Even as a South African, I can never get enough of the African Bush. Safari experiences, especially tanzania safari trips, are always exciting and the thrill of seeing the Big Five in a natural and wild setting is unbeatable. So it goes without saying that combining a safari experience with the luxurious and unique experience of a journey with Rovos Rail with my friend Kiersten from The Blonde Abroad was a dream come true.

rovos rail durban safari — While most of the journey is powered by electricity, this beautiful old steam engine pulls the train into the station in Pretoria

A journey back in time

Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious trains in the world and you can’t help but get caught up in the old fashioned glamour and romance of rail travel as soon as you set foot on board. The carriage’s wood panelling, thick upholstery, attention to detail and beyond incredible level of service combined with their strict no phones or laptops in public spaces policy transport you immediately back in time.

Unique Safari Experience

rovos rail durban safari south africa — Kiersten stepping into the past

rovos rail south africa — Basically a 5 star hotel on train tracks

We boarded the train at Rovos Rail’s private platform at the Durban train station and it felt like I was stepping straight back into a black and white photograph I’ve seen of my grandparents in chic hats and gloves. We were greeted with cold drinks and a tour of our suite, which had a large bed, private bathroom and loads of clever storage space for luggage and clothing.

rovos rail south african train travel — Kiersten and I enjoyed our friendship honeymoon in one of the luxurious Pullman Suites

Durban Safari

Our three-day journey took us from Durban to Pretoria, through the Drakensberg Mountain range, stopping along the way at Nambiti Conservancy, a Big Five private retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal and Spionkop Game Reserve. For cultural enthusiasts, there’s the alternative option of an escorted tour of the battlefields Spionkop Lodge and a visit to the famous Ardmore Ceramics Gallery.

It’s always exciting seeing one of these graceful beauties up close

While on board, daytime attire requires a smart casual look, while evening dinners see men donning suits and ties, and ladies in evening or cocktail dresses. It’s quite an experience, sitting in the observation cart, watching the world go by in colourful paint smears, cold gin and tonic in hand, cellphone all but forgotten in your suite. In the evening, the dinner gong rings and guests sit down to candle light and silver service, diamonds glistening and dress shoes shining. It’s such a nice excuse to get dressed up and spend hours chatting to each other and fellow guests between multiple courses.

train safari durban rovos rail — The wind in my hair and nothing but endless views in my eyes

We saw a lot on our game drives, including loads of giraffes, rhino, and zebras. While observing a huge pod of about 15 hippos from about 8 meters away, one of our fellow guests jumped off the safari van and our poor guide had to do her best to keep calm while trying to persuade him that “nature calls” is not reason enough to be eaten by one of the African bush’s most deadly giants. His wife’s argument of “we signed an indemnity form” did little to persuade the guide that her husband being eaten would be any less traumatic for the rest of us. (Just a note: Please, never be this guest on safari! It might seem quite safe, but wild animals are wild animals and this is not a petting zoo. Always respect the wildlife and your guide and ask before you do so much a blow your nose loudly. Even if you go on an African safari from somewhere like https://www.zegrahm.com/african-safaris it is best to respect the animals where you are there. )

hippo durban safari — So close to these beauties

rhino durban safari — A very special moment

The food on board was unbelievable, and we indulged in multiple courses at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I couldn’t imagine how such a high level of quality could be coming from a tiny kitchen on board a moving train. Each dish was paired with a local wine, which I loved and took ample advantage of. When we weren’t on safari or eating, we were in the observation cart playing board games similar to those found at https://dnd.wizards.com/products/catalog/tabletop-games, whilst we listened to the train tracks clacking along below us.

rovos rail luxury train safari south africa — A four course lunch and wine pairing is served with starched napkins

Rovos rail Durban train safari — Evening cocktails

luxury train safari south africa — The food on board is unbelievably good and is all freshly prepared in the tiny kitchen

The staff, train, safari excursions and overall experience were all impeccable and this bucket list trip was one of my most memorable. If you haven’t yet, you need to add it to your travel bucket list. It’s an especially unique safari experience, and combines the magic of rail travel with the luxury of five star accommodation and the excitement of African safari.

luxury train travel south africa — One of my favourite things about the experience was having the opportunity to do “nothing”… play board games, watch the world go by, enjoy cocktail hour

More information:

There are several Rovos Rail journeys to choose from, including Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls and even a 15 day journey to Dar es Salaam. This is a true bucket list experience that is something completely unique in its novelty and luxury. All meals, beverages and excursions while on board are included in the rate.

www.rovos.com

www.rovos.com/journeys/durban-safari

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Unique Safari Experience South Africa