premier travel south africa

Destinations

South Africa Holidays

Cities & Regions

Experiences, south africa holidays.

At Premier Holidays, South Africa has become one of our most popular destinations and we are delighted to bring you some fantastic savings on holidays to South Africa. We've put together a selection of popular itineraries which encompass some of South Africa's most iconic attractions and the savings are fantastic! A South Africa holiday offers incredible value for money so it's easy to see why it's so popular. Book now and don't miss out!

It may be a well-used cliché that’s churned out time and again, but South Africa really does have ‘something for everyone’. Whether you want to delve into the history, peek into the vibrant culture, feel the pulse of bustline cities, don your khaki for a safari, laze on a sun-soaked stretch of sand or drink in the...

Why Visit South Africa ?

• Historic sites & cosmopolitan cities
• Superb safaris in prime game reserves
• Jaw-dropping scenery
• Adventure galore for thrill seekers
• Delicious food & world-class wines
• Affordable prices
• Dramatic driving routes

Current offers in South Africa

Showing 14 offer s available.

Cape, Winelands & Safari

17 Jun 24 - 17 Jun 24

Cape Town & Kruger

25 Jun 24 - 25 Jun 24

Cape Town, Wine, Bush and Garden Route

2 Sep 24 - 9 Sep 24

Classic Cape Town, Rail & Safari

17 Nov 24 - 17 Nov 24

Boutique Cape Town, Winelands, Beach & Safari

1 May 25 - 1 May 25

Cape, Wine & Garden Route Self Drive Adventure

8 Sep 24 - 8 Sep 24

Boutique Cape, Wine & Bush

16 Sep 24 - 16 Sep 24

Luxury Cape Town, Rail and Sun City

11 Sep 24 - 5 Nov 24

Ultimate Luxury Cape, Wine, Beach & Bush

15 Sep 24 - 15 Sep 24

Cape Town and Winelands

12 May 25 - 12 May 25

8 Jan 25 - 3 Mar 25

Luxury Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger

19 Sep 24 - 19 Sep 24

Opulent Cape Town, Rail and Victoria Falls

9 May 25 - 9 May 25

Luxury Cape, Wine & Rail

10 Sep 24 - 10 Sep 24

South Africa Travel Guide

Best time to go.

South Africa lies in the southern hemisphere, so the peak of summer is February and the heart of winter falls in August. Spring and autumn are usually pleasantly warm and sunny. While summer is delightfully hot it’s also when the most rainfall occurs, however this is usually a brief, heavy downpour so rarely rains all day. The main exception is the Western Cape which has rain in the winter and hot, dry summers. The high lying areas of the interior can be chilly in winter.

Travel Information

Cape Town is approximately 12 hours (non-stop flights) from the UK and Johannesburg approximately 11 hours (non-stop).

Local currency

South African Rand

Cities & Regions in South Africa

Our recommendations for the best places to visit in South Africa .

The Garden Route

Stretching just over 180 miles between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route’s ocean-hugging highway is interspersed with iridescent lagoons, lush forests, majestic mountains, stunning sandy beaches and welcoming towns, all of which make for a magical road trip.

Kruger Region

Covering an area the size of Wales, Kruger National Park has all of Africa’s iconic species - elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra, as well as a supporting cast of 138 other mammals and more than 500 bird varieties.

Sun City & North West

North West Province, which extends west from Gauteng to the Botswana border and the Kalahari Desert, is blessed with breathtaking scenic beauty, vast plains of African bushveld, superb game parks and the magnificent sporting and leisure facilities of Sun City Resort.

Eastern Cape Game Reserves

Regarded as South Africa’s ‘wild’ province, the Eastern Cape features expanses of beach, bush and forest with a wealth of thriving flora and fauna, including the Big Five, namely lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard.

Winelands & Beyond

A leisurely 45 minutes drive from Cape Town brings you to the scenic Winelands, a region of lush valleys, historic towns, tiny hamlets and Cape Dutch farmsteads.

Magical Cape Town is a fascinating mix of up-to-the-minute vibrancy, beautiful natural attributes, stunning biodiversity, colourful culture, fascinating history and award-winning food and wine, all rubbing shoulders under the city’s headline act, Table Mountain.

Johannesburg & Pretoria

While Gauteng may geographically be South Africa's smallest province it is an urban playground of note with the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

KwaZulu-Natal

From the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, traditional Zulu villages and historic Boer War battle sites, to glorious sandy beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean and magnificent game reserves, KwaZulu-Natal - or KZN as it is often simply known, is a tourist’s paradise.

Unmissable Experiences

Showing 15 experiences in South Africa

Ballito Cooking

Get a true taste of local culture at the WOWZULU Marketplace in Ballito, where master chef Phumlani Mthembu will teach you to make ‘Kasi Taste’ dishes that are a fusion of Zulu and Indian flavours.

Bo-Kaap Cooking Experience

Join this interactive guided walk through the historical heart of Bo-Kaap. The focus lies on the Cape Muslim people with visits to a spice shop and halaal butcher. There’s also a visit to a local home and a hands-on cooking session and demonstration as well as lunch. Excludes transfers.

(including lunch)

Canyon Cruise & Panorama Highlights

On this full day tour discover the splendour of the world’s third largest Canyon in the world with a leisurely interpretive boat cruise along the lush subtropical banks of the Blyde River Canyon. View the spectacular Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, as well as the famous Three Rondavels which have an uncanny resemblance to traditional African huts. Later, tour the highlights of Mpumalanga, visiting Three Rondavels, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window.

Join this half day tour from Johannesburg for an insight to the township of SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, which is home to over two million people. Visit the Kliptown Open Air Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum, pass Mandela House, Regina Mundi Church - site of many secret meetings of the then banned political parties, and finally travel past Soccer City.

Stellenbosch Winelands Cycle Tour

Perfect for those who have limited time in the Winelands, this tour packs the best of Stellenbosch into half a day of laidback cycling. Enjoy exploring farm roads and private vineyards by bicycle, stopping for two wine tastings enroute.

Foodies on Foot

Excite your taste buds on this half day walking tour which focuses on fresh, local, sustainably-produced and seasonal produce. During the walk, savour the handiwork of both passionate food artisans and celebrated artists. Excludes transfers.

(including lunch & tastings)

Franschhoek Wine Tram

This hop-on-hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley’s picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history. Hop on and off at the loop of stops to experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll. Excludes transfers.

Tsitsikamma

On this full day tour from Knysna stroll through Tsitsikamma Forest and soak up the sensational views of the adjacent Tsitsikamma Coastal Nature Reserve. Maybe test your nerves at the world’s highest bungee jump (at extra expense) before visiting Monkeyland and Plettenberg Bay.

Jane Goodall Institute - Chimpanzee Eden

At Chimpanzee Eden, which is South Africa’s first and only sanctuary, watch these endearing creatures at feeding time, from multiple viewing decks, which offer superb vantage points. A specialist guide will share intriguing facts about chimpanzee behaviour and language, and in the educational hall, you can wander through the multimedia exhibits.

(including light lunch)

Durban City Tour

This half day tour begins along the Golden Mile, Durban’s revitalised beachfront promenade which hugs the beckoning beaches. Move through the city viewing the majestic City Hall, the small craft harbour and onwards to the University of Natal for lovely views of the harbour below. Continue onwards to visit the bustling African/Indian Markets at Warwick Triangle, the peaceful Botanic Gardens which are home to a treasure trove of massive trees and a magnificent orchid house. The tour concludes at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you have the option of experiencing a cable car ride (at extra expense) to the top of the stadium for phenomenal views.

History of Humankind & Lesedi Cultural Tour

This full day tour from Johannesburg starts at the World Heritage Site of The Cradle of Humankind. After a stop at the superb Maropeng Visitor Centre, you’ll discover Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Pedi cultures at the Lesedi Cultural Village and experience their warmth and hospitality. The tour concludes with a traditional African meal.

Helicopter Tour (12 minute flight)

Lift off from the V&A Waterfront for a bird’s eye view of the Cape Town Stadium, Lion’s Head, Clifton and Camps Bay beaches and the spectacular Twelve Apostles. Excludes transfers.

