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The Blue Train started in 1946 and has become an icon in the South African safari business as a luxury way to travers the country.
The route runs mainly between Cape Town and Pretoria in either direction and the journey takes 27 hours, so one overnight stay. Occasionally there are trips along the garden route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and it can be charted to Victoria Falls or to the Valley of the Olifants (Kruger). If you take the southbound journey there is an off train excursion at the Kimberley Hole Diamond mine. If northbound, it stops for an excursion in the quaint town of Matjiesfontein.
This train can be compared to a fine 5 star luxury hotel, offering fine cuisine and selection of South African wines from local vineyards. This is an incredible journey as the train winds its way through the scenic landscape across the country.
The train has been renovated to use a sophisticated suspension system giving one of the smoothest train rides in the world. Additionally there is a special braking system designed for safety. There are actually two train sets to ensure regular departures. They are similar in decor but slightly different in that one sleeps 84 passengers (including a paraplegic suite) and has a club car and the second train set sleeps 76 passengers and has an observation car at the end with 3 sides of windows for a panoramic view of the countryside. Both trains have deluxe and luxury suites, the luxury suites are slightly bigger and have a full size bath tub instead of a three quarter. The deluxe suites have a choice of either a shower or bath.
The prices include all en-suite rooms with butler on call, dining car, lounge, club car (bar) and on board entertainment system. Luxury suites also have a VCR / CD player. All suites have remote controlled facilities such as blinds, they are soundproofed and have air conditioning, safe and TV. 24 hour room service.
Dress on board is smart casual during the day and jacket and tie in the evening, ladies to dress accordingly.