Train travel in Africa: Discover the best scenic and luxury rail journeys

Train travel in Africa offers more than just transit, it’s an immersive experience showcasing breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable adventures. From lavish luxury to high-speed innovation, these are the best trains in Africa you need to know about.

1. The Blue Train: South Africa’s Icon of Luxury

The Blue Train, running between Pretoria and Cape Town, is widely regarded as one of the most opulent journeys on the continent. A historic symbol of elegance since 1923, it offers a 27-hour trek through the Karoo’s vast, arid beauty. Passengers enjoy spacious, en‑suite cabins—some with full-sized bathtubs—fine dining, and observation lounges. It’s not just travel; it’s a 5-star moving hotel that stops in historic spots like Kimberley and Matjiesfontein.

2. Rovos Rail: Epochal Elegance Across Southern Africa

Rovos Rail blends old-world charm with safari-style adventure on routes from Pretoria to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and even Dar es Salaam. With Edwardian-style suites, Victorian bathtubs, and gourmet dining, it’s an unparalleled luxury rail experience. Offering journeys lasting between three days to over two weeks, Rovos Rail connects cities, deserts, and wildlife reserves, making it one of the top luxury train journeys in Africa.

3. Shongololo Express: A Vintage Safari Through Southern Africa

For a nostalgic and immersive adventure, the Shongololo Express cruises through South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique on 12–15 day tours. Its original wood-paneled carriages can host 72 guests in twin or double cabins with en-suites. Think vintage elegance merged with discovery, off-train excursions and cultural stops add a romantic flair to this journey echoing the spirit of exploration.

4. Al Boraq & TGV Morocco: Africa’s High-Speed Marvels

Speed meets style on Morocco’s high-speed rails. Al Boraq, the continent’s first high-speed train, connects Tangier and Casablanca at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Meanwhile, the TGV Morocco serves routes between Fez, Rabat, and Marrakech, with air-conditioned Duplex coaches tailored to desert climates . These trains offer a fast, comfortable, and culturally rich travel option.

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5. Madaraka Express: Linking Kenya’s Capital and Coast

Chunky with promise, the Madaraka Express connects Nairobi and Mombasa with eight scenic stops in between. It offers a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient way to explore Kenya’s diverse landscapes—from urban Nairobi to the coastal breezes of Mombasa—while avoiding the tedium of road travel.

6. TAZARA & Mukuba Express: Iconic Cross‑Border Journeys

The Tazara Railway, known also as the Mukuba Express for Tanzanian-Zambian cross-border routes, offers a 36–50 hour journey from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. Established in 1976, this line remains a soulful adventure through rural landscapes. Ongoing investments—including a $1.4 billion rehab in 2025—promise enhanced safety and efficiency, making it a great option for adventurous train travelers.

7. Elephant & Royal Livingstone Express: Heritage Journeys Near Victoria Falls

While not detailed in the main source, the Elephant Express and Royal Livingstone Express are heritage lines offering nostalgic routes near Victoria Falls. Expect vintage carriages, scenic rides, and historical ambiance, perfect for travellers seeking romantic and heritage-filled excursions.

8. Cairo–Luxor–Aswan Train: Egypt’s Essential Route

Connecting Egypt’s famed cultural triangle, the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan train provides a practical, affordable, and scenic way to explore ancient sites. Though not luxurious, it’s a quintessential part of the classic Nile Valley travel experience, ideal for explorers on a budget.

Why Train Travel is Africa’s Hidden Gem

• Scenic diversity: Trains traverse deserts, savannahs, coastlines, and heritage towns.
• Cultural immersion: Many journeys include rich experiences—game safaris, local food, historic stops.
• Green travel: Rail offers a more sustainable alternative to flights for long-distance travel.

Planning Your Railway Adventure

1. Choose your travel style: Luxurious (Blue Train, Rovos), nostalgic (Shongololo, heritage lines), or efficient (Al Boraq, Madaraka Express).
2. Book early: High-end trains operate on limited schedules, reserve months ahead.
3. Pack accordingly: Longer journeys need comfy clothes and essentials; short ones need travel gear.
4. Stay informed: Upgrades, refurbishment (like TAZARA), and seasonal route changes can affect travel plans.

From the luxury of Blue Train and Rovos Rail to the speed of Al Boraq, Africa’s rail network offers something for every traveler. Whether you dream of a lavish safari on rails or a cross-country cultural journey, these are the best trains in Africa, transporting you beyond destinations and into unforgettable experiences. Jump aboard and see Africa from a fresh perspective.