Joan and I are off next week for a month in Africa. Most of our time will be spent in Botswana, but have booked a Royal Suite on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town at the conclusion of the safari. We had done the Blue Train on a previous trip, so wanted to try RR. My recollection is that assessments were mixed and would like to hear about reactions to the experience - too late to change plans, but you know how important expectations are! Also, any comments on tipping practice on the train would be helpful.

Thanks

Ted

There was nothing wrong with the Rovos Rail. The cabins were very nice and the service and food were excellent. After having done the entire Sth. African experience, we felt that, for the money, we would prefer to spend time at a Safari Park. Rovos Rail, as you know, is very expensive. I just think the mixed reviews are based on the fact that we had more fun elsewhere on the trip.

We love trains and have taken them throughout Europe as many train rides excel in exquisite scenery. The scenery here was fairly monotonous, not unpleasant, but not that interesting after awhile. The stops were merely so-so...they gave us a chance to stretch our legs. Two nights and two days on the train was a bit dull overall and we would have probably appreciated a one night/day jaunt better.

Bring some warm clothes, as it was cold at one of the stops and is cold going from the main cars or dining cars to your suite.

Also, for some apparently unknown reason, we were two or three hours late getting into Pretoria. That caused our little airline to miss the "take off window" for our flights to Singita and therefore we were rushed through the station and onto the vans. It was a fairly chaotic feeling, and caused a negative feel to the end of our long train journey.

Edit to say I remember, now that Leslie has reminded me, about the tips. Mark remembered something vaguely, too.

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.

I must have had my blinders on. I had forgotten that we were late getting into Pretoria, all I knew is that I was with a group, and we had someone to meet us when we got there, and we were in a lounge at the train station for awhile. Yes, the train does roll a bit, but same tracks as the Blue Train. I thought RR gave us time to get acquainted (though we had been in Cape Town for a few days) and gave a good start to a wonderful safari. However, one day would have been enough. Looking back, I would only do it to say been there, done that. That's why we chose not to for ROAR II.

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

Anne, wasn't it "shutters DOWN" when the train is stopped?

My brain has a good way of emptying out info, much like a computer that needs more memory. I did not remember the "rocks" you mentioned until you pulled them out of the "trash"!

Olivia, the shutters were open/down, closed/up. Our first day, we were freezing until I discovered that a window was down (open) in our bathroom. Mark had to (begrudgingly) get out of the chair and come close that heavy shutter after I got the window closed.

One good thing about the Royal Suite was the big wing-back chairs. Our car was farthest from the club car, and with the incredibly rough ride, Mark didn't like making the long walk. We spent a lot of time in the big chairs.

I enjoyed the train. I really enjoyed relaxing in the club car while reading or watching the scenery. I think it will be better in your case as you are going at the end of your trip. All of us were looking forward to our first game park experience; thus, the slow mode of transport was a little tedious. I can see that doing it on return after getting up at 5am for game drives will be a nice return to a normal schedule.

I almost forgot! Don't forget to have your cabin attendant turn on the heated floor. Now, that's an experience.

Thanks to all of you! This group continues to provide information and insights of incredible value even when it has nothing to do with cruising! We are not rail road buffs - our only experience, other than on the Blue Train, was the Eastern and Oriental Express from Bangkok to Singapore. It just seemed like RR would be a nice way to get to Cape Town after 25 consecutive days in the bush. The Cape Grace will provide a nice transition before going home

Pam - will definitely get the floor heated - and put the shutters up (down) when stopped. I was not aware that the train stopped at night - will take my ear muffs when moving between cars and will pack a good book - Ann, your time was well spent reading "Covenant" - great preparation for SA. Using the bath tub while rocking along created images of an ensuite tsunami - best to avoid that!

Ted

Ted: I agree!!! The info and insights, non cruise related, are so valuable - LCT far better than "Ask Jeeves" Joanna <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />