Rovos Rail targets Middle East golfers

For non golfers there are alternative excursion programs available and pre and post train options can also be arranged.

The journey is circular, and the fully-inclusive nine day itinerary commences in Pretoria and travels east towards the spectacular Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit. Guests have the option to play at Hans Merensky Golf Estate or enjoy a game drive in the world famous Kruger Park followed by lunch.

Tee off at the Royal Swazi Golf Club, near Manzini in Swaziland, while non-golfers visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, lunch at the Royal Swazi Hotel followed by a game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve. Then it's on to Zululand for game viewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St. Lucia Estuary.

Play one of South Africa's finest courses, the Durban Beachwood Country Club, while non-playing guests enjoy a city tour of Durban followed by lunch at the Golf Club. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains 18-holes await at the Champagne Sports Resort, with a guided tour of the Battlefields a further highlight for non-golfers.

Relax as the train travels north towards the magnificent resort of Sun City in the Pilanesberg Mountains. A full day is spent at this world-famous facility before departing for Pretoria where this memorable journey ends.

The train

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. 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 elegant suites.

The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features. The air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe.

Travel in style

There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

For the ultimate luxury try The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, measuring 16 square metres in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

A third level of accommodation, the Pullman suite includes the identical bathroom to that of the Deluxe suites, but the bedroom is smaller with a one up one down bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch.