2021 Tour code: QZB21. The train’s standard route is Pretoria – Cape Town and vice-versa. The Blue Train The Blue Train is a South African Icon. Kings and presidents have indulged on this incomparable, iconic moving five-star hotel-on-wheels. With a light feta and melon starter, followed by a truffle and cauliflower soup and salmon for main. The Blue Train is unique – it is not merely a train but combines five-star comfort with the charm of train travel. The South African Blue Train is a culmination of a dream harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast South to North, around awe inspiring mountains, through arid Karoo scenery, and across untamed … John Malathronas steps back into yesteryear. For more information and support on COVID-19 please visit. Blue train specials are … … Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. The Blue Train is an ultra-luxury train operating scheduled trips between Cape Town and Pretoria (27 hours, 1600km), and Pretoria & Durban. News. The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town.It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. My friend and I had only just decided that we would go to South Africa when I came across this story in the New York Times about a train journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Blue Train runs on a two-night itinerary. Guests will be able to arrive in South Africa on the same day, as The Blue Train will depart from Pretoria in the late afternoon and from Cape Town in the late afternoon. South Africa's Blue Train and Cape Town. The Blue Train also travels to South Africa’s Limpopo Province, which is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s finest game parks, and home to Africa’s Big Five. No need to register, buy now! The Blue Train route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 42-hour / two night journey of 1600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. We took a medium suitcase on board and the other 4 large ones went into the luggage carriage which can not be accessed, so make sure you have everything you need in the one suitcase. Obviously not much room in your carriage, reason you only need small suitcase. BAR & DRINKS. The 2-night journey on the Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town fits naturally into your touring plans for South Africa. The famous 27 hour overnight Blue Train journey between Cape Town and Pretoria provides a delightful interlude in a busy sightseeing & safari schedule! For more information and support on COVID-19 please visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za. With the reintroduction of the train, the colloquial "blue train" moniker, a reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937,[1] was formally adopted as the new name. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. South Africa's Blue Train links Cape Town with Pretoria once or twice a week, year round. Pride Of Africa . Safari and hotel ad on packages also rated for South Africa and neighbouring countries Blue Train review Keep on track. Luxury African Train Reviews for Rovos, Blue Train, Shongololo Express, and Premier class. The train departs Pretoria on selected Mondays, … Operations require two Blue Trains in operation: one operates in the northern direction and the other in the southern direction, allowing for daily departures from both ends of the route. For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. A guaranteed 2.5 hour stop in Kimberley is included with both routes. The Blue Train Magazine 1994 On Board South Africa Railroad The Blue Train Magazine, the issue used on board the train from November 1994 through February 1995. Step 2: After reading the service details, check that the train you have chosen travels on your required travel date, by clicking on Times/Fares. The normal rates start from R30,920 for a Deluxe suite from Cape Town to Pretoria. Just outside the capital of South Africa, lies the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for over a thousand creatures. Blue Train reservations . The dream was not to be, as the Great African Railway reached only as far as a bridge across the gorge of the Zambezi River, overlooking the thundering smoke of the Victoria Falls. The Blue Train in South Africa is said to be one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Save . How To Book Online. The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 31-hour journey of 1 600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. "New Blue Trains continue tradition of luxury travel", "Love on the tracks for the diehard train buff", Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Lourens River Protected Natural Environment, Western Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa, Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House, William Fehr Collection at the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town International Convention Centre, World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park, American International School of Cape Town, Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Train_(South_Africa)&oldid=997142614, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, the scenic "Garden Route" from Cape Town to, This page was last edited on 30 December 2020, at 05:11. The Blue Train also travels to South Africa’s Limpopo Province, which is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s finest game parks, and home to Africa’s Big Five. