The Blue Train – A Moving 5 Star Hotel

The Blue Train route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and is a 27-hour journey of 1,600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. The Blue Train takes travellers across fascinating landscape that stretches between Pretoria and Cape Town in luxury that includes great food and spacious accommodation. The Blue Train has been operating since 1939 and derives its name from its blue locomotives, railroad cars, and leather seats. The origin of the Blue Train dates back to 1923 when the Union Limited and the Union Express linked Johannesburg with the mail ships departing from Cape Town for England. In days gone by when your Union Castle liner docked at Cape Town, you might have taken the Blue Train to Johannesburg, South Africa's economic powerhouse figuratively and literally built on gold. The best way to travel is on the most luxurious train in the world - the new Blue Train. In 1947 the three month long tour by the British Royal Family saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleep car standards, while the remaining five were special saloons for use by the Royal Family and the South African Prime Minister, Field Marshal Jan Smuts. It is little wonder that the Blue Train is chosen by such distinguished passengers. Falling asleep with a Karoo moon in the sky and waking up to a fresh pot of coffee as the Blue Train passes Cape vineyards is a feeling that is hard to beat?



The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour. The Blue train takes you to a timeless world of elegant living, combining the romance of travel by rail with the luxury of a grand hotel. Much of the allure of the Blue Train lies in its past and it can easily lay claim to being one of the top 3 luxury trains in the world. Interiors of elegance, grace, comfort and style have been created by a leading interior architectural design company meaning the Blue Train will rival many a five star hotel. Luxury suites, butlers attending your every whim and an a la carte South African menu are all part of the service. Taking just over two days, the Blue Train glides from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa.

A meal on the blue train is an experience in itself, with the menus featuring a selection of local cuisine – from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters – accompanied by award-winning cultivars from the Cape Winelands. Menu cards are royal blue with a gold cord; a colour representation of the region through which guests are travelling is included for that extra blue train touch. The familiar “B” insignia of the Blue Train can be found on its finest bone china, cut crystal and classic silver cutlery. Dining on the Blue Train is a magnificent experience with the finest South African wines and gourmet menu in an opulent, sophisticated atmosphere. It is a showcase for South African wines which have been selected to compliment each course on the menu after meticulous consultation with top South African wine experts.

Blue Train guests are requested to check-in 1 hour prior to departure at the Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town. The Blue Train management team is at your service to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience on the journey. The needs and desires of a modern world are combined with the romance and elegance of tradition luxury coach travel in Africa. By day your private Blue Train suite is a luxury lounge. Your Blue Train butler will convert your private suite into a luxury bedroom at night. The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour.

Today the Blue Train is aimed at tourists but it still links Pretoria and Cape Town once or twice a week. The out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style is something Blue Train guests can reminisce over for years. Part of the attraction of one of the world's most famous trains for both first timers and repeat guests is the mystique, aura of luxury and history that is attached to the Blue Train. The boutique on the Blue Train is a rich treasure trove of gems and minerals. Special branded gifts are given at the end of the journey to Blue Train guests. As a memento guests are given an engraved sherry glass with the Blue Train logo. A trip on South Africa’s famous the Blue Train is the dream of a lifetime for many.

Explorer Travel are specialists in tailor made travel to South Africa. You can call Explorer Travel on 0208 816 8789 or visit their website (http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/BlueTrainCapeTown.htm)