Rovos was the best time for the whole group to mingle. I'm glad we went but it's a "once and done" experience for me.

The unexpected parts?
- I so enjoyed having the time to read James Michener's book on South Africa, "The Covenant".
- The champagne and mimosa welcome back cocktails in Kimberly.
- The food & service were great in the dining car. We found Hamilton Russell wines, which we are enjoying now that we're at home.
- The one observation car was not enough space for a full train. Hopefully, you'll have either fewer folks aboard or two observation cars.
- We were on in April, and the walkways were cold in the evenings .. as in see your breath cold. Evening dress wearing a fleece and gloves was not so stylish.
- we had a couple incidents of locals lobbing rocks & breaking windows, cracking one in the observation car and outright breaking a window at a train car exit. The staff was very relaxed about this event. They put up some plastic, yet there were still pellets of broken glass in the walkway. My guess? This happens on a regular basis.
- your cabin is heated. That's marvelous.
- the train stops at night. Easy to sleep!
- They will tell you when you leave to always raise the shutters on your windows when the train is stopped. That's got to be sound advice in light of the broken windows.
All in all .. glad to have done it. Wouldn't do it again. For the $$$ involved, you'd have to be a rail buff to do it. Otherwise, take the extra days in a luxury safari camp. JMHO and thanks for asking.

Have a wonderful trip! We'll look forward to your report.

Cheers, Anne