Africa is renowned for its vast landscapes, sweeping vistas, and rich wildlife, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity. There’s nothing more immersive than to experience this natural splendor by embarking on a journey aboard Africa luxury trains. These exceptional rail experiences allow you to explore the continent’s diverse beauty in un-matched comfort, blending the thrill of safari-style adventure. From sweeping savannas to breathtaking mountain ranges, these luxury trains offer a front-row seat to Africa’s wonders while providing world-class service, gourmet cuisine, and devine accommodations. It’s a journey that goes beyond mere travel—it’s a celebration of Africa’s timeless allure and beyond.
1. THE ROVOS RAIL
The Rovos Rail often called the Pride of Africa embodies luxury train travel with its incorporation of nostalgia with comfort. Known for its restored vintage coaches and classy interiors, Rovos Rail is a magical escape that lets you witness the charm of Africa. The train offers an array of itineraries, from a grand journey through the numbers of stunning landscapes to multi-country tours that explore the wonders of the African continent. Name a location and let this luxurious adventure take you on gorgeous scenery outside while savoring gourmet meals and fine wines.
Accommodations on this luxury train are designed to provide comfort and display an elegant aesthetic like a 5-star hotel during your journey. Onboard meals feature a selection of local and international cuisine, and each journey is crafted to immerse passengers in the rich history and heritage of the regions traversed.
Routes: Common routes include Pretoria to Cape Town/Durban/Victoria Falls or vice versa, and extended journeys to places like Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Lobito, or Walvis Bay.
Prices: Depending on the itinerary, prices can range from approximately $3,000 – $20,000 per person for multi-day journeys.
Accommodation: Luxurious en-suite cabins namely Royal, Deluxe, and Pullman, with Victorian décor, with either twin or double beds. Suites feature private bathrooms with showers.
Dining: Each meal is a culinary delight, featuring expertly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients, complete with elegant table settings and a focus on excellent South African wines.
Added Insights: The Rovos Rail has an open-air balcony perfect for unobstructed views of the African landscape and wildlife in complete comfort.
2. THE BLUE TRAIN
Each suite on the Blue Train is a haven of comfort, with private bathrooms and elegant furnishings that enhance the overall experience. Dining is an exquisite affair, with meals prepared by top chefs using local ingredients, allowing guests to indulge in the culinary delights of the region. The Blue Train tour includes exciting excursions, such as a stop in Kimberley to learn about the diamond rush, making it an enriching part of the African train journeys.
Routes: The primary route is between Pretoria and Cape Town or Pretoria to Kruger National Park, which includes a stopover in Kimberley.
Prices: Prices typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person for the journey
Accommodation: Features two types of luxurious suites – Luxury or Deluxe Suite, each with private bathrooms with showers
Dining: Gourmet dining is served in elegant dining cars, with a menu that highlights local delicacies such as Karoo lamb and Knysna oysters.
Added Insight: The train is equipped with modern comforts as some suites feature full-sized baths for maximum comfort.
3. ROYAL LIVINGSTONE EXPRESS
Routes: Operates from Livingstone to the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Prices: Starting approximately from $150 per person, depending on the dining options selected.
Accommodation: Offers luxury dining carriages with plush seating but does not provide overnight accommodation.
Dining: Guests enjoy gourmet dining experiences paired with local wines while watching the sunset over the Zambezi
Added Insights: The train primarily operates for dinner trips for a magical evening atmosphere enhanced by local music and stunning scenery.
4. THE AL BOERAQ
Morocco’s Al Boraq is Africa’s first high-speed train, offering an entirely different perspective on luxury train travel. Connecting Tangier and Casablanca, this modern train provides a comfortable and efficient journey across Morocco’s stunning landscapes in just 90 minutes. With its sleek design and well-appointed first-class cabins, Al Boraq redefines the concept of luxury train travel in Africa, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the country’s vibrant cities. Though it emphasizes speed and modernity, the onboard experience includes comfortable seating and catering options featuring local cuisine. This combination of speed and luxury makes the Al Boraq train a must-try for anyone traveling in Morocco and seeking a unique African train travel experience.
Routes: Connects Tangier to Casablanca, covering 350 km in just 90 minutes.
Prices: First-class tickets are typically over $40.
Accommodation: First-class cabins offer spacious seating with modern amenities.
Dining: Onboard catering offers Moroccan cuisine, though the emphasis is more on the journey rather than dining.
Added Insights: Al Boraq is notable for its speed and modern comforts, making it a great option for travelers looking to quickly traverse Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
5. THE AFRICAN EXPLORER
The African Explorer offers an unparalleled luxury travel experience that showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Africa. Spanning approximately 3,600 kilometers, this train journey takes passengers from the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town to the awe-inspiring Namib Desert. Travelers can expect to traverse a variety of terrains, including expansive savannas, rugged canyons, and the iconic sand dunes of Sossusvlei, which are among the highest in the world.
Onboard, guests enjoy luxurious accommodations where each compartment is designed for comfort, featuring private bathrooms, individually adjustable air conditioning, and large windows that open to bring the stunning scenery closer. Along with that, you can savor three-course meals prepared with fresh local ingredients while enjoying a selection of fine South African wines in the bar car. The train also features an open observation platform, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to capture the majestic landscapes and wildlife up close.
Routes: Travel from Cape Town to Windhoek
Prices: Approximately from $9,000 per person
Accommodation: Offers the Elephant or Leopard Cabin with high-end amenities and a private bathroom.
Dining: Two fine restaurant cars that serve African and European cuisines. Three-course dinners are always a highlight, in addition to a refreshing Windhoek Lager or South Africa’s most famous wines in the bar car.
Added Insights: The itinerary typically includes stops at notable sites such as the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, and the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert.
Train Travel in Africa and Other Alternatives around the World
What sets most African luxury trains apart is their unique ability to provide exclusive access to the continent’s magnificent landscapes, all from a diverse range of itineraries. From a single ride, you get to see a part of the collection to complete wonders of Africa’s beauty, making the experience truly a celebration of freedom and adventure.
The SJourney of Vietnam provides exactly the similar value like those luxury trains above offers. Starting in a 8-day, 7-night journey, you get to traverse through the country’s unique shape, stopping at eight prominent cities that embody the nation’s spirit, just like the Rovos Rail’s African Trilogy offers.
On top of that, African luxury trains frequently also offer enriching cultural excursions, enhancing the overall travel experience. These trains invite travelers to engage with local cultures through guided tours, traditional performances, and visits to historical sites. As the first luxury train, SJourney also provides all-inclusive off-train excursions for divine ventures and cultural exchange, promising a unique and non-traditional journey.
The landscapes encountered on the trip on the SJourney are nothing short of spectacular like Africa. Passengers are invited to witness lush mountains, tranquil rice fields, and vibrant urban centers, all under varying weather conditions that differ from Africa’s distinct wet and dry seasons. The diversity of scenery enhances the sense of adventure, making each moment aboard these luxury trains a visual delight.
Final Thoughts: Luxury train rides fit for all
Embarking on a luxury train journey through Africa, Vietnam, or any corner of the world offers a distinctive travel experience, where the adventure is as captivating as the destinations themselves. Each route invites travelers to explore hidden gems, discover breathtaking landscapes, and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of local cultures. Whether it’s the vast African savannas, the lush beauty of Vietnam, or other scenic wonders around the globe, these journeys create an intimate connection with the land and people, transforming every moment into a meaningful and unforgettable adventure.
