From the sweeping savannahs to the jagged mountain peaks, South Africa is a land of unparalleled beauty. As a freelance entrepreneur, you might be seeking a unique way to explore this vast country, and what could be more fitting than a journey aboard a luxury train? South Africa is home to some of the world’s most opulent train journeys, offering an exquisite blend of comfort, gastronomy, and breathtaking views.
Three trains immediately spring to mind when considering luxury rail travel in South Africa: The Blue Train, Rovos Rail, and Shongololo Express. Each of these trains provides a distinctly unique experience.
The Blue Train
This is often referred to as a “five-star hotel on wheels”. The journey takes you from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa, covering approximately 1600 kilometers. As you traverse this distance, you’re exposed to the country’s varied landscapes, all from the comfort of your plush suite. On board, you’re treated to gourmet meals and the finest South African wines.
The Blue Train, often likened to a “five-star hotel on wheels”, elevates rail travel to an art form. While it’s true that the journey covers the geographical stretch between Pretoria and Cape Town, one of the many hidden treasures of this trip is the meandering route the train takes. It intentionally strays off the most direct path to guide you through South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes, including the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains and the stark beauty of the Karoo semi-desert. Another lesser-known aspect of the Blue Train experience is its observation car at the rear of the train, where glass windows provide an unhindered 180-degree view of the passing scenery.
Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is often compared to the Orient Express in terms of its opulence. With journeys ranging from 48 hours to two weeks, it offers a variety of routes that traverse not only South Africa but also neighboring countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe. It prides itself on its colonial-style carriages, complete with wood paneling and period decor.
Rovos Rail, compared to the fabled Orient Express for its opulence, is also a journey through time. A distinctive feature of this train is its beautifully restored and refurbished carriages dating back to the early 20th century. The historical aspect is not just aesthetic; Rovos Rail also endeavors to recreate an age of travel when the journey was as important as the destination. Moreover, Rovos Rail uniquely offers a variety of specialized journeys. For instance, there’s a golf safari that combines the leisure of travel with tee times at some of South Africa’s top golf courses.
The Shongololo Express
This train expedition offers longer expeditions, from 12 to 15 days, traversing up to six countries in Southern Africa. On these voyages, the train serves as a comfortable ‘base camp’, as daily excursions allow you to get up close and personal with Africa’s vibrant culture and wildlife.
The Shongololo Express sets itself apart by serving as a comfortable ‘base camp’ for longer expeditions across Southern Africa. A notable feature of these voyages is the inclusivity of daily excursions in the journey’s cost. These off-train adventures aren’t mere afterthoughts but are well-curated experiences that bring you face-to-face with Africa’s vibrant culture and wildlife. For instance, on the Southern Cross journey, you could find yourself walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations at Great Zimbabwe or marveling at the breathtaking vistas of Victoria Falls. Additionally, another unique aspect of Shongololo Express is its practice of running on wheels. This means that while you are off the train exploring, it moves to the next destination, maximizing your time for sightseeing and experiences.
The Gautrain
It is a shining beacon of modernity in South Africa’s transportation scene. Unlike the luxury trains mentioned above, Gautrain serves as a swift, practical means of transport connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and O. R. Tambo International Airport. As a freelance entrepreneur, you might find the Gautrain to be your vital ally for punctual, convenient commuting.
Lavish in its speed and efficiency rather than decor, Gautrain can reach speeds up to 160 km/h, making it a swift solution to avoid traffic congestion in bustling metropolitan areas. Its trains and stations are kept impeccably clean and secure, providing a safe, comfortable environment for all passengers. Onboard, while there isn’t the opulence of a dining car or sleeping suite, you’re treated to comfortable seating and a smooth ride.
