I absolutely love travelling. For me, it’s one of the best ways to learn about the world, experience different cultures and try things I wouldn’t normally get to do at home. Every trip is a chance to see somewhere new, meet interesting people and come home with stories you’ll never forget.
One way I especially love travelling is by train. I know flying is often the quickest option, but as you know, I have a big fear of flying, so any alternative is a winner for me.
So far in Africa, I’ve visited Egypt and Morocco, and both were incredible in completely different ways. Morocco was especially memorable, from wandering around the colourful souks to drinking mint tea on rooftop terraces and getting lost in the streets of Marrakech. Those trips only made me realise how much more of Africa I’d love to explore, especially Southern Africa, which is packed with incredible wildlife, landscapes and places I’ve always wanted to visit.
If I ever get the chance, I’d love to explore more of the continent by train. Luxury rail journeys offer such a different way of travelling, and I honestly think they let you experience a destination in a much more memorable way.
Why Train Travel Is So Special
One of the things I love most about travelling by train is that the journey becomes part of the holiday instead of just the bit that gets you from A to B.
You can actually relax, look out of the window, get some work done, enjoy a meal or watch the scenery change throughout the day. There’s no rushing through airports or waiting around at departure gates. Everything feels a little slower, and for me, that’s part of the appeal.
Africa Is Made for Scenic Rail Journeys
Africa is such a huge and diverse continent, and travelling by train gives you the chance to appreciate just how varied it really is.
Depending on the route, you could pass through dramatic mountain ranges, open savannahs, lush countryside, deserts or national parks. There aren’t many other ways of travelling where you can sit back with a coffee and watch such incredible scenery roll by for hours.
It’s also a brilliant way to see parts of a country that many tourists never get to experience.
It’s About More Than Just the Views
Of course, the scenery is a huge part of the experience, but luxury rail journeys also give you the chance to discover different cultures along the way.
Many routes include stops in historic towns, local markets, museums and cultural landmarks, so you’re not just travelling through a country, you’re actually getting to experience it.
That’s one of my favourite things about travelling in general. I love learning about local traditions, trying regional food and understanding a little more about the places I visit.
Travelling in Comfort
Luxury trains are not the same as the trains most of us use every day.
Beautiful cabins, fantastic food, elegant dining cars and comfortable lounges make the whole experience feel incredibly relaxing. Instead of constantly packing, unpacking and moving hotels every couple of days, you can settle in and enjoy the journey.
A Journey I’d Love to Experience
One journey that’s really caught my attention is the Rovos Rail Copper Trail from Lobito to Victoria Falls.
I love the idea of being able to travel across several countries in one trip, experiencing different landscapes and cultures without constantly flying between destinations. Travelling through Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe sounds like such an incredible way to experience Southern Africa, and it’s definitely one I’d love to add to my own travel wish list.
For me, it’s exactly the sort of adventure that makes train travel so exciting.
Why I Think Slow Travel Is Worth It
I think we’ve all become so used to trying to fit as much as possible into a holiday that we sometimes forget to actually enjoy the journey.
Travelling by train naturally slows everything down. You have time to appreciate where you are, take in the views and enjoy the experience without constantly checking your watch.
For me, that’s one of the biggest reasons I’d choose a rail journey over another flight. It feels much more immersive, and you come away feeling like you’ve really seen a place rather than simply passed through it.
Southern Africa Is High on My Travel List
Although I’ve already been lucky enough to visit Egypt and Morocco, there’s still so much of Africa I’d love to discover.
Southern Africa is probably at the top of my list. From the wildlife and national parks to Victoria Falls, Namibia’s incredible landscapes and the vineyards of South Africa, it’s a region that’s full of places I’ve always wanted to experience.
Being able to explore several of those destinations on one luxury rail journey sounds like an amazing way to do it.
Final Thoughts
Africa has so much to offer, and I genuinely think travelling by train is one of the most interesting ways to experience it.
Luxury rail journeys aren’t just about beautiful cabins or great food (although they’re definitely a bonus). They’re about seeing more of the countries you’re travelling through, taking your time and enjoying every part of the journey.
Having already fallen in love with Egypt and Morocco, I can’t wait to explore more of Africa one day, and if I do, I’d love to make at least part of the trip by rail. It feels like the perfect way to experience the landscapes, the culture and everything in between.
