ROVOS RAIL LUXURY AT WILL, ON WHEELS

There is no better way than a luxury train to explore the many marvels of Africa and there is no luxury train like Rovos Rail, to take you on a memorable excursion through the continent that remains still unexplored by the outside world, unfolding its numerous hidden gems, one at a time.

- VARSHA SINGH

If there was a place custom-built for slow travel, it is Africa. The continent, that has fascinated rest of the world for many centuries, primarily for its mysteries and its secrets, still remains largely unexplored by outsiders. And there is no better way to 'slow travel' than by rail. And in Africa, there is no better train than Rovos Rail, the sole privately-held and privately-run luxury train provider in the world.

Recently, India Outbound had the unique opportunity to discover luxury rail travel in Africa, at the invitation of Rovos Rail, on board one of its trains for a 3-night, 4-day journey from Cape Town to Pretoria.

This is one of the 11 journeys that Rovos Rail offers, from 48 hours to 15 nights and through them, Rovos Rail, which is celebrating its 36th year of operations this year, links some of the continent's greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.

Our journey commenced at the Welcome Lounge of Rovos Rail, right across the street from Cape Town Station, where passengers were welcomed with live music and refreshments.

In a gesture that is rare for companies today, Chairman and Founder of Rovos Rail, Rohan Vos, himself welcomed each passenger by announcing the names. Soon enough, about two hours before its scheduled departure, the train was ready at a dedicated platform and we were escorted to our coaches, where our luggage was directly transferred.

A decently-sized deluxe suite, complete with a name plaque at the door was going to be my home for the next four days.