| South Africa |
South Africa has an extensive railway network, home to some
of the finest tourist trains in the world. Due to the terrain
covered and the narrow gauge, journeys are leisurely. You
will have time to enjoy the on-board services, outstanding
scenery and a wealth of off-train activities.
The Blue Train, Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express all offer
outstanding train holidays and journeys whilst charters are
planned for railway enthusiasts wishing to experience and
photograph steam locomotives in dramatic locations.
South Africa occupies the southernmost part of the African
continent. It is bordered by Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, Swaziland and Namibia. On the east coastline
lies the Indian Ocean, with the Atlantic Ocean on the western
side. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.
Most of South Africa has elevations of over 914m (3,000 ft)
and at least 40% of the surface is at an elevation of over
1,220m (4,000 ft). Parts of Johannesburg are 1,829m (6,000
ft) above sea level. Resembling an inverted saucer, the land
rises steadily from west to east to the Drakensberg
Mountains, the tallest of which is 3,300m (10,823 ft).
The western and southern coastal belt is between 152m
(500ft) to 182m (600ft) above sea level, and is very fertile,
producing citrus fruits and grapes, particularly in the Western
Cape. Inland of the coastal belt stretch lies the Karoo, which
are bounded by mountains. This arid area merges into sandy
wastes that ultimately join the Kalahari Desert.
The high grass prairie, or highveld, of the Orange Free State
and the Transvaal is famous for its mineral deposits.
From the Drakensberg, the land falls towards the Indian
Ocean in the rolling hills and valleys of Natal, which are
covered with rich vegetation and subtropical plants, including
sugarcane.
South Africa is well endowed with a large assortment of
wonderful experiences, with most of them accessible by rail.
You can enjoy the sweet scent of desert that amazingly turns
into a colourful carpet of flowers in Spring or you can
choose to see the big five in one of the world’s most
recognized national parks at Kruger. Alternatively, simply
take a relaxed train journey to a deeper understanding of the
country and humankind through some of the country’s
heritage sites.
There are vibrant cities and thrilling townships to give you a
memorable South African urban experience and there are
blue flag beaches to chill out on - whatever you prefer, find
out from us how best to get there - by train of course.
For the Railway Enthusiast
We will visit all available 2 foot gauge steam railways on the
The SA Narrow Gauge tour scheduled for May 2009.
Details of this tour will be out soon.
of the finest tourist trains in the world. Due to the terrain
covered and the narrow gauge, journeys are leisurely. You
will have time to enjoy the on-board services, outstanding
scenery and a wealth of off-train activities.
The Blue Train, Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express all offer
outstanding train holidays and journeys whilst charters are
planned for railway enthusiasts wishing to experience and
photograph steam locomotives in dramatic locations.
South Africa occupies the southernmost part of the African
continent. It is bordered by Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique, Swaziland and Namibia. On the east coastline
lies the Indian Ocean, with the Atlantic Ocean on the western
side. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.
Most of South Africa has elevations of over 914m (3,000 ft)
and at least 40% of the surface is at an elevation of over
1,220m (4,000 ft). Parts of Johannesburg are 1,829m (6,000
ft) above sea level. Resembling an inverted saucer, the land
rises steadily from west to east to the Drakensberg
Mountains, the tallest of which is 3,300m (10,823 ft).
The western and southern coastal belt is between 152m
(500ft) to 182m (600ft) above sea level, and is very fertile,
producing citrus fruits and grapes, particularly in the Western
Cape. Inland of the coastal belt stretch lies the Karoo, which
are bounded by mountains. This arid area merges into sandy
wastes that ultimately join the Kalahari Desert.
The high grass prairie, or highveld, of the Orange Free State
and the Transvaal is famous for its mineral deposits.
From the Drakensberg, the land falls towards the Indian
Ocean in the rolling hills and valleys of Natal, which are
covered with rich vegetation and subtropical plants, including
sugarcane.
South Africa is well endowed with a large assortment of
wonderful experiences, with most of them accessible by rail.
You can enjoy the sweet scent of desert that amazingly turns
into a colourful carpet of flowers in Spring or you can
choose to see the big five in one of the world’s most
recognized national parks at Kruger. Alternatively, simply
take a relaxed train journey to a deeper understanding of the
country and humankind through some of the country’s
heritage sites.
There are vibrant cities and thrilling townships to give you a
memorable South African urban experience and there are
blue flag beaches to chill out on - whatever you prefer, find
out from us how best to get there - by train of course.
For the Railway Enthusiast
We will visit all available 2 foot gauge steam railways on the
The SA Narrow Gauge tour scheduled for May 2009.
Details of this tour will be out soon.
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| Rovos Rail |
| Rovos Rail offers two beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carrying a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in spacious and luxurious train suites. Considered by many to be the most luxurious train in the world, a truly outstanding train holiday experience. |
| Shongololo Express |
| Enjoy the best southern Africa has to offer on board one of Shongololo Express’ “cruises on rails”. An all inclusive train holiday, and you don’t have to constantly pack and unpack! |
| The Blue Train |
| The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. |
| Phone + 44 (0)1562 632000 69 Pitt Street, Kidderminster Worcestershire, DY10 2UN, England |
| South African Narrow Gauge Tour |
| 02 to 12 May 2009 |
| Click here for the Railways Africa website, South Africa's publication for the railway industry and enthusiasts |
| Click here for Geoff Cooke's Fotopic website |
| Following the success of our 2008 tour, we are planning a repeat in 2009, this time with steam as far as Louterwater on the Avontuur line. Take a look at the exciting photographic programme, then register your interest to participate in the continent's premier Narrow Gauge tour. |