Blue Train vs Rovos Rail

If it’s romance you’re after, why not indulge and take your partner on a classic journey across Africa in one of these luxury trains with lavish sleeping carriages, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views

Experience

Both will provide you with a unique experience and the feeling of luxury and nostalgia. You’ll be wined and dined from the moment you step on and taken on a journey through the most diverse and spectacular scenery Africa has to offer.

Quick Comparison

Rovos Rail offers more routes, some of which operate on a romantic vintage-style steam engine. The most popular route Cape town to Pretoria will take a day longer on the Rovos rail hence pricing also a bit more, both include a stop at the quaint little town of Matjiesfontein. 

Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. The Blue Train has limited routes whereas Rovos rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania.  Windows of the Blue Train are double-glazed and cannot be opened, but are slightly bigger than those of the Rovos Rail. All meals and drinks are included on both trains with the Blue Train offering a slightly wider selection. Reviews are split between the two, but it seems that the Rovos rail is the preferred choice for the mature sophisticated traveller whilst the Blue Train boasts more of a modern feel.

Blue Train

This “Palace on wheels” offers a five-star hotel experience linking veld to sea.  All suites are airconditioned and the  De Luxe Suite transforms into a bedroom of indulgence at night with goose-down and 100 percent percale-cotton bedding and underfloor heating. On-board chefs are ready to tantalize your tastebuds in the Dining Car with their signature dishes sourced from local ingredients including Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, and oysters while enjoying a tasteful selection of background music. Visit one of the elegant lounges for a nightcap of cognac and cigars in true celebrity style.

One of the more popular options is to travel from Pretoria to Cape Town, so rent a car when you arrive in town and do a quick trip into the Winelands to finish things off. You won’t ever regret jumping on the Franschhoek wine tram.

Rovos Rail

The “Pride of Africa” with its Edwardian grandeur will guide you through spectacular views with it’s all familiar “clickety-clack” sounds of the wheels on its steel path.  The wood-panelled sleeper coaches offer modern comfort and luxury and the train itself comes to a standstill at night to ensure guests have a peaceful night’s sleep.  The Dining Car offers spectacular meals created by ambitious chefs with the aim of tradition and local ingredients and served with a fine selection of South African wines as accompaniment.  Your tastebuds will be tantalized with a selection of Karoo lamb, bobotie, melktert, Cape brandy pudding – what a delight.

Whether you’re on honeymoon, looking for a quick romantic getaway, or fantasize about a life of luxury, both trains will offer an unforgettable experience. Drive South Africa won’t be there on the train with you but we’ll make sure you get to the train on time. Contact us today to book your chauffeur drive or rent a car and take the experience self-drive the rest of the way. 

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