Best Train Journeys Around the World in Katlehong, Gauteng, South Africa
1. Rovos Rail Journey
Luxury train journey across Southern Africa, passing through Katlehong and Durban to Victoria Falls. Offers a taste of colonial-era elegance.
- Unique Destinations: Visits significant historical sites, national parks and landmarks.
- Luxury Experience: First-class suites with butler service, gourmet dining, and spa facilities.
- Slow Travel: Allows for leisurely exploration of landscapes and cultures at a slower pace.
2. Blue Train Journey
Premium train ride through the heart of South Africa, stopping in Pretoria and Kimberley. Known for its fine dining and exceptional service.
- Luxury Accommodation: Spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms and personal butler services.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Kimberley Mine Museum.
- Gourmet Cuisine: Five-star dining experience with seasonal and regional dishes prepared by top chefs.
3. Shongololo Express Journey
Comprehensive train tour of Southern Africa, featuring a stop in Katlehong and visits to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and the Kruger National Park.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers insights into local cultures, customs, and history.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities for close-up wildlife viewing in the Kruger National Park.
- Educational Experience: Lectures on geology, archaeology, and African history throughout the journey.
4. Trans-Skeleton Gorge Train Ride
A scenic train ride through the Drakensberg Mountains, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through lush valleys, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
- Hiking Opportunities: Access to hiking trails for exploring the mountainous landscapes.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local Zulu villages and offers insights into their customs and traditions.
5. Cape Town to Namibia Train Ride
Scenic train journey from Cape Town to Namibia, showcasing the diverse landscapes of South Africa's west coast.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastal cliffs.
- Desert Landscapes: Passes through the Namib Desert, known for its towering sand dunes and unique wildlife.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Spreetshoogte Pass and the diamond town of Luderitz.
6. Kruger National Park Train Safari
Train ride through South Africa's Kruger National Park, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for close-up encounters with Africa's Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros).
- Birdwatching: Abundant birdlife, including over 500 species found within the park.
- Scenic Beauty: Travel through diverse landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, and rivers.
7. Karoo to the Coast Train Ride
Scenic train journey from Beaufort West to Mossel Bay, showcasing the arid Karoo region and the stunning South Coast.
- Karoo Landscapes: Passes through vast plains, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations.
- Coastal Scenery: Offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and coastal cliffs.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Ostrich Capital, Oudtshoorn.
8. Pretoria to Maputo Train Ride
Scenic train journey from Pretoria to the coastal city of Maputo in Mozambique, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of South Africa and Mozambique.
- Cross-Border Experience: Offers a unique insight into the cultures and histories of two countries.
- Coastal Scenery: Passes through lush coastal plains and mangrove forests near Maputo.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Maputo Railway Station and the Independence Monument.
9. Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Train Ride
Scenic train journey through the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana, showcasing the unique landscapes and wildlife of this arid region.
- Unique Landscapes: Passes through vast salt pans, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for close-up encounters with meerkats, zebras, and various bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local San villages and offers insights into their customs and traditions.
10. Victoria Falls to Cape Town Train Ride
Long-distance train journey from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Cape Town, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of Southern Africa.
- Cross-Border Experience: Offers a unique insight into the cultures and histories of multiple countries.
- Scenic Beauty: Travels through diverse landscapes, including savannahs, mountains, and coastal plains.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
11. Trans-Karoo Express Train Ride
Scenic train journey through the Karoo region of South Africa, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this arid region.
- Unique Landscapes: Passes through vast plains, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for close-up encounters with Africa's wildlife, including springbok, meerkats, and various bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local villages and offers insights into the culture and history of the Karoo region.
12. Trans-Limpopo Express Train Ride
Scenic train journey through the Limpopo region of South Africa and Mozambique, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of these regions.
- Cross-Border Experience: Offers a unique insight into the cultures and histories of two countries.
- Scenic Beauty: Travels through diverse landscapes, including savannahs, mountains, and coastal plains.
- Historical Sites: Visits significant historical sites such as the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
13. Trans-Namib Train Ride
Scenic train journey through Namibia, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this arid country.
- Unique Landscapes: Passes through vast desert landscapes, including the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for close-up encounters with Africa's wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and various bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local villages and offers insights into the culture and history of Namibia.
14. Trans-Caledon Tunnel Train Ride
A historic train ride through the scenic landscapes of South Africa, passing through the iconic Caledon Tunnel.
- Historic Significance: Travels along a route built during the colonial era and passes through the famous Caledon Tunnel.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local villages and offers insights into the culture and history of the region.
15. Trans-Karoo Railway Express Train Ride
A scenic train journey through the Karoo region of South Africa, showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this arid region.
- Unique Landscapes: Passes through vast plains, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for close-up encounters with Africa's wildlife, including springbok, meerkats, and various bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Visits local villages and offers insights into the culture and history of the Karoo region.