Panorama Route

Experience some of Mpumalanga’s most spectacular scenery including legendary Blyde River Canyon and the never ending Lowveld landscape from the ledge of God’s Window. Visit the quaint historical mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest, tuck into a delicious lunch at the famous Harrie’s Pancakes and, in the afternoon, explore the extraordinary rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, one of nature’s most intriguing creations.

Peninsula Tour

Begin this full day tour by cruising along Millionaire’s Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay and on to Llandudno for an optional Seal Island cruise (at extra expense). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park before returning via Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach.

Book with Premier Holidays

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and strive to offer the best service possible. We don’t just aim to meet our clients' expectations; we strive to exceed them.

Call 08444 937 531

Speak to our Travel Experts

Book Online

Book Channel Islands online

Send us an enquiry

Sign up to receive our e-newsletter and take advantage of our best offers delivered directly to your inbox

Customer Service

Travel extras, information.

Copyright © 2024 Premier Holidays Ltd. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Email: [email protected]

Let’s Talk: 051 406 2500

Get In Touch

Welcome to Etnique Travel

ARCHITECT OF UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES

Greetings, bold adventurer! You’ve landed on Etnique Travel, the canvas where your wildest travel dreams are painted into reality. Come in and experience South Africa’s premier travel agency!

DISCOVER UNLIMITED BEAUTY

Designing unforgettable travel experiences since 1997.

At Sure Etnique Travel, we appreciate the transformative magic of travel. For over two decades, we’ve been creating memorable moments for travelers worldwide. We do more than book trips; we craft stories, curate experiences, and tailor adventures that linger in the heart and mind.

UNLEASH BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Whether you’re setting out on a grand global exploration or planning a honeymoon brimming with romance, we’re here to design an experience as unique as you. As part of the Sure Travel consortium, we have access to a world of exclusive deals, ensuring your journey is marked by unique moments and exquisite experiences.  

EVOLVING AND GROWING AMIDST CHALLENGES

The Covid pandemic tested our resilience, but we emerged stronger and even more committed. Today, we stand ready to guide you through your travel journey, ensuring every step you take is a confident stride towards unforgettable moments.

CRAFTING MEMORIES TO CHERISH FOREVER

At Etnique Travel, our mission is to create experiences that will be etched into your memory, creating an ever-present smile whenever you recall them. We believe in curating extraordinary experiences that resonate long after the journey concludes.

Ready to embark on a journey where the extraordinary awaits at every turn?  Contact us or book online today.    

SEAMLESS & EFFORTLESS  CORPORATE TRAVEL

In the complex world of business, travel should be the least of your worries. At Sure Etnique Travel, we streamline your corporate travel needs, providing seamless, tailor-made experiences. From securing the most convenient flights to managing intricate itineraries, we ensure every detail of your corporate journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Focus on your core business while we curate a travel experience that caters to your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Experience corporate travel the Sure Etnique way.

Learn more about our Corporate Travel Services.

CORPORATE TRAVEL

LEISURE TRAVEL

CRUISES AND TOURS

VISA ASSISTANCE

YOUR ALL-IN-ONE TRAVEL CONCIERGE

From securing flights and accommodations to providing expert visa assistance and creating bespoke travel itineraries, we’re your personal travel concierge. For independent explorers, our user-friendly online booking platform is at your service.

A FREE SURE THING DISCOVERY CALL

We love helping you turn your travel dreams into reality. Reach out to us, and let’s start creating your extraordinary journey today.

REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

From the moment you walk in at Sure Etnique Travel you just want to jump on a plane! From the inviting space and helpful and equipped staff, to the surety you have with your trip, you are in the safest hands you can ask for. The owner Roán is also a travel enthusiast and his energy will inspire you to see the world. 

Thank you to Johann for the detail planning of my exciting trip. I cannot wait for the experience. Johann you and your team were excellent, from help with the visa to even my day excursions!

Keep it up!

They arranged a fantastic honeymoon for my wife and I. Gave great advice and service.

Excellent service.                                                 F riendly service and helpfull

Cape Town to Johannesburg by train: On board the budget-luxury Premier Classe train

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2022

Travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train – a trip through the heart of South Africa on board the Premier Classe train, the overnight rail journey that’s a budget alternative to the Blue Train.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Please note: The Premier Classe train stopped running in 2020 and it’s unsure if and when it will start again. The information and trip report below is based on a journey taken before the pandemic.

South Africa is home to one of the world’s most famous and luxurious train journeys. The Blue Train is the five-star way to travel across the country, but it’ll set you back at least 18,000 ZAR (£880/$990) one-way. If that’s a bit steep, there’s a normal, no-frills overnight passenger train between Cape Town and Johannesburg – the Shosholoza Meyl.

But there’s also a third option, South Africa’s budget-luxury Premier Classe train. Premier Classe comes with some of the same perks as the Blue Train – private cabins, three-course meals and a Champagne send-off – but for a more budget-friendly price. So how does it compare and what’s the journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train like?

Cape Town to Johannesburg by Premier Classe train

How long does it take to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train?

The Premier Class takes around 26 hours to travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg. It runs once a week in each direction, departing Cape Town at 9.05am on Tuesday and arriving into Johannesburg at 11.03 on Wednesday. Or in reverse it departs Johannesburg at 10.30am on Thursday and arrives into Cape Town at 12.40pm on Friday.

Tickets for the Premier Classe train cost 3120 ZAR (£152/$171) per person one way, or 3590 ZAR (£175/$197) in the December–January and school holiday peak periods.

What’s the difference between the Blue Train and the Premier Classe train?

The two trains run on different routes – the Blue Train between Cape Town and Pretoria and the Premier Classe train between Cape Town and Johannesburg. Both run once a week but the Blue Train does the journey over two nights, with a stop off in the mining town of Kimberley, whereas Premier Classe train runs non-stop with one night on board.

But the big difference (other than the price) is the facilities on board. Premier Classe trains use standard South African Railways sleeping cars which have been refurbished to make them more luxurious. The Blue Train is another level with a choice of luxury compartments with an en-suite bathroom and deluxe compartments with a full-size bath.

The Blue Train comes with lots of extras – butler service, air conditioning, observation car, shop and several lounges. And all food and drink is included on the Blue Train, with fine-dining cuisine and local wines, but you pay extra for alcohol on the Premier Classe.

With prices starting at 18,000 ZAR (£880/$990) per person in low season, the Blue Train is a real bucket list trip. But the Premier Classe is very different – an affordable way to travel across South Africa in comfort if you’re not in a hurry.

What’s it like on board the Premier Classe train?

My journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train started at Cape Town station at 8am, where we were shown to the Premier Classe lounge (which is shared with Blue Train passengers). After checking in, our bags were taken off us and tagged with our cabin number ready to be delivered to our room, and we were given tea and scones.

The train is a mirror image, with a kitchen in the middle, then a dining car and lounge bar on each side, followed by the cabins with toilets and showers at the end of each carriage. The Premier Classe trains aren’t hugely modern but they’re clean and well maintained.

The cabins have been converted so what would have originally been a four-person cabin now sleeps two, and what was a two-person cabin is now a single. So that means there isn’t an expensive single supplement if you’re travelling on your own, and nobody has to navigate climbing a ladder into a bunk bed on board a moving train.

Inside we had two seats/beds, a table which lifted up to reveal a sink and a storage area above the door for bags (the doors don’t lock from the outside so we kept valuables with us). You’re also given towels, dressing gowns, slippers, toiletries and bottled water.

The journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train

As we pulled out of Cape Town, the passengers gathered in the bar for snacks and glasses of bubbly as we watched Table Mountain disappear into the distance. The other passengers on board the Premier Classe train were mainly South Africans along with a few international tourists, and a mostly older crowd of couples and small groups of friends.

Back in the cabin, I abandoned plans to read and was transfixed by the view out of the window. We went from farmland and fields of ostriches through the vineyards around Paarl, then on through the Nuwelkoof Pass into the mountains. The landscape got rockier and drier as we travelled, changing from shades of green to gold and red.

