Complete Guide to Shosholoza Meyl Trains in South Africa

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Embark on a comfortable and scenic journey across South Africa with Shosholoza Meyl, the long-distance passenger train service operated by PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa). This guide delves into everything you need to know about Shosholoza Meyl trains, including routes, schedules, ticketing, and frequently asked questions.

Unveiling Shosholoza Meyl:

Shosholoza Meyl, meaning “We Carry You Home” in Zulu, offers a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience compared to standard commuter trains. The service connects major cities and towns across South Africa, allowing you to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of your train seat.

Popular Shosholoza Meyl Routes:

  • Cape Town – Johannesburg: This scenic route traverses the heart of South Africa, offering views of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and the Karoo grasslands.
  • Durban – Johannesburg: Journey along the eastern coastline, passing through KwaZulu-Natal’s lush greenery and historical towns.
  • Port Elizabeth – Bloemfontein: Explore the central plateau of South Africa, experiencing diverse landscapes and historical landmarks.
  • East London – Johannesburg: This route takes you through the Eastern Cape’s rolling hills and past the iconic Addo Elephant National Park.

Finding the Shosholoza Meyl Schedule:

Due to the nature of long-distance travel, Shosholoza Meyl trains operate on fixed schedules with limited departures throughout the week. Here’s how to find the most recent schedule information:

  • PRASA Website: While downloadable timetables might not be readily available online, the PRASA website (https://res.prasa.com/shosholozameyl/Information/Routes) provides a list of routes. Clicking on a specific route might offer some schedule details.
  • PRASA Mobile App (Limited Functionality): The PRASA App might not display real-time information for Shosholoza Meyl trains, but it’s worth checking for any updates or announcements.
  • Contacting PRASA: Call the PRASA contact center at 011 013 0231/2/3 to inquire about specific train schedules and availability.

Booking Your Shosholoza Meyl Ticket:

Planning in advance is crucial for Shosholoza Meyl travel. Here’s how to secure your ticket:

  • Online Booking: Visit the PRASA website (https://res.prasa.com/shosholozameyl/Information/Routes) and navigate to the Shosholoza Meyl booking section. You can search for available journeys, choose your preferred class (economy or tourist), and complete the online booking process.
  • Ticketing Agents: Authorized Shosholoza Meyl ticketing agents are located in major cities and towns. Visit a ticketing agent to purchase your ticket in person.

Understanding Shosholoza Meyl Fares:

Shosholoza Meyl fares vary depending on several factors:

  • Route: The distance traveled significantly affects the ticket price. Longer routes will naturally cost more.
  • Travel Class: Economy class offers basic seating, while tourist class provides more legroom and amenities.
  • Promotions and Discounts: Occasionally, PRASA offers special promotions or discounts on Shosholoza Meyl fares. Keep an eye on the PRASA website for announcements.

Preparing for Your Shosholoza Meyl Journey:

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Shosholoza Meyl experience:

  • Book Early: Especially during peak seasons (holidays and weekends), tickets tend to sell out quickly. Plan your trip well in advance and book your tickets as soon as possible.
  • Pack Essentials: Pack for the duration of your journey, including comfortable clothing, snacks, and entertainment options like books or games.
  • Be Aware of Schedules: Double-check the departure and arrival times of your train to avoid any confusion.
  • Relax and Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views as Shosholoza Meyl whisks you across South Africa’s diverse landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  • What amenities are available on Shosholoza Meyl trains? Amenities vary depending on the train and class you choose. Some trains offer restaurant cars, restrooms, and limited vending options.
  • Can I take luggage on board? Yes, Shosholoza Meyl allows a reasonable amount of luggage on board. Check the PRASA website or inquire while booking for specific luggage restrictions.
  • Are there charging points for electronic devices? Not all trains have charging points. It’s best to bring

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.