When you're planning on taking a journey through Africa, you might imagine late summer afternoons cruising around a game reserve in an open-top 4x4, or setting out on foot as part of a walking tour. However, there is another way to discover some of this incredible continent, where you can sit back and relax as you pass by the ever-changing dramatic landscape.
Step on board a train and experience some of the magic of this venerable intrepid tradition for yourself with one of Bench Africa's rail journeys. In case you need a little extra encouragement, here are our top three reasons to see Africa by rail.
1. All you have to do is sit back and relax
Undoubtedly one of the best parts about travelling by rail is the fact you get to settle down and watch the scenery from the comfort of the train carriage. On the Rovos Rail, one of the world's most luxurious trains, you'll be treated to a five-star experience amidst a charming, Victorian-era decor.
Take a seat in one of the armchairs in the observation carriage and let the beauty of the surrounding vistas take your breath away. Everything you could need for a relaxing, enjoyable trip is close at hand, from delicious meals to stellar service from the Rovos Rail staff.
On the Rovos Rail Pretoria to Cape Town journey, you'll wind your way through the mountainous regions that surround the Cape, taking in the lush wine country en route to the coastal playground of the Mother City.
2. You are participating in a glorious Africa travel tradition
Boarding a train in South Africa is like taking a step back in time. The extensive rail network laid down by the colonising presence of yesteryear made for a glorious way to see the country, which has been enjoyed by countless visitors. In fact, the very first tracks for locomotive trains linking Durban and Harbour Point were laid all the way back in the 1860s!
Today the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Dar es Salaam route is one of the world's most famous rail journeys, carrying passengers from the glimmering waters and sandy beaches of Cape Town to the bustling, dynamic city of Dar es Salaam.
Over the course of 15 days, you will travel through Pretoria and Kruger National Park before crossing into Zimbabwe for an encounter with the dazzling Victoria Falls. You'll also see Africa's largest game reserve (Selous) in Tanzania before drawing closer to your final destination.
3. Rail takes the hassle out of travel
When you take a train trip with Bench, there's no tedious hopping on and off flights between your destinations, no long hours of driving from one city to the next. Instead of worrying about packing and unpacking, or finding airport transfers, you'll be sipping on a drink, reclining in your seat in the shadow of Table Mountain, or gazing out across the magnificent African plains.
To start planning your rail journey, get in touch with Bench Africa's team of Africa travel experts today.
