South Africa’s spectacular landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for luxury rail travel. From the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the dramatic escarpments of Mpumalanga, experiencing this diverse country from the comfort of a luxury train combines old-world elegance with unforgettable views.
The gentle rhythm of the rails, attentive service, and gourmet dining make these journeys more than mere transportation—they’re destinations unto themselves. Here is a list of 20 luxury train journeys in South Africa that offer experiences rivaling the legendary Orient Express.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train stands as South Africa’s most iconic luxury rail experience, running between Cape Town and Pretoria. This moving five-star hotel features butler service, marble-tiled bathrooms, and suites with gold-tinted windows offering panoramic views of the passing countryside.
Guests enjoy multicourse gourmet meals paired with the finest South African wines while the train winds through the dramatic landscapes of the Karoo desert.
Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa
The Pride of Africa by Rovos Rail offers perhaps the most opulent train journey on the continent, with wood-paneled coaches meticulously restored to their Edwardian-era splendor. This train’s Cape Town to Pretoria route takes passengers through the heart of the country’s wine regions and across the vast Great Karoo.
The observation car, with its open-air balcony and oversized windows, provides the perfect vantage point for spotting wildlife as you sip on a perfectly mixed gin and tonic.
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The Shongololo Express
Named after the millipede (‘shongololo’ in local dialects), this train winds slowly through Southern Africa on various themed journeys. The 15-day Good Hope journey starts in Cape Town and includes excursions to the Cape Winelands, Kimberley’s diamond mines, and wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park.
Each wood-paneled cabin transforms from a cozy daytime retreat to a comfortable bedroom at night, maximizing space without sacrificing luxury.
Rovos Rail’s African Golf Safari
This specialized journey caters to golf enthusiasts while treating non-golfers to wine tours, safaris, and city explorations. The nine-day itinerary from Pretoria to Cape Town includes rounds at South Africa’s premier golf courses, including Leopard Creek bordering Kruger National Park.
After a day on the greens, passengers return to the train’s elegant lounges to share stories over vintage ports and fine brandies.
The Premier Classe
While slightly less opulent than some competitors, the Premier Classe offers an accessible luxury experience between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The train’s refurbished carriages feature comfortable private sleepers, a dining car serving regional specialties, and an observation car perfect for watching the sunset over the Karoo.
The 27-hour journey includes a stop in Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian village that transports visitors back to the 1800s.
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The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe
This heritage steam train journey along the Garden Route offers breathtaking coastal views between George and Knysna. Though currently undergoing restoration after storm damage, its planned return will once again showcase the dramatic Knysna lagoon and ancient indigenous forests.
The vintage coaches, some dating back to the 1920s, provide an authentic historical atmosphere with modern comforts added thoughtfully.
Rovos Rail’s Durban Safari
This three-day journey connects Pretoria with South Africa’s subtropical coast at Durban. Passengers enjoy exquisite meals in the Victorian-era dining car while passing through the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars.
The highlight comes when crossing the spectacular Drakensberg escarpment, where the train winds through tunnels and across viaducts, offering vertigo-inducing views of the valleys below.
The Inanda Presidential Train
South Africa’s most exclusive charter train, the Inanda, serves as a moving venue for corporate events and special celebrations. With just seven suites accommodating 14 guests, this intimate experience redefines exclusivity.
The train can be chartered for custom routes through South Africa’s most scenic regions, with world-class chefs preparing meals to match your personal preferences and butler service anticipating every need.
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The Umgeni Steam Railway
This heritage train in KwaZulu-Natal offers luxury day trips through the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Meticulously restored steam locomotives pull vintage carriages through some of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
The ‘Umgeni Deluxe’ experience includes a champagne reception, a five-course meal prepared by top local chefs, and stops at viewpoints that showcase the stunning countryside.
The Wine Train
This specialized journey focuses exclusively on South Africa’s renowned wine regions around Cape Town. The vintage train travels through Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, stopping at historic estates for exclusive tastings and cellar tours.
