BLUE TRAIN
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link South Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities and even ordinary folk who romanticise about a life of spectacular luxury.
SOUTHBOUND JOURNEY
The route between Pretoria and Cape Town 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.
On the Southbound trip, the train departs from Pretoria Station at 08h30 and arrives in Cape Town at the Cape Town Station at 15h00 the following day.
En-route to Cape Town there is a stop-over and an excursion in Kimberley, where we take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.
NORTHBOUND JOURNEY
The train leaves Cape Town at 08h30 and arrives in Pretoria at the Pretoria Station at 15h00. The off-the-train excursion includes a stop at the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, where guests are invited for a glass of sherry at the bar.
The Victorian buildings and original nineteenth century London lampposts impart to the traveller, the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp – an oasis suspended in a different age.
PRETORIA – HOEDSPRUIT (KRUGER PARK)
The route between Pretoria and Hoedspruit is a unique experience and only runs a couple of times during the year. See beautiful landscapes and spectacular scenery on the way to the Kruger National Park. Pre- and post-Safari experiences can be arranged.
Guests are reminded that check-in time at the Pre-departure Lounges at both the Pretoria and Cape Town Stations is an hour prior to departure.
Please contact us for prices, available departure dates and terms and conditions.