Travel in grand Edwardian style and experience the glamour and extravagant elegance of the golden age of rail travel!
Participants of the 59th CIC General Assembly will have the unique opportunity to travel with one of the most luxurious trains in the word from Pretoria to Cape Town, to arrive just in time to the General Assembly. The CIC booked the entire train for this unique event which includes not only luxurious accommodation and fine dining, but offers also to experience the fascinating and diverse landscapes of South Africa.
Upon arrival at Oliver Tambo International Airport on 4th May, guests will be met and escorted individually to the Intercontinental Hotel, where they can enjoy a brunch and relax until all other members of the group have arrived. Once complete, the group will be transferred by luxury coaches to Capital Park Station, where they will be welcomed and escorted into the Rovos Rail Edwardian
Departure lounge to enjoy canapés and South African sparkling wine.
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Rovos Rail’s own Steam Locomotive will be parked on the platform adjoining the station lounge, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities. CIC President Bernard Lozé will officially welcome the CIC party at the platform and the owner of Rovos Rail will greet the CIC guests.
The 1600-kilometre journey from Pretoria to Cape Town is a perfect illustration of South Africa being a world in one country. You travel from the windswept grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld through the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo towards the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of the Cape before finally reaching South Africa’s Mother City, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devils’ Peak and Lions Head.
Highlights of the southbound route include a stop in Kimberley with a city tour, a visit to the Mine and Diamond Museum and viewing the Big Hole, the world’s largest man-made excavation. A traditional African Dance group will entertain the CIC guests on the platform.
Shortly before entering the Cape Winelands, Rovos Rail stops at historic Matjiesfontein, an authentic, perfectly preserved Victorian village, founded in 1890 by Mr. Logan as a refreshment stop for train travelers. There is an impressive museum on the platform, and famous pianist Johnny will entertain guests with rousing tunes at the bar of the Lord Milner
Hotel, after giving them a personalized tour through the village.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests' every need is catered for. Traditional South African dishes with fresh local ingredients and game are a specialty, complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars.
The Pride of Africa represents the epitome of luxury with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features. Each fully air-conditioned sleeper carriage is approximately 22 metres long and accommodates either five Pullman suites of 7 m2 each or three deluxe suites of 11 m2 each, or two Royal suites of 16 m2 each. The Pride of Africa therefore boasts by far the largest suites on any train in the world today offering passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury.
The suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. Each spacious and elegant Royal Suite has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites have either twin or double beds and a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. Deluxe and Royal suites have permanent beds made up 24 hours a day. The Pullman Suites have couches which convert into single or double beds for the night and of course feature also an en-suite bathroom with shower. All suites are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables; heating and cooling systems can be operated individually. There is also a complimentary bar fridge filled with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of the passengers' choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in each suite. By the way – you can store 5 large suitcases and a set of golf clubs in each suite! Windows can be opened for fresh air.
The Pride of Africa travels at a maximum speed of 60 km per hour, allowing a relaxed journey in great comfort and opportunities to appreciate the beautiful South African scenery at leisure. To add comfort to luxury, the train will stop about six hours each night thus guaranteeing a restful sleep for all.
Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity and send the completed registration form to the CIC Headquarters, as only a limited number of suites is available.
The Deluxe and Pullman Suites will be sold to interested CIC members on a “first come, first served basis”, whereas the two extravagant Royal Suites go on auction to raise funds for CIC projects.
From Pretoria to Cape Town - REGISTER
