Traveling by train offers a unique way to get to know a destination, as the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, revealing landscapes, small towns, and unforgettable views outside the window.
Across Africa, one can utilize historic trains, luxury carriages, and modern high-speed lines that showcase the continent from a unique perspective. These routes range from elegant journeys in South Africa to scenic lines in Kenya and the high-speed network of Morocco.
Rovos Rail, often cited as one of the world's best luxury trains, has been associated with exquisite rail journeys since 1989. With restored vintage carriages, gourmet cuisine, observation lounges, and spacious suites, the trip is as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Rovos Rail routes include three-day tours between Pretoria and Cape Town, as well as extended expeditions lasting over two weeks through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Tanzania. During these journeys, guests can enjoy safaris, visit historic towns, vineyards, and admire the most impressive landscapes of South Africa.
The Blue Train is a legendary South African train. This luxury service connects Pretoria and Cape Town and has been transporting tourists across the country for decades, offering butler service, fine dining, and elegant accommodations.
The approximately 1600-kilometer journey passes through the Gauteng plains, crosses the vast Karoo, and concludes in Cape Winelands. Unlike Rovos Rail, which focuses on long-distance safari adventures, Blue Train offers a shorter but equally sophisticated experience, showcasing the changing landscapes of South Africa.
Known as Uhuru or the Freedom Railway, the TAZARA Railway stretched nearly 1900 km between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. This line was built in the 1970s with Chinese assistance and remains one of Africa's greatest engineering achievements.
The journey is not characterized by luxury, which is part of its appeal. Passengers pass remote villages, fertile agricultural lands, mountain cliffs, and wildlife-rich landscapes, making it one of the most authentic long-distance railway adventures on the continent. Following the resumption of passenger services in February 2026, the railway now runs one passenger train per week in each direction, departing from Dar es Salaam on Friday and from Kapiri Mposhi on Tuesday.
Kenya's standard gauge railway, known as the Madaraka Express, has transformed travel between Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa. The five-to-six-hour journey passes directly through Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, where passengers regularly spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes grazing along the tracks.
Few railway routes in Africa combine modern infrastructure with such rich wildlife viewing opportunities.
Al Boraq in Morocco is the first high-speed rail service in Africa and demonstrates the level of modernization of rail transport on the continent. Connecting Tangier with Casablanca in under two hours, these modern trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between major Moroccan cities.
This service provides an easy way to link destinations such as Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca into one route, while simultaneously showcasing another side of African rail connectivity.
Le Lézard Rouge, or the Red Lizard, from Tunisia is one of Africa's most distinctive historic railways. Originally built for the Bey of Tunis, this beautifully restored historic train now carries visitors through the magnificent Selia canyon near Metlaoui.
The leisurely journey winds between the high canyon walls, rocky cliffs, and desert landscape, making it one of the most picturesque historic railway experiences in North Africa and a favorite spot for photographers.
Although air travel remains the fastest way to get around Africa, train journeys offer something entirely different: the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the continent's exceptional diversity.
Whether you are enjoying champagne in a luxurious sleeper car, watching elephants roam near the tracks in Kenya, or crossing remote landscapes on a historic train, these journeys prove that sometimes the most memorable part of a vacation is the journey itself.
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Every World Cup inspires a desire to travel. While football fans follow the game on the field, many tourists are already adding future destinations to their wish lists. This year, there is a lot of attention on the African countries hosting the World Cup, but there are also several countries outside the continent where South Africans might find something unexpectedly familiar.
Whether it's picturesque coastlines, a developed culture of outdoor activities, exceptional wine, mountain landscapes, or a general love for long road trips, these places offer experiences that feel comfortably close to home while providing numerous new adventures.
The Croatian coast has become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and South Africans who love seaside holidays will perfectly understand the reason for this popularity. Imagine turquoise waters, hidden bays, fresh seafood, charming port towns, and warm summer evenings outdoors. There are many elements here that make places like the Cape Town coast so appealing.
