Sponsorship Link
In today’s world, where almost everything can be bought at a price, the one true luxury is time. Nothing evokes luxury and relaxation, like a slow journey on rails. There are many iconic trains and rail routes—the Trans-Siberian and the Orient Express are just two of the most famous train journeys in the world. One of the lesser known but extremely luxurious train journeys is a trip on South Africa’s Blue Train.
/
This five-star hotel on wheels has played host to kings and heads of state. The Pretoria to Cape Town distance is covered in just 27-hours, but in that time the train promises to take travelers on a journey unlike any other. The train comes with all the comforts that the heart could desire. The comfortable and elegant suites come with attached bathrooms, some fitted with bath tubs.
There is a dining car which serves haute cuisine. Dinner is a formal black-tie affair. The menu could include such exotic dishes as Ostrich fillets and Knysna oysters. The wood-paneled lounge and club cars are ideal for a post-dinner drink or smoke. Guests can play games, curl up with a book from the library or watch some television.
Must Read
While the train is extraordinary, the journey is equally exciting. The 1,600km (994 miles) journey takes the guests through some of the most scenic regions in the country. The Pretoria to Cape Town Southbound trip includes a stop at Kimberley, where guests can learn first-hand the history of South African diamonds.
On the Cape Town to Pretoria Northbound journey, there is a halt at the restored colonial village of Matjiesfontein that boasts of Victorian buildings and actual 19th century London lamp posts.
Follow us
Apart from these two routes, there is a Pretoria to Durban package (from $1,510 per person) that includes a two-night accommodation on the train and two-nights at the Zimbali Lodge.
The Pretoria to Cape Town and Cape Town to Pretoria package starts from S1,460 per person on a sharing basis. The tariff includes all meals, high tea, drinks and excursions.
