Blue Train

The two-night journey on the Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town fits naturally into any touring itinerary for South Africa. Since 1946, the train has been synonymous with luxury and genuine African hospitality, gliding through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery the sub-continent has to offer.

Guests enjoy personal, attentive service from a dedicated butler, beautifully appointed private suites, exceptional fine dining and exquisite Cape wines. Honeymoon couples are welcomed with complimentary Champagne and a blue leather photo frame.

The Blue Train operates both scheduled and charter services. The flagship scheduled route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town in either direction, and once a year the train runs a scheduled return safari service from Pretoria to Hoedspruit, the gateway to the Kruger National Park — in 2027 that departure is 24–26 June. Private charters can also be arranged to Durban, Sun City, the Magaliesberg and the Kruger.

Suites

Each suite transforms from a spacious lounge by day into a serene bedroom by night, dressed in goose-down duvets and pillows. Private marble bathrooms feature gold fittings, under-floor heating and a choice of shower or deep bath. A writing desk positioned at the window, GPS overhead monitor, air-conditioning and a driver's-eye-view camera channel ensure every comfort is covered.

Luxury Suite — available in twin or double configuration, the Luxury Suite offers a long, deep bath and a private digital entertainment centre with a selection of music CDs and big-screen DVDs.

De Luxe Suite — features twin beds with shower, or a double bed with bath tub and hand-held shower. Note that De Luxe double-bed suites are limited in number and cannot be guaranteed.

Dining Car

Sheffield cutlery, Riedel crystal and crisp white linen set the tone. The dining car seats 42 guests across two sittings for both lunch and dinner, with a soundtrack ranging from smooth jazz to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet. Alternatively, dine privately in your suite.

Menus celebrate South African produce — Karoo lamb, ostrich fillet, Knysna oysters — paired with award-winning Cape wines. Continental or full English breakfast is served at leisure. Vegetarian, Halaal, Kosher and other dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice.

Lounge Car & Club Car

Two wood-panelled cars link the private suites, ideal for an apéritif, an interlude between meals or after-dinner conversation. High tea is served each afternoon in the main lounge car. The Club Car — where smoking is permitted — offers cards, chess, backgammon and a small library, as well as a live feed from the locomotive's forward camera.

Observation & Conference Car

With full business facilities, plush lounge seating and panoramic views of the passing countryside, the observation car is equally suited to corporate seminars, family gatherings or simply watching South Africa roll by. An accessible suite with easy-entry shower for wheelchair users is located in this car, and the observation car is available on all journeys.