Luxury Train Travel: Embracing Slow Travel

There’s an undeniable romance in the rhythmic chug of travel by train – a nostalgic hum reminiscent of safari days of old. It calls to the traveller seeking something deeper, something romantic. Luxury train travel has emerged as the ultimate slow travel experience, inviting you to trade the frenetic pace of modern life for the polished mahogany grain and velvet-lined seats of a moving masterpiece.

In Africa, this revival takes the form of a rail safari. It’s a journey where the landscape doesn’t just pass by; it unfolds in a dramatic sweep of golden savannahs dotted with wildlife, mountains, and desert.

The Romance of Rail Travel

In an era that seems too fast-paced to keep up with, the modern traveller is seeking more than just a destination; they’re looking for a journey – a transition. Luxury train travel is the answer to this dilemma. It offers a rare commodity: the luxury of time and the nostalgia of a slower era.

It blends elegant, vintage design with comfortable, slow-paced exploration – allowing you to witness the changing scenery of Africa from the comfort of your cabin.

Train tours invite you to slow down, watch the world unfold and experience travel as something immersive and reflective rather than rushed. It carries echoes of a graceful age of grand stations, polished brass fittings, handwritten tickets, and dining cars with white tablecloths and elegant service.

You can read in a quiet corner or simply gaze outside and watch the shifting African landscapes with the rhythmic hum of wheels on tracks, then retire to your quarters while the slow chug of the carriage rocks you into a blissful slumber. The romance of a luxury train safari is about anticipation. It’s travel where the route is part of the experience.

Rovos Rail: The Pride of Africa

When discussing the gold standard of rail travel in South Africa, one name stands above the rest: Rovos Rail. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its world-class service and authentically restored vintage carriages.

Its suites are spacious and elegantly appointed, featuring en-suite bathrooms, wood-panelled walls, and large windows that frame Africa’s stunning landscapes.

You’ll be able to embark on an enchanting voyage through South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our Luxury Train Journey to Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta Safari departs from Pretoria and travels across some of southern Africa’s finest destinations. It culminates at the majestic Victoria Falls, where your wilderness adventure continues onwards into Botswana‘s iconic Okavango Delta.

Dining is a formal affair. You can expect multi-course meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients, served in Victorian-style dining cars accompanied by the finest South African wines. Its observation deck, located near the rear of the train, with its open-air balcony, is the heart of the journey. It’s here where the romance of a luxury train safari truly comes alive.

The journey aboard Rovos Rail is a meticulously choreographed immersion into a bygone era of elegance. The train’s motto, “The most luxurious train in the world”, is reflected in the white-gloved service, where every need is anticipated with quiet professionalism. The attention to detail extends from the perfectly set table to the freshly ironed linens.

This commitment to personalised, old-world service ensures that guests are completely unburdened from the moment they step aboard, allowing them to fully embrace the uninterrupted flow of the African landscape.

The Elephant Express: A Unique Short Rail Experience

For those who want just a glimpse of the safari train experience without the multi-day commitment, the Elephant Express offers a whimsical and thrilling alternative. Operating out of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, this single-carriage railcar traverses a historic 70 km/43 mi stretch of railway.

Unlike the formal opulence of long-distance trains, the Elephant Express is designed specifically for wildlife viewing. With large open windows and an elevated vantage point, it provides an excellent platform for spotting herds of elephants and buffalo as you travel between the park’s boundary and your safari lodge.

Expert Insight

“It's somewhat similar to a tram... That whole train journey is both a game-viewing and history experience with great views of the landscape. You can sit there; there's a gear stick and a steering wheel... you press the clutch and you accelerate. And they give you a little hat to wear while you are riding the train!”

Devryn Panaino, Africa Safari Expert

Unlike traditional safari vehicles, the railcar’s vantage point and steady pace allow for exceptional, unhurried photographic opportunities, particularly of large elephant herds gathered around the park. This short, focused experience is a delightful counterpoint to the multi-day luxury rail tours, offering a playful, intimate, and entirely different perspective on the classic safari, perfectly integrating the romance of rail with the thrill of wildlife tracking.

For those seeking an unforgettable, brief encounter with the magic of a rail safari, the Elephant Express provides a dose of whimsical adventure – a perfect, elevated interlude on a classic African itinerary. It’s a definite highlight of your stay at Camelthorn Lodge or Bomani Tented Lodge.

Crafting Your Luxury Train Safari

The beauty of rail travel in South Africa and beyond is how easily it integrates into a broader itinerary. You might begin with a few days of cosmopolitan charm in Cape Town, board the train in Pretoria, and travel through Zimbabwe’s wilderness before taking in the majesty of Victoria Falls.

Whether you’re comparing a fly-in safari to the slow-burning magic of the tracks, our experts are here to help you weigh the perks. Luxury train travel isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a way to experience the continent in a way few do. Chat to a safari expert today to see where luxury rail fits into your dream safari.