Buses and trains
Buses
If you're not used to driving long distances, a bus may be a better idea than a rental car.
Check out Intercape, Greyhound, Translux, SA Roadlink and the Baz Bus, all of which offer a variety of national routes. You can book most bus tickets at Computicket.
If you want to go seriously upmarket, Compassline offers tailor-made, personalised tours in luxuriously equipped Mercedes buses with a maximum of 12 spacious seats.
Trains
Spoornet is the para-statal railway which covers the routes between the major cities. It's by no means luxurious or fast, but it's reasonably comfortable, clean and safe, and offers a relaxed way to see new parts of the country.
For real luxury, though, you have to try one of the world's most luxurious railways, the Blue Train, which runs a number of routes within South Africa, and some further afield.
Another great upmarket option is Rovos Rail, which operates beautifully restored, spacious, Edwardian-era carriages, which are drawn by steam locomotives for part of the trip.
But for the real railway enthusiast, there is no better choice than the Union Steam Ltd. These beautifully restored carriages are the original Blue Train – but in those days, there was only one bathroom per carriage. Although there are small concessions to modern taste, such as gas cooking instead of coal, everything – down to the uniforms and cutlery – is as it would have been 50 years ago.
For short scenic trips, you could try the Banana Express on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the Apple Express out of Port Elizabeth, or the usually steam-driven Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
The Umgeni Steam Railway, located near Durban, first began operating in 1984. It was originally run by volunteers and that status continues today. The routes start from Kloof and head as far inland as Nottingham Road and Wartburg.
Cape Town is probably the only city where you would consider taking the commuter train, and then only really to enjoy the view between Muizenberg and Simonstown as the railway hugs the rocky shoreline.
Another excellent option is the Steam Train Company, which "combines the excitement of sight seeing and golf holidays with the irresistible romance of luxury train travel."
Operating out of Cape Town, the Steam Train Company offers golf and scenic tours along the Cape Garden Route, overland tours to Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, and a series of day tours to the Cape Winelands and along the False Bay Coast.
SAinfo reporter and South African Tourism
Last updated: June 2009
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