As we reach the end of the summer season here in South Africa, our team has seen a busy start to the year, with Southern Africa clearly being on the top of many a travel agenda with last-minute bookings and some exciting itineraries! They are handling these requests like rock stars and charging full steam ahead!
This month our newsletter focuses on a unique way of traveling inspired by trains. Taking you back to yesteryear, we explore some of the magnificent train offerings in Southern Africa.
Kruger Shalati The Train on the Bridge (Kruger National Park) is a Safari Lodge in a train and stationed atop the Selati Bridge above the Sabie River and pays tribute to the first visitors to the Kruger National Park in the 1920s when the train would park overnight on that exact spot. The luxurious Kruger Shalati comprises 24 well-appointed carriage rooms offering incredible bush views and an additional 7 Bridge House land-based rooms, ideal for families. The unique overhanging pool deck is a great spot to relax after an exciting day of Kruger safaris (2 daily safaris included in the rate). The carriage rooms are suitable for visitors from 12 years, and Bridge House can accommodate families with younger children. The area is one of the best game viewing areas in South Africa, famous for the Big Five and very special leopard sightings. (bottom image)
Founders Lodge Railway Carriage (Greater Addo) is a charming carriage consisting of three elegantly restored compartments, a lounge and dining area, and an outdoor deck with a boma area and private pool. This carriage is ideal for families or groups traveling together, wanting an exclusive-use option with a dedicated staff complement. So, for guests looking for a unique, first-of-its-kind malaria-free experience in the Eastern Cape while enjoying a Big Five safari on a 25 000-ha game reserve, look no further! Additionally, the kids can gain survival skills in a fun and adventurous way by joining the Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience at Founders Lodge - an unforgettable holiday for the whole family! (top left image)
The surprise Selati Dining Carriage experience at Savanna Lodge (Sabi Sand Game Reserve) is the perfect treat for guests celebrating a special occasion. Picture the scene - guests have just been on an exceptional game drive, seen the Big Five, and have taken some incredible photographs. As the vehicle draws close to Savanna Lodge, when they round the bend - 'surprise!' - a romantically lit railway carriage, standing on the original railway lines near the lodge! Savanna lovingly restored this original carriage from the old days when the Selati railway line ran through the Sabi Sand. Before guests enter the dining carriage to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, drinks are served outside amongst the stars. The rangers tell the fascinating story of the railway line and how the carriage came to stay at Savanna. The Selati line was decommissioned in 1969, and original train tickets and other memorabilia are on the train for guests to appreciate. Please note that this is a surprise experience that is not guaranteed, so best to keep it a secret! (top right image)
Guests staying in Livingstone can book an amazing evening aboard The Royal Livingstone Express, a luxurious steam train, and journey to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset before delighting in a delectable 5-course meal. This scheduled trip runs every Saturday but can be booked every other day for larger groups. This dining experience welcomes children of all ages but is recommended for guests 12 years and older. (bottom left image)
For guests staying in Victoria Falls, The Bushtracks Express offers a similar dining experience but departs from the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. After being closed for a while, this service will reopen better than ever in mid-April. (top image)
The Elephant Express is a unique way to travel to the Imvelo Safari Lodges in Southern Hwange. The railcar has a safari design with open sides and accommodates up to 22 passengers. Before the journey embarks, soft drinks, beers, wine, snacks, and lunch are provided on board the train. The railcar is spacious, with large aisles for guests to walk around to sightsee and the chance to spot wildlife, and guests can enjoy the company of a highly knowledgeable and experienced guide. This experience is open to guests from 7 years and older and includes a short game drive from the railway station or siding to the various lodges. (bottom right image)
Rovos Rail journeys through the African continent in ultimate luxury. The vintage look and feel combined with the picturesque scenery whisk travelers away to another world. Life aboard the train is a breeze, with a dedicated staff complement to see to guests’ every need during their journey. The trains comprise 36 suites that accommodate up to 72 passengers, dining cars to enjoy all meals, a lounge car, and an observation car with an open-air balcony to soak up the sun and the magnificent views. There are various journeys ranging from 48 hours to 15 days. The classic Cape Town to Pretoria route is exceedingly popular, but why not tick two or more countries off the bucket list by booking a journey into Namibia, Victoria Falls, or Dar Es Salaam? (top left image)
The Shongololo Express is the sister property of Rovos Rail, with more journeys to choose from. Guests can travel from South Africa into Malawi, Namibia, and Victoria Falls with trips up to 15 days - there is a journey for everyone. As of January 2024, the Shongololo Express name will be steadily phased out and will merge into the Rovos Rail portfolio. The suites will match the same level and class as Rovos Rail with Traditional Pullmans, Pullman Golds, Deluxes, and Royals. The Southern Cross and African Trilogy journeys will remain unchanged, but as a Rovos Rail product, and the African Collage and Good Hope journey will merge to become an 11-night journey. (bottom left image)
The Blue Train is another special train traversing the route from Cape Town to Pretoria (and vice versa) and from Pretoria to Kruger, the perfect combination of city and safari. The trains can accommodate up to 82 guests and comprise up to 41 suites, dining cars, a lounge car, and a conference car, making it suitable even for conferencing groups with a twist. The classic Pretoria – Cape Town route includes a stop in Kimberley taking guests back to the days of the diamond rush. The northbound journey has a stop-off in Matjiesfontein, a town rich in history – just stepping off the train into town feels like stepping into a time warp of a different age. (right image)
The Blue Train Park is great fun for the whole family. Located in Moulle Point, Cape Town, just meters from the beach, the park is the ideal place for the little ones to explore the area on the mini train and enjoy the variety of outdoor play activities such as the jungle gym, obstacle course, zipline, soccer pitch and more. The only thing missing is a picnic basket and some energy to burn off! There is no need to pre-book, just arrive and have fun! (bottom image)
For guests staying in Cape Town wanting to visit the Elgin Valley, a unique way to get there would be to hop on board the Ceres Rail train and meander through Cape Town into the Elgin Valley to the Elgin Railway Market. Guests can choose what type of seating they prefer on the train, varying from bar lounge seating (for adults only), lounge seating for a more relaxed environment, family coupes for larger groups traveling together, and the observation car that offers the best views. At the market, guests can experience a relaxing ambiance while listening to live music, wandering through the various stalls to try unique dishes and drinks, and perhaps finding some memorabilia to take home. The outdoor play area will keep the kids entertained for the day. Trips to Elgin Railway Market take place every Saturday and can be pre-booked with us. (top image)
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