Discover South Africa from the rails
South Africa is a country made for slow travel. From the grasslands of the Highveld and the vast Great Karoo to the mountains, vineyards and coastline of the Cape, travelling by train offers a wonderfully different way to experience the country.
Rather than simply getting from one destination to another, rail journeys make the journey itself part of the holiday. Sit back, watch the landscape unfold, enjoy leisurely meals and wake up somewhere completely different.
For a truly memorable experience, South Africa is home to two of the world’s best-known luxury trains: Rovos Rail and The Blue Train.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is synonymous with old-world luxury and extraordinary journeys through Southern Africa.
Its classic Pretoria–Cape Town journey crosses approximately 1,600km over three nights, travelling through the Highveld, Kimberley and the Great Karoo before reaching the mountains and winelands of the Cape. Along the way, excursions add another dimension to the journey, including visits to Kimberley’s historic diamond-mining area and the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein.
But Cape Town is only the beginning. Rovos Rail’s portfolio extends to Victoria Falls, Durban, Namibia and journeys across Southern Africa, with some itineraries combining spectacular scenery with game drives, cultural experiences and time in some of the continent’s most fascinating destinations.
For the ultimate rail adventure, the Cape Town–Dar es Salaam journey travels approximately 5,800km through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania over 16 nights.
The Blue Train
If the idea of travelling through South Africa in exceptional comfort appeals, The Blue Train offers another iconic luxury rail experience.
Its signature journey connects Pretoria and Cape Town, travelling through the changing landscapes of South Africa between the country’s administrative capital and the Mother City. The train also operates a Pretoria–Kruger–Pretoria itinerary, combining luxury rail travel with a safari experience.
Inside, the emphasis is firmly on luxury, with beautifully appointed suites, fine dining, lounges and panoramic views of the passing landscape.
More ways to travel by rail
Luxury isn’t the only reason to explore South Africa by train. Rail travel can also form part of a wider itinerary, connecting with road trips, safaris, city stays and coastal adventures.
South Africa has a long railway history and a network reaching many of the country’s major cities and regions. There are also urban and regional rail services, including Gautrain, which provides a fast connection between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.
For visitors, however, the real attraction is often choosing a rail journey as an experience in its own right — particularly when it allows you to combine spectacular scenery, wildlife, sightseeing and luxury accommodation without constantly changing hotels or driving long distances.
The journey is the destination
Whether you’re looking for an elegant three-night journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, a luxury rail-and-safari adventure or an epic expedition across Southern Africa, travelling by train gives you the opportunity to slow down and see more.
No airports. No long days behind the wheel. Just changing landscapes, wonderful food, fascinating stops and the rhythm of the railway.
