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

Popular tours & safaris

Rovos Rail Pretoria to Durban Luxury Train journey

Join this three day safari on Rovos Rail and experience the splendour of KwaZulu Natal. Take in the Big Five, a battlefields tour with a world class historian and unusual African ceramics.

WHEN Jan - Dec

DURATION 2 Nights

FROM ₤ 1,367

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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 ₤ 3,979

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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

FROM ₤ 1,507

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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 ev ..." - Mr Mike Ricks, UK

Mr Chris Day, UK - Peter

"Peter couldn’t have been more helpful, and his suggestions were all relevant and useful to us. " - Mr Chris Day, UK

Ginny's advice was spot on

"Ginny’s advice was spot on – the locations, pace of trip and quality of accommodation was superb. The 2 slightly different safari areas also worked out well and it was great that our be ..." - Mr Matthew Campbell

Great Recommendations

"I am into the details and ask lots of questions and I got all the info that I needed (and more) very quickly, which enabled my review all of Cedarberg’s recommendations and check for alternat ..." - Mr Ian Crispin, UK

"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 ..." - Milandi

Dream holiday

"Milandi (et all at C. A. T.) …”Like talking to a good friend/family member who genuinely, listens… then sets skill and extensive knowledge to work to fulfill (AND OFTEN BEYOND!!) ..." - Mr Wally Rohrer

Everything was perfect

"Your service and the holiday you put together for us was faultless. Everything was perfect from the choice of accommodation to the transfers, flights…… everything! It was seamless. " - Mrs Ruth Koper

It was a fabulous holiday

"I have booked through Cedarberg before and this is why I came back, as I was highly satisfied. This time it was a bit more complicated as Peter had less experience with Uganda himself and he had to ..." - Mrs Monika Maintz

"Overall, the trip was wonderful! You and Cedarberg continue to excel in local knowledge, attentiveness in creating wonderful customized itineraries. Every camp was a perfect blend of game, local ho ..." - Mari

Very helpful discussions

"Very helpful discussions beforehand to give us lots of options. The personalised website was really good. The pre-holiday booklet was really useful as well. " - Mrs Rachel O'Connell, UK

Luxury Trains in South Africa | A deeper dive

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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