Page 425 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

SPECIALINTEREST HOLID A Y S 423

included on the itinerary.
Possibly the most intriguing Matjiesfontein
trip is the 14-day African A short off-train excursion on both the
Adventure, which links Cape Blue Train and Rovos Rail journey between
Town with Dar Es Salaam in Pretoria and Cape Town is the village of
Tanzania, passing Zimbabwe, Matjiesfontein in the Karoo. Established in
Zambia, Victoria Falls and 1884 it is today a national monument
Selous Game Reserve – the The Lord Milner Hotel, because of its well-preserved Victorian
continent’s largest – on the way. Matjiesfontein houses. A young Scot, Jimmy Logan, an
The Shongololo Express official on the Cape Government Railways in
has itineraries that criss-cross the 1890s, originally came here hoping that the dry Karoo air would
South Africa, dipping into cure a chest complaint, which it did. He quickly saw the opportunity
to supply water to steam trains from his farm, and while the engines
neighbouring countries such took on water, he served the passengers drinks and meals. So
as Namibia, Mozambique, successful was his business that he built the Lord Milner Hotel, where
Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania. today’s rail passengers still stop for refreshments and to enjoy the
There are two popular “limited historical village.
edition” trips; one which focuses
on wildlife and another which
follows in the footsteps of
Dr Livingstone.
On-Board Cuisine
and Service
The standard of catering and
service on board will be that of
a five-star hotel. These trains
have a very high ratio of staff to
guests, especially in the
restaurant car. Meals are of The Blue Train travels past an impressive Table Mountain view
gourmet standard prepared by
executive chefs and usually an in a smart lounge suit or a large windows offering
added extra is afternoon tea. tuxedo. The daytime dress panoramic views.
code is more relaxed, smart
casual clothes.
What to Take Health and Safety
It pays to pack light because All trains have a member of
there are limits to the size What is Included staff trained in first aid. It is also
and number of cases that Rates include food, drink important to find out if the train
can be stowed away (check and off-train excursions by is passing through malaria risk
with the train company). coach. In addition, each suite areas, as suitable preventative
However, guests should bring has an inclusive mini-bar fully medication will need to be
formal wear for evenings as stocked to the passengers’ taken. There is little need
they tend to be rather choice, although some to worry about personal
grand occasions, with ladies companies may charge extra security, but, as always, keep
dressing in traditional evening for champagne. There are valuables locked in an on-
wear and gentlemen either comfortable lounges with board safe.
DIRECTORY
Blue Train
Tel 012 334 8459.
∑ bluetrain.co.za
Rovos Rail
Tel 012 315 8242.
∑ rovos.co.za
Shongololo Express
Tel 021 421 4020.
∑ shongololo.com
Dining car on a Rovos Rail train with original teak pillars