Our cabin steward called in to give us the menu and allocate us a table for meals – you can have a table for two or share a larger table. There’s a huge amount of food included, with a three-course lunch followed by afternoon tea and a four-course dinner, then breakfast and morning tea the next day. The lounge also does a good selection of drinks.

The bar menu featured a selection of local wines for 80–90 ZAR (around £4/$5). You can buy a bottle of wine and the bar steward will look after it for you, so you can just go and get a top up when you want or take it with you to lunch or dinner.

At 12pm it was time for lunch so we headed to the dining car. We sat next to a South African couple in their 60s on their third Premier Classe trip. Over lunch (vegetable terrine, Chicken Kiev and strawberry cheesecake) we talked to them about life in South Africa and how much things have changed for the country over the last 10 years.

By the time we finished lunch the train was out in the Karoo, the vast expanse of empty semi-desert landscape at the heart of South Africa. But there are towns out there – we stopped in Beaufort West to stretch our legs and made an unscheduled stop for the engineers to tinker with the train, but 20 minutes later we were on the move again.

The sky started to glow as the sun set behind us, disappearing below the horizon as we headed back to the dining car for dinner (afternoon tea too was a step too far!). The kitchen staff do an amazing job cooking up multi-course meals in a tiny space for so many people. Dinner was another feast of tomato soup, fish, lamb, chocolate mousse and cheese.

Pretty much stuffed by now, we finished our wine in the lounge before heading back to our cabin. Our beds had been made up for us so we crashed out for the night. Beds were comfortable but the train stops and starts as it travels through the night and lurches around a bit, so we did wake up a few times (ear plugs are a good idea for light sleepers).

Just before 7am I woke up, opened the curtains and sat watching the scenery go by. The landscape had changed again, now back to green with farms, roads and more signs of life. There’s a shower at the end of each carriage, and it’s a bit of a weird feeling washing while you’re moving around but it was warm and had decent water pressure.

Breakfast is served from 7am–9am so you can wander down when you’re ready. We carried on the whole ‘eat until you burst’ theme with juice, yogurt and cereal followed by eggs, bacon, sausages and toast. The train is scheduled to arrive into Johannesburg at 11am so we packed up our cabin – which had been turned back into seats – ready to go.

The last stretch of the journey through the suburbs of Johannesburg seemed to take the longest, but we arrived into Park station spot on at 11.05am. From there you can catch the Gautrain around the city, to OR Tambo International Airport, or out to Pretoria.

Although we were on time, the Premier Classe train is known to have delays, so allow plenty of extra time if you have a flight to catch. But if you have time to spare and want to relax, see South Africa’s landscapes, chat to a mix of locals and travellers, and eat practically non-stop, the journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg by train definitely beats the plane.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Cape Town?*

Save for later

You might also like

What does it cost to visit South Africa? 10-day budget breakdown

Visiting Cape Town on a budget

A day in the life of a safari at Naledi Game Lodge, South Africa

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

Does the train stop at any place for exploring (like Kimberly in the case of the Blue Train), or to stretch one's legs?

Lucy Dodsworth

Friday 18th of February 2022

We did make a couple of brief stops (one scheduled and the other to check on an issue with the train) but only really long enough to stretch your legs not to explore.

Carolanne Evans

Saturday 5th of October 2019

I have just booked the premier class trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, for February 2020. I read your review and found it extremely helpful . Happy travels.

Tour Destinations

Contact information.

• [email protected]

Get In Touch

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in south africa.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, safe, comfortable south african trains.

Contrary to what you may have heard and to what many middle-class South Africans may tell you, taking the train is a remarkably safe, civilised & enjoyable way to travel between cities in South Africa.  In fact, you'd be crazy not to consider it.  There are several completely different train services:

Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains

Comfortable & amazingly cheap, Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains link Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth & East London.  They're perfectly safe , and one of South Africa's best-kept secrets, highly recommended by travellers.  The Cape Town to Johannesburg train passes the same wonderful scenery as the megabucks Blue Train, but costs only 690 Rand (£33 or $50) including a bed in a 2-berth or 4-berth sleeper.  Durban to Johannesburg is even cheaper.  Shosholoza Meyl's Tourist Class trains have modernised sleeping-cars and a restaurant car, a great alternative to flying and missing everything, or being stuck in a bus seat for whole days & nights.  See train times, fares, photos & how to buy tickets .  See important update .

Premier Classe trains

Luxury on a budget.  Premier Classe trains link Cape Town & Johannesburg weekly for R3,120 (£189 or $235) including exclusive use of a cosy private sleeper and all meals & afternoon tea in the elegant restaurant car as you pass the fabulous South African scenery.  There's a spacious lounge-bar car too.  Highly recommended by travellers, who give Premier Classe rave reviews.  See train times, fares, photos & how to buy tickets .  Not currently running, see update .

The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria

A world-famous luxury train from Cape Town to Pretoria once or twice a week.  It costs from 10,120 Rand (£895 or $1,300) one-way including meals, wine and even cigars.  Worth it if you have the money.  See train times, fares & how to buy tickets .

Gautrain linking Jo'burg, Pretoria & Jo'burg airport

Gautrain is the brand-new safe and modern electric suburban train service around Johannesburg.  The Airport Line links Jo'burg's O.R. Tambo international airport with Sandton.  The North-South Line links Park Station in central Johannesburg (used by Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe long distance trains) with Sandton and Pretoria.

Metro suburban trains

Suburban ( Metro ) trains around Johannesburg & Pretoria are not safe (which is why some South Africans will mistakenly tell you that all South African trains are unsafe), but those around Cape Town can be used if you're reasonably careful to travel from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Paarl & Simon's Town.  Metro train information .

Cruise trains:  Rovos Rail, Shongololo

There are several luxury cruise trains in South Africa, run by companies like Rovos Rail or Shongololo, aimed a tourists with western-style prices.  Cruise train information .

International travel to & from South Africa by train, bus & sea

Unfortunately, there are now no international trains (other than occasional tourist cruise trains) from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana or Zimbabwe, but for information on international travel by a combination of train and bus from South Africa to Zimbabwe, see the Zimbabwe page . For onward travel to Zambia and Tanzania, see the Zambia page .  For travel to Namibia, see the Namibia page .  For trains to Maputo in Mozambique, see the Mozambique page .  For travel to Botswana, see the Botswana page .  See the map here .

Freight ships with limited passenger places and an occasional cruise liner link the UK with Cape Town.  Start with your search with thecruisepeople.wordpress.com , a UK agency which books both cruise liners and freighters.  Also try www.travltips.com/cruises/freighter/overview.php & www.freightercruises.com .  Cunard have occasional sailings from Southampton to Cape Town, see www.cunard.com .  The St Helena steamship used to have very occasional sailings from the UK to Cape Town but these ended in 2018 as the island of St Helena finally (sadly) got an airstrip, see www.rms-st-helena.com .

Useful country information

Shosholoza meyl trains.

The Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger trains are perhaps South Africa's best-kept travel secret and an unbelievable bargain.  Comfortable, cheap & perfectly safe , they link major cities including Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth & East London.  They're a great way to travel as they let you see South Africa comfortably & affordably at ground level, without spending whole days & nights in a bus seat, or spending a fortune on expensive tourist experiences like the Blue Train or Rovos Rail , or flying and missing everything.  They are run by Shosholoza Meyl ( www.shosholozameyl.co.za ), originally part of South African Railways (Spoornet) and now a division of the Passenger Rail Authority of South Africa (PRASA, www.prasa.com ).  The Shosholoza Meyl name was launched in 2001 along with newly-refurbished brightly-coloured sleeping-cars.  In 2006, Shosholoza Meyl split its trains into two distinct classes:  Tourist class with sleeping cars with 2 & 4-berth compartments and a restaurant car serving full meals, snacks, beer and wine, and Economy class with sitter class seats and sometimes a restaurant car.  In Tourist class, the sleepers even have hot showers at the end of the corridor!

