Skip to main content

Is this 5-Star Africa Tour the World’s Most Luxurious Train Ride?

The smell of fine scotch and a hand-rolled cigar in the club car. The slow, rhythmic chug-chug-chug of the locomotive. Impossibly courteous conductors in pressed polyester suits leading you toward your private sleeper car. There’s something romantic and intoxicating about luxury train travel. While it may seem like the Golden Era of rail travel is long gone, some international companies are looking to revive those bygone days. Frontiers International Travel has announced a new itinerary for 2017 that it’s touting as the “world’s most luxurious train.”

The exclusive Pride of Africa train is a beautiful, vintage sleeper locomotive with full lounge cars, two dining cars, sleeper cars, and an Observation Car at the rear. The latter is a reconstructed 1960s sleeper car with large panoramic windows and open-air balconies for unparalleled viewing and photo opportunities throughout the journey. Every square inch of the train is adorned with rich wood paneling, button-leather seating, and classic Victorian furnishings.

Recommended Videos

The atmosphere during the day is smart casual — relaxed, but never without a whiff of sophistication. Dinner service is a formal affair — a jacket and tie for men, cocktail dresses for the ladies. To further preserve the simplicity and charm of old-fashioned train travel, there are no radios, televisions, or Internet service anywhere onboard. Guests are also asked to refrain from using cell phones or any form of electronics outside their suites.

Rovos Rail Africa Train
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As with all travel, rail journeys are more about how you get there, rather than actually arriving. The Pride of Africa boards in Cape Town, departing on a 15-day journey to Dar es Salaam (or vice versa) with stops in some of the most beautiful destinations on the continent. From western South Africa, travelers first stop at historic Matjiesfontein, then Kimberley diamond town, the capital Pretoria, and end with two nights in Madikwe Game Reserve. The train then travels through Botswana and Zimbabwe where guests overnight at the iconic, century-old Victoria Falls Hotel. This is followed by a crossing of the Zambezi River and a bush walk near Chisimba Falls. The last few days are spent navigating the viaducts and switchbacks of the Great Rift Valley. Finally, travelers ride through the Selous Game Reserve (Africa’s largest such reserve) before ending their journey in Dar es Salaam.

If anyone can stay true to the seemingly over-hyped “world’s most luxurious train” claim, Frontiers has the swagger, history, and expertise to do so. Since 1969, the company has spearheaded guided luxury travel with some of the world’s most exclusive tours. Their catalog includes an extensive list of bespoke itineraries from cycling Bhutan to photographic safaris in Africa to test driving Ferraris in Italy.

Of course, “the world’s most luxurious” anything doesn’t come cheap. This is luxury train travel at its finest. Deluxe Suites start at $16,500 per person based on double occupancy.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Inside Hawaii’s iconic pink palace: A stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Although there are 22 Marriott Luxury Collection resorts in the United States, only one is located in the beautiful state of Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki. This stunning "pink palace" holds significant importance both to travelers and residents of the island of O'ahu, symbolizing both Hawaiian elegance and architectural beauty. You can read about the fantastic history of this resort online, but experiencing it in person is an entirely different experience. The resort immerses you in not just the history of the building, but also teaches you essential lessons about Hawaiian history and culture.

As one of the first luxury hotels in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian has earned a hefty reputation due to its stunning pink architecture and elegant feel. Here's what you can expect during a stay at this luxury resort and what you don't want to miss.

Read more
This surprising state just ranked No. 1 for summer road trips
Minnesota offers road trippers endless adventures
Minneapolis

When it comes to epic summer road trips, most people think of California’s coastline or the wide-open highways of Texas. But the top spot for summer road trips this year? It’s Minnesota.

According to WalletHub’s latest ranking, Minnesota edged out all 50 states thanks to its winning combo of affordability, safety, and non-stop summer fun. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is a dream for outdoor lovers, with some of the country’s highest spending on parks and recreation and the third-most fairs and festivals per capita. Translation: there’s always something cool happening.

Read more
The perfect New England hotel just reopened in Kennebunkport — here’s why you should go
The beautiful Breakwater Inn reopened on July 1
Breakwater Inn

If you’re craving a classic New England summer, Kennebunkport, Maine, is calling. This charming coastal town is famous for its laid-back beaches, busy harbor, affordable lobster rolls, and small-town charm that feels straight out of a postcard. Long known as a summer retreat for the Bush family, Kennebunkport offers coastal elegance and the quintessential New England experience.

And now, there’s an even better reason to visit. The beloved Breakwater Inn just reopened on July 1, 2025, after a full-scale renovation that breathes new life into this historic waterfront property. Perched where the Kennebunk River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, the inn has been thoughtfully refreshed while preserving its 1880s cottage charm.

Read more