The Blue Train - Cape Town to Pretoria

The Cape Town to Pretoria journey on the Blue Train offers guests a compelling and unforgettable combination of luxury train travel, world-class service, and fine dining, all set against a magnificent ever-changing backdrop of the beautiful South African countryside.

This unforgettable journey takes 2 nights, departing Cape Town at 16:00 on selected days throughout the year. As the sky darkens over the landscape on your first night aboard, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to dine in the subtle intimacy of a table for 2 in the Dining Car.

The next day after a relaxing morning and a sumptuous lunch, you arrive at Kimberley Station, where you visit the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. Experience this town as it was during the diamond years, and see the largest uncut diamond in the world, and also visit the Big Hole - the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.

Having spent a second night on the train, breakfast can be enjoyed at leisure and is served between 06:00 and 09:00. The train arrives into Pretoria at 10:30, and you will be assisted by your butler to disembark and make your way into the Arrivals Lounge.

The individually controlled air-conditioned Luxury and Deluxe Suites all offer the choice of twin or double bed sleeping arrangements, made up every night by your onboard butler with the finest bed linen. Private en-suite marble tiled bathrooms offer showers or deep baths for luxuriant soaking.

The Blue Train’s slogan is "A window to the soul of Africa" and as guests are transported in this steel beauty, the landscape of Africa never seizes to inspire and amaze.

Rates Include

All meals; high tea; drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic but excluding French champagne); and off-the-train excursions are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Guest Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 based on 6 ratings

General Information For Guests

The Deluxe Suites measure 8 square meters and offer twin beds or a double bed with either a three-quarter sized bath or a shower in each suite. The Luxury Suites measure 10.26 square meters and offer twin beds or a double bed with either a full sized bath or a shower in each suite. The same suite is a lounge area by day which is converted into a comfortable bedroom in the evening. Should guests require their bed to be made during the day, please ring for a butler. Each coach has a butler who is available 24 hours a day for the duration of the journey.

It is advisable to pack a smaller case for the journey as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in your suite. Your butler will store additional baggage in the luggage van. Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that luggage is insured.

Lunch and dinner are usually served in 2 sittings, while breakfast is at your leisure.

The stylish luxury of the Blue Train is conducive to dressing for dinner. Evening wear is elegant and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day, dress is smart casual.

Bottled water is supplied in your suite. Your butler will provide you with more on request.

Trained first aid personnel are on board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors and first aid personnel can be contacted at the various stations en-route.

Souvenirs and gifts are available for sale in the souvenir shop.

A limited on board laundry and valet service is available. Please contact your butler for assistance.

The lounge car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch and dinner drinks and afternoon tea, while the club car lounge is ideal for a post-prandial cognac or cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs. Please note that the lounge and dining cars are non-smoking areas. All drinks are included in the rate except for certain imported beverages which can be purchased from your butler.

Safes are provided in all suites. While every precaution is taken, the Blue Train cannot be held liable for loss of valuable items left unattended in suites.

The international telephone beside your bed in your suite will allow you to dial the manager or your butler 24 hours a day. Should you wish to make an outside call, please contact the Train Manager or your butler, who will be glad to assist. The cost of your external calls and faxes are not included in the rate.

For safety reasons, the Blue Train windows are double-glazed and cannot be opened. The Blue Train is fitted with a centrally-controlled air-conditioning system. All private suites are fitted with individually-controlled air-conditioning systems.

The Train Manager is on call at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact him should you require assistance or information while on your journey.

All suites are fitted with complimentary Wi-Fi.

The fare does not include gratuitied and guests are not obliged to give the staff gratuities. However, should guests at their own discretion wish to do so, guests are encouraged not give gratuities to individuals, but to rather use the gratuity box located at the entrance of the club (smoking) car. Gratuities are then shared equally amongst all the staff (including the kitchen staff) at the end of each trip.

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