THE BLUE TRAIN

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.

The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. The meals are complimented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.

When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

ROVOS RAIL

Travel to South Africa and take a trip on the most luxurious train in the world. Your romantic vacation through the heart of Southern Africa will begin or end at the headquarters of this private railway company, Capital Park Station and Locomotive Yard situated outside Pretoria. Rovos Rail offers two beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious and luxurious train suites in the world. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.

The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.


THE DESERT EXPRESS

Namibia is renowned for its wide open spaces, its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The Desert Express schedule has been designed to allow passengers to take in all of these. Departures are on a Tuesday and Friday from Windhoek, and Wednesday and Saturday from Swakopmund.

Desert Express consists of nine coaches which are permanently linked via a draw bar to minimize coupling and improve ride comfort. Desert Express is highly modern, featuring all the conveniences and luxury a traveler could ask for, while maintaining friendly Namibian hospitality and excellent service. 

Board a Journey of Discovery: seemingly endless semi-arid savannah, wide expanses of gravel plains and golden-red dune seas lie ahead as you embark on a magical journey that will stay with you long after you have reached your destination.

Once onboard the Desert Express you are welcomed by a refreshing fruit cocktail while you make yourself comfortable in one of the plush couches. Slowly the train departs, leaving the city far behind. Soon the hustle and bustle of civilisation is only a distant memory. The rhythmic swaying of the coaches gently soothes and relaxes. Later you disembark for a late afternoon game drive.

During the trip, the landscape changes along with the geology - mountain ranges give way to plains until only lone standing mountains are visible from time to time. This area is very rich in minerals with gold, marble, granite and semi-precious stones abundant here. Some believe that diamonds can be found towards the west. Many have come from afar and given up everything they've ever owned to find their fortune on these unforgiving plains.

A gastronomic feast awaits you for dinner.  Succulent offerings of the finest Namibian venison or seafood accompanied, by an outstanding bouquet of choice wines - enough to please any discerning palate. As darkness sets in, the train comes to a halt. Stars appear like you have never seen them before, flickering in the sky, almost close enough to touch. The symphony of silence is interrupted only by the taunting of geckos and the howling of jackals...