A Memorable Rail Journey through the Heart of South Africa

The world might be a smaller place due to the initiatives of the Wright Brothers et al who made the present age of commercial flights possible, but for many travelers, buying train tickets for a journey through a foreign land holds special appeal. Among the numerous memorable train journeys that globetrotters undertake across the world, a few like the Rovos Rail of South Africa often get overlooked. But those booking South Africa flights are sure to be left gloating over their decision to purchase tickets aboard the Rovos Rail. Read on to know how this train trip through the heart of South Africa will win you over and ensure that you get your monies’ worth even though such a journey is definitely not cheap.

Some Essentials: Route and Facilities

The ideal starting point for this sojourn if someone is booking flights to South Africa starts at the popular international entry point of Cape Town. From this point of departure, there are different travel itineraries that can last from three to nine days. The final port of call of this tour is Pretoria, which is in the heart of the country. The train coaches used for this trip are opulently luxurious and the trip is flagged off with a lavish champagne reception. The onboard menu consists of delicacies both local and foreign which use locally sourced raw materials as and when those are available. Accompaniments of meals served aboard the train include wines sourced from the leading vineyards of South Africa.

Top Attractions on the Route

For those disembarking flights at a South African airport, staring out of the window and drinking in the beauty of this scenic country is definitely not all that this journey offers. There are numerous stops along the way at various attractions that are bound to be memorable long after boarding flights home. Top attractions that must not be missed include Big Hole at Kimberley and the Diamond Mine Museum. This is actually the site of one of most ancient diamond mines of South Africa and it yielded the famed Kimberley diamond back in the day. Currently there is a viewing platform at the site that allows visitors to stare down at the mile wide crater that is currently filled with turquoise waters. Apart from this, the expansive scenery of the picturesque country’s scenery is sure to leave one gloating about their decision to book air tickets on flights terminating at the Rainbow Nation.