Luxury Rail Travel
Shongololo Express
An elegant yet affordable way to explore Africa
When the indigenous people of southern Africa first saw the trains snaking their way across the distant horizons, it looked and moved like a creature they called Shongololo – the millipede.
The Shongololo Express provides a unique way to explore the region in a timeless way. Up to 72 guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds.
Two historically appointed dining cars set the scene for meals, which are taken in one sitting. Modern and traditional local cuisine is on offer with a selection of distinguished South African wines available. Guests can also relax in the bar car, small smoking lounge or the observation car with an open-air balcony situated at the back of the train.
Based at Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria, there are three meandering journeys on offering, running both north and southbound. The 12-day ‘Southern Cross’ runs to Victoria Falls via the Kruger, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, combining varied cultures, some incredible safari and the Great Zimbabwe ruins en route to the famous falls. The ‘Dune Express’ again takes 12 days, this time heading up to the deserts of Namibia via Fish River Canyon, colonial Lüderitz and iconic Sossusvlei sands to Etosha National Park. The ‘Good Hope Golf’ 15-day adventure offer golfers and non-golfers alike a scenic trip from Cape Town, the Winelands along the Whale Coast and Garden Route, across mountains to the Battlefields, Duban, KwaZulu-Natal Coast, Swaziland and Kruger to Pretoria.
Highlights
Up to 72 guest accommodated in en-suite cabins
Two dining cars
Bar car
Observation car
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Luxury Rail Travel
Whatever you want from your adventure in Luxury Rail Travel, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Shongololo Express with
South Africa
Adopt the romantic spirit of adventure, the opulence of the past and the finest service of today aboard the majestic Blue Train.
Sometimes there is no better way of seeing a country than rolling along its tracked arteries. The Blue Train’s luxurious carriages and car suites take you from Cape Town to Pretoria (and back) through breath-taking countryside of semi-desert, savannah, winelands and more.
Bedecked in all the elegant splendour of the locomotive era, all the carriages, suites and lounges are panelled in wood with the familiar brass fittings, large panoramic windows and comfortable furniture. Gourmet food prepared by a top chef and fine regional wines are served by uniformed waiters in the smart dining car where tables are dressed in white linen tablecloths, sparkling cutlery and crystal glasses. There is nothing more sublime than watching the landscapes flit by over a lunch of oysters, Karoo lamb and a reserve bottle of Vergelegen wine. Dinner orders a strict dress code too: dinner jackets for the gentlemen, elegant evening wear for ladies.
All the suites come with en-suite bathrooms with showers plus all the customary in-room amenities. There are also deluxe suites available and usually six luxury suites which come with bathtubs.
There are two trains with differing capacity which operate along the scheduled routes of Cape Town to Pretoria (going via Durban sometimes) or they can be chartered for unusual itineraries or even hired for exclusive private use.
Our team of expert travel designers can help you incorporate the Blue Train in your personalised itinerary along with maybe a safari stay, perhaps a beachside break or a spell at an authentic wine lodge. We’re here to give you exactly the trip you want.
