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Carlos & Monica
Travelonly Travel Counsellors
Newsletter |
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Greetings!
I've always been fascinated by Africa. I am drawn to pictures and stories, it's varied and tragic history, and dream about going there one day. Oddly, it is one continent that I haven't visited yet. Africa is magical to me - so very different, enchanting and haunting at the same time.
So when deciding on my third article on riding the rails, I was very excited to get a recommendation from our web designer, Jesse Collins, on Rovos Rail out of South Africa. Jesse has been to Africa many times and has done two journeys on Rovos Rail. It really is everything they claim and more, so that's our feature article this issue - Riding the rails in Africa on Rovos Rail. |
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Feature Article | |
Destination Africa with Rovos Rail
The Pride of Africa - 'The most luxurious train ride in the world'
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On April 29th, 1989, Rovos Rail embarked on its first journey with only 4 paying passengers. Its founder Rohan Vos still runs the company today and it is very much a family affair, with wife Anthea and children involved in the business. The locomotives are even named after their children. The company has grown to over 200 employees and offers rail service through six countries in southern Africa.
The Trains
There are two trains with approximately 20 carriages each. They are a collection of vintage 1920 - 1930 carriages which have been restored, respecting their history, and decorated with period finishings and furniture. The largest train has 36 suites and carries just 72 passengers.
There are three suite categories.
- Royal Suites have the highest level of luxury with 16 square meters taking up half a carriage. They have a private lounge with bathroom equipped with both Victorian bath and separate shower.
 Deluxe Suites are 11 square meters, also have a private lounge, and include a bathroom with shower
 The Pullman Suites are 7 square meters. The sofa converts to a double or two twin beds. It also includes a bathroom with shower
All suites are exquisitely appointed with comfortable furnishings and bedding, and include a fully stocked mini bar fridge and 24 hour room service. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of champagne, and fresh fruit in their suites, and individualized, impeccable service is delivered by friendly staff throughout the journey.
 | | Pullman, Deluxe and Royal Suite Layouts |
Each train has an Observation Car at the end of the train with an open air balcony, a Lounge and Club Car located in the middle of the train, and several beautiful pre 1940 dining cars. All service cars are air conditioned, but also have windows which can be opened, allowing passengers to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. This is a very unique feature and enhances the whole experience.
 Dining is an event in itself on Rovos, and is a semi formal affair. With several dining rooms on each train, it's advised that you try each one during your journey. As can be expected, food is fresh, locally inspired, beautifully prepared, and of the highest quality. Wines are mostly South African, and all food and drinks are included in the price of the ticket.
The Journeys
There are seven journeys that vary from 24 hours to 2 weeks and link some of southern Africa's greatest destinations in six countries, - South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
 Capetown to Pretoria - 2 days- Pretoria to Victoria Falls - 3 days
- Pretoria to Durban - 3 days
- Golf Safari - 9 days through eastern South Africa
- Golf Collage - 9 days between Pretoria and Capetown via Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth
- Nambia - 9 days between Pretoria and Swakopmund, Namibia
- Dar es Salam - 14 day epic once a year journey between Capetown and Dar es Salam, through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania.
All nights on the shorter journeys are on board the train, but the longer journeys have a few nights in hotels or game lodges.
 The itineraries are like cruises, moving you with your luxury 'hotel' to new points of interest each day. They are well planned and present African wildlife, culture, and history with passion and depth. Excursions on the various itineraries include many game drives, equestrian displays, mine tours (i.e. the Big Hole in Kimberly), ceramics and art galleries, museums, city tours, and wild life hikes.
From affluent South Africa to impoverished Zambia, from savannahs to mountains, the African contrasts are breathtaking and moving, and Rovos Rail puts together a mesmerizing experience. |
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Feature Product | |
Back to Back Journeys Capetown-Pretoria-Victoria Falls | |
Our product pick is actually two back to back journeys, the 2 day Capetown to Pretoria journey, a day in Pretoria, then the 3 day journey to Victoria Falls.
The trip starts at the Capetown station with a champagne toast, soothing classical music, and a personal bon voyage message from Rohan Vos.
The rails from Capetown follow the old pioneer trail through Paarl, Worchester, Winelands, Hex River Valley and Karoo country.
History comes alive with visits to Matjiesfontein, battlefields of the Boer War, the Kimberly diamond mine, and Capital Park Station in Pretoria, the heart of Rovos operations.
Spend a day in Pretoria, then continue on to Victoria Falls through Botswana and Zimbabwa and the Hwange Game Reserve where you can see wildlife from the train.
Starting an African vacation with a train trip is a great way to get acclimatized and covers many must see destinations in southern Africa - in luxurious, relaxing comfort. Once at Victoria Falls, there are many options to continue on to Safari, or other adventures.
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About Us | |
 | | Monica and Carlos |
Those of you who know us well, know that our passion is travel. We just can't get enough. There's always some new place or experience that beckons us. After twenty years in IT and Management Consulting, we decided to start a family. When we had our twins, we realized we needed a change of pace, and began looking for a business that would give us more flexibility and allow one of us to work from home. The travel industry was an obvious choice.
We take a consulting approach to travel and vacation planning. We get to know you, provide creative recommendations, and help you make decisions that are right for you. No hard sell, just great advice, and fabulous customer service.
Our niche is luxury travel. Luxury is evolving and means something different to everyone. Upscale isn't uptight any more.
Our Clients:
Enjoy peace of mind that comes with relying on full service travel professionals
Want the choice that only full service travel counselors can offer
Love to have a travel advisor who really knows them
Prefer customized vacations based on their individual needs and preferences
Want perks and benefits that only full service luxury travel planner can offer
Realize their time is valuable, and the internet can't fulfill their needs
Planning a dream should be fun, exciting, and full of possibilities. Call us to plan your next vacation.
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Carlos And Monica
ckonz@travelonly.com
www.nickonztravel.com
905-891-7500 / 905-467-7247 cell
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