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  Shosholoza Meyl trains were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, the rail network was then hit by looting and cable theft.  Latest info is that the Cape Town - Jo'burg train resumed once a week in December 2023 as shown below.  The Jo'burg-Durban train has also resumed, details not known.  Contact them (not me!) for details.

Update to the update, January 2024:  Reports now coming in that the Cape Town to Jo'burg train has been suspended again.  Incompetence all round...

Train times & routes

Cape Town - Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Durban

Johannesburg - Bloemfontein - Port Elizabeth

Johannesburg - East London

Johannesburg & Pretoria - Louis Trichardt - Messina

Johannesburg & Pretoria - Nelspruit - Komatipoort (for Kruger Park)

Johannesburg - Mafikeng - Kimberley

Cape Town - East London

Shosholoza Meyl travel information

How much does it cost.

How to buy tickets    

What are Shosholoza Meyl trains like?  

Safety on Shosholoza Meyl trains   

You can check Shosholoza Meyl train times at the official site www.shosholozameyl.co.za , but travel agency site www.southafricanrailways.co.za is kept better updated and is usually far more useful!

1.  Cape Town - Johannesburg

* Until 2019, the Premier Classe train ran every week.  In 2020 it was reduced to running some weeks only, once or twice each month, see www.southafricanrailways.co.za for dates.

** Pretoria:  Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains no longer run through to/from Pretoria, since 2006 they start/finish their journey at Johannesburg.  Remember that Johannesburg city centre isn't safe for visitors, but Johannesburg Park Station itself has security and is well-patrolled & secure.  Be very careful if you walk outside the station.  It's recommended that you either use the safe new Gautrain network to travel between Jo'burg Park Station, Sandton and Pretoria, or that you pre-book a car or taxi to pick you up at Jo'burg station when you arrive, and when leaving again, take a taxi or car to the station entrance.  Pretoria is a safer city to use as a base when visiting the Jo'burg area.

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Cape Town to Johannesburg is 1,530 Km or 956 miles.

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe?  Yes they are!    Hotels in Cape Town, Jo'burg & Pretoria

2.  Johannesburg - Durban

Johannesburg-Durban trains pass the spot near Estcourt where in 1899 young war correspondent Winston Churchill was taken prisoner by the Boers when the British armoured train he was with was derailed.  They call at Pietermaritzburg (PMB), the station where Mahatma Ghandi was thrown off a train in 1893.  Not just transportation, but a bit of history!

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Safety on board    Johannesburg to Durban is 722 Km or 451 miles.

3. Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Johannesburg to Pt Elizabeth is 1,112 Km or 695 miles.

Check status at www.southafricanrailways.co.za

4. Johannesburg - East London

Fares    How to buy tickets    What are the trains like?    Are these trains safe? Yes!    Johannesburg to East London is 1,023 Km or 639 miles.

Fares may vary by month.   For example, Cape Town to Jo'burg might be R650 in August, R670 in Sept-Oct, R680 in November, R690 in December & January.  The fare includes a sleeper berth in a 2 or 4 berth sleeper compartment.  Couples can request berths in a 2-berth compartment, though this can't be guaranteed.  Bookings open 90 days in advance.

Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow, made up for you by the train attendant) is an extra 60 rand (£4, $6) or so per person, paid on the train.

Children in tourist class sleepers aged from 0 to 9 pay half fare, 10 and over pay the adult fare.  This arrangement was introduced in 2009.  It seems harsh to have to pay half fare for a 3-month old baby, but remember how cheap the fares are to start with.  Children in economy class seats aged under 5 travel free, children aged 5 to 9 inclusive travel at half fare, children aged 10 and over pay full fare.

Return fares are twice the one-way fare. 

There may be further reductions for students & seniors in off-peak periods, so ask when booking.

Luggage:   You can take up to 25Kg of luggage into your sleeper compartment with you.  Excess can be sent in the baggage car for R4 per item.

Cars can be transported , for prices & booking contact www.shosholozameyl.co.za or (probably better) reliable agency www.southafricanrailways.co.za .  Pets are not allowed on board, except guide dogs.

Economy class fares:   Cape Town to Johannesburg in a seat on the daily Economy class train costs 170 Rand (£12).

What are Shosholoza Meyl Tourist Class trains like?

Sleeping-cars:    The sleeping-cars have 4-berth rooms called 'compartments' and smaller 2-berth rooms known as 'coupés'.  The berths convert to seating for daytime use.  Each compartment has basic leatherette bench seats which convert to bunks at night, and a washbasin with hot and cold water.  Bedding is provided for a small extra charge (60 Rand, about £4, $6) and expertly made up for you in the evening by the train attendant.  Each sleeping-car has a hot shower at the end of the corridor, with lockable shower cubicle & changing area - bring your own soap & towel.  The coaches are not air-conditioned, so the windows open for a superb view of the countryside.  A metal mesh screen is provided for use at night to allow cool air.  Berth numbers aren't specified on your ticket or allocated when you book.  Instead, reservation lists are posted at the departure station telling you your car and berth number.  As far as is possible, two passengers travelling together will be booked into a 2-berth coupé, a solo traveller will normally be booked into a 4-berth compartment with passengers of the same sex.  The price is the same.  If you pay for two tickets (quite affordable, given the fare) you can have sole occupancy of a coupé.  The whole train is all non-smoking.

Example restaurant car prices:  Full English breakfast R 55, porridge R35.  Sirloin steak & chips R95.  Chicken & chips or salad R55.  Lasagne R70.  Macaroni cheese R65.  Castle beer R17 for 440ml.  Wine prices not known.

What are Shosholoza Meyl Economy Class Trains like?

Sitter class seating: Economy trains have basic seating, which does not convert to berths.  Fine for daytime journeys, and safe with travelling security staff on board, but not generally recommended for visitors on overnight trips unless you can't get a sleeper and are prepared to rough it.  Most trains also have a restaurant or refreshment car.

How to buy tickets

Bookings open 90 days before departure. 

Shosholoza Meyl tourist class sleepers can get fully-booked a month or two ahead, especially on the popular Cape Town to Johannesburg route, so book as far ahead as you can . 

Remember that this is Africa and trains can run late, sometimes hours not minutes, so don't book any tight onward connections - ideally allow an overnight stop before any connecting international flight. 

Option 1, buy tickets online at www.shosholozameyl.co.za

Online booking used to be possible on the official Shosholoza Meyl website www.shosholozameyl.co.za - click Book now at top right.

Option 2, buy tickets in person or by phone on 086 000 8888

If you live in South Africa , simply call Shosholoza Meyl's freephone number 086 000 8888.

From outside South Africa , call + 27 11 7744 555 - but you have to collect & pay at a Shosholoza Meyl station within 2 days.  As this may be impractical, I suggest booking online as above or using African Sun Travel as shown below.

Reservations are computerised, so any reservation office can book any journey in South Africa.  When booking by phone, you will be given a booking reference number, and you must collect and pay for your tickets at a station within 2 days.  Your ticket will not show your coach or berth number, but a passenger list showing which berth is allocated to which passenger is posted in a glass case at the station about an hour before departure.

Safety & security on Shosholoza Meyl trains:  Not a problem!

Shosholoza Meyl tourist class trains are perfectly safe to travel on, and can even be recommended for families and women travelling alone.  Sleeping compartments have both a normal lock and a security lock which cannot be opened from the outside, and the train manager and his assistants do a good job looking after their passengers.  People who tell you that 'trains in South Africa are unsafe' have probably never been on one, and are confusing these excellent and safe Shosholoza Meyl trains with the suburban Metro trains around the big cities which they see adversely reported on South African TV.  It goes without saying that the high-end Premier Classe and Blue Train services are very safe, too.

Safety & security at Johannesburg's Park Station

The long-distance trains themselves are very safe, and Johannesburg's Park Station itself is well-patrolled with security guards & CCTV.  However, the streets surrounding Park Station in downtown Johannesburg are definitely not safe, so arrange a car to drop you off or pick you up right at the station entrance or ask the driver to meet you inside the station.   You should take advice before walking around in Johannesburg city centre.  However, things are improving and you can now travel between Johannesburg Park Station and Pretoria via the suburb of Sandton, using the safe new Gautrain network .

