through the train window will captivate you and be something that you will never forget. You will travel through both the Kalahari and Namib Deserts and experience diverse landscapes that range from dry plains to areas of lush vegetation – all from the comfort of your luxury rail car.

2016 African Golf Collage – Pretoria to Cape Town (or reverse)

We also have a tour which is perfect for golf lovers who want to explore South Africa, whilst playing on some of the country’s best courses along the way. However, there is a great itinerary for non-golfers too. The 9-day trip will show you many sides of South Africa from the bustling cities of Cape Town and Bloemfontein to quiet, picturesque towns like Knysna and from the superb wildlife experiences at the Kruger Park and the Addo Elephant Park to the world famous wines produced along the peaceful Garden Route.

Whilst those not interested in hitting the greens and fairways will enjoy activities in the places mentioned above, golfers will be teeing off on courses such as Leopard Creek, Durban Country Club and Fancourt. However, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the wildlife viewing as crocodiles, elephants and hippos add new meaning to the term ‘water hazard’.

If you like the idea of discovering Africa by train, Rovos Rail will allow you to do this in complete luxury. Contact us today to enquire about the above tours and the various others we have available.