From Pioneering Rail Safari to Rovos Luxury
The Shongololo Express began as a bold adventure across Southern Africa — a moving hotel that carried explorers through diverse landscapes and cultures. Today, under Rovos Rail’s stewardship, its spirit of discovery lives on in journeys that blend pioneering adventure with timeless elegance.
Born in the mid‑1990s, Shongololo Express symbolized the millipede’s winding path — long, immersive journeys through Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In 2016, Rovos Rail acquired and lovingly refurbished the train, aligning its adventurous soul with Rovos’ world‑class standards. By 2023, the routes were fully integrated, ensuring the Shongololo legacy continues as part of Rovos’ portfolio of luxury rail safaris.
Explore JourneysThe Shongololo Express Story
Long before joining Rovos Rail, the Shongololo Express pioneered adventurous rail safaris across Southern Africa. Its journeys — Southern Cross, Good Hope, and Dune Express — gave travelers a taste of Africa’s landscapes and cultures in motion. Today, those legacy routes live on under Rovos stewardship, but the Shongololo name still resonates with guests searching for its original spirit.
To honour that heritage, we’ve kept a dedicated page with full details and transparent pricing for the original Shongololo journeys. It’s the perfect resource if you want to explore the roots of these legendary rail adventures.
View Shongololo Express PricesRovos Rail Journeys & Prices
Rovos Rail, founded in 1989, has redefined luxury rail travel in Africa. With Shongololo Express now part of its portfolio, guests can choose from over 10 itineraries ranging from 2 to 15 nights.
Southern Cross (Legacy Shongololo) – 12 Days
Pretoria → Victoria Falls
The original Shongololo Southern Cross journey remains a classic. Guests travel through South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe — waking up to new landscapes each morning. Highlights include a safari in Kruger Park and walking with lions at Antelope Park.
From R135,000 / $7,445 per person sharing
African Collage (formerly Good Hope) – 12 Days
Pretoria ↔ Cape Town
Once known as the Shongololo Good Hope, this journey now operates as Rovos Rail’s African Collage. It showcases South Africa’s diversity — from the Cango Caves to the vineyards of the Cape, with a safari in Kruger Park adding a wildlife dimension.
From R138,000 / $7,609 per person sharing
Namibia Safari (formerly Dune Express) – 11 Nights
Pretoria ↔ Walvis Bay
The Shongololo Dune Express has been reborn as Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari. This odyssey explores Namibia’s dramatic landscapes: Fish River Canyon, an overnight at Sossusvlei, Garas National Park, Etosha National Park, and the iconic red dunes of the Namib Desert.
From R165,000 per person sharing
Ready to Plan Your Luxury Rail Journey?
Contact our Luxury Train & Safaris team for updated Shongololo Express, Rovos Rail, or Blue Train prices. We’ll help you choose the perfect itinerary across Southern Africa.
Contact UsRovos Rail – A Legacy of Luxury
Established in 1989, Rovos Rail has become synonymous with world‑class rail travel in Africa. For more than three decades, the Vos family has curated journeys that blend vintage elegance, attentive service, and breathtaking scenery.
In 2016, Rovos Rail acquired the Shongololo Express, carefully refurbishing its coaches to Rovos standards while preserving the adventurous spirit that made Shongololo unique. By 2023, the integration was complete: Southern Cross, Good Hope, and Dune Express journeys were reborn under Rovos stewardship, ensuring the Shongololo legacy continues within Africa’s most prestigious rail portfolio.
Today, every Rovos journey carries both the pioneering Shongololo heritage and the timeless luxury that has defined Rovos Rail for over 35 years.
Victoria Falls & Cape Town Signature Package
Begin your holiday with 3–4 nights in Cape Townclassic combo journey3‑night adventure to Cape Town2–4 nights at Victoria Falls or on a Botswana safari
Cape Town Prelude
Spend 3–4 nights in Cape Town exploring vineyards, coastlines, and city highlights before boarding Rovos Rail.
Rovos Rail Combo
Journey 3–4 nights to Pretoria, enjoy an overnight stay, then embark on the 3‑night rail adventure to Cape Town. A seamless blend of vintage elegance and African scenery.
Victoria Falls or Botswana Finale
End your holiday with 2–4 nights at Victoria Falls or on a Botswana safari — the perfect crescendo of natural wonder.
Rovos Combo Journeys
| Route | Pullman Suite | Deluxe Suite | Royal Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town → Victoria Falls | 97,470 | 140,220 | 184,680 |
| Durban → Victoria Falls | 93,480 | 138,510 | 182,400 |
| Durban → Cape Town | 81,510 | 121,410 | 161,880 |
All prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR), quoted per person sharing. A single supplement applies for solo travelers. Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks, and guided excursions. Visa requirements vary by route. Currency conversions available on request.
Rovos Short Journeys
Not every adventure needs to span two weeks. Rovos Rail offers a collection of shorter journeys that are perfect for guests who want a taste of vintage rail luxury or to add a rail segment into a broader holiday. These 2–4 night itineraries connect Pretoria with Cape Town, Durban, or Victoria Falls — making them ideal add‑ons to a Cape Town stay, a safari in Botswana, or a Victoria Falls escape. Think of them as elegant “mini‑safaris on rails” that slot seamlessly into your travel plans.
| Route | Pullman Suite | Deluxe Suite | Royal Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pretoria → Cape Town | 45,000 | 64,800 | 86,400 |
| Pretoria → Victoria Falls | 57,600 | 82,800 | 108,000 |
| Pretoria → Durban | 40,800 | 63,000 | 84,000 |
All prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR) and are quoted per person sharing. A single supplement applies for solo travelers. Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks, and guided excursions. Visa requirements vary by route. Currency conversions available on request.
Luxury Trains
Experience Southern Africa in Style with Shongololo Express
Namibia Safari
12-day journey from Pretoria to Walvis Bay, featuring stunning landscapes like the Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon.
Southern Cross
12-day journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, featuring stops in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Highlights include a safari in Kruger Park and walking with lions in Antelope Park.
Good Hope
12-day journey between Cape Town and Pretoria, stopping at destinations like the Cango Caves and Kruger Park.
Luxury Safaris
Experience the best of Southern Africa's wildlife and landscapes on our luxury safaris.