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Robert Louis Stephenson once said: "I travel not for travel's sake, the great affair is to move."
Perhaps Stephenson was talking about train journeys - because there is nothing more intoxicating than seeing the world from the window of a moving train.
From luxury trains to practical commuter trains, our railway lines will take you on a journey of discovery all over the country.
Here are a few choice train journeys to consider:
l The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is one of the only authentic steam train routes in the country.
Operating between George and Knysna, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is something of a working museum, and the scenery is simply breathtaking as you make your way along the seaside towns and forests of the Garden Route. For bookings and information call 0445-21361.
l The Apple Express in the Eastern Cape offers fun for the whole family. The journey takes one from Port Elizabeth into the Langkloof mountain range. Call 041-585-8884.
lIn a similar vein, the Banana Express is another fun ride for the family. Found along the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal, this train is all the rage during the holiday season. Journeys commence daily from Port Shepstone. Contact 039-315-7065 or visit www.hibiscuscoast.kzn.org.za
l If you're in the Mpumalanga region, the Oosterlyn Express is a steam train that travels from the Escarpment to Waterval Onder and back.
Trips only take place on Sundays and visitors just love it, so make sure you book early. Visit: www.mpumalanga.com.
l For real luxury and romance, Rovos Rail is one of Southern Africa's finest offerings.
Think wood-panelled compartments, private bathrooms, a fantastic gourmet dining car (and a great wine cellar).
The observer lounge is a fantastic spot to drink gin and tonics and watch the scenery go by. Known as "The Pride of Africa", Rovos Rail runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, Cape Town to George, Pretoria to the Victoria Falls and a number of routes throughout the continent (including Dar Es Salaam). For more information visit www.rovos.co.za.
l The Blue Train has always been a legendary luxury train. The train regularly undergoes major facelifts (we're talking about makeovers in the region of R60-million plus).
A favourite route for visitors is Pretoria and Johannesburg to Cape Town, followed by a week of exploring the winelands and the Atlantic seaboard. Great food and excellent service are simply part of the deal, and the Blue Train has been described as one of "the world's leading hotels".
Although not inexpensive by any means, a journey on the Blue Train is the experience of a lifetime. Visit www.bluetrain.co.za. or www.spoornet.co.za.
l Spoornet's Premier Classe (previously known as the Trans-Karoo Express) takes one on a luxury journey from Pretoria to Cape Town and in the opposite direction, too.
Most of the journey takes place during the night; however, waking up in the Karoo first thing in the morning, is a heady experience. Visit: www.spoornet.co.za or call 012-334 8039.
l The Shongololo Express moves around Southern Africa and includes trips to Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Visit: www.shongololo.com.
l Spoornet's Shosholoza Meyl is the preferred long-distance transporter in South Africa. Offering eight major routes that link all the major cities of South Africa, passengers can choose from three classes. Contact the Shosholoza Meyl reservations office on 086-000-8888 or visit www.spoornet.co.za.
l One particularly worthwhile Metrorail route is the journey from Cape Town to Simonstown. Along the way one can enjoy the picturesque towns of Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay. Travel all the way to the naval base at Simonstown and visit Boulder's Beach and its famous penguins.
l If you're a keen train enthusiast, then connect with the Transnet Heritage Foundation on 021-449-4931.
l A fantastic reference guide to train journeys in Southern Africa is Paul Ash's Southern Africa by Rail (Bradt).
- This article was originally published on page 14 of Saturday Star on February 03, 2006
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