Luxury on Rails: The Most Beautiful Train Journeys in Africa for the Discerning Traveller

Train travel may seem like a relic of the past, but in Africa, it is experiencing a revival. For those seeking a slower, more immersive way to travel the continent in style, luxury train journeys offer a rare combination of elegance, nostalgia, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re crossing vast savannahs, weaving through winelands, or winding past desert dunes, these curated experiences offer more than just transportation. They are moving sanctuaries of charm, culinary excellence, and old-world sophistication.

Below, we explore the most beautiful luxury train experiences in Africa for those who prefer to savor the journey as much as the destination.

1. Rovos Rail – The Pride of Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia)

Often referred to as the most luxurious train in the world, Rovos Rail is the epitome of African rail elegance. With wood-paneled coaches, fine dining, and attentive service, it transports passengers back to the golden age of travel. The routes are equally exquisite, spanning from Pretoria to Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, and even as far as Namibia.

Guests can expect gourmet meals paired with South African wines, private suites with en-suite bathrooms, and observation cars with open-air balconies. Each journey is designed to celebrate the landscape, from the vineyards of the Cape to the rugged beauty of the Karoo.

Step into another era aboard Rovos Rail. Photo Credit: Rovos Rail

2. The Blue Train – A Window to the Soul of South Africa

Dubbed a five-star hotel on wheels, The Blue Train runs between Pretoria and Cape Town with an elegance that has welcomed kings and presidents. The 31-hour journey offers all the hallmarks of high-end hospitality, including butler service, cigar lounges, and marble-appointed bathrooms.

The scenic highlights include the Hex River Valley, the Cape Winelands, and a stop in the historic town of Kimberley. The Blue Train prioritizes comfort and quiet luxury, making it ideal for travellers seeking reflection and romance.

Unmatched elegance in motion. Photo Credit: The Blue Train

3. Shongololo Express – Southern Africa in Motion

For travellers with a sense of adventure and curiosity, the Shongololo Express offers multi-country itineraries that explore Southern Africa in depth. Operated by Rovos Rail, its relaxed, semi-luxury style allows guests to visit South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique while enjoying thoughtfully designed excursions.

Accommodations are comfortable rather than opulent, but the experience is rich in cultural discovery. The train stops regularly for guided tours, game drives, and local market visits, allowing passengers to connect more deeply with the continent.

Travel that takes you further. Photo Credit: Shongololo Express

4. Desert Express – Namibia’s Hidden Gem

Though currently undergoing operational changes, The Desert Express remains a unique rail experience in Namibia, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund. The journey is a striking transition from dry desert plains to coastal charm.

Onboard, guests enjoy panoramic windows, local cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for taking in Namibia’s surreal landscapes. While not as luxurious as Rovos or Blue Train, the Desert Express offers an authentic taste of Namibia’s rugged beauty.

Dunes to ocean in slow motion. Photo Credit: Desert Express

5. The Royal Livingstone Express – A Culinary Journey Near Victoria Falls

For those visiting Victoria Falls, the Royal Livingstone Express is a short but sumptuous experience that combines gourmet dining with dramatic scenery. This restored vintage train departs from Livingstone, Zambia, and travels toward the Zambezi River while guests enjoy a five-course dinner in opulent dining cars.

Perfect for a special occasion, the train captures the glamour of colonial-era travel while showcasing African cuisine and hospitality. It’s less about getting from point A to B and more about relishing every moment along the tracks.

Dinner with a view of the wild. Photo Credit: Royal Livingstone Express

Final Thoughts: Africa by Rail, Redefined

Luxury rail journeys in Africa offer a unique and immersive way to explore the continent. With panoramic landscapes rolling by your window, impeccable service at your fingertips, and the charm of slow travel, these experiences redefine what it means to journey in style.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cross-country adventure or an elegant evening onboard, Africa’s railways invite you to step aboard, slow down, and fall in love with the rhythm of the rails.