Naturetrek Tailormade – Luxury Train Journeys

Tailormade Manager, Georgie Dodds, outlines three of her favourite rail journeys and the wildlife and scenic highlights that can be seen along the way.

There is something uniquely relaxing and romantic about exploring a country by train. Many of our European destinations can be reached overland, rather than by air, and we are always delighted to explore such options for those who enjoy train travel. As well as an environmentally friendly and enjoyable means of getting to the start point of a tour, several days of more luxurious train travel can also be woven into the main body of a holiday. There are many spectacular railroads snaking their way across the continents and some of these not only cut through dramatic landscapes and interesting cities, but also offer access to an exciting variety of wildlife too. Below you will find three of our favourite multi-day train journeys, each of which offers style, comfort, fine dining, dramatic landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.

Ghan Train – Darwin to Adelaide

Enjoy the splendour of Australia’s rugged outback through the unrivalled opulence of the Ghan Expedition Train between Darwin and Adelaide. This historical, 3-night, luxury service crosses the very heart of Australia’s ‘red centre’. Before boarding, however, we’d suggest exploring the tranquil billabongs of Kakadu, the dramatic gorges of Katherine and the rainforests of Darwin first. The beautiful Gouldian Finch and Rainbow Pitta can be found here, as well as such sought-after mammals as Sugar Glider, Dingo and Antilopine Wallaroo, not to mention the fearsome Saltwater Crocodiles so often associated with this part of the country! During the journey to Adelaide, you will enjoy fine wines and a regionally-inspired menu and will have the opportunity to disembark from time to time to explore Alice Springs and visit the fascinating rock art of Nitmiluk Gorge. On arrival in Adelaide, numerous different experiences await. You may wish to visit Kangaroo Island, a haven for Koala, Western Grey Kangaroo and Short-beaked Echidna, travel north to stay at a homestead in the Flinders Ranges – home of the endangered Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby – or perhaps journey south, by road, to Melbourne and then along the Great Ocean Road.

Rovos Rail – Kruger to the Victoria Falls

Widely regarded as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail transports its guests back to a simpler, more elegant era and offers the opportunity to link a South African safari with a visit to the Victoria Falls. We’d suggest starting your holiday, however, with time in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, which boasts an incredible range of habitats and an even more impressive diversity of mammals, birds and other wildlife. With a varied selection of accommodation options on offer – from basic rest camps to luxurious 5-star lodges – Kruger is the ideal choice for both first-time safari-goers and seasoned experts. It is then just a few hours from Kruger to Pretoria, where you can board the vintage, wood-panelled coaches of the Rovos Rail, for a 4-night journey through some of the most magnificent scenery on the African continent, as well as game drives in Matobo and Hwange National Parks. After viewing the mighty Victoria Falls, you may also wish to end your holiday with time at one of the tranquil lodges on the shores of the Zambezi or take a safari in nearby Chobe National Park, best known for the herds of Elephants that gather along the banks of the Chobe River in the dry season.

Andean Explorer – Manu to the Colca Canyon

For further details of the rail journeys detailed above, or any other Naturetrek Tailormade query, please call Georgie Dodds on 01962 733051 or alternatively, fill out the form below. You can also visit our Tailormade page for further inspiration!