Train Route in Africa

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have traveled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.

The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are complimented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendor. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.

When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

Rovos Rail is proud to present the ideal combination for group and incentive charters in Southern Africa. Catering to a maximum of 50 passengers in the comfort and luxury associated with our product we are able to construct exciting and practical itineraries to suit your available time and budget. There are many permutations combining Rovos Rail’s 44-bed train with our pressurised Convair 440 aircraft, historic DC 4 Skymaster and DC 3 “Delaney“. Discerning groups may choose two nights on the train with two or three nights in the Victoria Falls, Mfuwe in the Luangwa Valley, the Okavango Delta or Elephant Back Safaris in Hoedspruit. From our headquarters at Capital Park in Pretoria very successful overnight trips from one to ten days have been undertaken in the past with business incentive groups, historical tours, private family gatherings and bird shoots. Three to four-hour Lunch and Dinner excursions, entertaining a maximum of 72 guests, is another possibility. Within reason, and subject to availability, the chartered train can go anywhere there is a railway line on the sub continent of Africa.The train and the aircraft are also available independently for charter.

When the indigenous people of the southern continent observed the first trains in Africa, the lines of rolling stock passing on the distant horizons recalled the profile and sinuous movement of a creature they called Shongololo – the millipede.

Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo tours traverse nine countries on the southern African continent: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.

Just like an ocean cruise, our very special rail cruises take care of our guests’ every need. For the duration on board, all your requirements for a superb holiday are provided: transport, accommodation, meals, recreation, sightseeing and – what a pleasure – you need to unpack and only pack once.

The trains travel comfortably and securely during the night to the next stop on the itinerary and you awake each morning to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every precious holiday hour.

Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board (English, German, Dutch or French speaking) who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled off-rail activities to experience the unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also specialized activities, from ballooning to elephant riding to scuba diving, available at many locations.

The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of delightful and distinguished South African wines. It is the aim and the pleasure of every staff member on board to provide you with friendly and efficient service.

ROVOS RAIL

In contrast to the contemporary style of the Blue Train, Rovos Rail’s luxury trains are elegantly styled in authentic Edwardian era décor, with wood-paneled coaches remodeled and refurbished to mint condition. The only compromise in style is the modern but necessary convenience of air conditioning in every suite.

Royal suites each have their own lounge and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bathtub.

Deluxe suites each have a private lounge and private bathroom with shower. Guests enjoy the finest cuisine prepared on board, dining in 5 star luxury as Africa’s splendid scenery unfolds beyond the dining car windows, then relax between meals and excursions in the comfortable lounge and observation car at the rear of the train.

SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS

Shongololo Express offers one of the most interesting, unusual and value packed ways to explore Africa... aboard a fully serviced traveling hotel train.

You'll meet like-minded people from all over the world. Socialize, tour or relax as much as you want to and be rocked gently through the night to the rhythm of the tracks.

By traveling at night, you awake each dawn to a different, exciting destination and have the whole day to explore the sights and sounds of a new environment.

Unique to Shongololo is that they also carry their own fleet of mini vans for guided sightseeing tours during the day.

There is a variety of things to do, so you can pick and choose from the detailed daily tour options. And what's more, these daily tour options are included in your price.

Your home aboard the train is a simple yet comfortable twin bedded compartment. You'll find a shower and a bathroom just down the corridor and there's more than enough storage. Life aboard is informal and more importantly, no packing and unpacking as your hotel travels with you. Detailed itineraries are available on request.

DESERT EXPRESS

Explore the great open spaces of Africa. On board the luxurious train you can experience your own African dream as you travel in comfort and style through savannah, bushveld and desert.

The Desert Express has been winding through the beautiful Namib Desert since April 1998. It was designed and built by Namibia's leading engineers and designers, using the most modern technology and equipment available. This train was truly born in Africa, and you will see the unique colors and textures of Africa reflected everywhere: the burnt amber leather upholstery, the rich golden and red woods, the silver lightness of glass. Animal motifs taken from the surroundings tastefully echo the landscape through which you travel.

The staff on board the Desert Express are more than hospitality staff, they all share a deep and burning love for Africa and have an astonishing knowledge of her secrets. They will make your journey an unforgettable experience and will pamper you with their friendly Namibian hospitality and excellent service.

En route you can enjoy breakfast and dinner that includes a three-course meal exquisitely prepared and presented in the Welwitschia Restaurant. The Spitzkoppe Lounge is fully air-conditioned and passengers can relax and enjoy a full bar service.

There are 24 fully air conditioned sleeper compartments, each with its own en-suite facility. The compartments convert to a private lounge during the day and can accommodate one, two or three passengers.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the elegance of yesteryear's traveling surrounded by unsurpassed beauty in today's convenience and style.