Shongololo Express Train Journeys

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Availability : Select Dates, All Year

Shongololo Express Train Journeys

Highlights Include:

  • Visiting Victoria Falls, the Hwange Game Reserve, Kapama Game Reserve, Kruger Park, and more
  • Coasting across Africa in style, only unpacking once
  • Experiencing a variety of African landscapes, villages, and wildlife
  • Off-train excursions led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide
  • Traveling comfortably by night and touring by day
Tour Details

From: $6,263 per person | Single supplement on request

12+ days

2021-2023 Departures: Contact us for details and dates.
*there are two levels of accommodation on the Shongololo Express; Gold and Emerald

The Shongololo Express, based at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. The three journeys, of between 12 to 15 days, offer tours that traverse South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe with a variety of off-train excursions. 72 guests are accommodated in two categories of comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds while the vintage carriages hark back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the high romance of African exploration.

Recapture the romance of a bygone era when travelers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. The classic wood-paneled coaches are the epitome of comfort with period features combining with modern technology. The service is discreet and friendly with an enthusiastic team of chefs ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. Meals are served in one sitting only and are complemented by fine South African wines. The dress on board the train is casual. Explore the itineraries below and give us a call today to book your panoramic journey on the Shongololo Express!

Southern Cross Itinerary, 12 Days
This is an escorted tour which can be taken in reverse. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to customize any pre- or post-departure arrangements to your travel preferences.

Days 1-12Pretoria to Victoria Falls | Meals: B L D

This impressive panoramic 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls
stops at carefully selected locations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and
Zimbabwe. Starting in Pretoria, this magnificent sojourn spends the first few days
taking guests east through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger Park for game
viewing and the historical areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and
God’s Window. On day four guests tour Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, before
moving on to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland. Enjoy a game drive in the famous
wildlife reserve of Kapama followed by a relaxing day on the train as it heads for the
Great Zimbabwe Ruins for a visit. On days nine and 10, guests tour Antelope Park
and Matobo National Park, site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, before continuing on
to Hwange for game-viewing activities. The final day has the train arriving in
Victoria Falls where guests enjoy a walking tour of the village and the falls with an
afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Map

This map is for orientation only.

Southern Cross Journey
Southern Cross Journey

Dune Express Itinerary, 12 Days
This is an escorted tour which can be taken in reverse. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to customize any pre- or post-departure arrangements to your travel preferences.

Days 1-12Walvis Bay to Pretoria | Meals: B L D

This spectacular 12-day journey starts on the coast of Namibia, a country
of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and seemingly endless space,
and winds its way to Pretoria. First stop is Etosha National Park for an
overnight stay with game drives before continuing on to Windhoek for a
city tour. Day five sees guests overnighting at a Sossusvlei lodge,
surrounded by the dramatic dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park, with visits
to the natural Sesriem Canyon and the 170m-high star-dune “45”. The
train then travels into the Kalahari Desert where guests spend the next
few days visiting the historical towns of Keetmanshoop, Kolmanskop and
Lüderitz with a stop at the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand
Canyon. After crossing the border, guests enjoy a walking tour of
Upington before travelling to Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and
diamond mine museum village. Continuing northeast across the Highveld,
the train arrives at journey’s end in Pretoria.

Map

This map is for orientation only.

Dune Express
Dune Express

Good Hope Itinerary, 15 Days
This is an escorted tour which can be taken in reverse. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to customize any pre- or post-departure arrangements to your travel preferences.

Days 1-12Pretoria to Cape Town | Meals: B L D

This grand 15-day journey offers a golfing and non-golfing itinerary with an amazing insight into virtually every well-known destination in South Africa. Starting in Pretoria, this magnificent sojourn will spend the first few days taking guests through the Drakensberg Mountains to Nelspruit*, the Kruger Park* and the historical areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. Then it’s on to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland*, Hluhluwe wildlife reserve and the world-heritage site, St Lucia Wetland Park. Day seven sees the train arriving in Durban* where guests can feel the rythym of Africa at PheZulu Safari Village*. After city tours of Bloemfontein, the city of roses, Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum*, and the historic town of Graaff Reinet, guests arrive in Oudtshoorn to visit an ostrich farm and the incredible Cango Caves. Traversing the Outeniqua Mountains, the vehicles arrive in the natural paradise of Knysna* where guests enjoy a lagoon ferry ride to Featherbed Nature Reserve followed by a spectacular meander along the Garden Route towards Ashton. On day 14, guests travel by road over scenic mountain passes to Hermanus*, once a renowned whaling station, before arriving on the final day in Cape Town for a tour of the Mother City.
*Golf Courses (optional):
Nelspruit/Leopard Creek/White River, Nkonyeni Swaziland, Zimbali, Durban Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort, Kimberley Golf Club, Fancourt, Ernie Els Oubaai, Arabella Golf Estate.

Map

This map is for orientation only.

Good Hope Journey Good Hope Journey

Included
  • Accommodation on the train
  • Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
  • Tea, coffee, and bottled water on board
  • Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide
  • Game drives where mentioned
  • Park entrance fees and permits
Not Included
  • Flights to/from Africa and related taxes
  • Travel insurance (emergency medical & evacuation coverage required)
  • Fees for passports, visas, or health vaccinations
  • Some off-train lunches; itinerary dependent
  • Transfers, sightseeing, activities, meals, and beverages not specified
  • Course fees for Good Hope Golf itinerary
  • Gratuities
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry, spa services, internet, phone, etc.
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