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)
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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and we will provide quotations on request.

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

Booking form

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24/7 Support

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Ffestiniog Travel provides 'out of hours' support for all independent travellers in the event of an emergency.

Why Choose Ffestiniog Travel?

  • UK's first rail tour operator to run an overseas escorted rail holiday in 1974
  • Created for people who love rail holidays and exploring the world’s heritage railways
  • Dedicated rail holiday specialist - great destinations, sightseeing and unparalleled railway content
  • Train ticket supplier for worldwide rail operators - we can plan and arrange your rail journey to anywhere
  • Knowledge of the world’s rail routes makes us leading specialists in escorted and Tailor Made rail holidays
  • Over 60% of our existing rail tour travellers return to holiday with us year after year
  • Committed to supporting rail travel and heritage railways around the world
  • Our profits support the continued preservation of the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
  • Small, dedicated rail holiday travel team offering an award-winning personal service

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