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Classic train trips to distant destinations
The Shongololo Express
Catch the Shongololo Express to the dunes of Namibia.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The Dune Express Tour takes you to the massive Hoba Meteorite in Namibia.
There's something so peaceful, adventurous and yet cosseting, about luxury train travel in South Africa, and the Shongololo Express is no exception. In fact, very little beats the thrill of a 16-day Shongololo Express trip, either through the South African heartland, up to Namibia or further north, to the Victoria Falls.
Apart from specifically tailor-made train trips to all manner of southern African destinations, the Shongololo Express operates 3 classic 16-day tours: The Dune Express from Cape Town through Namibia and back; The Good Hope Tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town and back; and the long ride north to the legendary Victoria Falls to see The Smoke That Thunders. These itineraries read like an adventurer's wish list of African travel.
The name ‘shongololo' is Zulu for millipede - and that's what the South African Shongololo Express looks like as it crosses the horizon from one exotic destination to another, with 5-star standards of service and the prospect of an African adventure or encounter somewhere along the line.
The cuisine varies from local South African to Cape Dutch to Malay to, quite often, that of the country you happen to be travelling through. When the train stops in a city or town and is leaving at a late hour, ask the Shongololo staff to advise you on the local nightlife. The train also travels with Mercedes Benz excursion vehicles onboard, and comes equipped with all the modern conveniences you might need.
For the rest, we'll see you up at Etosha for a game drive, Sossusvlei for a dune hike, somewhere in the Klein Karoo for a glass of chilled white wine, back in Cape Town for a sundown cocktail at Camps Bay - or somewhere far up north, in the misty sprays of the Vic Falls.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Shongololo Express Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0) 11 483 0657/58/59
email: info@shongololo.com
How to get here
The Shongololo Express leaves from either Pretoria or Cape Town station, depending on the route.
Get around
On the Shongololo Express, special touring vehicles loaded onto the train will show you the local sights at interesting stops along the way.
What will it cost
Costs vary between approx. R700 and R1 200 per person, per night, depending on the luxury of your carriage.
Length of stay
Some of the tour options take up to 16 days.
What to pack
The dress code is mostly casual, but many like to dress up a little for dinners so pack accordingly.