Not to be compared with the luxury trains (The Rovos Rail or The
Blue Train) operating in South Africa, the Shongololo is a special
touring experience providing a ‘Cruising on Wheels’ concept at
probably the best vacation value ever! Your basic necessities are
well taken care of as your accommodation travels with you for
duration of your trip.
When the indigenous people of the southern continent observed the
first trains in Africa, the lines of rolling stock passing on the
distant horizons recalled the profile and sinuous movement of a
creature, they called the Shongololo - the millipede.
Today, that ‘millipede’ is a rail-cruise (think of it as your
traveling hotel) that takes care of their guests' basic travelling
necessities. The trains travel comfortably and securely during the
night to the next stop on the itinerary and you awake each morning
to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting
adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every
precious holiday hour. For duration on board all your requirements
for a great adventure holiday are provided: transport,
accommodation, meals, recreation, and sightseeing. And above all,
you need to unpack and only pack once. What a pleasure!
Shongololo Express operates two trains on a variety of
itineraries. The Heritage Train offers the
Southern Cross, The Good Hope, and In the Tracks of Dr. Livingstone
itineraries. The Africa Train offers the Dune
Adventure itinerary. The trains travel to nine countries on the
southern African continent: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho,
Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.
Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz
touring vehicles on board the train. A flat-bed attached to the end
of the train carries these vehicles. Professional guides on board
(English, German, Dutch or French speaking) are ready to take guests
on inclusive scheduled off-rail activities to experience the unique
sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also
specialized activities from ballooning, to elephant riding to scuba
diving available at many locations. Each train also has its own bar,
dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and
towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have
adequate storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers
and shelving. All passenger compartments have hand basins and
running water. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are
provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service. The
chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay
recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented
by a selection of delightful and distinguished South African wines.
It is the aim and the pleasure of every staff member on board to
provide you with friendly and efficient service. Shongololo will
give you a delightful and adventure filled experience whether you
have just a weekend, 10 days or a couple of weeks.
Popular Tours: (for more information, click on the links below)
