The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town. One train per day runs in each direction, but this not a 'luxury' service. The Blue Train has limited routes whereas Rovos rail also offers destinations that include the beautiful Namibian route to Swakopmund and Tanzania. Indulge in High Teas, elegant dinners, and fine South African … Find the perfect blue train south africa stock photo. Step 1: Please choose the train service that best suits your needs. The Blue Train Magazine 1994 On Board South Africa Railroad The Blue Train Magazine, the issue used on board the train from November 1994 through February 1995. The men did wear suit and ties, my husband wore his leather jacket and didn’t feel out of place.Destination was a quick experience, suitcases came all together by the blue train staff.We was not on a tour and had to organize our own transfer which i pre arranged on line with Rikki’s taxi, i would certainly recommend this transport, they are a distinctive vehicle, reliable, trusting and keep in touch re arrival.All in all grat experience. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Take in the 1,600 km (994 mile) route between Pretoria and Cape Town with two nights aboard The Blue Train. [8] Other variations on the route have been offered. This is an independent non-escorted holiday. Tourist Class (economy sleeper), Premier Classe (deluxe sleeper), Blue Train (luxury sleeper), Car transport by rail or one of our amazing Train Tour Packages.. With a light feta and melon starter, followed by a truffle and cauliflower soup and salmon for main. In 1997 a new Blue Train was introduced and its traditional route between Cape Town and Pretoria was extended northwards to the Victoria Falls. ABOUT THE BLUE TRAIN. The train’s standard route is Pretoria – Cape Town and vice-versa. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular … [1] The service is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel" by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it. The train departs Pretoria on selected Mondays, … It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub). The service is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. Travelling along this historic … Blue Train Online Reservations The Blue Train is unique - it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel. The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. The Union Express introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages in 1939.[3][4]. This small-group tour, limited to just 15 travelers, takes you on a game drive in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle through the reserve where you can spot … ... Blue Train South Africa | Luxury Train Travel in Africa. The staff were amazingly attentive and the lunch we had was phenomenal. In 1955 it began to be hauled by 3E electric locomotives between Cape Town and Touws River. Dear Blue Train Management Team/ Andgo Travel Team/ South African Tourism It is with a heavy heart that I write this email but I am positive this needs to be addressed so as to save disappointment of … Customer Support; Tel: +27 21 424 1037; Fax: +27 21 424 1036; Contact by Mail; Business Hours; re: South Africa train trip: Ravos Rail or Blue Train? The dream was not to be, as the Great African Railway reached only as far as a bridge across the gorge of the Zambezi River, overlooking the thundering smoke of the Victoria Falls. Guests can expect personal and attentive service, a dedicated butler, comfortable accommodation, excellent fine-dining and exquisite wines. Whether you are travelling with a charter, or on a scheduled trip between Cape Town, Pretoria and the Kruger Park, the class and elegance that this train provides, is … Belmond British Pullman . Keep on track. For more information and support on COVID-19 please visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za. A journey onboard The Blue Train allows those with limited time to see the best of South Africa, while enjoying the opulent luxury of this world renowned service. The spacious lounges feature large windows. Prior to 2002 the Blue Train operated on four distinct routes: By 2004 the last two routes had been suspended, the former due to lack of patronage, the latter due to erratic rail rates being charged for access to the network of financially strapped Zimbabwe. The Blue Train has defined a new era of luxury travel, making the switch from steam to electric and diesel, linking veld to sea, tradition to progress, with a sense of style, grace, and mesmerising power that has never come close to being matched.. is a 31-hour journey of 1 600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. Posted by SpringBokCock on 1/14/21 at 5:14 pm to No Colors As a side note, how awesome is the travel board that you get two replies to such an pretty obscure question! From Cape Town to Pretoria, the route links South Africa’s legislative capital with its administrative capital. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. The Blue Train is unique, it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel. SA-Rail Train Tours South Africa. The Blue Train is unique – it is not merely a train but combines five-star comfort with the charm of train travel. Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. This was an experience to tick off our bucket list. Graduations, engagements, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The Blue Train also travels to South Africa’s Limpopo Province, which is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s finest game parks, and home to Africa’s Big Five. Navigate your way through the ever-shifting landscape of doing business in the 21st Century. Our fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train … The trains travel at a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph). These one … We got picked up at The Sheraton Hotel and chauffeur driven to the blue train lounge. Taking a trip on the glorious Blue Train is a unique way to view some of South Africa’s beautiful locations. Bluetrain is an iconic Southbank restaurant overlooking Melbourne’s Yarra River. My friend and I had only just decided that we would go to South Africa when I came across this story in the New York Times about a train journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town. With the reintroduction of the train, the colloquial "blue train" moniker, a reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937,[1] was formally adopted as the new name. But in the fading years of the 19th Century, the discovery of gold and diamonds drew thousands to the edge of the continent, and those lines of tempered steel began to bear the burden of industry, commerce, and society on the move. And, with a live camera feeding TVs in the club car and your suite, you can watch the journey’s scenery unfold in real time. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link 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. We also book longer journeys on the Pride of Africa that offers a variety of trips from 7 – 15 days. The South Africa Blue Train runs a weekly service between Cape Town and Pretoria. The normal rates start from R30,920 for a Deluxe suite from Cape Town to Pretoria. Blue Train Online Reservations The Blue Train is unique - it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel. He has a big chip on his shoulder. With incredible panoramic views of South Africa’s spectacular scenery and unparalleled on-board butler service, The Blue Train Tour is highly regarded as one of the greatest South Africa train tours. Essential Info: The Blue Train is a top-level luxury experience, and prices reflect that. Just outside the capital of South Africa, lies the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for over a thousand creatures. Ascend Table Mountain, sample local wines in Stellenbosch, and enjoy fantastic game drives during a wonderful three night stay at Kruger National Park. All food, beverages, and excursions are included. Find out More . For those with more stern agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. Over 31 hours, you pass through mountainous landscapes, sprawling farmland and vine-woven valleys. [7] In 1997 it was refurbished and relaunched. Save . The Blue Train presents honeymoon couple… As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated. Luxury African Train Reviews for Rovos, Blue Train, Shongololo Express, and Premier class. The food and drinks on board was ample, you certainly won’t starve. The route of The Blue Train takes guests through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking countryside. From the Cape all the way to Cairo… all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel. These one-way 19-hour journeys take place on selected months of the year, and offer guests an opportunity of some fantastic new “rail safari” combination packages with the many private safari lodges found in the Greater Kruger and Sabi Sands areas. Soon, as the moneyed classes made their presence felt, the network added leisure travel to its list of duties, and in the slipstream of leisure came luxury. Blue Train offers Wi-Fi on board. A dream that would etch its course in parallel lines that snaked their way northward from the Atlantic shoreline, conquering the distance from Cape Town to Cairo. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. [5] In 1959 a Wegmann and Co. built air-conditioned dining and kitchen car was inserted into each set. The Union Limited and Union Express, ferrying passengers between the mailships of Cape Town harbour and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, were the standard-bearers of steam-powered opulence. The men did wear suit and ties, my husband wore his leather jacket and didn’t feel out of place. Windows of the Blue Train are double-glazed and cannot be opened, but are slightly bigger than those of the Rovos Rail. The Blue Train also travels to South Africa’s Limpopo Province, which is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s finest game parks, and home to Africa’s Big Five. Experience South Africa at its wild best aboard the historic Blue Train. 2021 Tour code: QZB21. The 2-night journey on the Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town fits naturally into your touring plans for South Africa. The Blue Train Journeys, both scheduled and chartered, take guests through some … Guests will be able to arrive in South Africa on the same day, as The Blue Train will depart from Pretoria in the late afternoon and from Cape Town in the late afternoon. It is 70 years now since South Africa's great icon of luxury rail travel, the Blue Train, first ran - and in many ways, nothing has changed. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Safari and hotel ad on packages also rated for South Africa and neighbouring countries Blue Train review 'This luxurious Blue Train experience is known to traverse some of the most diverse scenic routes in South Africa. In the following year a second identical train came into service, allowing The Blue Train to add to its destinations Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, and Port Elizabeth at the eastern end of South Africa’s Garden Route. Discover the highlights of South Africa on a two night rail journey aboard the luxurious Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria. September 2013 Blue Train magazine. Click here for Detailed Blue Train … 9 days From £3,095 per person. Over 31 hours, you pass through mountainous landscapes, sprawling farmland and vine-woven … The Blue Train route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a two night journey of 1600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent, including an off-train excursion in Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. The Blue Train travels weekly between Pretoria and Cape Town. It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub). The South African Blue Train is a culmination of a