Taking bikes on South African trains
You can carry your bike on all overnight passenger trains in South Africa, useful if you are short of time and have a few hundred miles to cross. The bike travels in the KP baggage van at the back of the train. All you have to do is supply your own tie-down straps and make sure the tank in less than half-full. However, it will likely cost more than your own ticket, even in first class. The operator charges a flat rate of R565 (about 57 pounds sterling), no matter how far you are going. You might be able to negotiate a discount if there are a couple of you with bikes.
I used this service four times on my recent 3 000 mile trip around the country and was very happy - no major hassles, no theft. The only thing that bugs me is the price. If you do use it, tell them it's too expensive - they might listen one day.
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