When the indigenous people of the southern continent observed the first trains in Africa, the lines of rolling stock passing on the distant horizons recalled the profile and sinuous movement of a creature they called Shongololo – the millipede.
Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo tours traverse nine countries on the southern African continent: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania.
Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board (English, German, Dutch or French speaking) who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled off-rail activities to experience the unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also specialized activities, from ballooning to elephant riding to scuba diving, available at many locations.
The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of delightful and distinguished South African wines. It is the aim and the pleasure of every staff member on board to provide you with friendly and efficient service.
Shongololo Adventures
The Southern Cross Adventure
16 days / 15 nights
This 16 day journey travels across six countries. The route is carefully crafted to deliver stunning experiences every day. The train travels leisurely between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg making numerous calls at destinations in Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. As the tracks unfurl you’ll gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical cocktail that makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting.
This journey offers an amazingly comprehensive view of South Africa taking in the internationally regarded "must see" locations. As the train travels the length and breadth of the country guests can enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures and lifestyles that the "Rainbow Nation" has to offer.
This route explores the magnificent landscape of Namibia - a beautiful country of extreme contrasts, vast colourful deserts, dunes, almost extra-terrestrial rock formations, great game reserves, delightful coastal towns with old world German hospitality, bushman settlements and the wind vitality of the south Atlantic seaboard. Add to this 3 days to enjoy and explore the many splendours of Cape Town where the tour starts or ends.
Join us on one of the most scenic and interesting rail trips in the World, as we travel 1300 kilometers across Africa, from Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In in doing so, visiting some of the finest game parks in Africa! Yet, with only two departures in 2013, don't wait to book, as this trip tends to book up nearly a year in advance.
Information & Reservations
1-800-717-0108 or 503-292-5055
Rail News & Updates
The Shongololo Express operates four distinct train tours, ranging from 12 to 16 days in length. With every tour offering a wide variety of exciting destinations, activities and adventure. Including the Dr. Livingston Route between Victoria Falls and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