Traveller's report:   Trish Jones says this about arriving by car at Johannesburg Park station to catch the Premier Classe train to Cape Town: "With regards to Johannesburg's Park Station, it was one of the things I was concerned about as I haven’t been there for ages, and I’m super cautious.  We had a friend collect us, drove into the car park from the Rissik Street side, and much to my amazement it was spotless and well organized.  Once inside, it’s a case of down the escalator, turn left, and straight into the Premier Classe Lounge (also used for The Blue Train) for check in.  It’s totally separate and is available only to Premier Classe [and Blue Train] passengers.  No hassles and I didn’t feel uncomfortable or threatened at all.  The rest of the station isn't great, but it doesn't matter because you don’t go there."

Traveller's report:   Steven Wasiura says "Park Station in Johannesburg was very busy and felt generally safe, with visible security presence throughout.  The Gautrain is an excellent way to reach the station [from Pretoria, airport, or suburbs], though the direct link between the Gautrain station and Park is still under construction, necessitating a short, easy walk outside.  There are also several car hire agencies with offices at the station, so you may be able, as I was, to return your rental car there and go straight to your train."

Traveller's report:   Ivor Morgan says "The key point is that it's possible to transfer between Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains, long-distance buses and the Gautrain, without leaving the reasonably secure perimeter of Jo'burg Park Station.  Shosholoza Meyl & Premier Classe trains arrive on the lowest level, on a platform which is somewhat separate from the Metrorail suburban platforms.  Leaving the platform (where your ticket will be collected, so have it handy) an escalator takes you up to the main concourse.  Long-distance buses leave from the main concourse level.  The bus companies have their offices on one side, and there are waiting areas and departure gates on the other.  If you go up another level, there are some shops and a food court and this upper level is also the way to the Gautrain.  The signage is not great, so look for the Wolmarans St exit if there is no Gautrain sign.  When you reach the exit from the building at this level, you will see a short (~15m) covered walkway leading to another building. Inside the entrance to this building, you can see escalators going down to the Gautrain.  At the bottom of the escalators, there is a short passage:  The Gautrain ticket counter and ticket machines are straight ahead, and the ticket barriers are on the left.  Going the other way should be easier - turn right out of the Gautrain ticket barriers (left takes you to the Gautrain car park), up the escalators, and follow the covered walkway to the main station building.  If there are no signs specifically for Shosholoza Meyl, follow the signs for Metrorail until Shosholoza Meyl signs appear."

Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by Shosholoza Meyl tourist class train

Back to top

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  These Premier Classe trains stopped operating in 2020 due to Covid and have not resumed.  The great South African Railways has been brought to it knees by mismanagement, corruption, vandalism & theft.

Cape Town -  Johannesburg (once a week)

The Premier Classe train ( www.premierclasse.co.za , if & when their site is working) is an affordable deluxe service aimed at both budget-conscious tourists and South Africans themselves.  It's another of South-Africa's well-kept travel secrets, and it's already getting great reports from travellers who try it.  If you can't afford the famous Blue Train, but still want safe, civilised deluxe train travel at ground level through superb South African scenery that you can't see from 35,000 feet, take a Premier Classe train.  Premier Classe started out in 1998 as an affordable deluxe service from Cape Town to Johannesburg, originally running once a week attached to the regular Shosholoza Meyl train.  But in 2006 it was made into a completely separate train.  In 2008 they introduced a Jo'burg-Durban train and in 2013 they added a Jo'burg to Port Elizabeth train.  Sadly both of these were discontinued in 2014.  See advice on using Johannesburg Park Station .

The Premier Classe train is a hotels on rails.  It uses standard South African Railways sleeping-cars (in fact, the same 1960s-1970s type used by Shosholoza Meyl) which have been refurbished to deluxe standards, and passengers are given twice the normal amount of space per passenger:  Solo passengers get sole occupancy of what would have been a 2-berth coupé, two passengers get sole use of what would have been a 4-berth compartment and so get two lower berths.  The sleeping-cars aren't air-conditioned, a big advantage for photographers as the windows open.  There's a deluxe Premier Classe restaurant car serving 3-5 course meals and a Premier Classe lounge car with armchairs, sofas and a bar.  The fare includes all your meals and complimentary tea/coffee, although alcoholic drinks cost extra.  Premier Classe passengers can use the luxury Blue Train VIP lounges at Cape Town and Johannesburg stations.  Premier Classe is now a division of the new Passenger Rail Authority of South Africa (PRASA, www.prasa.com ).  This amateur video gives a good idea of what to expect on board the Premier Classe train and in terms of scenery, and you may also find this account helps convince you to try out this excellent train service!

Pretoria, Sandton & airport connections:  You can now travel between Jo'burg Park Station, Sandton, Pretoria & Jo'burg international airport on the safe new Gautrain network , see below.

Car transport:   Cars can also be transported on these trains between Cape Town & Johannesburg, R 1,780- R 3,700 per car.

Premier Classe train timetable...    You can check train times & fares at www.premierclasse.co.za (if working) or at www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel, a private agency but usually more reliable).

* Until 2019, the Premier Classe train ran every week.  In 2020 it will be reduced to running some weeks only, once or twice each month, see www.southafricanrailways.co.za for dates.

How much does Premier Classe cost?

Cape Town to Johannesburg  costs around R 3,120 (£189 or $235) each way per person including all meals and private sleeper.

Slightly higher fares apply at peak times such as December-January, Easter & school holidays.

Children under 3 travel free if sharing with their parents, children under 10 pay 80% of the adult fare, children 10 & over pay the adult fare.

You can check fares at www.premierclasse.co.za (if working, it may well still not be!), www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel) or www.newfusion.co.za (New Fusion Travel)

Booking for Premier Classe opens 12 months ahead.  You can request a Premier Classe booking online at www.southafricanrailways.co.za (this is  African Sun Travel, a reliable ticketing agency, not the operator themselves) or www.newfusion.co.za (New Fusion Travel).  Or you can book by phone calling the train operator on +27 11 774 4555 or + 27 12 334 8039 or (from within South Africa) 086 000 8888 (lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30, GMT+2).  Alternatively, you can e-mail your request to the train operator at [email protected] .  There is more information at the Premier Classe website, if it's working, at www.premierclasse.co.za , with an online booking request form.  However, reports suggest you'll get more responsive booking from ticketing agency www.southafricanrailways.co.za (African Sun Travel).

A journey from Cape Town to Jo'burg by Premier Classe train

For these photos I am indebted to Billy Shearer ( read his trip report below ) and Tommi Tollki.

The Blue Train , Cape Town to Pretoria

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:  The Blue Train stopped running in 2020 due to the pandemic, but resumed in 2022.  In 2024 it's running.

It's the most famous train in South Africa, and one of the most famous trains in the world.  South Africa's Blue Train links Cape Town with Pretoria once or twice a week, year round.  With a one-way fare from around R 36,000 (£1,750 or $2,000) per person for two people travelling together even in the low season, it's now aimed squarely at foreign visitors.  However, The Blue Train is definitely the most luxurious way to travel between these two cities, and if you do choose to splurge, you will not be disappointed!

Blue Train timetable 2023

The Blue Train switched to a novel night-day-night schedule in 2019, a slower schedule but one less susceptible to delays and with additional off-train excursions.

For departure dates see www.bluetrain.co.za .   See here for the regular passenger trains between Cape Town & Johannesburg .

The northbound journey includes a one-hour stop at the 19th century health resort of Matjiesfontein in the heart of the Karoo.  The Southbound trip includes a stop at Kimberley for a tour of the Kimberley 'big hole' mining museum.  The train no longer serves Johannesburg in either direction, as few tourists want to go there because of its security problems.  The Blue Train rolling stock is also used to run irregular rail cruises on a couple of other scenic routes within South Africa.

