At 07:00, breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. As you enjoy your morning meal, the train travels through the vast Karoo, a semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed, forming what geologists now call the Karoo system.
At 13:00, lunch is served in the dining cars. After lunch, guests have the opportunity to disembark at Whitehill Siding and enjoy a scenic 5km walk into the historic village of Matjiesfontein, accompanied by a member of the Rovos Rail staff.
Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein, guests can explore the charming village, which boasts a rich history and well-preserved Victorian architecture. Of particular interest is the museum on the platform, showcasing a fascinating collection of historical artifacts. Guests can also view a remarkable collection of historic cars and railway carriages situated to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
At 16:30, afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars, providing a relaxing interlude as the train continues its journey. About an hour after departing Matjiesfontein, the train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The first tunnel is 13.5km long, so guests are advised to exercise caution when moving through the train and may wish to turn on necessary lights.
At 19:30, dinner is served in the dining cars as the train climbs approximately 750 meters down the escarpment towards Worcester. This formal dining affair invites guests to dress in their finest attire, adding an air of sophistication to the evening.