As a fellow agent in the world of luxury travel, you know the feeling. While we dedicate our days to creating ideal itineraries for our clients, how often do we have the opportunity to experience the enchantment ourselves? I’ve always held the belief that selling an experience authentically requires experiencing it firsthand. That’s why my wife, Michelle, and I recently went on a journey I knew we had to test-drive, not just for ourselves, but for you and your clients: the legendary Rovos Rail expedition from Pretoria to the majestic Victoria Falls.
I love to travel. But I’ve learnt over the years that the greatest, most profound journeys are by train. In an age where everything feels rushed, where the demand for “slow travel” is more than just a buzzword, rail journeys are a powerful antidote. They aren’t about reliving the past; they’re about finding exquisite new ways to be present.
And I can tell you now, nothing prepares you for the sheer romance and grandeur of Rovos Rail.
A Grand Beginning for a Grand Adventure
Our adventure began not with a sterile airport check-in, but at the gracious, historical red-brick station in Pretoria. This isn’t just a platform; it’s the heart of the Rovos Rail family-run operation. We explored the engrossing railway museum, surrounded by memorabilia that whispers tales of a bygone era. Seeing the behind-the-scenes workings and the sheer passion poured into every polished brass fitting and restored carriage set the tone for what was to come. This wasn’t just a trip; it was an immersion.
Exhilaration permeated the air as they guided us to our private suite. As the train, a magnificent procession of over twenty-six carriages, gently pulled out of the station, Michelle and I looked at each other with wide-eyed wonder. We were on our way, winding north towards the Tropic of Capricorn and the promise of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Stepping into a Bygone Era of Elegance
The moment you step aboard, you understand. The rich, dark wood panelling, the period Edwardian features, the meticulous furnishings, you are instantly transported. Our suite was a sanctuary of comfort, blending modern air-conditioning and conveniences with a timeless elegance. It’s astounding to think that some of these carriages date back to 1911, each one lovingly restored with its story to tell.
What truly struck me was the pace. The train ambles, rarely exceeding 80 km/h. This trip isn’t about speed; it’s about savouring every moment. Watching the world blur into a watercolour of greens and browns, punctuated by splashes of wildflowers, is hypnotic. Even the border formalities at Beitbridge were a picture of seamless luxury, handled effortlessly by the train manager while we relaxed; we didn’t even have to leave our seats.
The Heart of the Rovos Experience
So, what elevates a train journey from excellent to exceptional? For Rovos Rail, it’s the soul. The staff are more than attentive; they are intuitive, warm, and genuinely proud of the experience they provide. Moreover, the food is an event in itself. The two dining cars evoke a 1920s glamour that encourages you to dress to impress. Dinner is a formal, elegant affair, a refined four-course meal where each course is perfectly paired with a superb South African wine.
As it was our anniversary, Michelle and I were absolutely touched to discover a bottle of chilled sparkling wine and a thoughtful gift waiting in our suite. We received another surprise at our dinner table later that evening. This is the kind of detail that turns a wonderful trip into a cherished memory. It’s a story your clients will tell for years to come.
And then there’s the sleep. Falling asleep to the gentle rock and rhythm of the train is a unique experience. There are no modern sound-deadening systems here; it’s the genuine, authentic lullaby of the rails, a core part of the immersive 1920s journey.
Where Safari Meets the Rails
On day three, the journey revealed its wild heart. We travelled along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line before a game-spotting adventure through the vast, unfenced Hwange National Park. Home to over half of Zimbabwe’s 100,000 elephants, the landscape teems with life, and we caught glimpses of wild animals right from our windows.
The train then stopped for an excursion that perfectly marries luxury with adventure. Game vehicles from the renowned private lodge, The Hide, were waiting for us. Their rangers weren’t just guides; they were storytellers, bringing the bush to life and encouraging us to see beyond the Big Five to the complex structure that supports life all around us. The experience culminated in sundowners around a crackling campfire as the African sun painted the sky. Returning to the train, greeted by staff with cold flannels and a glass of sparkling wine, felt like coming home.
Why This Journey Is a Must-Sell
As we stood in the open-air observation car at the rear of the train, feeling the breeze and taking in the unfiltered sights and sounds of rural Africa, I knew this was more than a holiday. It’s an interruption of reality. It’s a space where strangers become friends over a gin and tonic, where your mind has the freedom to wander, and where you connect with a country on a far deeper level.
Our arrival at the quaint Victoria Falls station was the perfect finale, complete with welcoming African dancers. From the bustling towns to the serene countryside, the Rovos Rail journey is a joyous occasion filled with moments of discovery and unparalleled luxury. For your clients seeking the ultimate golf and safari holiday, this is the perfect centrepiece. It’s for those who think the journey should be as grand as the destination, like romantics, adventurers, and milestone celebrators.
Michelle and I didn’t just take this trip; we lived it, we breathed it, and we came back utterly convinced. We have the firsthand experience, we know the little details that make it magical, and we are perfectly positioned to help you craft this unforgettable journey for your clients.
Let’s give them a story they’ll never forget.
Scott Edkins
CEO, Ascot Tours