Each train is generally made up of a club lounge, an observation car with vast windows and an open-air platform for enjoying the views, two dining cars and 36 spacious cabin suites, with further upgraded accommodation available. The stunning Edwardian-era carriages have been painstakingly restored to showcase their elegant period details, while adding all the modern comforts that today’s travellers desire on cross-continental journeys. Put simply, it feels like stepping back into a bygone era, but with discreet luxury touches.

Even more beautiful are the pre-1940s dining cars, which were also restored into service with the addition of button-trimmed leather seats, wooden marquetry and other added embellishments. When the train was expanded from 42 to 72 guests, the addition of a lounge car provided a convivial space to come together and share stories of the day’s adventures over fine beverages. Today, the lounge cars still have comfortable wingback chairs and deep sofas for prime afternoon snoozing, and a small gift shop. Some of the train windows can be opened to let in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa in.

All meals on board are served over one sitting in the dining cars; it’s a sociable time of the day when all the guests come together to celebrate the diversity of dining across the continent, sampling delicious cuisine complemented by fine South African wines. A fleet of experienced chefs is tasked with creating innovative and beautifully presented meals for the maximum of 72 guests on board, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients including speciality game.

Breakfast is a leisurely affair and served until 10am, with lunch at 1pm, afternoon tea served in the late afternoon and your formal dinner service at 7.30pm. The bar service runs until 1am, but you might want to get an early night if you’re taking a game drive the following day. What’s certain on board Rovos Rail journeys is that you’ll never go hungry. That, and that every lunch and dinner service is announced with the sounding of a gong.

Beginning at 7sqm, the Pullman Suites are fitted with a sofa-seat during the day, which converts to either a double or twin bed at night. They also have an en suite bathroom with a shower. A dedicated host or hostess is always available and services the suites daily.

• Double or twin beds
• Upper and/or lower bunk
• Daytime sofa setting
• En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
• Fold-up writing desk
• Luggage shelf
• Cupboards
• Safe
• Air conditioning

More luxurious still, the 11sqm Deluxe Suites have a separate lounge area and an en suite bathroom. A dedicated host or hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

• Double or twin beds
• En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
• Small lounge area
• Writing desk
• Luggage shelf
• Cupboards
• Safe
• Air conditioning

The most luxurious option is the Royal Suites, of which there are four on board each service, with each taking up half a carriage. These offer 16sqm of space and have a private lounge area and a full en suite bathroom with a shower and Victorian claw-footed bathtub. With wood panelling and period Edwardian features, these air-conditioned suites are the epitome of elegance, where the original fittings combine with the addition of modern technology such as hairdryers and plugs. A dedicated host or hostess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

• Double or twin beds
• En-suite with bath, shower, toilet and basin
• Small lounge area
• Writing desk
• Luggage shelf
• Cupboards
• Safe
• Air conditioning
• Fridge