Sometimes the perfect holiday is one that’s a little different. Looking for a unique way to see and explore South Africa? Try a new perspective. Experience South Africa from the comfort of a luxury train!

Trains have been somewhat underrated in days gone by, and they can’t get you everywhere but there is a certain charm to traveling by train.

A typical South African family holiday often entails a fun flight on a local domestic airline such as FlyMango and then a carefully balanced mix of game-viewing and sightseeing. Why not do things a little differently this time and travel one section of your trip on board one of South Africa’s luxury trains. It’s the ideal way to break up your trip and add just a touch more excitement.

Travelling in luxury by train is one of the more relaxing ways to cross a vast landscape of the country while basking in your surrounds. You will experience a whole new side to the country without compromising on comfort and of course fine food and wine.

Why Luxury Train Travel is Popular

Train travel has been transformed in SA. It has changed from a way to get from A to B, to a way to relax and unwind. It’s forced relaxation and that’s something that all hard working South Africans can benefit from. There’s simply nowhere else to go, and if you are spending the time with your family or loved one, travelling by train is the ultimate way to enjoy their company. Undisturbed quality time and forced relaxation – that’s what luxury train travel can ultimately achieve.

South Africa’s Luxury Train Services

Rovos Rail and the Blue Train are two popular luxury train choices and we will tell you why!

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail recreates the vintage train experience while capitalising on complete luxury and opulence. From the hiss of the steam as the train pulls out of the station to the professional way in which the on-board staff tend to your needs, is simply impressive. Rovos Rail luxury trains are grand, to say the least.

All suites are air conditioned and boast beautiful Edwardian design and furnishings. Some of the suites feature a permanent bed and lounge area with en suite bathroom, while others have a sofa that converts into a bed. Larger, more luxurious suites offer full bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. You will want for nothing while traveling in any of the suites on board a Rovos Rail luxury train.

Coming from Cape Town, Rovos Rail offers a popular two-day route between Cape Town and Pretoria with stops along the way in Kimberley and Matjiesfontein. This route takes approximately 27 hours and if you book cheap flights to Cape Town with FlyMango or any other leading domestic SA Airline, you could be back in Cape Town before the sunsets on the second day.

Another popular Rovos Rail route between Pretoria and Durban takes a whopping 56 hours, which will seem to fly by. As the saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun”. This route offers some unique game viewing opportunities.

You could also opt for a three-night trip to Victoria Falls from Pretoria which focuses on landscape appreciation, fine dining and award-winning wines. Of course, there are longer trips for you to consider, if you have the time.

Blue Train

The Blue Train is an icon in South Africa. The train service offers a 27-hour trip between Pretoria and Cape Town, as well as a Pretoria to Hoedspruit return trip. If you are looking for a luxury train trip with more flexibility, the Blue Train is it.

The Blue Train has been around since 1946 and is infamous for its splendid cuisine and superior on-board butler service. The finishes and fittings on the train are exceptional.

All of the suites on board the Blue Train are designed for luxurious comfort. The units all have en suite bathrooms and for those looking for a bit of downtime, there are televisions with movie channels in each suite.

The Blue Train is reminiscent of a five-star hotel on tracks and you’re invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy a whole new perspective of the South African countryside. Booking is made easy online with several routes to choose from, a layout of the Blue Train carriages and a gallery of images to tempt any cynic. On-board shopping, elegant lounges and fine dining to tantalise tastes complete the journey.

Fly Mango Airlines

Luxury trains in South Africa depart from central train station points. If you don’t live in or near these areas you can FlyMango between Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and East London. Alternatively,browse our sophisticated booking facility on Domestic Flights South Africa to find the cheapest flight on other leading domestic airlines when you use our online search feature today.