The Blue Train in South Africa
About The Blue Train
This incredible five-star hotel on wheels which exudes mystique has played host to kings and presidents. Its very name has become synonymous with superior personal service as well as luxurious, sumptuous magnificence. Both the scheduled and chartered routes of The Blue Train carry guests through some of the most awe-inspiring and breath taking scenery found anywhere on the planet. When you travel on The Blue Train you are transported to a world of lavish extravagance and class. As you gaze out at the amazing scenery flashing past delight in exquisite meals freshly prepared by master chefs. Complement your magnificent food by the top wines that South Africa has to offer. You will sleep on the finest bed linen, marvel at the marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathroom, and never forget your time on The Blue Train.
Luxury Suites
The luxury suites in the Blue Train extend your personal domain by more than a metre, and the twin or double-bed suites offer deep, long baths for slow, luxuriant soaking. The suites extend the choice of radio and movie channels even further by including a private digital entertainment centre and an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on DVD.
De Luxe Suites
There are nine De Luxe coaches on the first train and eight on the train with the conference car. The De Luxe coaches have four suites per coach; one suite with a bath and the others with showers. The De Luxe suites feature either twin beds with a shower, or double beds with a bathtub and handheld shower.
Elegant lounges
The ideally positioned wood-panelled lounge and club cars link the private suites. Enjoy an aperitif, an interlude between meals or an after-dinner conversation over coffee, brandy and Cuban cigars. The atmosphere of a bygone era is replicated in the mellow glow of warm lamplight. The stage is set for quiet reflection or the interaction with good company. You can select a tome from the library to while away the evenings as the train clocks up the miles. Indulge in a game of cards, chess or backgammon whilst savouring your favourite beverage from the excellent bar. Sit down, switch off and unwind.
Fine dining
The Blue Train offers an unrivalled experience for your senses and nowhere more so than the dining car. Here fresh white linen provides the bed for Sheffield cutlery and sumptuous crystal glassware. As the moon and stars begin to replace the sun, so the display of stylish eveningwear or traditional attire replaces the day’s smart-casual dress code, in keeping with The Blue Train’s classic pedigree and earthy African décor.
Let your ears become awash with the smooth jazz tones as you enjoy your Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet and feast your ears on the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet as you sample Knysna oysters complemented by the best that the award winning Cape wine lands have to offer. Dining on The Blue Train is an experience in itself. Allow your mouth to water as you delight in the freshest produce, masterfully prepared and artfully presented in the finest Silver Service tradition. The delectable dining delights of the world-renowned Blue Train is an irresistible tribute to culinary mastery.
Any dietary requirement such as vegetarian, Halaal, Kosher will be fully accommodated by The Blue Train and these should be specified when you make your reservation. Savour your repast in the luxury and comfort of your own suite, or soak up the atmosphere in one of two dinnertime settings. At your convenience The Blue Train offers a full English or Continental breakfast will be served. Take your seat and make yourself at home, the banquet is about to begin.
Jewellery Boutique
The Blue Train’s boutique hoards away a positive treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. Competitively priced, exquisitely set and masterfully crafted these treasures from South Africa’s internationally acclaimed designers will prove to be perfect gifts for loved ones, or as shimmering souvenirs of your unforgettable experience. A range of wildlife jewellery and elegant art objects embody the uniqueness and individuality of our award-winning artisans. The wildlife theme of African culture is reflected in these pieces of gold, diamond, quartz and much more.
The boutique also offers The Blue Train branded mementos, such as:
- golf shirts
- caps
- clocks
- playing cards
- letter openers
- leather goods
- coffee table books
Personal Service
Each coach has a butler on call to attend to our guests' every need. The butlers serve a maximum of four suites and are there to ensure that your 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 on-board services include:
- A variety of delicious snacks and beverages served in your suite on request
- A limited on-board laundry and valet service
- Safes in all the suites for your valuables
- A luggage van for additional luggage that a guest may not need during the journey
An Unforgettable Journey Into The Heart Of The African Bush. This three-day safari on the most luxurious train in the world includes game drives in two varied and unique game reserves. Experience the diversity of the Kruger Park, or Mkhaya in Swaziland, or Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand and wind your way from Pretoria to Durban through some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer.
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