· It is safe. A couple of years ago my husband and I travelled from Pretoria via Jo'burg to Cape Town by train. This was by the standard service train - not a tourist special. The conductor came round before each station and made sure we had closed the windows and removed valuables from the table tops, so that none of the young lads selling fruit on the platform could leap up and and grab anything of value. I would take this precaution in England, if the windows opened that wide. We had a two-berth compartment to ourselves - the steward made up the bunk beds at night - and we ate in the compartment, although there was a restaurant car. There was also a very hot shower. The journey was magical and I would warmly recommend it. There was no suggestion of any other security issues, the other passengers whom we passed in the corridor were friendly and I suspect that the conductor commanded more respect from the passengers than our guards do here.

Angela Whitworth

· I recommend this sleeper train, which takes around 25 hours and is a very cheap way of getting to Cape Town. It is a fantastic (and slow!) way of seeing the Karoo and a great way to unwind at the beginning of a holiday. It is safe: I have done the trip twice, once on my own. There are guards and compartments are lockable.

The first-class compartments have four beds (gender-segregated when I did it alone), but if you are a couple the best thing to do is book early and get a first-class two-bed compartment. Just be careful in and around Johannesburg station, which is a well-known hotspot for theft.
Kate Wood

· The normal train, known as Shosholoza Meyl, operates from Cape Town daily. The journey takes about 24 hours. With regards safety - I would recommend travelling First Class (see www.spoornet.co.za).

Shosholoza Meyl now offers Premier Classe accommodation, connected to the Pretoria to Cape Town scheduled service. It leaves Pretoria and travels via Johannesburg every Thursday and returns from Cape Town every Tuesday.

The sleeping compartments, with a choice of compartments accommodating 2 people or a coupe accommodating one person, are available with a basin beneath a fold down table. Communal shower and toilet facilities are situated at the end of sleeping coaches. The two sleeping coaches can accommodate up to 20 people, offering an ideal opportunity for small groups to charter the entire coach for special occasions.

An air-conditioned lounge is geared for luxury. The Premier Classe fare includes: champagne and snacks which you receive on arrival, followed by a traditional four-course lunch. At dinner, guests are kindly requested to dress smart casual. You then relax in the lounge with afternoon high tea.

Have a peaceful sleep and in the morning you will enjoy coffee in bed followed by a continental breakfast. At the end of your journey, you will be spoilt with a special Premier Classe giveaway.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Hanlie Kotz¿, Manager Premier Classe on (011) 773-5611.

Alternatively - inter city coach services are available (see www.translux.co.za, www.greyhound.co.za, www.intercape.co.za)
Alison Whitfield