I remember that we were given tipping suggestions and that we gave the tips to the train manager to distribute on the last day.

I thought Rovos Rail was just OK, and like Andi I would have preferred to spend more time at Singita or elsewhere. It was a nice bonding and socializing time for the group, but really there is not much to do onboard other than hang out in the bar car. One night would have been better. The train could use a couple lounge cars - maybe one with cushy chairs for those who want to spend some time reading. We had a royal suite, as did Pam - it is a bit longer than the regular suites in order to accomodate the tub in the bathroom, the main bedroom area is also slightly longer but not by much. Brad always must have his tub... however, the train was rocking and rolling so I think the only time he took one was when the train was sitting in the station at one of the stops so it wasn't really worth the extra expense.

When the train gets near Pretoria they stop and hook on the steam engine so they can arrive in "style" for the last half hour or so of track. This whole process contributed to the late arrival as there was a train further down the track blocking the steam engine from coming down the track to us to get hooked up, so we had an hour or more to mill around on the tracks awaiting the thrill of the steam engine arrival. Train buffs may feel differently, but I easily could have skipped the steam engine event. Luckily our group had chartered the two planes or we might have had a problem getting to Singita that day.

We'll all be interested to hear your impression of RR vs the Blue Train and also about Botswana.