Originally Posted by Reindeerflame
Trains are great for getting a feel of the countryside on a "macro" scale. It is perfectly sufficient to take in the overall view as the train travels hundreds of kilometers. Desert scenes in the US Southwest are perfectly viewed by train.
It's a different experience than what the car provides. That might be viewed as a "micro" scale, allowing more attention to detail. But the detail lengthens the trip, with constant stops, while the train goes straight through.
It's not really an either/or situation. It's a "both" situation. Those who only have time for one need to make a choice. If one has tried one option, then another option may await another visit.
Fine dining and service is the hallmark of the legendary Blue Train (coats and tie required).
I will be on board on Oct. 5.
But the good thing about the car is it can provide both a macro and micro experience of the countryside. There is no need to stop to take in every detail, but it gives on the option to do so. And one can certainly eat at many fine and wonderful places along the coast in SA, equal or better to that found on the Blue Train.
The one big plus about trains IMHO is that one can walk around, go to the toilet and feel a bit more free than when sitting in a car for a long time. But otherwise, in my experience in SA, the car is the best way to see the country, both macro and micro.