The famous Blue Train’s journey begins in an departure lounge, in Pretoria or in Cape Town. Thereafter, you will be pampered in your private suite, or in one of the luxurious lounges where you will enjoy superb meals or relax, while the glorious landscape of South Africa unfolds before your eyes. Your private suite is an elegant and relaxing haven. Generous lounge chairs and a writing desk at the window afford unparalleled views of Africa’s panoramic sights.
The elegant lounge car with its large windows allows for panoramic views of the passing countryside. The Blue Train interior, hosts original works of South African art on its walls; comfortable couches welcome you, and bouquets of flame lilies complement the decor. The lounge car is an ideal setting for sharing an aperitif with fellow guests, an interlude between meals, or after-dinner conversation over coffee. The club car has the relaxed atmosphere of a private club, with card tables, a small library and a fully-equipped bar. Guests can watch a short film about the train’s route or enjoy a cognac before retiring for the night.
As an added treat, indulge in the English ritual of high tea, served every afternoon. The luxury suites have hi-fi, audio CD and VHS video systems. Each of The Blue Trains has two lounges : the main lounge car in which high tea is served each afternoon, and the club car where guests can relax over a post-prandial cognac. The club car is the only public area available for smoking.
Each suite has its own bathroom with either a shower or bath. There are two Blue Train sets. The first train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites. The second accommodates 58 guests in 29 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train.There are two luxury coaches which both have three suites with bathrooms fitted with tubs. The other nine De Luxe coaches have four suites per coach. One of the four suites has a bathroom with a bath, while the other three have showers.
The beds have been custom-designed for The Blue Train. A butler pulls them out, already made, from a space in the suite wall, converting the lounge into a comfortable bedroom. White cotton sheets and down duvets are the standard linen throughout the train. Ten of the suites feature double beds on the first train, while there are nine on the second.
The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph). Both are 336 metres (433 yards) long and consist of 17 & 16 carriages respectively, 10 & 8 of which are for the use of the guests. Departure is at 8.30am, with arrival at noon the following day.
A stop-off at Kimberley has proved so successful that it is now a standard feature of the journey. This provides a welcome opportunity to stretch the legs and to discover this city, whose diamond history was so eventful for the country. Guests visit the railway museum, and then the Kimberley Open Mine Museum, to see the amazing “Big Hole”.
After resuming the journey, there are two sittings for dinner, an elegant, by-gone era affair where men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Each coach has a butler on call to attend to the guests’ every need. Butlers serve a maximum of four suites and are there to ensure that the experience is as memorable and comfortable as possible. The train manager is also on call at all times. Guests can contact him whenever they require assistance or if they would like information pertaining to their journey. The two engineers who are always on board the train are happy to share their knowledge with train enthusiasts. The telephone in each suite allows guests to contact the train manager or butler 24 hours a day. Should guests wish to make external calls (local or international), the staff will gladly assist them to do so at a nominal fee. Fax facilities are also available.
On-board services include:
- A variety of delicious snacks and beverages served in the suite on request,
- A limited on-board laundry and valet service,
- Safes in all the suites for valuables, and
- A luggage van for additional luggage that a guest may not need during the journey.
The Rates vary through the seasons from Rand 12,280 to Rand 16,505 per person sharing from Deluxe Doubles to Luxury Doubles. Ask us for the details.