Luxury Trains in South Africa Archives

Overview

A South Africa safari is often an exhilarating mix of game-viewing and sight-seeing across many provinces. It's a heady mixture. But not always relaxing. What could be nicer than breaking your safari with a 1 to 3 night trip on one of the luxury trains of South Africa - Rovos Rail or the Blue Train?

South Africa has three luxury trains. These vary in routing and price so that a wide variety of tastes are catered for. While the two mentioned above are the most up-market, the Shongololo Express offers a slightly more affordable option and longer tours.

Luxury Trains in South Africa - Rovos Rail

There is nothing which quite matches the magic of a hiss of steam as a vintage engine pulls into the station . . . There can be no grander way to experience the delights of a luxury train in Africa than Rovos Rail with a range of journeys. Choose between the ever-popular two night Rovos Rail journey between Pretoria and Cape Town (covering 1600 km) with off-train excursions in both Kimberley and Matjiesfontein . Or take the 56 hour ‘safari train’ between Pretoria and Durban with game-viewing en route. Another firm favourite is the 3 night journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. These are all leisurely, sophisticated train trips, in which you enjoy fine cuisine and wines.

Rovos Rail Engine - Rovos Rail Victoria Falls

There are also longer 9 night+ itineraries throughout Southern Africa and even up to Tanzania. Have a look at each trip in detail below.

Your accommodation is in air-conditioned suites with exquisite wood panelling and period Edwardian features. There’s a range of suites to choose from. Pullman Suites have a sofa during the day which converts to a bed in the evening; Deluxe suites are larger with a permanent bed, small lounge area and en suite shower room. Royal Suites are larger still with a full en suite bathrooms with even a bath.

Rovos Rail offers the ultimate in luxury train trains in Africa. See more details on the Rovos Rail experience below.

Luxury Train South Africa - The Blue Train

Luxury Trains in South Africa - The Blue Train

The Blue Train is a legendary luxury train in South Africa which offers its iconic 27 hour overnight train journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. This is ideal if you just can't afford the time for the 2 night option on Rovos. Also it has more dates to choose from. It’s particularly known for its superb cuisine, attentive butler service and immaculate mahogany and marble fittings.

As with Rovos Rail, the Blue Train offers en suite compartments for all guests. Each air-conditioned suite in the Blue Train has an en suite bathroom and television with movie channels, telephone and a writing desk. The deluxe twin bed suite has a shower en suite and the deluxe double bed suite has a three-quarter bath en suite.

See the more details about Blue Train packages under Experiences…

Luxury Train South Africa - Shongololo Express

Train Tours in South Africa - The Shongololo Express

The Shongololo Express has now been upgrade and incorporated into Rovos Rail brand. These trains offers a series of longer itineraries such as the Trilogy and the Southern Cross. So some of these trains only offer two compartment sizes, and not always the Royal Suite option.

Links to these train journeys:

Useful Blog articles about travelling on luxury trains in South Africa:

My Rovos Rail train journey by Gloria

Highlights

A luxury train journey is one of the most relaxing and evocative ways of crossing the vast landscape of Southern Africa.
Combine the elegance of the bygone days of luxury trains with modern comforts, superb cuisine and fine wines…
Choose between 1-3 night excursions. Or going all out with one of several longer itineraries which explore facets of Southern (and East) Africa.

"We had a fantastic trip and were so pleased with your suggestions. I’m sure we will return to SA at some point in the future and would love to do more Safari trips elsewhere in Africa once the pound/dollar exchange rate improves. We were delighted with Cedarburg and will recommend you to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa. " Milandi

WHAT AN AMAZING SAFARI! An outstanding job!

"WHAT AN AMAZING SAFARI! What an outstanding job you did! From the arrival of the guests to the end of the safari. I’ll speak on my behalf and let the other guests speak for themselves and give their own opinions. Let me just say the Safari amazing…., The team did an outstanding job, from the day of arrival at the airport with ground handlers to the drivers, to the departure day. Everything went smoothly and without this team, I do believe the experience would have been different. Africa is known for being slow, especially being punctual (as we call it, African time). The team changed all that. Everything ran according to the schedule and on time. They made us feel at ease, stress-free, and truly on vacation. It indeed made me feel proud of my country, proud to be a Kenyan, and proud of the people. There was UBUNTU all around, everywhere we went people were respectful, polite, and kind (apart from the one or two individuals who would hassle us to buy something and especially when they see Mzungu) and for that, I thank you, THOMAS, and the team. Excellent work. A hand of applause to Mari; Thank you to Mari, it all started with you. Thank you for planning and organizing the Safari it will forever be in our memories. The accommodation and the food were fantastic. Amboseli was stunning, although it would have been great to see Mt Kilimanjaro it was cloudy. Eka Hotel was great, and the breakfast was delicious. At the Keekorok, zebras visited us behind our cabins and could hear the call of the hippos. And finally, the Voyager hotel in Mombasa was fun and relaxing and the food was fantastic. Overall, the hospitality everywhere was fantastic. Couldn’t have asked for more. Lastly, a big thank you to my safari team (Resa, Anette, Pete, Jim, Pat, Sarah and Mike) for being seasoned travelers, easy going and went with the flow. The Safari wouldn’t have been the same without great travelers like you. I enjoyed spending time with you all. THANK YOU, GUYS. Sincerely, I thank you ALL. " Mrs Carol Ndungu

Mr Guy Crabb - Ginny

"Ginny listened to what we wanted and delivered an itinerary that pretty much blew us away. " Mr Guy Crabb

Tasha Eygelaar

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Tasha, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

LET'S PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE SAFARI

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

Rovos Rail Southern Cross Luxury Train Journey 11 nights

This is an impressive panoramic 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls with excursions and stops at carefully selected locations. It visits South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and...

WHEN Jan - Dec

DURATION 11 Nights

FROM ₤ 8,048

Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria Luxury Train Journey

Experience the elegance of rail travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Rovos Rail's unique 3-night safari between Pretoria and Cape Town combines some of the most dramatic...

WHEN Jan - Dec

DURATION 3 Nights

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Blue Train Cape Town to Pretoria luxury train journey

The Blue Train is a legendary South African train particularly known for its superb cuisine, attentive butler service and immaculate mahogany & marble fittings. The famous 2-night train journey...

WHEN Jan - Dec

DURATION 1 Nights

FROM ₤ 1,403

Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls Luxury Train Journey 3 or 4 nights

This delightful 3/4 night train journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or vice versa) offers a relaxing interlude within a busy safari itinerary. It passes Hwange National Park where animals can...

WHEN May - Sept

DURATION 3 Nights

FROM ₤ 1,997

Rovos Rail African Collage Luxury Train Journey 12 nights

This glorious 13-day luxury train journey on Rovos Rail winds its way through some of the most scenic parts of South Africa: the Kruger National park, Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal, Addo Elephant Park,...

WHEN Oct - May

DURATION 12 Nights

FROM ₤ 5,971

Rovos Rail Golf Safari 9 nights

Another stunning luxury train journey from Rovos Rail is the delightful 10-day Rovos Rail Golf Safari through South Africa playing at some of the top golf courses. This golf safari will entertain...

WHEN Sept - Mar

DURATION 9 Nights

FROM ₤ 3,946

Start planning your dream trip

Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Did you know

AgeMost of Rovos Rail's carriages are from the 1920s
HistoryThe Blue Train began its service in 1923

Everything was brilliant

"Ginny Russell and the Cedarberg team have arranged many trips to Africa for us over the last 25 years. Each holiday has been wonderful and we love planning them with Ginny. When we think Africa & safari we always think Cedarberg. Thanks again Ginny, we are already looking forward to our next safari. Val & Frank " Mrs Val Cummins

Everything went smoothly

"From the initial enquiry until the end of the holiday everything went smoothly. We were very happy with all aspects of the holiday. All the hotels were comfortable; well staffed; good food. " Mrs Kate Mars, UK

Amazing holiday in SA

"Thank you for the most amazing holiday in South Africa. The three lodges were all selected with great care and each had a different atmosphere. All transfers worked entirely smoothly and we were even met on arrival at Johannesburg airport to be escorted the few yards to the airport hotel! Cedarberg really came into their own when BA messed up the outgoing flight (twice) and Ginny spent her entire Bank Holiday weekend sorting it out for us. " Mr Mike Ricks, UK

Luxury Trains in South Africa Articles

Rovos Rail - My once-in-lifetime luxury rail travel experience!

I am filled with excitement that I can finally experience, and tick off my bucket list, one of the world’s most luxurious rail travel experiences: Rovos Rail. My journey started off slowly with...

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Luxury Trains in South Africa