You can arrange a package which includes the Blue Train with hotels, transfers, flights through train specialist Railbookers.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia:

What's it like on the Blue Train?

The Blue Train offers two types of room:  Deluxe compartments have either a double bed or two single beds and en suite shower or small bath.  Luxury compartments cost a bit more and are almost identical, but have a full size bath (yes, really) and a video.  The train has a dining car and two lounge cars (one smoking, one non-smoking) and both of the two trainsets have an observation car at the rear, allowing you to look back along the line (one of the was damaged and taken out of service several years ago, but is restored for the 2019 season).  Meals and drinks (and even Montecristo Havana cigars!) are included in the fare, and there is an extensive list of South African wines available.  You probably won't be able to drink £800-worth before you reach Pretoria, but you can have a dam' good try...  For pictures of the scenery between Cape Town and Pretoria, see the scenery shots from the Cape Town to Johannesburg journey by Shosholoza Meyl train here and by Premier Classe train here , as the Blue Train follows the same route as far as Jo'burg.

Watch the video: The Blue Train

It's a PR video, of course, but this short film shows how good travelling in The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria can be.

A bit of history

A fast train called the Union Express northbound and the Union Limited southbound was introduced in 1923, to link the Union Castle steamers arriving at Cape Town from Southampton with the gold fields of Jo'burg and the Transvaal capital at Pretoria.  The original wooden coaches were replaced in 1937 with steel coaches built in Birmingham and painted a smart blue.  Before long, the train became known colloquially as 'that blue train', and its name was changed officially to 'The Blue Train' in 1946.  Two new sets of coaches were built for the Blue Train in 1972, and both of these were beautifully refurbished in 1997.  You travel in these same trainsets today.  The Blue Train is still run by the South African Railways (Spoornet), but it is now a separate business unit, due for privatisation...

Gautrain, Jo'burg & Pretoria

Airport line:  sandton ► johannesburg international airport, see www.gautrain.co.za.

Phase 1 of the modern standard-gauge metro service called 'Gautrain' is now operational between the Jo'burg suburb of Sandton and Jo'burg's OR Tambo international airport.  Using brand-new standard-gauge electric trains, it has all the necessary CCTV and security equipment to be a safe and comfortable means of transport for locals and tourists alike.  Trains run every 30 minutes at weekends, every 20 minutes weekday off-peak, and every 12 minutes in the weekday morning and evening peaks.  See www.gautrain.co.za for fares, times and more information.

North-South Line:  Johannesburg (Park Station) ► Sandton ► Pretoria  Gautrain, see www.gautrain.co.za

Phase 2 is now open, with safe modern Gautrain service linking Johannesburg Park Station in downtown Johannesburg (the station used by Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe long-distance trains) with the suburb of Sandton and the administrative capital Pretoria.  Gautrain is the best way to travel between Jo'burg and Pretoria, and the safest way to access Jo'burg Park station to connect with your Premier Classe or Shosholoza Meyl long-distance train.  Trains run run every 30 minutes at weekends, every 20 minutes weekday off-peak, and every 12 minutes in the weekday morning and evening peaks.  See www.gautrain.co.za for details.

Suburban Metro trains

Metro trains around johannesburg & pretoria.

Although long-distance Shosholoza Meyl trains and Gautrain are safe for tourists, 'Metro Rail' suburban trains around Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria are different matter.  Unless you are particularly foolhardy or adventurous, they are probably best avoided completely.  In 2022, work to restore normal metro services continues .

Metro trains from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, Simon's Town & Paarl

Metro Rail suburban trains around Cape Town have always been less of a problem and as long as you take care, leave your valuables at your hotel and don't travel after dark, they can be a good way to get from central Cape Town to the seaside town of Simon's Town (a scenic run along the coast), or to the wine regions at Stellenbosch or even Paarl - I've taken the metro train to Stellenbosch myself, then hired a bike to cycle round the wineries.  But always check current local travel advice as the situation can change and there have been incidents, even if that may not be the norm.  On the other hand, there is a new initiative for tourists using the Cape Town to Simon's Town train service to tour the coast.

Two classes are available, 1st ('Metro Plus') and 3rd.  Metro Plus means longitudinal cloth seats on newer trains, grey plastic seats on the older ones, 3rd class means plastic bench seats.  Outside the rush hours, trains are not crowded and there's a train from Cape Town to Simon's Town or Stellenbosch every hour or two, taking about an hour.  Make sure you sit in a carriage with other travellers.  To reach the wineries, bicycles can be hired in Stellenbosch, for about £4 a day.

In 2022, work to restore normal metro services continues.  In mid-2022, trains are running between Cape Town & Fish Hoek, but Fish Hoek to Simonstown is out of action.  The Cape Town-Stellenbosch line is also still out of action.

Cruise trains

Several companies run all-inclusive tours around Southern Africa using special deluxe cruise trains. 

Rovos Rail ( www.rovos.co.za ) runs a 5-star cruise train to a regular schedule from Cape Town to Pretoria and on to Victoria Falls.  The train consists of beautifully restored South African coaches with all the usual tourist facilities - lounge, restaurant, private sleeping compartments and showers.  Meals are included in the tour price.  For times, dates of running and prices see www.rovos.co.za . 

Shongololo Express ( www.shongololo.com ) also operates a 3-star cruise train on various routes in Southern Africa and into neighbouring countries.

Buses in South Africa

The trains don't go everywhere in South Africa, and there are times when you might need to take a bus.  There are several long-distance bus operators.  Useful internet addresses are:

TransLux, www.translux.co.za .  Call 011 774 3333 or from outside South Africa +27 (011) 774 3333

Greyhound, www.greyhound.co.za .  Call 083 915 9000.

InterCape, www.intercape.co.za .  Call 0861 287 287 or from outside South Africa +27 21 380 4400.

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk...

Accommodation in south africa, hotels in cape town, johannesburg, durban or anywhere in south africa....

Personal recommendations:  The Tudor Hotel in Cape Town is inexpensive and central, a good budget choice, from 440 Rand (£33 or $65) per night.  Pretoria is a better place to stay than Johannesburg itself.

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to South Africa

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com ..., 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes...

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

Other Shosholoza Meyl routes...

Fares:  Jo'burg to Messina in economy seat from R100, in a tourist class sleeper berth from R160. 

This train has economy class seats, tourist class sleepers, restaurant car.  For travellers bound for Bulawayo or Harare in Zimbabwe, Messina is 12km from the Zimbabwe frontier across the Limpopo River at Beitbridge.  This route was discontinued in 2014 but was reinstated from March 2018.  It went twice-weekly in August 2018.

*  See the Mozambique page for full details about travel between Johannesburg & Maputo by train.

Fare from Cape Town to East London approx R 650 in Tourist sleeper class.

Fares:  Jo'burg to Mafikeng R100, Mafikeng to Kimberley R130.  New service started 5 June 2015.

Back to home page

Premier League Travel Packages

12 august 2023 – 19 may 2024, the highly anticipated 31st premier league season kicks off on 12 august 2023 and is scheduled to finish on 19 may 2024..

Since its formation in 1992, the English Premier League has seen some of the sport's most exciting moments.

Over the years, 47 clubs have played in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Spurs participating in every campaign to date. Manchester United currently holds the record for the most titles won, currently sitting on 13 titles while closest rivals, Manchester City has claimed the title 7 times.  

The 2023/2024 season finds itself in an interesting position with many of the experienced players having transferred to the Saudi Pro League. Will this be the season for Manchester City to win a third consecutive title?  

While it can be tough to choose a team to watch this season, contact us to experience your favourite team live this 2023/2024 EPL season.  

Whether you are wanting to chant for the Gunners at Emirates Stadium, experience the magnitude of a home game for The Reds at Anfield, passionately belt out "Glory, Glory, Man United!” at Old Trafford, watch the reigning champions take to the field of Etihad Stadium or catch the London Derby of The Blues facing Spurs or vice versa at Stamford Bridge, our Premier League travel packages from South Africa that includes match tickets, accommodation and more will take you straight to the action this season.  

