Luxury Train Journeys

Travelling by luxury train in Africa puts everything into a new perspective – out goes hanging around at a soulless airport, cramming into an aircraft and rushing from Point A to Point B, and in comes a more civilised mode of transport, gliding across the African landscape in style, reminiscent of a bygone era. Luxury African train travel offers so much more than just a way of getting between destinations. Superb service, gourmet food, luxurious accommodation and fascinating off-train excursions all combine to ensure that any luxury train journey in Africa will be the undoubted highlight of any holiday. Watch the world go by from the comfort of your exquisite cabin, enjoying a wonderful meal or a hand-crafted cocktail from a beautifully-restored wood-panelled dining car or lavish carriage. Stop en-route for a Big 5 safari, or for an exclusive and fascinating off-train excursion.

Which luxury African train tour to book?

The choice of which luxury train to take really comes down to Rovos Rail or The Blue Train. Arguably the most luxurious passenger train operator anywhere in the world, Rovos Rail offers a wide range of extraordinary journeys throughout Southern Africa, including two week trips from South Africa to Tanzania, and from both Tanzania and the Victoria Falls into Angola. Whilst still very elegant, the Blue Train offers a more modern luxury rail experience and offers South African train trips only, with journeys between Pretoria & Cape Town, and Pretoria & the Kruger National Park only.

Rovos Rail

Renowned as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, this is where five-star luxury meets constantly changing scenery. From the wood panelled uber-comfort of carriages and suites guests can marvel at the ever-changing and magnificent sights of Africa – barren wastes, vast lowlands, the highveld and great dramatic mountain vistas.

The two trains carry 72 passengers in 36 beautifully and meticulously renovated suites – each has a proud history which is evident in its traditional furnishings and period décor. Exceptional food is on offer alongside exquisite service. There are a number of journeys on offer from the 72-hour trip between Pretoria and Cape Town, 3-day Durban experience which includes game drives, and three or four-night trip up-to the Victoria Falls, to the 11-night adventure into Namibia and the 2 week odysseys from South Africa to Tanzania and onwards across to Angola.

Described as some of the greatest railway journeys of the world, these will excite and enthral any traveller. Depending on the journey, the trains will be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives – all in exceptional comfort and style. Guests are accommodated in Pullman Suites, Deluxe Suites or in the elegant Royal Suites, which take up half a carriage and offer travellers the ultimate in space and luxury. The lounge cars are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa, a feature which few luxury trains anywhere in the world offer.

The Blue Train

A moving and spectacularly comfortable five-star hotel is what the two Blue Trains offer. Sit back in luxury while the magnificent ever-changing scenery of South Africa passes by. They may provide the glamour of a bygone age but they also offer every modern element of style and comfort. The 2-night trip between Pretoria and Cape Town is an unforgettable journey. While the two trains follow the same routes, they accommodate different numbers – one takes 74 guests in 37 suites while the other, slightly smaller, takes 58 guests. Each guest suite has a specially-made bed and either an ensuite bath or shower room with gold fittings and marble tiles, with each compartment also having its own specially-designated butler. The luxury suites extend your personal domain by more than a metre and offer deep, long baths for slow, luxuriant soaking.

The luxury South African rail journey between Pretoria and Cape Town offers a stopover in Kimberley where guests can experience the excitement of the great diamond rush, whilst the return trip between Pretoria and the Kruger National Park includes two game drives and a spectacular boma dinner under the stars.

Linking the private suites of The Blue Train are two wood-panelled cars: the lounge and club cars. The elegant lounges are ideally positioned for an apéritif, or you can while away the miles with a game of cards, chess or backgammon, tune in to the big-screen television or browse through a volume from the library. The Blue Train experience is a banquet for all the senses and this is especially true of the dining car - here the reassuring weight of Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware on crisp white linen set the tone, and as the sky darkens the day's smart-casual dress code gives way to a parade of elegant eveningwear or traditional attire.

Why book your African luxury train journey with Africa Travel?

Africa Travel will make sure that you get the very most out of your luxury South African train trip. We have been providing our clients with train tours to Africa for over 30 years, using our extensive experience to always ensure that they enjoy a trip that meets their exact preferences. All of our staff have travelled extensively, meaning that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best luxury train trip to book, the best places to stay before and after your African train adventure, and the best off-train excursions to take.

Making a luxury rail journey part of your African adventure will create memories that will last a lifetime. So if you fancy taking to the rails and seeing the sights in style, speak to one of our experts on on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email 

info@africatravel.co.uk and start planning your African luxury rail tour.