The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world.
As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savor exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are complemented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.
The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendor. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.
When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.
All the suites, and every public area, are fitted with constantly monitored smoke detection systems. Two highly qualified technicians are always on board, and the trains are thoroughly serviced at the Pretoria depot after every return trip.
The Blue Train's suspension, braking, lighting and under-floor heating systems have been designed and customised with our guests' comfort as the primary consideration, allowing them to savour the experience of a smooth, pleasurable ride.
Luxury Suites;
The luxury suites 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. On each of the two train sets there are two luxury coaches, with three suites per coach.
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;
Linking the private suites of The Blue Train are two wood-panelled cars: the lounge and club cars. Our elegant lounges are ideally positioned for an apéritif, an interlude between meals or an after-dinner conversation over coffee, cognac and Cuban cigars.
Smokers will feel at home instantly in the burnished surroundings of the club car, where mellow lamplight sets the tone for quiet reflection or the glow of good company. You can while away the miles with a game of cards, chess or backgammon, tune in to the big-screen television or browse through a volume from the library while savouring your beverage of choice from the well-stocked bar. Unwind, relax, and indulge.
Fine dining;
The Blue Train experience is a banquet for all the senses and this is especially true of our dining car. Here the reassuring weight of Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware on crisp white linen set the tone for the delights to follow.
As the sky darkens over the landscape, the day's smart-casual dress code gives way to a parade of elegant eveningwear or traditional attire, in keeping with The Blue Train's classic livery and earthy African décor.
Each meal is scored to a selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.
A meal on The Blue Train is an experience in itself. Our menus feature a selection of local cuisine from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters accompanied by award-winning cultivars from the Cape winelands, all serving as the perfect complement to the landscape through which you are travelling.
Prepared from the freshest produce and ingredients, artfully presented in the finest Silver Service tradition, The Blue Train's legendary cuisine is an irresistible tribute to culinary mastery.
The Blue Train is fully equipped to accommodate vegetarian, Halaal, Kosher or other special dietary requirements, which should be specified when you make your reservation. Join us at one of two dinnertime sittings, or savour your meal in the comfort of your suite. A Continental or full English breakfast is served at your leisure.
Jewellery Boutique;
The boutique on The Blue Train is a treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. It allows the discerning traveller the opportunity to purchase treasures from South Africa's best designers.
Our current range includes an exquisite collection of wildlife jewellery designed and manufactured by internationally acclaimed jewellers. Competitively priced, exquisitely set and designed, these desirable pieces will prove ideal for a loved one, or as a glittering memento of this unforgettable experience.
A selection of elegant art objects exemplifies the distinctiveness of our award-winning craftsmen. Gold, diamonds and quartz are merely a few of the materials from which these objects are crafted. Many of the pieces reflect African culture with wildlife a predominant theme. The boutique also offers The Blue Train branded mementos, such as:
- golf shirts
- caps
- clocks
- playing cards
- letter openers
- leather goods and
- coffee table books
Each coach has a butler on call to attend to our guests' every need. Our 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.
Our 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, and
- A luggage van for additional luggage that a guest may not need during the journey.
The two engineers who are always on board the train are happy to share their knowledge with train enthusiasts. The telephone in each suite allows guests to contact the train manager or butler 24 hours a day. Should guests wish to make external calls (local or international), the staff will gladly assist them to do so at a nominal fee. Fax facilities are also available.
Please contact us now so we can help you plan your African safari.