Travelling by train through Southern Africa allows travellers to take in the breathtaking views of the countryside, experiencing places they may have missed. Dorine Reinstein talks to industry players to find out how tour operators can best sell rail travel to their clients.

“At the current exchange rates, the luxury train experiences on offer are fantastic value for money compared with similar options available in other countries,” says Jarred Manasse, Brand Champion at Discover Africa Group. He says the luxury trains are on a fully inclusive basis so, apart from the curios and imported champagnes that clients may purchase, and staff gratuities, they don't have to worry about paying anything on the trains.

According to Manasse, Rovos Rail and the Blue Train are currently the only options for international travellers looking for train travel in South Africa. He adds, however, that African Anthology has recently taken over the marketing of Shosholoza Meyl, which will offer a great alternative for the more budget-conscious traveller.

For tour operators wanting to sell rail travel to their clients, Manasse says it is advisable to combine these trips with safaris, a visit to Vic Falls or something similar. “The luxury trains are part of the experiences that people are looking for at the moment and the most popular option is the trip from Cape Town to Pretoria or vice versa,” he says. He adds that Rovos Rail offers a two-night journey while the Blue Train offers an overnight journey, making it more suitable for clients who are pressed for time.

Manasse adds that both luxury options in South Africa offer complimentary accommodation as part of a special package, either in Pretoria or Johannesburg, where they have partnered with a local hotel or, in Rovos Rail's case, its own boutique hotel. He says: “So not only are you offering a unique experience for clients but you are also saving them on accommodation in one of the cities for a night.”

Tour operators wanting to sell luxury rail travel should know that all guests get an all-inclusive package for unsurpassed luxury travel as well as the services of a personal butler, explains Themba Masheula, Brand Marketing and Communications Manager for the Blue Train. He adds that travellers will receive unlimited snacks, gourmet meals, all drinks and hand-made Cuban cigars.

However, there are some important elements tour operators should remember when booking rail travel, according to Masheula, such as the fact that no rail operator can guarantee arrival times at destinations.

“With the exception of the Gautrain, all other South African rail suppliers operate on a shared rail network and, as such, we are faced with a lot of challenges and complexities that are sometimes beyond our control,” says Masheula. “When any incident, such as failure of signal points, flooding, derailments, etc. happens, it disrupts the planned train schedule and leads to time delays and re-shuffled travelling times for all trains on the affected route. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, no rail operator can actually guarantee arrival times at destinations or at off-the-train excursion sites.”

For this reason, Masheula says it is important that tour operators don’t book connecting flights and other tours subsequent to the Blue Train trip but rather have the clients stay over an extra night and do these activities a day after their trip. He says: “Let the guests enjoy their Blue Train stay…even if it becomes an ‘extended’ stay, without stressing about their next flight or arranged tour.”

Judy Lain, Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro, says train travel offers guests an unhurried and safe way to see and enjoy the Western Cape or South Africa’s natural landscape.

Lain says statistically, most visitors to the Western Cape rank nature-based activities, such as scenic drives, culture and heritage and food and wine as their top three activities. She adds: “Rail travel allows tour operators a unique way to re-package these top activities in an unforgettable experience.”

“The main benefit of rail travel is to enjoy travelling at a slower pace without the stress associated with airports and other modes of transport,” says Tertius Bester, New Fusion Trading. He says the extra leg-room and space to move around are probably the best features of rail travel.

Gary Lotter, MD of Go2Africa, agrees that rail travel allows travellers to explore the country at a leisurely pace. “A luxury train is a boutique hotel on the move, so it is very comfortable, everything is done for you and you can really settle into an unstressed ‘slow travel’ mood. Many rail journeys have ‘stop-off’ days where you can stretch your legs at famous sites like Kimberley’s Big Hole, go on a game drive in a wildlife reserve or even play a round of golf.”

However, Lotter warns that it is important to consult extensively with clients, as rail isn’t for everyone. “It is perfect for certain travellers who are looking for a ‘digital detox’ away from their phones, want an all-inclusive itinerary that mixes action with relaxation, and who are looking for pampering and yesteryear indulgence. Honeymooners find rail travel extremely romantic and repeat travellers to Africa enjoy it as a different way to see the countryside. Rail travel generally isn’t great for children as the experience is geared to adults but children who enjoy quiet activities like reading or doing puzzles may enjoy it.”