There are some journeys in the world that still embody an ancient sense of adventure and wonder. The opportunity to partake of luxury rail travel across the complete length of the African continent by rail is certainly the stuff that dreams are made of. Thanks to the development of new networks, and changes on the political scene, modern day adventurers can now explore the stunning sights and sounds of this timeless land by the most traditional form of transport.
If you have a passion for rail travel, and are looking for a trip that will live large in your memory, the option of traversing Africa by rail is an activity that should be given serious thought. In fact, the idea of traveling from the shores of the Mediterranean all the way down to the tip of South Africa by train is not new. One of the first people to propose such a journey was Cecil John Rhodes, a nineteenth century industrialist.
Fast forward to today and there are a number of tour operators who organize pan-African rail journeys. Whether you have already spent time exploring some of Africa, or if the amazing vibrancy of this most ancient land is new to you, the journey of discovery and adventure that awaits is sure to fill your heart, body, and soul with wonder.
To journey from Cairo to Cape Town in complete style and comfort is not an activity for the faint of heart. During the four weeks of travel you would witness sights the like of which are available nowhere else in the world. As of today, there has only been small groups of intrepid adventurers who have made the entire trip overland through Egypt, North Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and on to South Africa and the journey’s end.
If you are a genuine rail enthusiast you may be aware that as of today, it is still not possible to cover the entire 6000 miles of the African continent by train. There is a 500 mile gap that would need to be traversed by other means, most tour operators would provide private flights to overcome this short break in the continent’s rail network.
Following in the footsteps of the world’s greatest adventurers is an opportunity to cherish. Combining luxury train travel with a trip through some of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes is a once in a lifetime opportunity.