Travel to South Africa and take a trip on the most luxurious train in the world - Rovos Rail. Your romantic vacation through the heart of Southern Africa will begin or end at the headquarters of this private railway company, Capital Park Station and Locomotive Yard situated outside Pretoria.

Rovos Rail offers two beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious and luxurious train suites in the world. The use of traditional furnishings and period d?cor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class, 5-star travel experiences.

The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned Rovos Rail suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring ?16 sq metres/?172 sq feet in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower.

The Deluxe Suites (? sq metres/?118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

The Pullman Suites (?7 sq metres/?76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower.

The very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.

There is also an observation car which seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking lounge car that seats 26 passengers in comfort. A smoking club lounge is placed next to the observation car and seats 11. Maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board.

The Classic and Edwardian trains travel with five beautiful pre 1940 dining cars.

An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests' every need is catered for. There's an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order as well as a tempting breakfast buffet.

For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes followed by a delicious dessert, and meals are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly.

In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town, at the tip of Africa, to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes in Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape south coast.

The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and restored Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and headquarters of this private railway company.

Activities during your journey with Rovos Rail will depend which trip you are taking. Typical activities - on and off the trains - include:

• Relaxation in lap of luxury
• Historical sights and tours
• Stunning views and scenery
• Game viewing
• Cultural excursions
• Boat cruises
• Golfing
• Adventure activities - white water rafting, bungee jumping, plane charters.

Please enquire for the rates applicable for longer journeys (7-28 days), in such countries as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

• Prices in South African Rand.
• Prices Per Person Sharing.
• Single Supplement 50%
• Children Rate On Request.
• Off train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits.
• Departure and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.