Why Take a Luxury Train Safari?

Most people heading to Africa for a safari think that they know what to expect. Dusty game drives daily in a large 4×4 in search of animals, with a side of relaxation when they finally arrive in the lodge at night. It’s a common enough holiday, if once in a lifetime for many. Combining a luxury train journey with that holiday isn’t always a leap that people make, but the time has come for the return of the luxury train holiday.

Travelling by train used to be a luxury, if you were wealthy at least. It offered you the exciting prospect of zipping along to a brand new destination. When trains were new, they truly offered travelling in comfort, with large luxurious carriages for the wealthy. They were elegant, truly upper class means of travel. This distinction exists no longer, which is surely a good thing for all, but it does mean that travelling by train is now so commonplace and so dull that in some cases we’d really just rather stay at home. After all, you’re as likely to end up standing crammed next to the loo as you are in a seat.

Traveling by luxury train in South Africa is an entirely different and completely refreshing experience. You’ll feel as though you’re in a luxury hotel on wheels, zipping along to your next destination. The food, of course, will be excellent as well. You may even have to dress for dinner, a sure sign that you’re remembering the past.

There are two different choices for travelling by luxury train. Both have game drives and short stops along the way to better acquaint you with the African countryside. The first of the two train options is the Rovos Rail, which operates just two trains. Both of them are remodelled and refurbished classic trains and may even be pulled by a steam locomotive if you’re lucky. The sleeper cars offer the most spacious train accommodation in the world, with deluxe double beds, a safe, air conditioning, a desk for writing, and even a mini bar fridge. Room service is 24/7; you’d struggle to believe that you weren’t in a luxury hotel unless you look out the window to see the countryside rolling by.

The Blue Train is the other luxury tour operator which runs trains through South Africa. Billed as a moving five star hotel, kings and presidents have used it to get around in the country, so you know it will be an amazing experience. Luxury suites even include bathtubs, a digital entertainment centre, and a selection of films and DVDs for your perusal. Between private suites are the lounge and club cars, where you’re able to sit, chat, and enjoy a drink or play a board game to while away your time. The dining car is like a fine restaurant and requires evening wear for dinner, with each meal prepared from the freshest ingredients gathered over a day’s travelling through the countryside. There will be no packaged food for you aboard this luxurious train, and if you’re looking for privacy or not ready for formality you can enjoy your meals in your suite.

If you’ve ever wanted to travel through South Africa in style, with the gorgeous landscape rolling by, then clearly a trip on one of the luxury trains is the perfect holiday for you.

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