The Gautrain system is a testament to South Africa’s ability to blend modern infrastructure with its rich cultural and scenic landscape. For quick commutes between meetings, or to navigate the urban jungle, the Gautrain is an excellent choice for freelance entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Despite the decadence of these train journeys, embarking on them does require careful planning. Here’s a table illustrating the possible success and failure points:
| Success Points | Failure Points |
| Flexibility: As a freelance entrepreneur, you can arrange your schedule to accommodate these extensive journeys. | Cost: Luxury train travel is expensive, often costing several thousand dollars. Be sure your budget can accommodate this. |
| Networking: These trains attract a diverse, often high-profile, clientele. This could provide unique networking opportunities. | Connectivity: While some trains do offer WiFi, it may be limited or unreliable. Plan your work accordingly. |
| Relaxation: These journeys provide a perfect opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. | Limited Availability: These trains often book up far in advance. Late planning may result in not securing a spot. |
| Inspiration: The changing landscapes and cultural experiences can serve as great inspiration for your work. | Inaccessibility: The train routes may not cover all areas of interest in South Africa. |
Meet Daisy Edwards, an Entrepreneur Who Hails From the Vibrant City of Durban
Edwards’ story is a tale of relentless pursuit, of seizing opportunities, and of traversing the tracks less traveled. Her expeditions aboard South Africa’s luxury trains not only shaped her as an entrepreneur but also paved the way for her incredible success.
Daisy’s entrepreneurial spirit began to stir during a voyage aboard the prestigious Blue Train. Known for its opulence, the train served as her five-star mobile office, her panoramic windows offering inspiring views of the ever-changing landscapes of South Africa. Daisy fondly recalls working on her initial business plan while traversing the scenic Drakensberg Mountains and the stark Karoo semi-desert. It was the train’s unique meandering route that ignited Daisy’s approach to problem-solving; just like the train, she learned not to take the most direct path, but rather to explore all possibilities, however winding or steep they might be.
Her expeditions didn’t stop there. Daisy boarded the Rovos Rail next, her journey lasting two weeks. She found herself surrounded by colonial-style carriages, complete with period decor and wood paneling, which echoed an age when the voyage was as important as the destination. This experience had a profound effect on Daisy’s business model. She realized that success doesn’t only lie in reaching your end goal, but also in the process of getting there. Daisy began focusing more on her team’s journey, investing in their skills, and celebrating their progress.
Shongololo Express Was Her Final Voyage
Here, Daisy found herself in a comfortable ‘base camp’, traversing Southern Africa on an adventure of a lifetime. What stood out about the Shongololo Express was the train’s inclusivity of daily excursions. She witnessed how these well-curated off-train experiences brought her face-to-face with Africa’s vibrant culture and wildlife. Inspired, Daisy implemented a similar approach to her business, ensuring that her employees felt included and valued, with every contribution acknowledged and celebrated.
Daisy Edwards’ unique approach to problem-solving, which was shaped by her experiences aboard South Africa’s luxury trains, has paid off in dividends, making her one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country. She reminds us that sometimes, a change of scenery and perspective, like the stunning views from a luxury train, can be the catalyst for great success.
To embark on an unforgettable luxury train journey, you should start by choosing the train and route that appeals most to you. Early booking is crucial due to high demand. You should also prepare for your journey, keeping in mind the points in the table above, ensuring your work schedule, connectivity needs, and budget align with the demands and offerings of the journey.
Luxury train journeys in South Africa offer a truly unique way to explore the country. From the elegance of the Blue Train to the adventurous spirit of the Shongololo Express, there’s a journey to suit everyone’s taste. As a freelance entrepreneur, you’re in a unique position to embrace this indulgent mode of travel, so why not make your next business trip an unforgettable South African train journey?
About the Author: Lunga Dlamini is a seasoned travel journalist with a niche in luxury experiences, focusing on Africa’s rich cultural landscape. His fascination with grandeur and bespoke journeys underpins his writings on South Africa’s luxury train adventures. A holder of an MBA, Dlamini’s expertise transcends typical travel commentary, bringing a unique business lens to his work, and he has been a distinguished contributor to Africa Nova since its founding.