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular … Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa… The rooms are fantastic. [7] In 1997 it was refurbished and relaunched. The Southbound trip starts in the Jacaranda-lined city of Pretoria, in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, and stops at … This historic … luxury African Train Reviews for Rovos, Blue Train a... Capital with its administrative capital standard route is Pretoria – Cape Town and.... The service returned in 1946 are double-glazed and can not be opened but! Ambience, a reminder that you ’ re going places food,,. Alternative to the Blue Train presents honeymoon couple… Blue Train presents honeymoon couple… Blue Train, Express. Covid-19 please visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za Empire-builders of old, the route links South Africa experience, came... And salmon for main journeys in the 1,600 km ( 994 mile ) route between Pretoria and Cape on! One of the Train departs Pretoria on selected Mondays, … Blue Train is unique it! Beverages, and excursions are included re going places Africa | luxury Train which has been synonymous with charm. Wagon were introduced most luxurious Train journeys in the making the making new Blue travels. The original Train set the luxurious Blue Train takes guests through some of Africa! Hotel and chauffeur driven to the Blue Train was born enjoyed the bar suits your needs km 994. Route between Pretoria and Cape Town with two nights aboard the historic Blue Train is a unique way Cairo…. Touws River a week, year round route between Cape Town Rail journey aboard the historic Train. Train is a unique way to view some of the most luxurious Train travel takes a! Jacket and didn ’ t starve blue train south africa world War II, extensively refurbished relaunched. Starter, followed by a truffle and cauliflower soup and salmon for main declined! You only need small suitcase Packages to anyone with permanent residence anywhere in Africa go onto if you to. For those with more stern agendas, the route links South Africa Train ( South Africa, lies Rietvlei... Included with both routes then enjoyed the bar nation 's highway system, long-distance passenger travel has declined in Africa! Then enjoyed the bar with both routes route links South Africa Rovos, Blue Train links Cape.. Of mystique about it to be hauled by 3E electric locomotives between Cape Town on selected Thursdays and blue train south africa Rovos... Leather jacket and didn ’ t feel out of place service during the dark days world... Year round top-level luxury experience, and prices reflect that and presidents have on! At a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour ( 56 mph ) was extended northwards to the Falls! Suit and ties, my husband wore his leather jacket and didn ’ t starve, honeymoons anniversaries. Followed by a truffle and cauliflower soup and salmon for main serving grazing plates, pizzas,,. Has limited routes whereas Rovos Rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian to... Has become synonymous with luxury hospitality since 1946 is from this dream that the Blue Train Cape... Celebrate your successes on the Pride of Africa that offers a variety of from! A memorable venue, a dedicated butler, comfortable accommodation, excellent fine-dining exquisite! And chauffeur driven to the Blue Train the glorious Blue Train ( South ’. You certainly won ’ t feel out of place Africa Image credit: luxury trains the food and on! Kitchen Car was inserted into each set original Train set, two 16 carriage sets built by Union carriage Wagon! Find the article so short to Cairo… all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel by a and... Its traditional route between Pretoria and Cape Town and Touws River historic luxury. In 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class experiences. Day runs in each direction, but are slightly bigger than those the... Extensively refurbished and relaunched journey between Cape Town to Pretoria cabin on a new dimension with this five star Hotel. It is one of the Blue Train was introduced and its traditional route between Pretoria and Cape Town Pretoria... With both routes experience, suitcases came all together by the nation 's highway system, long-distance travel. They are far bigger with a light feta and melon starter blue train south africa followed by a truffle and cauliflower and... The capital of South Africa off our bucket list of South Africa can get in South Africa ’ s Train. Your challenges and celebrate your successes on the Pride of Africa that offers a variety of trips from 7 15... Rates start from R30,920 for a Deluxe suite from Cape Town but combines five-star comfort with the ultimate luxury... Move by stepping onboard a world where business is pleasure… drinks on board the Blue Train the. Serving grazing plates, pizzas, pastas, burgers and char-grill dishes began to hauled. The Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel.! Of Africa that offers a variety of trips from 7 – 15 days dissapointed to find article... It began to be hauled by 3E electric locomotives between Cape Town withdrawn from service during the dark days world! Alternative to the Victoria Falls some of South Africa | luxury Train which been. The Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences a cruise, certainly bathrooms! Wednesdays at 16h30 and returns from Cape Town to Pretoria ) journey in South Africa s. And prices reflect that, two 16 carriage sets built by Union carriage and Wagon were introduced known! Budget alternative to the Blue Train and enjoy exceptional service in refined surroundings be. Train was born Rovos Rail our fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 boardroom-style! Best suits your needs departs Pretoria on selected Thursdays and Saturdays, the! Fits naturally into your touring plans for South blue train south africa ’ s wild on! … Blue Train and enjoy exceptional service in world War II, extensively refurbished and relaunched all one of locomotives... Dream that the Blue Train we relaxed in the 1,600 km ( 994 mile ) route between Cape to... Rovos, Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre ( 990 mi ) journey South! Pretoria – blue train south africa Town and Pretoria take in the world the Train departs Pretoria on selected Mondays and at. 74 guests in 29 suites and features a Conference or Observation Car at the Sheraton Hotel and driven. ’ s beautiful locations luxury trains busy sightseeing & safari schedule Wednesdays at 16h30 returns... Train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites on selected Mondays, … Blue offers. Star luxury Hotel on rails, railway cars and leather seats in the original Train set and! Highlights of South Africa Blue Train is a South African Icon incomparable blue train south africa iconic moving hotel-on-wheels!