The Blue Train – South Africa
Holiday Highlights
- Experience the opulence and luxury of The Blue Train
- Journey through stunning and dramatic scenery
- Camera-view of the drivers’ perspective from the comfort of your own suite
- Snacks and beverages served in your private suite on request
- A limited on-board laundry and valet service
- On call butler service available throughout the journey
- Gourmet meals
- Open Mine Museum excursion
- Visit Matjiesfontein (one-way only)
- Visit Kimberley (one-way only)
Tour Dates:
Departs most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays throughout the year
At the turn of the 20th Century a dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south and north was born. A railway route that would cross the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, journeying through arid desert landscapes and over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. ‘Parallel lines of tempered steel from the Cape all the way to Cairo’. Cairo, however was not to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa, travelling through breath-taking scenery befits the original dream. Kings and presidents have travelled aboard and been indulged by the opulence of this magnificent, five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. You too can travel like royalty and celebrities and experience spectacular luxury and an unforgettable train journey.
NB: You have the option of including this special rail journey as part of a Tailored Rail tour. Ffestiniog Travel can make the additional arrangements to allow you to join any Blue Train journey at the beginning, during or end of a bespoke itinerary. We will organise rail and flight tickets where necessary and hotel accommodation. Please contact us direct at
Itinerary
Cape Town to Pretoria
Day 1 – Departure from Cape Town
Your luxury train experience begins at The Blue Train Lounge, Cape Town Station, where you will register and check in mid-afternoon. Guests enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks and a Butler will be on hand to usher you to your suite. Once boarding is complete The Blue Train will depart around 4pm. Enjoy 'High Tea' in the lounge car before getting ready for dinner. Dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear. Guests can also enjoy post-dinner drinks, cognacs and Cuban cigars in the Club Car before retiring to bed.
Day 2 – Kimberley
A leisurely morning on board the train. Enjoy breakfast and lunch as you journey towards Kimberley. On arrival at Kimberley Station you will disembark and gather at the railway museum before taking a coach journey to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. You will be given a guided tour of interesting and historical sites and will be taken onto an enclosed ramp on the edge of the 'Big Hole'. On your return to Kimberley Station you will be greeted with a glass of sherry and receive a sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento of your trip. The Blue Train will depart early evening and you can enjoy aperitifs before dinner.
Day 3 - Arrive Pretoria
Breakfast is served from 7:30am to 10am - plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the journey before arriving at Pretoria Station at 10.30am. Butlers escort guests to the Arrival Lounge.
Pretoria to Cape Town
Day 1 – Departure from Pretoria
Register and check-in at The Pretoria Station Lounge in the afternoon and a butler will escort you to your Blue Train suite. Enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks before the train leaves at 18.30. Boarding commences. Butlers usher guests to their suites. Suite orientation done by butlers. Enjoy a delicious dinner where gentlemen are requested to at least wear a jacket / waistcoat.
Day 2 – Kimberley
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before arriving at Kimberley Station at 9.30am. There will be a morning 'off-train excursion' to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum where you will be given a tour of interesting and historical sites and taken onto an enclosed ramp on the edge of the 'Big Hole'. On your return to Kimberley Station you are greeted with a glass of sherry and presented with a sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento of your trip. The train departs at 13.00 and as your journey continues you can enjoy lunch, 'High Tea' and dinner on board the train.
Day 3 - Arrive Cape Town
Enjoy a final breakfast before arriving at Cape Town Station at 10.30am where a butler will escort you to The Blue Train Lounge.
Pretoria - Hoedspruit - Pretoria Route also available - selected dates in July and September
Price Includes
- Journey in a De Luxe compartment for two
- All meals as specified
- Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Off-train excursions
- Engraved sherry glass memento
Price per person
Quotes available upon request
24/7 Support
Ffestiniog Travel provides 'out of hours' support for all independent travellers in the event of an emergency.
