Train Travel Tips
In previous blog posts, I have introduced you to the lovely ShosholozaMeyl train which, in my humble opinion, is an upmarket backpacker on rails.
It offers two classes of accommodation, Sleeper and Sitter classes.
Sleeper offers four-berth compartments and two-birth coupe's. Ticket price is much lower than a long distance coach, minibus taxi or even economy air ticket between, for instance, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Sleeper offers a hot shower and a compartment that can be locked at your request. You also have access to the dining car and an a la carte menu.
Sitter is dirt cheap yet offers comfortable seating with legroom akin to a business class airliner! Parcel shelf, toilet, access to take-away foods from the galley and refreshments from the bar.
It is a slightly longer sit than by road travel yet safety and comfort is vastly superior.
Here is a little review of our travel on 23 November 2016.
This is Africa and not the Japanese bullet trains, do expect operational variances, sometimes caused by external factors as more than one company uses the same railway lines. Trains may arrive early, on time or sometimes late. An hour or two is more possible although I have seen the train arrive late some six hours late. Don't get a fright, it is not the norm!
What to pack:
Security is good but be sensible. There are usually maybe five armed uniform police officers as well as under cover Prasa Protection Services agents on board.
If you have any operational problem, talk to the Train Manager first or, failing that, to the Dining Car Manager. Other staff have less authority.
Trains usually leave the station spic n span but do accumulate dust along the way. There are cleaning teams yet you may find that your hands, face and forehead might become a bit darker than usual. Wet wipes to the rescue!
Forget about Pokemon Go and AngryBirds. The vast expanses of the Karoo desert may hold sudden surprises as we have see wonderful rock formations, herds of various kinds of antelope ranging from three types of Springbok to the rare Sable Antelope, then kudu, fallow deer, rheebok, hartebeest, wildebeest or gnu, etc.
You may not pass this way again, consider making the most of it. If there are delays, make friends, reach out, share your water, etc. This is what we do.
The train journey is a great photo shoot if you are informed and alert.
Here are the time tables & fares
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| Between Merriman and Three Sisters |
It offers two classes of accommodation, Sleeper and Sitter classes.
Sleeper offers four-berth compartments and two-birth coupe's. Ticket price is much lower than a long distance coach, minibus taxi or even economy air ticket between, for instance, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
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| Bunk at day, berth at night |
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| Fold-Up Table with Wash Basin |
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| Dining Car |
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| Two Choices of Breakfast - Regular or Full |
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| Sirloin Steak |
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| Dining Car |
Sleeper offers a hot shower and a compartment that can be locked at your request. You also have access to the dining car and an a la carte menu.
 |
| Sitter |
Sitter is dirt cheap yet offers comfortable seating with legroom akin to a business class airliner! Parcel shelf, toilet, access to take-away foods from the galley and refreshments from the bar.
It is a slightly longer sit than by road travel yet safety and comfort is vastly superior.
Here is a little review of our travel on 23 November 2016.
This is Africa and not the Japanese bullet trains, do expect operational variances, sometimes caused by external factors as more than one company uses the same railway lines. Trains may arrive early, on time or sometimes late. An hour or two is more possible although I have seen the train arrive late some six hours late. Don't get a fright, it is not the norm!
What to pack:
- Warm clothing as the Karoo can become cold at night. You can hire bed linen on board.
- Five litres of bottled water - the more, the merrier.
- Snacks and extra food, should there be delays - biltong, nuts, fruit are ideal, stay away from high-carb food or anything high in sugar. Protein is the name of the game.
- Wet wipes, aerosol disinfectant for toilet seats
- Toilet paper although they do supply
- Waterless hand cleaner if you are squeamish
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- A fat powerbank for your phone. 10,000mAh at least
- A positive attitude
Security is good but be sensible. There are usually maybe five armed uniform police officers as well as under cover Prasa Protection Services agents on board.
If you have any operational problem, talk to the Train Manager first or, failing that, to the Dining Car Manager. Other staff have less authority.
Trains usually leave the station spic n span but do accumulate dust along the way. There are cleaning teams yet you may find that your hands, face and forehead might become a bit darker than usual. Wet wipes to the rescue!
Forget about Pokemon Go and AngryBirds. The vast expanses of the Karoo desert may hold sudden surprises as we have see wonderful rock formations, herds of various kinds of antelope ranging from three types of Springbok to the rare Sable Antelope, then kudu, fallow deer, rheebok, hartebeest, wildebeest or gnu, etc.
You may not pass this way again, consider making the most of it. If there are delays, make friends, reach out, share your water, etc. This is what we do.
The train journey is a great photo shoot if you are informed and alert.
 |
| Hex River Tunnel - longest in Africa, 2n longest in the world |
Here are the time tables & fares
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