Shosholoza Meyl

calphoenix777

New Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2015
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Location
Johannesburg
Hi I want to try the Shosholoza Meyl Tourist class JHB to CT this December everything I can find has mixed reviews. Some recent ones a bit worrying! I need advice I can trust! I love trains, is it safe?

Edit: It will be me & my bro, booking a 2 bed cabin bringing all our own supplies.
 
Last edited:
Yes. But...


I've done that journey, both ways, many times, in 2nd class & 3rd class (or whatever they call the classes these days)

Try to get a 1st class or 2nd class "coupe" which is a "half" cabin. In 1st class, that is two bunk beds and in 2nd, it is 3 bunk beds.

The alternative is sharing with 3 other (first class) or 5 other (2nd class) people in your cabin. If you are married or book with a male/female couple you have a better chance of getting into a 2 bed cabin.

I would not recommend 3rd class unless you are fairly brave, but it is cheap. And loud. And full of drunk people singing church songs.

The train stops everywhere, all the time. I'd suggest buying a chain and lock to secure your luggage in case someone gets off with it, while you are asleep.

Typically people get really drunk on the 26 hour trip. This is worse in 3rd class, but I've seen some bad **** in 2nd too. Take booze but don't get too drunk.

Keep your wits about you, it will be fine.
 
Last edited:
All I know is that it can be very dangerous and 1st class is a must. I’d not take the chance for a ticket that costs the same as a plane ticket booked adequately in advance
 
Its not bad compared to flying...so long as you have the time of course

Yeah it's an experience in itself - coaches very clean and staff friendly. There's a lot of stops, and the train sits for a long time too. It's not about moving from point A to B, but the experience of it all. Almost feel slike steoopn back in time, and how SA rail is meant to be.
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X