dream harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast South to North, around awe inspiring mountains, through arid Karoo scenery, and across untamed … Until now…, Welcome aboard The Blue Train. Train Safaris is offering discounted Blue Train Packages to anyone with permanent residence anywhere in Africa. How To Book Online. The Blue Train is an ultra-luxury train operating scheduled trips between Cape Town and Pretoria (27 hours, 1600km), and Pretoria & Durban. Blue train specials are … The check in was quick and smooth, however there was a delay in our departure, which caused us to arrive late at Kimberly, so our tour to the diamond mine and museum was cancelled, very disappointing, it seems to be a regular occurrence, so the blue needs to get there act together. Find out More . For the Empire-builders of old, the uncharted African interior was the landscape of a dream in the making. The 3-day journey between Cape Town and Pretoria offers timeless experiences from checking in at an exclusive lounge, the panoramic observation car, luxury suites to superb food and wine, and outstading staff service. The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town.It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. Windows … We was not on a tour and had to organize our own transfer which i pre arranged on line with Rikki’s taxi, i would certainly recommend this transport, they are a distinctive vehicle, reliable, trusting and keep in touch re arrival. Please take a moment to review my edit. It’s our pleasure. The second accommodates 58 guests in 29 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train. After lunch we relaxed in the end panoramic carriage which was beautiful then enjoyed the bar. The Blue Train has frequently been named the best luxury train line in the world, and the 1,806 kilometres (1,122 mi) run is a popular tourist attraction for South Africa. The famous 27 hour overnight Blue Train journey between Cape Town and Pretoria provides a delightful interlude in a busy sightseeing & safari schedule! This was the worst train ride ever , so many stop and the train manager would not advise as to the reason why the train had stopped, his name was Siya. View Blue Train images. With SA Rail services you can book your luxury ticket for The Blue Train, Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express.We specialize in ensuring classic luxury train travel packages in South Africa. The story of this country is parallel to that of The Blue Train, and such, as is with South Africa, sustaining and preserving the charm therein is a balancing act. The Blue Train in South Africa is said to be one of the most luxurious trains in the world. No need to register, buy now! The Blue Train is the place you go onto if you want to get COVID 19. Blue Train reservations . Your unforgettable experience is about to begin…. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa… The Blue Train route covers the 994 miles between Cape Town and Pretoria in 27 hours, with one stop in each direction – the fashionable old town of Matjiesfontein in the Karoo on the … The 2-night journey on the Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town fits naturally into your touring plans for South Africa. After a break in service in World War II the service returned in 1946. The Blue Train The Blue Train is a South African Icon. Book your ticket for the most luxurious train travel experience you can get in South Africa. [4] As of 2007 the only regular route in operation was Pretoria-Cape Town; however special package tours were offered to Durban or the Bakubung Game Lodge. It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. These fares can be booked on departures between Pretoria and Cape Town from now until … "New Blue Trains continue tradition of luxury travel", "Love on the tracks for the diehard train buff", Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Lourens River Protected Natural Environment, Western Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa, Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House, William Fehr Collection at the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town International Convention Centre, World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park, American International School of Cape Town, Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Train_(South_Africa)&oldid=997142614, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, the scenic "Garden Route" from Cape Town to, This page was last edited on 30 December 2020, at 05:11. It’s your sojourn, it’s your train. Premier Classe train: the luxury budget alternative to the Blue Train. I went on the Blue Train as part of a corporate event and it was fantastic. Formal dinner was great, enjoyed dressing up, however I’m glad i didn’t a formal dress, i wore black trousers and sparkly top which was dress enough, most ladies where the same (casual smart.) The first train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites. This was an experience to tick off our bucket list.We got picked up at The Sheraton Hotel and chauffeur driven to the blue train lounge.We took a medium suitcase on board and the other 4 large ones went into the luggage carriage which can not be accessed, so make sure you have everything you need in the one suitcase.Obviously not much room in your carriage, reason you only need small suitcase.The check in was quick and smooth, however there was a delay in our departure, which caused us to arrive late at Kimberly, so our tour to the diamond mine and museum was cancelled, very disappointing, it seems to be a regular occurrence, so the blue needs to get there act together.The food and drinks on board was ample, you certainly won’t starve.Formal dinner was great, enjoyed dressing up, however I’m glad i didn’t a formal dress, i wore black trousers and sparkly top which was dress enough, most ladies where the same (casual smart.) 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