SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS
(Operated by Rovos Rail)



Packages include:
- Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
- Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide
- Entrance fees to places of interest
- Government tax
Included in off-train accommodation
- Accommodation
- Meals at the lodges, hotels, clubs or resorts
The Shongololo Express, based at Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria, began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. The three journeys of between 12 to 15 days offer tours that traverse South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
72 guests are accommodated in two categories of comfortable en-suite cabins with double or twin beds. Two historically appointed dining cars set the scene for meals, which are taken in one sitting. Modern and traditional local cuisine is on offer with a selection of distinguished South African wines available. Guests can also relax in the bar car, small smoking lounge or the observation car with an open-air balcony situated at the back of the train. The journeys offer a variety of off-train excursions that are undertaken in air-conditioned vehicles.
GOOD HOPE GOLF – CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA – 15 DAYS
This grand 15-day journey offers a golfing and non-golfing itinerary with an amazing insight into virtually every well-known destination in South Africa. Starting in Cape Town with a city tour, board the train and traverse the winelands to Ashton. Travel by road over scenic mountain passes to Hermanus*, once a renowned whaling station, followed by a spectacular meander along the Garden Route to the natural paradise of Knysna* and enjoy a lagoon ferry ride to Featherbed Nature Reserve. Crossing the Outeniqua Mountains, you arrive in Oudtshoorn to visit an ostrich farm and the incredible Cango Caves. After tours around the historic town of Graaff Reinet, Kimberley’s Diamond Museum* and Bloemfontein, the train arrives at Ladysmith* for a battlefields tour. Day nine sees the train arriving in Durban* where you can feel the rythym of Africa at PheZulu Safari Village* before visiting the world-heritage site, St Lucia Wetland Park. Then it’s on to explore Hluhluwe wildlife reserve and the Kingdom of Swaziland* after which this magnificent sojourn takes you through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger Park* and the historical areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. The final day sees the train pulling into Rovos Rail Station where you continue a tour of Pretoria and Soweto.
- Golf Courses (optional): Arabella, Ernie Els Oubaai, Fancourt, Kimberley, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club, Zimbali, Nkonyeni Swaziland, Nelspruit/Leopard Creek/White River.
Available in reverse.
SOUTHERN CROSS – PRETORIA TO VICTORIA FALLS – 12 DAYS
This 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls stops at carefully selected locations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Starting in Pretoria, this magnificent sojourn spends the first few days taking you east through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger Park for game viewing and the historical areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. On day four, tour Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, before moving on to explore the Kingdom of Swaziland. Enjoy a game drive in the famous wildlife reserve of Kapama followed by a relaxing day on the train as it heads for the Great Zimbabwe Ruins for a visit. On days nine and 10, tour Antelope Park and Matobo National Park, site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, before continuing to Hwange for game-viewing activities. The final day has the train arriving in Victoria Falls where you enjoy a walking tour of the village and the falls with an afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Available in reverse.
DUNE EXPRESS – PRETORIA TO SWAKOPMUND – 12 DAYS
The journey starts in Pretoria and winds its way to the coast of Namibia, a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and seemingly endless space. First stop is Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and diamond mine museum village before continuing to Upington for a walking tour and wine tasting. After crossing the border, visit the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand Canyon, followed by tours of historical towns Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and Keetmanshoop. Day seven sees for an overnight at a Sossusvlei lodge, surrounded by the dramatic dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park, with visits to the natural Sesriem Canyon and the 170m-high star-dune “45”. The train then leaves the vast stillness of the Kalahari Desert for a city tour of Windhoek. On day ten, travel to the Etosha National Park for an overnight stay with game-viewing activities before ending the journey in the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Available in reverse.
Packages exclude:
- Lunches off the train
- All beverages
- Laundry
- Gratuities
- Golf course fees (Good Hope Golf only)
- Visas and Travel insurance
Excluded in off-train accommodation
- All Beverages
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
Please contact us for prices, available departure dates and terms and conditions.