The journey includes accommodation in luxury cabins and meals prepared by chefs who specialize in food and wine pairing, creating a comprehensive immersion into South African viticulture.
The Phelophepa Health Care Train
Though known primarily as a mobile healthcare service, the Phelophepa offers a unique ‘Patron’s Journey’ for philanthropic travelers. This experience combines luxury with purpose, allowing guests to stay in premium accommodations while witnessing the train’s vital healthcare work in rural communities.
Gourmet meals, wine tastings, and cultural performances complement this meaningful travel experience.
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Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari
Starting in Pretoria, this nine-day journey crosses into Namibia, showcasing South Africa’s northern landscapes before exploring the neighboring country. The first leg through South Africa’s platinum mining region and across the border provides spectacular sunset views over the Kalahari Desert.
The train’s suites, ranging from comfortable Pullman classes to the lavish Royal Suites, ensure every moment onboard matches the magnificence outside.
The Trans-Karoo Express
This overnight journey between Cape Town and Johannesburg has been upgraded to offer a premium-class experience rivaling South Africa’s dedicated luxury trains. The refurbished Premier Classe coaches feature private sleeper compartments with en-suite facilities and panoramic windows.
Passengers enjoy multicourse dinners as the train crosses the haunting beauty of the Great Karoo desert under star-filled skies.
The Outeniqua Power Van
This unique rail experience takes visitors up the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains near George in a converted power van. While the journey is shorter than others on this list, the luxury comes from the exclusivity and the breathtaking views of ancient forests, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls.
A gourmet picnic at the summit and champagne service complete this unforgettable mountain rail adventure.
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The Magaliesberg Express
Operating in the historic Magaliesberg region northwest of Johannesburg, this luxury day train explores one of South Africa’s oldest mountain ranges. Passengers enjoy brunch and high tea in restored Edwardian-era dining cars while traveling through dramatic gorges and past ancient rock formations.
The journey includes guided excursions to archaeological sites featuring human artifacts dating back millions of years.
The Blue Crane Express
Named after South Africa’s national bird, this luxury charter train operates bespoke journeys throughout the country’s eastern regions. The beautifully appointed vintage coaches include observation cars, fine dining facilities, and comfortable sleeping accommodations.
Popular routes include the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain passes and the subtropical coastal forests of the Wild Coast.
Rovos Rail’s Pretoria to Victoria Falls
While the destination lies in Zimbabwe, the journey begins with a magnificent passage through South Africa’s northern landscapes. The train departs from the private Capital Park Station in Pretoria, traveling through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand before crossing into Botswana.
The South African leg showcases the country’s transition from urban sophistication to wild bushveld, with game-viewing opportunities even before crossing the border.
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The Khosa Express
This eastern-focused luxury journey connects Johannesburg with the coastal city of Durban, traveling through the heart of Zulu territory. The train’s design incorporates traditional Zulu artistic elements alongside Victorian railcar elegance.
Stops include guided tours of historical battlefields, traditional villages, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Drakensberg Park with its ancient San rock art.
The Diamond Express
Tracing South Africa’s diamond rush history, this journey connects Kimberley with Cape Town. Passengers stay in suites named after famous diamonds discovered in South Africa while enjoying lectures from historians and geologists.
The journey includes exclusive access to mining museums, private diamond viewings, and opportunities to try diamond cutting under expert supervision.
The Garden Route Deluxe
This slow-paced luxury journey focuses entirely on South Africa’s famous Garden Route between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth. The train makes extended stops at beaches, forests, and lagoons along this spectacular stretch of coastline.
Onboard amenities include spa services using indigenous botanical products and dining experiences featuring fresh seafood caught at harbors along the route.
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The Enduring Allure of Rail Luxury
South Africa’s luxury trains offer far more than transportation—they provide immersion in a bygone era when travel was as much about the journey as the destination. These meticulously preserved and upgraded historical trains connect South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes with its rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a luxury traveler, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable African experience, these journeys deliver memories that will last long after the final whistle blows.
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