Taking the train in Cape Town means beating the traffic, using a more environmentally friendly method of transport and it’s unbelievably affordable too! Using Cape Town to kick off an inland trip is an exciting way to see the country too. Here our top 5 train adventures we highly recommend you try.

1.The Karoo Desert tour – The Forgotten Route

Depart from Cape Town on a two day adventure into the Karoo with our 13 seater luxury air conditioned vehicle, visiting iconic landmarks, and Anglo-Boer battle regions. Experience true SA culture and share stories with local winemakers & musicians of the Karoo plains.

Scheduled departures on a Saturday, for other days of the week, please contact them directly in order for them to quote on a private tour.

2.The Southern Line

There is so much to see on the Southern Line that runs from Cape Town to Simonstown, offering brilliant views of the False Bay coast. There are over 20 stops on this line where you can get off and enjoy the sights and sounds the neighbourhoods of the south have to offer.

3.Take a trip northbound to Pretoria

If you’d like to spend two days or more on a luxury train trip with your own cabin, brunch served in the dining cart and post-dinner drinks, Cognacs and Cuban cigars before retiring to bed, then a trip on the Blue Train or on Rovos Rail might be just the thing.

4.Explore the Ceres Valley with the Ceres Rail Company

Prepare for a good dose of nostalgia, as this old steam train will take you back 100 years to a simpler time. Ceres, one of the biggest fruit producing areas in the Western Cape, is a magnificent area to visit and the train travels through Wellington, Nuwekloof Pass, Wolseley, Michell’s Pass and stops for lunch at the Ceres Golf Estate. From the 29th of July the Ceres line will be back in full operation, with return trips to Ceres happening every two weeks. The train also caters to special events so be sure to check out the calendar on their website or give them a call to find out when the next trip is.

5.Take a day trip to Stellenbosch

The Atlantic Rail steam train to Stellenbosch is perfect for railway enthusiast and fun family day trips. Board the train in Cape Town at the Train Lodge and marvel out the window at the leafy northern parts of Cape Town all the way to the beautiful Stellenbosch. The vintage coaches date as far back as the 1920’s and on board, you’ll find a lounge car with a cash bar. Options include a final destination of wine farms Spier or Vredenheim or the train station in Stellenbosch.

The “Stellies” station is conveniently located in town so you can walk up Dorp Street and get a takeaway coffee and pastry at Melissa’s. There are many hidden art galleries, book shops and restaurants to explore and if you’re a wine fan, their wine route is world renowned!