|
All Aboard for
2004: Our New Year's Experience
on Rovos Rail, The Pride of Africa
by
Muguette Goufrani and Jerry W.
Bird
 ......I ntroduction
One of the first
lessons one learns when they enter the wonderful
world of Rovos Rail, is that this travel
opportunity of a lifetime is not just a South
African experience; the routes extend to several
countries on a network of rail lines
(see
map). For
example there's the annual excursion to Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania, which we hope to join later this
year or in 2005 following Indaba in Durban. This
time, however, the final destination was Pretoria,
South Africa's capital city, a short distance north
of Johannesburg. This leisurely trip through the
heart of the country, would include two nights on
board with plenty of time to relax. Our good friend
and ATA stalwart Daniel
Dunn, one of
the Western Cape's top tour guides took us from our
hotel at Century City to the Cape Town station.
Here we were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Vos, among
others, before heading for the landing. As the
passengers assembled on the platform, they were
offered a traditional South African toast of
champagne and orange juice, as a trio of violinists
provided the sound track for what was to be an
elegant send off. Mr. Vos took the microphone and
gave us a hearty and humorous "bon voyage
message,” announcing the name of each guest as
they boarded the train.
 There
is so much to tell about this fascinating trip, it
will take several weeks to recall and relate in
detail, however please return soon, as we plan to
add to the article as we review our notes and
download additional photos.
Full story
and photos to appear soon on this and other
pages.
Muguette
Goufrani,
Africa Travel Magazine's Associate Editor covers
destinations and events in Francophone Africa. She
has lived in five West African countries, working
for Air Afrique, Royal Air Maroc and Citroen. As a
Travel Agent, she worked in North Africa, where her
family operates an inbound tour company, and later
in Tahiti and Cambodia.
|
