Spoornet is the para-statal railway which covers the routes between the major cities. It's by no means luxurious or fast, but it's reasonably comfortable, clean and safe, and offers a relaxed way to see new parts of the country.
For real luxury, though, you have to try one of the world's most luxurious railways, the Blue Train, which runs a number of routes within South Africa, and some further afield.
Another great upmarket option is Rovos Rail, which operates beautifully restored, spacious, Edwardian-era carriages, which are drawn by steam locomotives for part of the trip.
At the 2005 World Travel Awards ceremony South Africa's Rovos Rail was voted the world's leading luxury train and Africa's leading safari train.
But for the real railway enthusiast, there is no better choice than the Union Steam Ltd. These beautifully restored carriages are the original Blue Train – but in those days, there was only one bathroom per carriage. Although there are small concessions to modern taste, such as gas cooking instead of coal, everything – down to the uniforms and cutlery – is as it would have been 50 years ago.
Steam in South Africa
Friends of the Rail
For short scenic trips, you could try the Banana Express on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the Apple Express out of Port Elizabeth, or the usually steam-driven Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
Cape Town is probably the only city where you would consider taking the commuter train, and then only really to enjoy the view between Muizenberg and Simonstown as the railway hugs the rocky shoreline.
The Blue Train
Rovos Rail
Friends of the Rail
Steam in South Africa
Spoornet Online
Luxury Tourist Trains is in just its fourth year but already the idea of a reserve so close to a city has caused great excitement with the prospect of another jewel in the crown of this already incredibly diverse region. The idea of lions roaming South Africa would have had you laughed out of the bar a few years back but today.
The idea of lions roaming South Africa would have had you laughed out of the bar a few years back but today, thanks to an ambitious project launched by an African entrepreneur, that concept has become a reality. Luxury Tourist Trains is in just its fourth year but already the idea of a reserve so close to a city has caused great excitement with the prospect of another jewel in the crown of this already incredibly diverse region.
Shosholoza Meyl
Shosholoza Meyl provides an affordable inter-city passenger service between major destinations in South Africa.
Shosholoza Meyl operates on 15 routes over a network of 6 398 km and a total of 6 500 trains run annually. Cape Town connects passengers to East London, Durban and Pretoria. Services also connect main centres in South Africa with Maputo in Mozambique.
About three million passengers travel along these routes annually. Commuters and traders are the main users while the remainder is made up of operators (contract trains) and tourists.
Shosholoza Meyl ensures access for any person or enterprise that wishes to charter a train. Significant time and effort are spent on the design of the train service to fit each client's needs and requirements. The type of coaches that can be hired varies from traditional sleeper coaches to lounge cars, dining cars, and open-plan coaches that can be used for parties or lecture rooms.
For the more selective traveller, Shosholoza Meyl offers a new class of travel called Premier Classe on the route between Pretoria/Johannesburg and Cape Town. It consists of two sleeping coaches and one dining/lounge car for the exclusive use of these guests. The sleeping coaches and air-conditioned lounge/dining car can accommodate up to 20 people.
LuxRail
LuxRail's primary focus is the operation of the prestigious Blue Train, which caters for a growing international tourist market. For over half a century, South Africa's Blue Train has enjoyed an international reputation as one of the world's premier luxury rail cruise and travelling experiences.
The Blue Train travels from Pretoria to Cape Town, the Victoria Falls and Hoedspruit, and on the famous Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
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The Baz Bus offers independent budget travellers and backpackers the opportunity to explore the most beautiful towns and cities in South Africa at your own pace. All you need is one ticket to your final destination and you can hop on and off as often as you like along the route. Furthermore; the Baz Bus drops you off and picks you up from your backpacking hostel or lodge! |
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