Packages for the Premier League are available now! Contact us for a chance to see your favourite Premier League team live.  

Want to know more? Read our travel guide to the Premier League or Get Ready for an exciting 2023/2024 Premier League Season !

Read about the longstanding Rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United or the Iconic history of Anfield Stadium .

AT A GLANCE

Dates: 12 Aug 2023 - 19 May 2024

Venues: Anfield, Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge

Destinations: Liverpool, London, Manchester

Enquire About This Event

" * " indicates required fields

Event Packages

English Premier League 2023/2024 – Liverpool v Tottenham

English Premier League 2023/2024 – Liverpool v Man City

English Premier League 2023/2024 – Chelsea v West Ham

Testimonials.

Due to TV scheduling, match fixture dates might change, make sure your accommodation covers that possibility. Our suggestion: stay min 3 nights wherever you are.

Destinations

Perched on the west coast of Britain, Liverpool is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known worldwide as the birthplace of The Beatles. Home to two Premier League soccer clubs - Liverpool (The Reds) and Everton (The Blues), the rivalry here is nothing short of passionate. When you are not cheering on your favourite team, explore the many cultural highlights the city has to offer. With more museums and galleries anywhere outside of London, there’s plenty to discover in Liverpool.

England's capital is a 21st-century city with a history stretching back to Roman times. London is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Enjoy panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex from the London Eye, across the Thames River. Explore the city's many royal sites, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. The city's museums and galleries, from the British Museum and National Gallery to the Tate Britain and Tate Modern, could keep you busy for days. Watch classic and cutting-edge theatre productions on the West End, dine out and shop in Covent Garden, Soho and Spitalfields Market, or picnic in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath.

Manchester is a major city in the north-west of England with a rich industrial heritage. The city has not just been shaped by the Industrial Revolution, but by 'The Beautiful Game' too. No visit to Manchester would be complete without exploring the city’s many soccer-centric attractions, from Old Trafford Stadium to the National Football Museum. For classic highlights, visit the interactive Museum of Science & Industry, the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry cultural centre.

SEE SIMILAR EVENTS

2024 uefa champions league, 2024 uefa europa league final, the fa cup final, why book with edusport travel.

Established

Pin It on Pinterest

• Corporate & media website
• Travel Website
• Travel trade website
• Business events website
• About South African Tourism
• Media centre
• Annual Report
• Asset Library

Choose your country and language:

• Congo Democratic Republic
• South Africa

Asia Pacific

• South Korea
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

By creating an account, I agree to the Terms of service and Privacy policy

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 launches with a buzz

D D urban: The 2024 instalment of the continent’s premier travel trade show, Africa’s Travel Indaba, kicked off on a high note at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre today, with the Trade Floor opening that was attended by delegates  ready to do business.

The opening ceremony marks the official opening of the trade floor of the pan-African trade showpiece. Africa’s Travel Indaba serves as a platform for tourism professionals from across the African continent and around the world to network, showcase their products and services, and discuss industry trends. The event promotes Africa as an attractive and appealing destination, fostering business partnerships and drives sustainable tourism development.

This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, themed “Unlimited Africa” features more bolstered engagement sessions, and networking opportunities. Tourism Minister, Honourable Patricia De Lille said the theme was apt because it spoke to the unlimited potential of the continent, which boasted diverse landscapes, cultures and experiences that offered limitless possibilities for growth and exploration.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba emphasizes the importance of networking, collaboration and building bridges across borders.  It is one of the powerful platforms that we must continue to use to drive and advance a positive and powerful African tourism story,”  said De Lille.

During the Trade Show, buyers have the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors, exploring new business opportunities and foster connections for future business.  In total,  about 1 261 exhibitors and 25 African countries represented and over 1 000 buyers from 55 countries. Of the African countries, there are two news countries Guinea and Eritrea.

De Lille highlighted that a lot has been achieved since last year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, which includes cabinet approving the Tourism Sector Master plan, that includes a recovery plan for the sector post COVID-19.

“We also relaunched the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund to support the growth of emerging tourism enterprises,” said De Lille.

Minister De Lille also used the platform to give delegates a teaser of the South African Tourism Global Brand campaign.

“A Global Brand Campaign for South African Tourism plays a pivotal role in enhancing our global reputation and fostering positive relationships with visitors from around the world,” said De Lille.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube said Africa’s Travel Indaba took place at a time when the province was positioning itself to benefit from the recovery created by a future tourism industry. 

“We also meet here when the tourism industry previously battered by the COVID-19 storm, was at 90% pre-pandemic recovery levels by the end of 2023, supported by strong pent-up demand. This recovery is evidenced by the fact that according to the World Tourism Organisation, an estimated 1.2 billion international tourists were recorded worldwide in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022, or 325 million tourists,” said Dube-Ncube. 

She added that it is estimated that Africa’s Travel Indaba’s contribution to the province’s GDP was between R22 million and R260 million per year between 2004 and 2022, equating to a R3 billion impact. 

Minister De Lille also went on a walkabout, engaging delegates and exhibitors throughout the ICC precinct and at the Durban Exhibition Centre. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Issued by South African Tourism

For further information, contact:

Thandiwe Mathibela

Tel: +2711 895 3177 

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Note to editors

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination, headed by Chief Executive Officer, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe.

South Africa on social media

The BMW International Open has made us excited for the BMW Golf Cup World Final to be hosted in SA. We caught up wi… https://t.co/IDHsnwn33E

Always a pleasure partnering with local businesses to promote SA on the global stage. Warren Weitsz, Co-Founder of… https://t.co/doxJa4wVxf

To say the players are bringing their A-game is an under statement! Round 2 has given us many unforgettable moments… https://t.co/IA2Ki5qsWO

"...Patrons have been keen and interested in engaging on where the best fairways in SA are. Paired with some of our… https://t.co/9kNQbIl1J5

Our stand at the BMW International Open has been drawing a lot of attention – and rightfully so! “We are proud and… https://t.co/jYDjs6VRM2

Clear skies, rolling greens, supportive crowds – the conditions couldn’t be better for a day at Golfclub München Ei… https://t.co/Z7UnxSbbuP

What happens when an amateur and pro hit the fairway together? Find out in the Pro-Am Tournament, where 3 amateurs… https://t.co/Ee3hgR1Ggc

They are joined by Grand Pavios Event Organiser. They will visit Kwa-Zulu Natal, Cape Town, and Knysna showcasing S… https://t.co/066ntNJGr1

As the country of Honour at the 2023 event, South Africa represented by South AfricaTourism in collaboration with W… https://t.co/ie2E9ZqaCF

Hosted in La Rochelle, France, the Grand Pavios is a major annual event for sailing enthusiasts and an internationa… https://t.co/R2P0GYpVrQ

Ready to get into the swing of things? The Pro-Am Tournament of the 2023 BMW International Open starts today in Mü… https://t.co/3l9e4mPMSo

Don’t miss out on what happened in the world of South African tourism with our #TourismTuesday newsletter. Read ou… https://t.co/Gvg2rDCBiT

Continuation.. To all the fathers in tourism, we salute you for your hard work, passion, and dedication. Thank you… https://t.co/TcpxDeaKkM

Continuation... On this special day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the fathers… https://t.co/7atxViWyxd

Fathers ensure a safe environment in which everyone can enjoy our country's diversity and play a pivotal role in cr… https://t.co/T8vvGTCu7i

Continuation... Today, we want to celebrate and honour the remarkable dads who play a vital role in shaping the wor… https://t.co/qS9WYfXyE0

@sontondlovu, the ACEO/COO of SA Tourism, joins in celebrating Father's Day by sending warm wishes to all the fathe… https://t.co/7ZbeNsUYoy

In commemoration of Youth Day, let’s shine a spotlight on the Basic Quality Verification programme by @TGCSA_, that… https://t.co/TZ2FDTadcJ

We look forward to showcasing South Africa’s abundant tourism offerings to a global audience while reminding them a… https://t.co/8df5w5kyGL

A dynamic collaboration between SA Tourism and the iconic BMW Group is set to supercharge the country’s efforts tow… https://t.co/tB5xLgYjnq

• Useful links
• Asset library
• Press centre
• Useful info
• Contact South African Tourism
• Image Library
• Explore South Africa
• South African Tourism
• Events calendar
• Find an expert
• COVID-19 Coronavirus
• Tourism Tuesday

Emirates Sees High Demand For First Class In South Africa: Introducing Premium Economy Soon

• Emirates' first class has been in high demand in South Africa after the pandemic.
• The airline plans to introduce premium economy in South Africa soon, as more aircraft are fitted with new seats.
• Emirates has been operating flights to South Africa for 29 years and now offers up to 42 weekly flights.

