1. Umgeni Steam Train
The Umgeni Steam Train is an NGO-run locomotive situated in Kloof, Durban. It runs on the last Sunday of every month, making a 50km round-trip from Kloof Station via the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Inchanga. Adult tickets cost R260; pensioners and children between the ages of two and 12 pay R190. Booking is advised.
Image supplied
Contact: 082 353 6003
Departure point: Kloof Station, Durban
2. Atlantic Rail
The first Atlantic steam-train line was completed in 1862 and initially ran from Cape Town to Eerste River. A year later, it extended to Stellenbosch and Wellington. The vintage steam-train chugs along from Cape Town Station to Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. The Atlantic Rail stops at Spier Wine Farm for four hours, giving you time to dine and explore before returning to Cape Town. The outing takes a total of seven hours. Adult tickets costs R350, while tickets for children under 13 years cost R250.
Contact: 021 558 5805
Departure point: Cape Town Station
3. Ceres Rail Company
The Ceres Railway track was completed in May 1912 using second-hand material. Its train takes you from Cape Town through to Bredasdorp before returning you to the Mother City the next day. Lunch is provided on the train, with an overnight stop at Caledon. There is also a brief water-stop at Elgin where passengers can shop the Elgin Railway Market for craft beers and coffee.
Image from Ceres Rail Company
Contact: 079 077 5332
Departure point: Cape Town Station
4. Magaliesburg Express
Two and a half hours is all you need to get from Park Station in Johannesburg to Magaliesburg. Departing at exactly 9.00am, the Magaliesburg Express allows you to soak in views of mountains and indigenous woodlands. Adult tickets are R300 and children’s tickets are R250, while the family ticket for two adults and children is R950.
Contact: 062 743 9200
Departure point: Park Station, Johannesburg
5. Rovos Rail
The extravagant Rovos Rail train, which is also a hotel, runs from and through several parts of Africa including Namibia, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls. The train is considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Booking for a trip on the Rovos Rail is essential.
Image from Safari Guide
Contact: 012 315 8242
Departure point: Across Africa
6. Blue Train
The Blue Train provides a luxury rail cruise, allowing you to view the country’s spectacular landscapes from Pretoria to Cape Town or Pretoria to Hoedspruit. The train stops at several interesting tourist attractions along the way. The cuisine, afternoon high tea, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and off-the-train excursions are all included in the trip.
Image from Blue Train
Contact: 012 334 8459/ 021 449 2672
Departure point: Pretoria Station
