Rail

Tshwane Explorer, Gauteng

Relive the joys of travelling by steam train and take in a variety of urban and natural scenery by riding the Tshwane Explorer. more
Magaliesburg Express, Gauteng

Climb aboard the Magaliesburg Express and relive the golden age of steam train travel on a nostalgic and relaxing trip through the countryside. more
Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail is arguably the most luxurious train ride in the world, all old-world elegance and charm combined with the highest modern service standards. more
Romantic rail journeys in South Africa

Matjiesfontein Village Station in the Great Karoo is a must-see for those on romantic rail journeys through South Africa, and the experience will never disappoint. more

More about Rail

The Premier Classe Train

The routes available through the Premier Classe rail tours are Johannesburg to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban both return journeys more

The Blue Train

In its 3rd reincarnation, the Blue Train still speaks of Irish linen, quality dining car silver, marble floors, plush white towels and fluffy eiderdown duvets. more

The Southern Line Rail Route

You are spoilt for choice on the Southern Line. Do you make a full day of it in Kalk Bay or do you add Simon’s Town and Cape Point to the itinerary? more

Natural attractions in the Free State

1Golden Gate Highlands National Park

This spectacular national park is located in the scenic north east of the Free State province. The ochre and gold sandstone cliffs gave this park its name and the area is rich in San rock art.

2Vredefort Dome

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world – and a must-see natural phenomenon. The area is popular with hikers and adventure-tourists.

3Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The largest nature reserve in the province, this nature reserve is situated along the Gariep Dam and the Orange River and is home to a wealth of animal, plant and bird-life

4Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve

Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve is situated in the southern Free State between the Caledon and the Orange Rivers – 2 of South Africa’s mightiest watercourses. It’s hard to find a more evocative setting for a nature reserve.

5Free State National Botanical Garden

Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein the Free State National Botanical Garden has over 400 species of plants from the region including the vibrant red-hot pokers and wild dagga plants for which the province is renowned.

6Sterkfontein Dam

The Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is a water wonder in the Eastern Free State, offering wildlife, birding, windsurfing and flyfishing with a magnificent view over the Drakensberg.

7Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

Moolmanshoek is situated in the eastern Free State near Ficksburg, and is renowned for more than 230 species of birds as well as zebra, blesbuck and other plains game species.

8The Franklin Game Reserve

The Franklin Game Reserve in Bloemfontein is one of only 2 reserves in the world situated in a city (the other is in Hong Kong). For those who love nature, Hamilton Park on the reserve's west slope boasts more than 3000 orchid specimens.

9Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

Situated in the heart of The Free State – the reserve covers over 12000 hectares with the Allemanskraal Dam as a central feature. Excellent game viewing and birding on offer.

10The Maluti Mountains

The spectacular Maluti Mountains form the border between the Free State and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Pony-trekking with local communities is a popular past-time in these rugged mountains.