30 Reasons Why Rovos Rail is the Most Luxurious Train in the World

1. Rovos Rail is a privately owned and family-run company. The owners endeavour to meet-and-greet departures and arrivals of the trains.

2. Rovos Rail is the only train company in the world to offer eight distinct journeys across Southern Africa and a further three alternative journeys on the Shongololo Express.

3. Rovos Rail has its own unique 60-acre private station allowing for maximum security, cleanliness and efficiency. Within the station facility is a convenient free parking area for cars and buses. Tours of the workshops and locomotive sheds are undertaken daily. Self-drive tours are also available.

4. There is a sparkling-wine reception at all departures.

5. All alcoholic and other beverages are included.

6. There is room service on board with dedicated hosts/hostesses assigned to the suites.

7. Meals are in one sitting only allowing guests to linger as long as they choose.

8. In maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board as well as no WiFi. The use of mobiles and computers is confined to the privacy of the suites.

9. There is ample seating on board in the public spaces. The lounge car seats ±26 while the observation car at the rear of the train seats ±32 and also has an open-air balcony.

10. There is a separate smoking lounge in the last carriage before the observation car that seats ±10.

11. Rovos Rail has some of the largest suites on any train in the world today. Each sleeper carriage (22m long)accommodates 5 x Pullman suites at ±7m2 or 3 x Deluxes at ±11m2 or 2 x Royals at ±16m2.

12. The bed configurations offer maximum flexibility with either double, twin or single setups. The mattresses are made on site by the upholstery department and are very comfortable being firm on one side and soft on the other. Royal and Deluxe Lengthways suites have king-size beds (±189x189cm), the Deluxe Crosswise and Pullman Double have standard queens (±189x160cm) while all the suites offer separate twins at ±189x75cm.

13. Royal and Deluxe suites have permanent beds made up 24 hours a day. Pullmans have a daytime sofa setup that can be converted to a double bed or upper and lower bunks. Royal and Deluxe suites have a small lounge area with two comfortable chairs while the Pullmans have a daytime sofa.

14. Royal and Deluxe suites have a bar fridge and all suites have tea- and coffee-making facilities.

15. All suites have a digital safe.

16. All suites have storage space for three large suitcases and a set of golf clubs and have 25% more cupboard space than the nearest competition.

17. All suites have individually operated air-conditioners for heating and cooling as well as heated under blankets.

18. All suites have windows that open providing fresh air and communication with the outside.

19. All suites have en-suite bathrooms with showers, toilets and basins and are 25% larger than the nearest competition.

20. Royal suites have a claw-foot Victorian bath and separate shower.

21. All toilets are standard household flushing units and all showers have a water-mixing tap with hot and cold water.

22. All en-suite bathrooms have a wall-mounted or plug-in hairdryer and shaver plugs.

23. Rovos Rail provides a dressing gown and slippers plus a complimentary amenity bag in all suites with South African products: soap, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, bath and shower gel, hand and body lotion, lip balm, sun cream, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, cotton-wool pads, earbuds, earplugs, a shoe mit, nail file, small sewing kit and a shower cap.

24. Rovos Rail offers a laundry and pressing service on board.

25. On selected long journeys, guests are provided with a complimentary Rovos Rail tog bag.

26. Guests can shop on board or at the private station at the gift shop, which showcases mostly South African merchandise.

27. The train travels at a maximum speed of 60km/hour allowing for greater comfort and scenic appreciation.

28. The train hauls 25% more train tonnage per passenger (11 tons) than the nearest competition.

29. While delivering a luxury service, Rovos Rail strives to be responsible, sustainable and environmentally conscious.

30. Rovos Rail is a proudly South African company that supports local trade, suppliers and communities.

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