Journey
The Shongololo Express provides a luxurious touring experience to some of South Africa's well-known destinations. The journey offers a variety of off-train excursions to fully experience this fascinating region including game drives in multiple game parks, tours of the infamous battlefields and sightseeing excursions along the Panorama Route.
Begin this grand 15 day flagship journey departing in style from the historic rail station in Pretoria. This magnificent journey will spend the first few days travelling through the Drakensberg Mountains along the beautiful Panorama Route, with incredible views of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window along the way. Explore Greater Kruger National Park on game drives in search of the Big 5, before continuing your journey to the kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland).
Discover the Swazi culture on an off-train excursion before heading to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, for further wildlife encounters. Travel back inland to explore Bloemfontein, Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the historic town of Graaff-Reinet before heading south to visit the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Traverse the picturesque Garden Route by train and by road over the scenic mountain passes en route to the whale capital of Hermanus, before arriving into iconic Cape Town, known as the Mother City.
Departs twice a year from Pretoria or Cape Town (Feb and Oct).
Life on Board
By day, take in the passing sights from the comfort of your en suite cabin or perhaps try to spot the local wildlife from the open air balcony of the Observation Car. As dusk approaches, head to the Bar Car or Smoking Lounge to enjoy your favourite tipple with your fellow travellers before you head to one of the two historically appointed Dining Cars for dinner. Serving modern and traditional local cuisine, all paired with a selection of distinguished South African wines, dinner is sure to delight the senses. With all meals included whilst on board, travelling cross-country has never been easier.
As well as soaking up the scenery on this magnificent journey from the comfort of the train, there are numerous off-train experiences to further discover this fascinating country. These range from game drives in search of the Big 5, tales of the infamous Boer and Zulu battles in KwaZulu-Natal, to learning the Swazi culture in eSwatini, visiting an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn and cruising Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Shongololo Express offers different levels of comfortable accommodation from which to enjoy your rail adventure:
Gold Cabin - Colonial in style, Gold Cabins are amply fitted with an en suite and offer either a large double or twin beds with luxurious bedding and towels for a cosy stay.Emerald Cabin - For slightly more space, Emerald Cabins provide a small lounge area to enjoy the views from the comfort of your own cabin by day and a comfortable twin or double bed by night, supplied with luxurious bedding and towels.
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