Traveling by train in Africa is a unique and exclusive experience! Here the train journey is the experience itself, as well as being a means of arrival. Below we have taken some wonderful trains and experiences we can recommend.
The railway has been of great importance for infrastructure and development in southern Africa since the early 1900th century. The first track for a steam-powered locomotive in South Africa was a line of about 3,2 km, which connected the center of Durban to another port area. The track was opened on June 26, 1860. Since then, the railway expanded and spread rapidly across large parts of the African continent. The railway system bound cities and countries together. Today, some of the original trains have been restored and converted into luxury trains that take travelers to discover the continent at a comfortable pace.
FIVE UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN AFRICA
1. NAMIBIA DESERT EXPRESS - Desert Express is a five star luxury train operating in Namibia. The train was designed and built in Namibia in 1998. After a period on the sidelines, Desert Express starts to run from the end of June this year.
DH Lawrence wrote: “Only the desert has a fascination - to ride alone - in the sun in the forever un-possessed country - away from man. That is a great temptation“. Desert Express luxury trains are a great temptation and a big must for railroad enthusiasts.
Desert Express offers an exciting seven-day trip from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Etosha and back to Windhoek on selected dates. The trip includes: accommodation on board, elegant dining and excursions in Namibia's magnificent landscape.

ROVOS RAIL - Rovos Rail is run by Rohan Vos, a fiery soul who restored the classic train The Pride of Africa - the world's most luxurious train. The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 comfortable suites. All the carriages are classic and returned to perfection. The train has included an exclusive train carriage with free bar and beautiful restaurant carriages from 1924 and 1936.
Rovos Rail starts and stops in Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Walvis Bay in Namibia and Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. The three especially three classic train journeys with Rovos rail we particularly recommend: Cape Town to Pretoria and Cape Town to Victoria Fall. These trips are a lot of time on the voyage that travels through the African landscape. In addition, we recommend the trip from Durban to Pretoria. Here the distances are shorter, which means more stops with exciting activities and experiences along the way.
2. SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS: Shongololo Express offers various train journeys between 12 and 15 days that run through South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The train is named after the word "Shongololo" which means millipede in local languages. To the indigenous peoples, the first trains looked like millipedes crawling through the landscape.
The train accommodates 72 guests in elegant coupons with double or single beds. Shonlogolo Express has three journeys: Good Hope, Southern Cross and Dune Express.

3. BLUE TRAIN: Blue Train is an 1600 kilometer luxurious journey between Pretoria, Kruger and Cape Town. The train has its roots from the early 1900 century. Originally, the train was used to transport the gold tanners from the coast of Cape Town to the inland. You are considered Blue Train as one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world.
4. AFRICAN EXPLORER: African Explorer is like a rolling hotel with two restaurant carts, bar and lounge with spectacular panoramic views. The train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria in South Africa, to Windhoek in Namibia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
MORE EXCITING EXPERIENCES ON SKIN
FRANSCHHOEK VINTRIKK: Explore the wine district with wine drinks. The wine drink takes you to various vineyards in the Franschhoek district. You stop for wine tasting, guided tours and food breaks. This is a brilliant way to bring in many vineyards.
KRUGER SHALATI TRAIN: At the start of 2020, Kruger Shalati opens a new accommodation in Kruger National Park. Here you stay overnight which looks like a train located on the Selati Bridge over the Sabi River in Kruger National Park.
ELEPHANT EXPRESS: This small train in Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe, is specially built for safari and is only offered to Imvelo's guests. The train will take you through the national park until you reach the lodge. You drive part of the world's rightest train line, which is a total of 112 km! This is a very different and exciting safari experience.
ROYAL LIVINGSTON EXPRESS: Dine aboard the luxurious Victoria Falls Steam Train. The restored steam locomotive starts its journey from Livingston and crosses the bridge at Victoria Falls. During the trip there are spectacular experiences in addition to food and wine in a class of their own!
STAR STAR: Stimela Star is a private train (owned by Imvelo) that travels from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park with an overnight stay on board and meals served. Stimela is quite literally the word used in Zimbabwe (and Zululand) for a train.

Are you interested in any of the experiences above, Contact us. We are happy to tailor a scheme that suits you.
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