Croatia also delights travelers who enjoy combining beach holidays with historical attractions. Medieval old towns coexist with modern marinas, and island trips feel refreshingly relaxed rather than rushed. Like in South Africa, locals pride themselves on regional cuisine, wine, and hospitality. Every stretch of coastline offers something unique, encouraging slow travel instead of just ticking off places on a list.
Norway may seem far from South Africa, but nature lovers will quickly recognize the appeal of this country. If your ideal weekend includes hiking, camping, scenic drives, or watching waterfalls, Norway feels like an enhanced version of any nature getaway you have ever taken. The majestic fjords echo the dramatic beauty of South Africa's mountain passes, and the winding roads invite the same unhurried style of road tripping that locals enjoy on routes like the Garden Route or Panorama Route.
Norwegians also actively spend time outdoors regardless of the weather. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in wild water are part of daily life, similar to weekends spent exploring national parks or the coast. It is best to visit the country in the summer to enjoy the endless daylight and hiking conditions that seem limitless.
South Africa and Mexico share a vibrant food culture, colorful traditions, and warmth that shows in everyday interactions. Markets teem with activity, street food is a source of national pride, and family gatherings remain central to local life. Travelers will also appreciate Mexico's diversity. Tropical beaches, deserts, colonial cities, mountains, and bustling capitals exist within one country, creating the same sense of endless variety that makes South Africa such an exciting place to explore.
Adventure lovers can snorkel in cenotes, climb ancient ruins, or watch whales off the Baja California Peninsula, and foodies will never run out of regional dishes to discover. If you enjoy the combination of adventure, culture, and cuisine found in South Africa, Mexico will provide all three in abundance.
Portugal has quietly become one of Europe's favorite destinations, and South Africans often find it immediately welcoming. Perhaps it is the relaxed pace of life, the incredible coastline, or the strong café culture. Maybe it is the seafood, the fine wine, or the sunny climate that feels pleasantly familiar. Similar to South Africa, Portugal combines cosmopolitan cities with quiet coastal havens and wine-growing regions. One day you can wander through the historic streets of Lisbon or Porto, and the next you can relax by the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve. Road trips are particularly enjoyable as charming villages, castles, and vineyards appear almost around every corner. For South Africans who value good food, ocean views, and scenic drives, Portugal is an easy choice.
Australia can be one of the easiest countries for South Africans to adapt to as visitors. Similarities begin with the lifestyle: beaches, barbecues, surfing, rugby, wildlife, and spending weekends outdoors are part of the daily culture. The landscapes also seem surprisingly familiar. Coastal roads, mountain ranges, vineyards, and wide open spaces create an atmosphere that many South Africans instantly recognize.
There is also a shared appreciation for coffee culture, craft breweries, and relaxed dining, making Australian cities easy to navigate for travelers seeking familiar comfort. Although Australia certainly has its own unique wildlife and natural wonders, the cultural overlap is significant enough to make it both exciting and comfortably familiar.
Turkey offers one of the world's most fascinating cultural blends, and South Africans who value diversity will feel at home here. Like South Africa, Turkey is a meeting point of various traditions, cuisines, and stories. Each region tells its own story: from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the gnomes of Cappadocia and the turquoise beaches of the Mediterranean. Food also plays a major role. Communal meals, generous hospitality, and lively markets create a welcoming atmosphere that many South Africans will instantly appreciate. Travelers who like to explore beyond the obvious can discover mountain villages, ancient ruins, hiking trails, and coastal towns that remain much quieter than better-known European destinations. Turkey rewards curiosity, and like South Africa, no two regions feel exactly alike.
One of the joys of travel is recognizing familiar moments in unfamiliar places. These World Cup destinations may be thousands of kilometers away from South Africa, but they share many qualities that locals already love at home: stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, rich culinary traditions, and a genuine love for nature. Thus, while football may be the reason these countries attract attention, it is their landscapes, culture, and adventures that deserve a place on your wish list long after the tournament ends.
