South Africa

[Jack in England]

Went to SA 2 years ago and hoping to return next year and going to do a bit of train travel out there anyone else done this?

Was looking at going from Cape Town to Johannesburg then down to Durban for a visit to Rokes drift and then end up at Victoria Falls (via plane) or vice versa open to suggestions.

 

[RT4038]

Sadly the last remnants of the inter-city operation was suspended in February, due to (another) fatal accident, and has not resumed yet. HOWEVER, their website is showing that they are back from 27 November 2020. Timetable details can be found on independent travel agency website www.southafricanrailways.co.za I've used them a number of times and they were OK. Apparently no dining facilities or bedding at present due to COVID. [bring your own. You can buy a blanket and pillow quite cheaply in lower end shops such as PEP Stores].

The main line trains were pretty safe to travel on, but beware, they are not at all punctual: 10 hours late or more was not unusual. So leave plenty of time in your plans, otherwise you will be fretting and not enjoying the trip. Generally the staff are pretty helpful, as long as you pass the attitude test! seat61 has quite a bit of detail, but 'talks up' the experience into something better than it really is! It is no longer the semi-European experience it was in 1985.
The Premier Classe train (once weekly Jo'burg-Cape Town & return) is an affordable luxury option if it is running, but no more punctual.

Rorke's Drift is nearly half way between Jo'burg and Durban. The closest stop is Ladysmith, but this in the middle of the night and I would not recommend alighting there unless you have made specific arrangements to be met (and this is a big ask on someone due to the poor punctuality). If you want to ride the train down to Durban, I would recommend then hiring a car in Durban and drive back to Jo'burg via Rorke's Drift, over a couple of days.

Victoria Falls is a fantastic place to visit. Haven't been for a few years, doing an overland trip from East London to Dar Es Salaam by train and bus. (This trip is not recommended until you have some Africa experience under your belt, but then go for it!) Flying in and out is obviously the easiest way. It is/was also possible to take a bus (www.greyhound.co.za) from Jo'burg to Bulawayo and then a train (or another bus) to the Falls. Some details on seat61 too.

You've been to SA already, so have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Sit back, relax and remember African time! If you need any more information or advice, ask away....

 

[Jack in England]

Cheers looks like you are exactly the kind of person I need to talk to. We done the garden route last time by car from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and back with the odd detour on the way back. Basically we want to do the Cape Town to Jo'burg on the premier classe train just one way either way it doesn't matter? then maybe fly to Durban then car from Durban to Rokes drift for 2 days maybe then back to Durban then onto Victoria falls then back to Cape Town or Jo'burg which ever way we do it. So basically we want to do all those places but in no particular order just whatever is the easiest & best way to get the full benefit of the whole SA trip (pending Corvid of course)

Been looking at Seat61 a lot and have used a lot of info from that from our few Asian train trips.

 

[Bungle158]

I have done Jo'burg to Cape Town and also Jo'burg to Durban. Both journeys on standard, non deluxe trains and in couchette style berths. Stock was showing its age, but l did enjoy an onboard shower with the window open as we crossed the Karoo.

Reasonably comfortable, but run down catering facilities, little if any communication from the TM, although buffet staff were friendly, and awful lack of punctuality in both cases.. 3 hours late into Cape Town and 90 mins down for Durban.

On the plus side, this was a good way to meet South Africans and enjoy some stunning scenery. The early morning run through KZN being particularly gorgeous.

Be aware that Durban and Jo'burg stations are both in rather dodgy areas, although at Jo'burg, the departure platforms are segregated from the local Metro services, which are downright dangerous from a personal safety perspective.

To visit the Battlefields, consider hopping off at Pietermaritzburg and renting a car. Arrival there is/was around 6AM and there are folk about.

To

 

[Train jaune]

Went to South Africa in January 19 and absolutely loved it. Drove from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth via the Little Karoo and then look the (not so premier) train overnight to Johannesburg. Wasn't expecting the Blue Train experience but it was a great ride. Climbing up to the high Veld with fantastic scenery and then a comfortable night in a couchette compartment. Think we were the only two people in the entire carriage. Buffet Car with a limited menu with an extensive wine list, of which the "Red One" or the "White One" were actually available. Everything accompanied by a jar of Mrs Balls chutney. Not a luxury excursion but far better to see the vast landscapes by train than a trip in a plane.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Buffet Car with a limited menu with an extensive wine list, of which the "Red One" or the "White One" were actually available.

Like any wine-producing country, South Africa delivers pretty fine wines whenever you find yourself stuck with either the house red or the house white. You cannot, however, account for local tastes. I've seen South African red wine served with ice and Coca Cola as a mixer.

 

[Bungle158]

Like any wine-producing country, South Africa delivers pretty fine wines whenever you find yourself stuck with either the house red or the house white. You cannot, however, account for local tastes. I've seen South African red wine served with ice and Coca Cola as a mixer.

Quite common to mix red wine and coke. The practice comes from what was colonial Mozambique l think. Many older Portuguese origin South Africans drink it on a regular basis. Try it, you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Train jaune]

The "Red One" was rather nice anyway

 

[Jack in England]

Thank you all for your replies was hoping on doing this March 2021 now looking less and less likely

 

[RT4038]

Thank you all for your replies was hoping on doing this March 2021 now looking less and less likely

Yes, I rather think so. Got my next visit booked down for April 2022. Will be (by far) the longest period away since 1984.

 

[RT4038]

Looks like you might get your SA trip in 2021 after all

Travel news: South Africa reopens to Britons 'effective immediately'