There are plenty of ways to explore South Africa, but none more rewarding than by rail. There are several companies that offer train travel within South Africa, so you can take your pick! Picture the countryside flying past your window, the rattling of wheels on the railway gently rocking you to sleep, and waking up to a new landscape each morning…
Featured day trip: Tshwane Explorer
Take a day trip on the Tshwane Explorer and discover Gauteng the way previous generations did. Covering 60km around Pretoria, The Tshwane Explorer steam train is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Departing from Hermanstad Station, the train snakes its way to Cullinan, offering exquisite views along the way.
Enjoy captivating views of the countryside and the opportunity to spot rhino, antelope, and giraffe as you pass Somabula Nature Reserve. Enjoy lunch in Cullinan before returning back to Pretoria. The journey lasts around 3 hours and costs R75 – R175 a person. Call +27 (0)12 767 7913.
Rovos Rail
Established in 1989, The Rovos Rail has earned a stellar reputation for providing luxury train journeys in the Southern Hemisphere. Operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, Rovos Rail conducts all of its journeys in authentic locomotives and coaches. With exclusive wood-panelled coaches, luxuriously appointed suites, quality cuisine, excellent service, and covering some of Africa’s greatest destinations like Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Dar es Salaam, Rovos Rail is surely the finest way to travel Southern Africa!
Accommodation is offered in air-conditioned Deluxe Suites, Royal Suites (which each take up half a carriage), and standard sleeper coaches. All suites boast twin or double beds, private bathrooms, and enjoy 24 hour room service. The train also has 2 lounge cars, 2 dining cars, a kitchen car, and observation car. Meals are served in one sitting and are complemented by a selection of South African wines. If you’re looking for a luxurious on-board experience with all of the frills and a price tag to match, Rovos is the train service for you. Call +27 (0)12 315 8242.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train is a 5-star hotel on wheels travelling for 2 days between Cape Town and Pretoria, and Pretoria and Durban, offering Luxury and Deluxe Suites, elegant lounges, a dining car, and a jewellery boutique. The suites transform from a relaxing day lounge to an opulent twin or double bedroom at night, equipped with all the lavish trimmings you’d expect – and more! These subtle luxuries, accompanied with the ever-changing views of the landscape flashing past the window, make for an unforgettable experience.
Pry yourself away from your personal paradise, and enjoy use of the Club Car, where you can enjoy a cigar, after-dinner drink, or light reading. The Lounge Car has a well-equipped bar and is ideal for afternoon high teas. On-board chefs whip up the finest cuisine including Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, Knysna oysters, and other Cape cultivars. The Blue Train is the best bet if you’re looking for a short train holiday with all of the bells and whistles – but you’ll pay for it! Call +27 (0)12 334 8459 (Pretoria) and +27 (0)21 449 2672 (Cape Town).
Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express offers a rail safari adventure traversing 6 countries in southern Africa, including South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. The train is by no means as luxurious as the Blue Train or Rovos Rail, but it’s more than comfortable fitted with intimate cabins, a dining car, bar lounge, and a smoking lounge with a small library. Cuisine includes traditional Cape Malay, and Central, West, and Southern African specialties, and each meal consists of 4 courses: a salad, starter, main, and dessert. Regrettably, the Shongololo Express cannot accommodate children under 7 years. If you’re looking for an affordable train service all about off-board adventure rather than on-board luxury, Shongololo Express is the train service for you. +27 (0)861 777 014.
Shosholoza Meyl
Spoornet’s Shosholoza Meyl is a basic passenger train that runs between all major cities, with both sitting and sleeping compartments. Communal showers and toilets are available. Food and snacks are available. Shosholoza Meyl is the ideal train service for those looking for a comfortable and quick way to travel between the major cities, but it does not offer holiday itineraries or stop offs. Call +27 (0)86 177 7014.
Premier Classe
Spoornet also operates the Premier Classe, a passenger line that travels between Joburg and Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. These trains offer air-conditioned sleeper coaches and communal bathroom facilities. Little extras like food and beverages, fluffy gowns, and toiletries are provided, and room service is available. The train also has restaurant and lounge cars. Call +27 (0)11 773 9247.
Which train would you pick to travel South Africa? Read more on train adventures in South Africa.
