TRAVEL BY TRAIN
ROVOS RAIL
General make-up of the train Locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, a non-smoking lounge car (26 guests, two non-smoking 42-seat dining cars (if required, plenty of space for the maximum of 72 guests carried), kitchen car, guest sleepers, smoking lounge and Observation Car (32 guests) at the tail.Cuisine Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests? every need is catered for. There?s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty.
Breakfast is between 07h00 and 10h00, lunch at 13h00, tea at 16h30 and a formal dinner at 19h30. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
Dress For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal ? for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.
Mobile Devices and Internet In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites.
Smoking is only allowed in the privacy of your suite and in the Club Lounge
Shongololo Express
Shongololo Express travels to nine countries on the southern African continent: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have ample storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers and shelving. All passenger compartments have hand basins and running water. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service. There is individual air-conditioning and heating in every compartment.The Southern Cross Adventure
Shongololo operates three 16-day Adventures, each traversing great stretches of southern Africa to let you experience the wonderful topographic, social, historic, floral and wild-life diversity of these distinctive areas. The train travels through 6 countries along the most spectacular landscapes: Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. With other words a cocktail of different African cultures.The Good Hope Adventure
This trip takes you to the most beautiful destinations in South Africa, along a variation of landscapes, coastlines and cultures. This is what one calls the ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa.
The Dune Adventure
This route explores the magnificent landscapes of Namibia, a beautiful country with many contrasts: colourful deserts, dunes, almost extra terrestrial stone formations, famous nature reserves, Bushman culture, coastal towns with a German colonial past and wild Atlantic coastlines. An extra 3 days stay in Cape Town makes this journey complete (the journey departs and arrived in Cape Town).a
THE BLUE TRAIN
Suites
The Blue Train interior is created by a famous designer. The train is in direct competition with the best 5-star hotels in the country and this in terms of elegance, comfort, style and luxury. Our suites offer the most modern technologies and superior craftsmanship.
Each Blue Train suite has telephone, television and individual controlled
The train air-condition are water cooled and fresh air is directly cooled off for each compartment. The corridors are also cooled with a similar system. The same system is providing heating during the winter months and on top of that
Guest can choose between luxe and luxury accommodation:
Luxe accommodation has twin beds with
Double bed during the day
Of
The Blue Train offers two public lounges, the main lounge and the Club Lounge. The Club Lounge has a more male feeling where one can enjoy a cigar, cognac or coffee. These are the only two places on the train where smoking is allowed.
‘High Tea’ is served each day in the main lounge.
The large television in the main lounge will take immediately your attention. This monitor shows the tracks in front of the locomotive while large windows offer the perfect view over the landscape.
The second Blue Train has a thrid lounge, ideal for a business meeting or small conference for maximal 22 delegates.
NAMIBIA DESERT EXPRESS
Desert Express was designed and built in Namibia, it took 250 000 man-hours during a period of 18 months to complete the construction of the train. Desert Express has been winding through beautiful Namibia since 03 April 1998, when it was officially launched by the President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma. Reflecting unique