Rocking on Rovos Rail and wonderful wildlife

[love_the_life]

I thought that just to finish off this post-trip TR I would add my impressions of the two main suppliers we used and their products.
1. Rovos Rail (Luxury Train Travel | Train Tours & Accommodation | Rovos Rail) – three-night itinerary – Victoria Falls to Pretoria
We booked this online directly with the company. This was pretty easy though payment of both the deposit and final amounts had to be made via bank transfer. There was no online payment option through the site. The staff member we dealt with was extremely prompt in replying to any emails and very efficient. After full payment, she sent the voucher for the trip.
Embarkation at Victoria Falls was handled well. A staff member met us and checked us in (even though we were early and I don’t think they were quite ready). Passengers then assembled in a lounge area with drinks offered, then we were taken in groups by our steward to the train next door. She then explained what was included in the cabin and pointed out everything we needed to know.
The cabin was of a good size and the amenity kit was excellent. I think the cabins are possibly a little larger on Rovos that E&OE although it was hard to tell as we had a 'cheapie' on the E&OE and a deluxe on Rovos so not really comparing apples with apples.
The tracks are generally in poor repair and that with the overhang of the carriages meant that the trained rocked and rolled along. The train stops frequently and it is not easy to get a good night’s sleep but the rocking is all part of the charm of the trip.
Meals were single sitting and unlike the E&OE there was no choice of menu, though passengers were asked to identify any special dietary requirements. Alcohol was included in the dining car, bars and individual cabins (different from E&OE). All meals were held in the dining car and afternoon tea in the lounge and bar.

Did we enjoy the trip? Yes, we had a great time.

How did it compare with E&OE? We marginally preferred the E&OE because of a) better food in our opinion and b) the entertainment provided on the E&OE with the piano player in the lounge bar and the cultural dance performance one evening. But there really isn’t much in it.

 

[RB]

Had a great time reading this report. Haven't been to Africa but have now read quite a few trip reports on here to help sort out preferences

 

[love_the_life]

I'll get onto the second part soon - the lodges we stayed at and the &Beyond company.

 

[love_the_life]

I’ve been very slack in finishing off this TR so here goes with our experience of dealing with &Beyond who handled the safari part of our trip. I came across them through a straight internet search and then sent a general enquiry email to see what the response would be. Their agent responded very quickly and sent several itineraries/quotes for us to consider (we were a bit hazy on what we wanted). We knew we had about a week and wanted 2 different lodges, though did not want to travel too far between them. As it turned out the lodges worked well, each with their different ambience and also differences in animal sightings. The company was easy to deal with; emails were promptly answered, payment was easily made online by credit card through their secure server then followed up with the receipt. Everything worked as it should – bookings on Federal Air, transfers to/from lodges/hotel/airport – it was basically very easy. The product on the ground was excellent; our guides and trackers were first rate. I know there has been some discussion on other boards that the &Beyond vehicles take up to 9 guests in three rows of three seats, meaning someone is in the middle seat of each row. We had a maximum of 7 and it was easy for one person to sit next to the guide. There was plenty of room. Lodge staff were unfailingly helpful and amazingly could remember our names and what drinks we preferred.
Our experience was overwhelmingly positive and we would use them again no problems (they have lodges in India as well and that is now very tempting).

Enough of my ramblings – another Africana TR bites the dust. I have only one piece of advice – if you haven’t been, go, you will love it.

 

[JohnM]

I have only one piece of advice – if you haven’t been, go, you will love it.

Couldn't agree more!

 

[Pushka]

All right all right, I get it. Go to Sth Africa.
I think my planning currently has that out as far as 2018!

 

[kpc]

Enjoyed the TR and photos...I have very fond memories of our own trip to Victoria Falls / safari at Sabi Sand reserve / Capetown in 2012 (wow...it has been 3 years!), and have always wanted to go back to Africa again.....my Avatar is my favourite lion photo taken on that trip.

 

[love_the_life]

Enjoyed the TR and photos...I have very fond memories of our own trip to Victoria Falls / safari at Sabi Sand reserve / Capetown in 2012 (wow...it has been 3 years!), and have always wanted to go back to Africa again.....my Avatar is my favourite lion photo taken on that trip.

Thanks, it was 10 years since we were last there; time flies as you get older. There are so many places beckoning and so little time.

My avatar is a polar bear from when we were in the Arctic in 2010. Probably time to change it.

 

[Milboo]

Thanks for the info on the &Beyond stays - much appreciated!

 

[RooFlyer]

Cripes! How did I miss this one? great TR, thanks

 

[love_the_life]

RF, you've been otherwise occupied yourself I think

 

[Gem56]

Thanks for a fabulous trip report and excellent photos.

 

[love_the_life]

Thanks for the compliment Gem; there are some fabulous TRs here and Africa seems to have a fair share. The wildlife was amazing and I can't speak highly enough of the staff from the two &Beyond lodges.