Located on the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is a vast country spanning different biomes and is home to 11 official languages. The varying landscapes are beautiful and mark the country as a diverse and picturesque place to travel. The Dutch were the first to establish railroads in the country, primarily in the northern parts, while eventually, the British expanded the lines to further coastal reaches in the south. Today, South Africa boasts one of the most developed rail transport systems on the continent, with high-end rail companies operating in major cities. The experience of riding a luxury train here harkens back to the heyday of rail travel, complete with dining cars, sleeping cars, and lounges offering a truly unique way to see the country. If you’re looking to see South Africa from a different perspective, check out this list of the best luxury trains in South Africa.
1. The Blue Train, Pretoria
The Blue Train is a well-known railway company that is often regarded as a five-star hotel on wheels. It’s known for its Pretoria-Cape Town route, a 31-hour journey through South Africa’s diverse scenery. Starting in Pretoria and ending in Cape Town, the 1,600-km (994-mi) train ride is one of the most luxurious in the world. It also operates a line from Pretoria to Kruger National Park. The trip with a stopover in Kimberley takes about 27 hours, but you’ll hardly notice the time because you’ll be too busy enjoying the ride.
The Blue Train offers guests a butler service along with smoking or non-smoking lounge cars and an observation car with gold-tinted windows. The dining car serves dishes on fine china with smooth background music in an upscale setting.
For your private accommodation needs, guest suites include soundproofed rooms. Carpeted compartments come with a private en-suite bathroom with gold and marble accents. Prices start at 42,000 ZAR (2,667 USD).
Blue Train
Address: NZASM Building, Second Floor, Corner Paul Kruger & Minnaar Streets, Pretoria Central 0001, South Africa
Website: Blue Train
Price: from 42,000 ZAR (2,667 USD)
2. Rovos Rail, Pretoria
Rovos Rail operates several different routes throughout the country including Pretoria to Cape Town, Pretoria to Victoria Falls, and Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It also offers a chartered train service, with different packages to suit all kinds of celebrations and events.
Its first route in 1989 featured two dining cars, two lounges, an observation car, and beautiful on-site accommodations. Today, guest quarters come with an en-suite bathroom, desk, safe, double bed, and room service, while more high-end suites come with added space and even a Victorian bath.
Journey length depends on route, with the shortest being three days. The longest is a 15-day trek through East to West Africa.
Rovos Rail
Address: 1 Transnet Avenue, Pretoria, 0084 South Africa
Website: Rovos Rail
Price: from 26,500 ZAR (1,680 USD)
3. Shongololo Express, Pretoria
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The wood-paneled coaches of Shongololo Express bring guests to a bygone era where rail travel was the height of luxury. This rail company offers journeys through various African landscapes in train cars that retain a little old-world class with modern luxuries. Guests can enjoy a full made-to-order breakfast and delicious dinners with flavorful South African wines.
Journeys on the Shongololo Express range from 12 to 15 days, offering views of the Kalahari Desert, the southern and western coasts, and mountainous landscapes of the east. The shortest route is 2,500 km (1,533 mi), while the longest is 5,000 km (3,107 mi).
Carriages can accommodate up to 72 guests. Train cabins come with air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, storage, and double beds.
Shongololo Express
Adress: 1 Transnet Avenue, Capital Park, Pretoria 0084, Gauteng, South Africa
Website: Shongololo Express
Price: from 13,000 USD
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4. Premier Classe, Cape Town
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Premier Classe Luxury Train on Thursday, April 13, 2017
Offering weekly rides into and through some of South Africa’s biggest cities and tourist spots, Premier Classe is a great option for those looking for a luxury ride that won’t break the bank. Several routes offered include Johannesburg to Cape Town or Durban to Port Elizabeth.
Its most popular route, Johannesburg to Cape Town, is a 25-hour journey that spans 1,600 km (994 mi). Get a glimpse of South Africa in a little over a day when you choose this ride.
Dining and food services are available on the routes and sleeper-class cabins include beds, storage, and some include private lavatory and TV access. Enjoy the sights of the plains and mountains through the east or endless vistas going through the central regions of the country.
Premier Classe
Adress: Adderley St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Website: Premier Classe
Price: from 3,120 ZAR (198 USD)
South Africa Tour Guide
Jakes
Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always attempting to assist and improve the environment, motivating communities to protect nature in order to create a sustainable eco-system, and to protect all species for future generations. My love for nature and history brought me to the most beautiful and spectacular places in South Africa, and that is where I want to take my tourists as well.”
Tours by Jakes
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South Africa Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchanging knowledge, I’m an outgoing person who loves discovering and learning about history, culture and nature. As part of my value standard, I always try to change the way “the world” perceive certain parts of South Africa and Africa as a hole. I have traveled the southern African region extensively and speak various South African languages. Looking forward to meet you on one of my tours.
Tours by Thabang
South Africa Tour Guide
Denis Kilumbila
Experience luxury in South Africa
Ride on some of the most luxurious train rides on the continent and see the beauty of Africa. With these veritable hotels on wheels, staying in one of these luxury trains is an experience you won’t forget.
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