Blue Train/Rovos Rail
 

Any recent experiences with these trains in South Africa or neighboring countries? I just saw a TV travelog on the Rovos train that looked absolutely wonderful! Is the Blue Train experience OK?

Thanks in advance.

My parents did the Blue Train once to Cape Town. They said it was alright, quite luxurious, but slightly boring and over-hyped. The only truly spectacular part was when the train passed sections of the coast, sometimes on bridges that spanned the high tide zones. (But then, one can see some pretty and equally spectacular sights by car, and one can actually stop and take it all in.)

You hit the nail on the head there. Much as I like traveling by train, this is a good reason not to go on scenic train journeys. Another one is that many such trains do much of their traveling at night.

Johan

Scenic Trains are Very Nice
 

Trains are great for getting a feel of the countryside on a "macro" scale. It is perfectly sufficient to take in the overall view as the train travels hundreds of kilometers. Desert scenes in the US Southwest are perfectly viewed by train.

It's a different experience than what the car provides. That might be viewed as a "micro" scale, allowing more attention to detail. But the detail lengthens the trip, with constant stops, while the train goes straight through.

It's not really an either/or situation. It's a "both" situation. Those who only have time for one need to make a choice. If one has tried one option, then another option may await another visit.

Fine dining and service is the hallmark of the legendary Blue Train (coats and tie required).

I will be on board on Oct. 5.

I may be mistaken, but I seem to recall reading recently that this requirement has been abolished.

Johan

Coat and Tie at Dinner on Blue Train
 

The requirement continues to apply at dinner, per my ticket. So, we'll see!

But the good thing about the car is it can provide both a macro and micro experience of the countryside. There is no need to stop to take in every detail, but it gives on the option to do so. And one can certainly eat at many fine and wonderful places along the coast in SA, equal or better to that found on the Blue Train.

The one big plus about trains IMHO is that one can walk around, go to the toilet and feel a bit more free than when sitting in a car for a long time. But otherwise, in my experience in SA, the car is the best way to see the country, both macro and micro.

Rovos Rail vs. Blue Train
 

Thank you for the numerous replies and interesting comments. Has anyone ridden on both the Blue Train and Rovos Rail? How do these two trains compare? (I understand the merits of travelling by car.)

Thank you! :)

Blue Train: Dress Code
 

From the Blue Train website:

"Dress code
In keeping with tradition it is a compulsory custom to dress formal for dinner to match the sheer elegance of The Blue Train. Eveningwear is elegant and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day dress is smart casual."

I can't comment on the Blue Train but we travelled the Rovos Rail from PTA to CPT about 2 years ago. The main differences, as I understood it at the time, are that Rovos uses antique refurbished carriages (beautiful) and steam engines (at least to pull you out of the station) whereas the Blue Train uses luxury rolling stock from the 1970s (updated). Also Rovos takes two days to make the journey to/from Cape Town and includes two off-train stops at Kimberley and Matjesfontein - the Blue Train does not stop for sightseeing. These were the reasons we went for Rovos in the end but it will depend on your preferences.

The accommodation is beautiful and relatively spacious even though we went for just a standard cabin. There is a shower and minibar (as well as room service) and a full double bed. The dining cars were just stunning, dating from the 1920s, with intricate wooden carvings and columns. At the rear of the train there is a bar and observation car with an open rear deck - we had a magical evening after dinner one night sat out there alone as the train travelled through the moonlit Karoo! And the quality of the food and wine is first class.

For us there was only one downside to travelling by Rovos and I don't know whether it will be an issue for you. Basically we are both in our early 30s and the average age of the other passengers was 60+. While everyone was perfectly friendly we tended to keep to ourselves as we had relatively little in common with people who were retired etc etc. It certainly didn't affect our trip but we did feel very conspicuous (being young and a gay couple!)

Hope that helps.

Thanks
 

aristoph,

Thank you so much for that very helpful and detailed report. It's great to have this sort of feedback.

I also appreciate the comment about not quite fitting in with the rest of the crowd. I've had similar experiences, but it didn't spoil my trip -- nor yours, by the sound of it.

Thanks again!

Last night the Blue Train crashed with the Trans Karoo Express. Doesn't look like anyone was killed though there are reports of serious injuries. I would imagine it will be ouot of action for some time though they will clearly have more than one train set.

Blue Train on 10/5
 

I rode the Blue Train on 10/5 from PRT to CPT. Very elegant. We did make a stop at Kimberly to view the diamond mine (about 1 1/2 hours) and were presented with a Blue Train sherry glass. It was a nice trip.

It was a suitable followup to my F award on UA and LH between SFO/FRA and FRA/JNB, respectively, which included the complementary dinner and drinks at the LH 1st class lounge in FRA, and the drive across the tarmac to the plane in a Mercedes S-Class.

Does anyone have any up to date reports on either of these two trains? I had a look on Tripadvisor and the Blue Train gets a bad rating, although there are only 4 reports against 13 for Rovos Rail.

Regards