Emirates, the leading intercontinental carrier to South Africa, is seeing extremely high demand for first class travel to and from the Southern African nation. Furthermore, the airline hopes to introduce premium economy soon as more aircraft enter its retrofit program.

High demand for first class travel

Emirates remains one of the few carriers still offering first class flights globally. Over the last few years, many airlines have moved away from first class , focusing on a more comprehensive business class product. Speaking to Simple Flying, Emirates Regional Manager of Southern Africa Afzal Parambil said the airline's first class product has been extremely sought after in South Africa, especially after the pandemic.

Emirates is also one of the few international airlines operating flights to South Africa’s three major gateways - Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. It serves Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) with both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 , while Cape Town International (CPT) and Durban King Shaka (DUR) are served with the 777. The airline offers 14 first class suites on the A380 and eight on the 777. Afzal Parambil added,

Our first class has always been one of the most sought-after products in the market. First class has been extremely in demand in South Africa and even increased after the COVID-19 pandemic for various reasons. We have outperformed the industry's demand, and it continues to grow. We enjoy high load factors in our first class cabin.

The carrier maintains product consistency out of all three gateways. Whether departing from Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town, it offers its chauffeur-drive service, lounge service, and consistent menus and onboard amenities for its first and business class passengers. The airline has its own lounges at OR Tambo and Cape Town airports.

The Ultimate Guide To Emirates' First Class Suites & How To Fly In Them

Introducing premium economy soon.

Emirates launched its premium economy class on the A380 in 2022 . It currently offers premium economy flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to select destinations, including New York JFK, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, São Paulo, and Melbourne. While it flies the A380 to South Africa, it has yet to launch the product in this part of the world.

The carrier recently added 43 A380s and 28 777s to its cabin retrofit program , adding premium economy seats on more aircraft. According to Parambil, the airline does not have a specific time frame as to when it will introduce premium economy in South Africa, but it is one of the source markets in which it is looking to launch the product. The regional manager said,

As more aircraft are fitted with premium economy cabins, South Africa can soon expect premium economy. We strongly believe it is something the South African market is looking forward to. We already see the demand and inquiries coming from our customers, so it is definitely on our radar.

Given the distance between Dubai and South Africa, Emirates expects premium economy to be in high demand. The cabin offers wider, more comfortable leather seats, extra legroom, and a deeper recline than the standard economy class . It also offers a wider range of menu options and in-flight entertainment. Furthermore, the cabin is located at the front of the aircraft, giving customers greater priority when disembarking.

Discover more stories about the passenger experience here.

29 years of flights to South Africa

Emirates launched flights to South Africa in June 1995, operating three weekly flights to Johannesburg via the Comoros. Today, the airline has 42 weekly flights to South Africa, offering over 150,000 seats per month . This makes it the top intercontinental carrier in the country. The airline slowly ramped up its operations, introducing daily flights to Johannesburg and launching flights to Cape Town and Durban in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The airline offers three daily flights to Johannesburg, two daily to Cape Town , and a daily service to Durban. Since launching flights to South Africa 29 years ago, it has carried over 20 million passengers . From a commercial and strategic perspective, South Africa has always been one of the most important markets for Emirates on the African continent and globally. According to Parambil, it is a strategic market both as a source market and as a destination.

Emirates has codeshare and interline agreements with South African Airways, Airlink, FlySafair, and Cemair, the country’s largest airlines. These agreements have given the Dubai-based carrier access to even more city pairs in the region. All these airlines have met Emirates’ expectations, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers flying to and from Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

Emirates Flies The Springboks Rugby World Cup Winners Back To South Africa

The airline has also partnered with the South African Tourism Board, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, and other tourism organizations to market South Africa as a destination. It has also increased its presence regionally, signing an MoU with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in 2023 and, recently, with the tourism boards of Uganda and Mauritius.

What are your thoughts on this story? Please let us know in the comments!

KZN welcomes delegates to Africa’s Travel Indaba

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has welcomed delegates participating in the Africa's Travel Indaba, which is currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini.

Taking place from 13 - 16 May 2024, Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for the country’s vast array of African leisure tourism products.

Welcoming the delegates at the official opening of Africa's Travel Indaba on Tuesday, Dube-Ncube said the trade show provides the ideal platform for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism services partners. 

“It is the most formidable platform on the continent for you to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world, and to gain access to Africa’s excellence and its endless possibilities. These are the business opportunities and quality connections that will shape Africa’s tomorrow,” Dube-Ncube said.

READ | KZN tourism entrepreneurs set to showcase province’s rich culture at Indaba

The Premier noted that this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba takes place at a time when South Africa is celebrating 30 years since the dawn of democracy, which ushered in a new era and assured our standing in the family of other nations.

“This milestone makes all of us gush with pride as South Africans when we consider the journey that we have travelled in moulding the country of our dreams. Today, we speak of a tourism industry that can hold its own at a global level because of our country's achievements,” Dube-Ncube said.

IMAGES | 2024 Africa's Travel Indaba

As the tourism industry shows green shoots globally, she said one of the key sub-sectors the province wants to aggressively focus on is Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE). 

MICE make up a big part of global business travel since every industry has regular events of some kind. The main goal is always to bring professionals together, foster connections, promote new ideas, and push growth. 

“As a province, we will be at the forefront of ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal gets the lion’s share of the tourism market.  As we all know, one of the biggest trends in the tourism environment is the blending of leisure tourism and business, known as 'Bleisure Travel' [blending of business and leisure travel]. 

“We would like to thank all of you for your continued support of Africa’s Travel Indaba. Indeed, Africa has limitless possibilities, and we must seize the opportunity to ensure that Africa’s time is now,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

• Personal Finance
• Today's Paper
• Partner Content
• Entertainment
• Social Viral
• Pro Kabaddi League

South Africa plans visa waiver for Indian tourists: What you must know

Tourism south africa has set an ambitious goal of attracting 100,000 indian tourists in 2024.

Photo: Shutterstock

Listen to This Article

Women's premier league: mumbai indians swot analysis, schedule for wpl 2024, ipl 2024 auction: mumbai indians eye impact players in limited budget, wpl 2024: mi vs dc playing 11, live match time, live streaming details, wpl 2024: delhi vs mumbai playing 11, live telecast and streaming details, ipl 2024 srh vs mi highlights: hyderabad hold nerves to win historic match, itr-3 2024: new online, offline & excel utilities step-by-step guide, pig butchering scam: how greed, loneliness, ignorance can make you a victim, maximize your sip returns: staying put in one index might be smarter, gifting shares bombay hc ruling clarifies capital gains tax treatment, explained: how australia's new innovation visa could be a boon for indians.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: May 20 2024 | 10:10 AM IST

Explore News

• Suzlon Energy Share Price Adani Enterprises Share Price Adani Power Share Price IRFC Share Price Tata Motors Share Price Tata Steel Share Price Yes Bank Share Price Infosys Share Price SBI Share Price Tata Power Share Price
• Latest News Company News Market News India News Politics News Cricket News Personal Finance Technology News World News Industry News Education News Opinion Shows Economy News Lifestyle News Health News
• Today's Paper About Us T&C Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Disclaimer Investor Communication GST registration number List Compliance Contact Us Advertise with Us Sitemap Subscribe Careers BS Apps
• Budget 2024 Lok Sabha Election 2024 IPL 2024 Pro Kabaddi League IPL Points Table 2024