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  • A herd of springbok runs alongside a train on luxury rail travel in South Africa.
  • High-angle view of a luxury South Africa rail vacations train curving along a steep mountain ridge.
  • A long train for luxury South Africa rail tours travels through a green valley past a large dam.
  • A passenger train for luxury South Africa rail travel moves past golden fields and a lone tree.
  • An aerial view of a train on a high trestle bridge for luxury South Africa rail holidays.

Luxury Rail Travel in South Africa made for you

Discover the wonders of South Africa by train

Epic South African train tours in elegant style

South Africa has some of the most moving, distinct and dramatic landscapes this world has to offer, which can all be enjoyed from the smooth gait of a luxury locomotive pulling along the wide open plains, swallowing up the savannah and coursing along its coastlines.

There’s also nothing more effortlessly comfortable and convenient, nor more hopelessly romantic, than travelling by luxury train through Africa. We offer a number of differing routes and luxury trains in South Africa that snake through some of the most extraordinary scenes.

The Blue Train South Africa, Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express each hold their own distinctive style. With different routes, highlights and an array of on and off-board experiences to try, these trains make the journey as special as the destination. 

Our travel designers will be able to suggest the best itinerary and luxury trains in South Africa to suit your interests and passions. You may prefer to hop on or off at a particular point to enjoy a safari stay and combine the entire experience with a stay at one of Africa’s best beaches. There’s also the opportunity to to spend extra nights in Cape Town and the rolling Winelands before and after your train trip. 

  • Aerial view of a bridge over a gorge near Victoria Falls during luxury South Africa rail travel.
  • Three giraffes gather under a lone tree in the savanna during luxury rail travel in South Africa.
  • A caracal with long black ear tufts rests in the sun on luxury rail travel in South Africa.
  • A luxury South Africa rail tours train cabin with a large window overlooking mountains.
  • A formal dining table set for four on luxury South Africa rail holidays.
  • A blue and yellow train moves through a rocky mountain pass on luxury South Africa rail travel.
  • Two giraffes silhouetted against an orange sunset on luxury South Africa rail vacations.
  • A dark whale tail emerges from blue water during luxury South Africa rail vacations.
  • A wild elephant stands in a river at dusk, a highlight of luxury South Africa rail tours.
  • Hands holding fresh purple grapes in a vineyard on luxury South Africa rail holidays.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our specialists

Spend time in lively Cape Town

Explore lively Cape Town

Stand before Victoria Falls

Ride the train from South Africa into Zimbabwe and marvel at the epic Victoria Falls

Go on safari in Sabi Sands

View wildlife at Africa’s premier game reserve, Sabi Sands

Taste wine in the Winelands

Fill up a glass in the Winelands, tasting some of the best wine in the country

A word from one of our experts

There's not much that's more luxurious than exploring beautiful scenery by rail. Taking in all of the sights, sounds and flavours of South Africa from the comfort of an elegant cabin, but still having the freedom to stop off and explore lively cities and unmatched safaris. It really is like putting yourself at the heart of all South Africa has to offer.

Tor Saner Senior Travel Designer

Luxury rail accommodation in South Africa

There are many incredible places to stay in South Africa. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip Inspriation

Get inspired with our South African rail example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your South African tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

Discover South Africa

Meet your Africa team

When to visit South Africa for rail tours

Rail travel is great any time of year. Rates tend to fluctuate between the high season (September to November) and low season (January to August, and most of December).

Safari

May - October

Wildflowers

August - September

Cape Town

October - April

When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa? Read more

South Africa travel guides

Plan your trip to South Africa

Whatever you want from your rail adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

Amy Schulz Trustpilot ★★★★★

“heavenly honeymoon”

My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”

We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

Lisa Schrage Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

The Reynolds Trustpilot ★★★★★

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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