There are many cases to be made for rail travel. This time of year, one might be inspired by the popular Christmas movie: The Polar Express. There is also growing interest in the Hogwarts Express (which is actually a train ride you can take in Scotland!)

I myself have been feeling rail travel lately and encouraging my clients to consider booking a rail trip for their next holiday. Not only is it a rather romantic way to travel, but it is also very practical. Good for the environment, train travel is slow travel with amazing landscapes where cars and buses can’t go, and better yet, you don’t have to worry about navigating your way in a foreign country.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the world, South Africa’s Rovos Rail, and quite frankly I’m smitten with rail travel now.

Summary: Why Rovos?

I had been curious about Rovos Rail since living in South Africa. It sounded so glamorous…like old-school glamorous…to be rolling across the South African countryside at a slower pace and with all the refinement of a luxury rail. I had never been on or seen a luxury rail, but now that I have experienced it…I have to say I’m hooked.

About Rovos Rail: Rovos rail is a family-owned and operated company that has been around since the mid-1980s. When arriving to the Rovos Rail station, one gets an introduction to the history of the company and its engines and cars first-hand by the one of the first employees: Mr. Joseph Mathala.

I must admit, I was not completely comfortable with taking such a luxurious train ride through South Africa, a country with such disparities in wealth, but once I met Mr. Mathala and heard his stories, as well as the amazing staff and knowing how well they are treated and trained in either hospitality or skilled crafts personally by the company….I was happy to jump on board with them and see the beautiful South African countryside among them.

Brief itinerary: We chose a Four-day/three-night itinerary from Pretoria to Cape Town and along the journey we were given a truly authentic taste of all the complexities and wonders of South Africa.

Here are some photos to give you a sense of our journey:

Would I do it again? The question is more like, when will I do it again!

Let me know if you are interested in checking out a rail trip – luxury or not – you will have the trip of a lifetime!