Rail

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Romantic rail journeys offer supremely luxurious travel.

Romantic rail journeys in South Africa

Matjiesfontein Village Station in the Great Karoo is a must-see for those on romantic rail journeys through South Africa, and the experience will never disappoint.

The Shongololo Express

Very little beats the thrill of a 16-day Shongololo Express trip, either through the South African heartland, up to Namibia or to the Victoria Falls.

The Premier Classe Train

The routes available through the Premier Classe rail tours are Johannesburg to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban and Cape Town to Port Elizabeth – all return.

The Southern Line rail route

You are spoilt for choice on the Southern Line. Do you make a full day of it in Kalk Bay or do you add Simon’s Town and Cape Point to the itinerary?

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The Blue Train

In its 3rd reincarnation, the Blue Train still speaks of Irish linen, quality dining car silver, marble floors, plush white towels and fluffy eiderdown duvets.

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail is arguably the most luxurious train ride in the world, all old-world elegance and charm combined with the highest modern service standards.

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The Apple Express creates a stir wherever it goes

The Apple Express steam train, Eastern Cape

There are a number of historic train journeys on offer

The Historic Banana Express [that used to run along the Hibiscus Coast]

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Natural Attractions in The Free State

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

This spectacular national park is located in the scenic north east of the Free State province. The ochre and gold sandstone cliffs gave this park its name and the area is also rich in San rock art
Vredefort Dome

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world – and a must-see natural phenomenon. The area is popular with hikers and adventure-tourists
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The largest nature reserve in the province, this nature reserve is situated along the Gariep Dam and the Orange River and is home to a wealth of animal, plant and bird-life
Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve

This 22 000 hectare reserve is home to a number of unique species of plants and birds. There are three nature trails for long hikes during the summer season
Free State Botanical Garden

Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein this picturesque botanical garden is spread across a valley and boasts the natural vegetation of grasslands and woodlands
Sterkfontein Dam

Rugged mountains dominate this landscape that is known for rare Cape Vultures, black eagles and a number of antelope
Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

Moolmanshoek is situated in near Ficksburg – and is renowned for more than 230 species of bird as well as zebra, blesbuck and zebra
The Franklin Game Reserve

The Franklin Game Reserve is said to be the only reserve of its kind in the world which is completely surrounded by a city. For those who love nature - Hamilton Park on the west slope boasts more than 3000 orchid specimens
Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

Situated in the heart of The Free State – the reserve covers over 12 005 hectares with the Allemanskraal Dam as a central feature. Excellent game viewing and birding on offer
The Maluti Mountains

The spectacular Maluti Mountains form the border between the Free State and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Pony-trekking with local communities is a popular past-time in these mountains