The Blue Train is amongst the most popular train journeys to take in the world and should be up for real consideration if visiting South Africa. Many flights from the UK to Cape Town do have a stop in Johannesburg on route and so rather than getting the connecting flight on to Cape Town, why not consider getting the Blue Train there instead?
This 5* ‘hotel on wheels’ oozes luxury and is the perfect introduction to this country which is gloriously rich in nature, culture and charm. Taking you on a journey through deserts and grasslands, this 27 hour train ride is by no means brief but it is exceptionally comfortable. The train is home to up to 80 guests each trip and offers a choice of deluxe or luxury suites which look more like plush hotel rooms than suites on a train. Luxury suites offer complimentary butler service, all have showers and baths and there is the option to have a double bed or twin configurations. The deluxe suites are just a little smaller with most having showers but a few do have ¾ size baths so you can soak up the experience whilst racing across the countryside. The deluxe cabins do have a limited number of double beds.
Guests all receive brunch, high tea, dinner and breakfast and also have the opportunity to stop off on route at the end of day one to explore the Open Mine Museum at Kimberley.
The trains depart from Pretoria (just over half an hour north of Johannesburg Airport) at 08:30 every day and arrive into Cape Town at midday the following day. They run on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and so ensure your trip times in if you don’t want to miss it.
