South Africa: Rail Travel Ideas
In a bygone era, travelling by train was a way of life. Now, it remains a relaxing, enjoyable way to get to your next destination, and in some cases, a great travel experience on its own. Train travel also allows you to take in passing vistas while eating, reading, or simply relaxing.
In Southern Africa, one can travel in style on either the Blue Train, linking Cape Town and Pretoria in 27 hours, or Rovos Rail, which offers an excellent selection of longer itineraries around Southern Africa. Slightly less luxurious but still of a high standard are train tours with Shongololo Express, which offers a broad selection of journeys around Southern Africa.
Rail travel removes both the responsibilities of driving and the expense and carbon footprint of flying. It also helps cut down on accommodation costs, with sleeping berths available on overnight services.
Rail Travel Ideas
16 Trips Available
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Great South African Rail Adventure
A grand adventure offering insight into well-known destinations across South Africa. The Shongololo Express provides a special experience, accommodating 72 guests in two categories of comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds, and classic wood-panelled carriages.- Duration:
- 17 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,965
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Shongololo Good Hope Special
Embark on a comprehensive train journey across South Africa aboard the Shongololo Express. Travel from Pretoria to Cape Town, with stops in Eswatini, iSimangaliso, Durban, and Kimberley along the way, as well as game drives in Kruger and Hluhluwe and golfing opportunities at the country’s famous courses.- Duration:
- 16 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,690
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Shongololo Southern Cross Special
Experience, on a relaxing train journey, 4 different countries, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland while taking in Victoria Falls, enjoying several game drives in 3 different wildlife parks including Kruger, exploring canyons, old mining towns and visiting Pretoria, Johannesburg and Maputo, Mozambique’s capital.- Duration:
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,995
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Rail Travel Ideas
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Blue Train: Cape Town to Pretoria
Enjoy grace and elegance as you sit back and relax travelling through the panoramic countryside of South Africa. Start from either Cape Town of Pretoria and let the Blue Train work its spell.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,563
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town
Enjoy grace and elegance as you sit back and relax travelling through the panoramic countryside of South Africa. Start from either Cape Town of Pretoria and let the Blue Train work its spell.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,563
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Rovos Rail Safari: Pretoria to Pretoria
Play at the world-renowned Leopard Creek golf course, plus superb courses in Swaziland, Durban, the Drakensburg and Sun City. Enjoy game viewing in Kruger Park, Mkhaya and Hluhluwe Reserves.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,626
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Rovos Rail: African Golf Collage from Cape Town to Pretoria
Journey across the picturesque landscapes of South Africa with Rovos Rail, enjoying luxury train travel and old-world atmosphere during your vacation. As you head from Cape Town to Pretoria, you’ll stop off at premium golf courses to tee off in the gorgeous South African countryside.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,907
- Trip Type:
- Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Rovos Rail: African Golf Collage from Pretoria to Cape Town
Journey across the picturesque landscapes of South Africa with Rovos Rail, enjoying luxury train travel and old-world atmosphere during your journey. As you head from Pretoria to Cape Town, you’ll stop off at premium golf courses to tee off in the gorgeous South African countryside.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,907
- Trip Type:
- Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Rovos Rail: Cape Town to Pretoria (or v.v)
Departing from Cape Town or Pretoria, stopping en-route to view Kimberley's 'Big Hole' and the Mine and Diamond museums, while enjoying the stark beauty of the Northern Cape.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,591
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Rovos Rail: Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town (v.v)
This journey is one of the most famous rail experiences in the world. Travel through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania combining the luxury of pre-war travel with modern touches.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 12,868
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Rovos Rail: Durban to Pretoria (or v.v)
Join this three day safari on the most luxurious train in the world and experience the splendour of KwaZula Natal. Take in the 'Big Five' at the private bush retreat of Nambiti Conservancy, and Spionkop battlefields tour with a world class historian.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,591
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Swakopmund or vice versa
Ride through the natural wonders of southern Africa on this luxury rail journey aboard Rovos Rail. As you pass from South Africa to Namibia, you'll explore diamond mines, hike through deep canyons and vast deserts, and head on safari game drives while enjoying the unmatched luxury of the classical trains of Rovos Rail.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,338
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas
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Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or v.v.)
This journey takes guests from Pretoria westward to Botswana before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and on to the mighty Victoria Falls. This tour also operates in reverse.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,082
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Shongololo Dune Express
Enjoy an outstanding train tour starting from Pretoria which visits Kimberley and Upington in South Africa before crossing into Namibia, a country offering everything from huge canyons, wildlife safaris and old mining towns eventually finishing at Swakopmund. This is an experience offering unforgettable landscapes.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,793
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Escorted Coach Touring, Rail Travel Ideas
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Shongololo Good Hope
This comprehensive train itinerary of South Africa covers many of the country’s highlights while catering to golfers who can play on some of the top golf courses here. The train departs from Cape Town and finishes in Pretoria with many memorable stops in between.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,790
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Escorted Coach Touring, Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details
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Shongololo Southern Cross
Experience, on a relaxing train journey, 4 different countries, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland while taking in Victoria Falls, enjoying several game drives in 3 different wildlife parks including Kruger, exploring canyons, old mining towns and visiting Pretoria, Johannesburg and Maputo, Mozambique’s capital.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,793
- Trip Type:
- Rail Travel Ideas
See Trip Details