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 Shongololo – the millipede.
Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo tours traverse 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 with professional guides on board (English, German, or French speaking) who 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.
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 Adventures
The Dune Express
12 days
This route explores the magnificent landscape of Namibia - a beautiful country of extreme contrasts, vast colourful deserts, dunes, almost extra-terrestrial rock formations, great game reserves, delightful coastal towns with old world German hospitality, bushman settlements and the wind vitality of the south Atlantic seaboard.
This journey offers an amazingly comprehensive view of South Africa taking in the internationally regarded "must see" locations. As the train travels the length and breadth of the country guests can enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures and lifestyles that the "Rainbow Nation" has to offer.
This impressive 12-day journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls stops at carefully selected locations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Starting in Pretoria, this magnificent sojourn will spend the first few days taking guests east through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Kruger Park for game viewing and the historical areas of Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.
The Shongololo Express operates three distinct train tours, up to 15 days in lenth. With every tour offering a wide variety of exciting destinations, activities and adventures.
