But Margie Jordan said she prefers Rovos Rail for the same route.

BBC: Which country is best seen by rail?

" Rovos "is almost like a Hollywood set, trying to recreate something that never actually existed.

FORBES: The Rail World

What emerged Venus-like from these rum-scented waters was Rovos Rail: a private, for-profit luxury railroad.

FORBES: The Rail World

That's because Rovos makes more stops and lingers longer at such touristy spots as a diamond mine in Kimberley.

FORBES: The Rail World

Today, however, Rovos offers comparable luxury, carries more passengers and serves more routes.

FORBES: The Rail World

Political unrest in Zimbabwe has wrought havoc with some of Rovos' most popular itineraries taking tourists to see Victoria Falls.

FORBES: The Rail World

Rovos is one of the few railways in the world (another being the Royal Scotsman) whose beds do not fold up.

FORBES: The Rail World

Rovos' most special feature is its observation car, where a well-stocked bar stays open until the last guest has gone to bed.

FORBES: The Rail World

Whereas the Blue Train is pulled by no-nonsense diesel and electric engines, Rovos offers passengers a retro whiff of steam, though only for the first hour into or out of Pretoria.

FORBES: The Rail World

Rovos' decor by contrast gives chintz full throttle.

FORBES: The Rail World

The same route on Rovos takes 48.

FORBES: The Rail World