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Durban Hills Meadow, Rovos Rail

South Africa by Rail

Extraordinary journeys through the Rainbow Nation

Luxury South Africa rail holidays

Introduction

Slicing across the country from Cape Town to Pretoria and beyond, a number of superb rail journeys allow guests to travel in unrivalled style and comfort across South Africa’s most spectacular rural swathes.

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail is Africa’s most luxurious train. The Edwardian dining cars feature button-leather seats, the lounge car hosts wingback chairs and the berths are immaculate in darkwood elegance, complete with tiled en suites and a mini-bar stocked with beverages of your choosing. The Royal Suites are particularly extravagant, taking up half a carriage each and home to rolltop baths and a private lounge packed full of period furnishings. Of course, you can also expect only the finest in regional dining, paired, of course, with the best South Africam wines. In terms of routes, Rovos Rail slows things down, taking two nights to wind between Cape Town and Pretoria. You’ll therefore have more time both on the train and on excursions. For something extra special, there’s even the option for journeys up to Victoria Falls, Namibia and Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam.


Rovos Rail

The Blue Train

Having begun life in the 1920s, the Blue Train is South Africa’s oldest-running luxury rail service. It’s a unique heritage carried on to this day, with private berths dressed in polished wood panelling, marble-and-gold en suites and goose-down beds, available as doubles or twins. Upgrades even feature a butler service and soaking bathtubs. It’s an elegant aesthetic that continues into the train’s pair of lounges, where afternoon tea and fine South African sherries are served up to picture-window views. However, it’s the dining that impresses most, with five-course banquets spanning from Karoo lamb to Knysna oysters. It’s all informed by the train’s route – an overnight journey between Pretoria to Cape Town with stops for expert-led excursions. Expect wine tastings, pauses at pretty colonial towns and diamond-rush landscapes. It really is superb value.


Blue Train, South Africa

 

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Rail holiday ideas in South Africa

Selati Camp, Sabi Sand

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

13-day tailor-made holiday from £7,260 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence on the self-styled "Most Luxurious Train in the World" as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

Pool, Motswari Game Lodge

Classic Cape, Blue Train and Safari

16-day tailor-made holiday from £5,645 pp incl. flights

Follow in the tracks of kings and presidents with a trip aboard the stunning Blue Train, its 19th-century luxuries linking Cape Town with an all-inclusive Big Five safari. Return from expert-led game drives in a private reserve to four poster beds and gourmet meals.

South African rail accommodation

The Blue Train, South Africa

Blue Train, South Africa

Luxury train

Sleek, elegant and ultra-comfortable, the Blue Train cossets passengers in all the luxury and service of a 5-star hotel.

Durban Hills Meadow, Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail

Luxury train

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class rail journeys. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era as you step aboard the lovingly restored Pride of Africa.

Meet our South Africa by Rail experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0797

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0797 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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