South Africa's Magnificent Blue Train 

The Blue Train route runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and 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. The luxurious Blue Train takes travellers across the fascinating landscape that stretches between Pretoria and Cape Town with service that includes great food and spacious accommodation. The Blue Train has been operating since 1939 and derives its name from its blue locomotives, railroad cars, and leather seats. The Blue Train owes its origin to the Union Limited and the Union Express, which, from 1923, linked Johannesburg with the mail ships departing from Cape Town for England. In days gone by when your Union Castle liner docked at Cape Town, you might have taken the Blue Train to Johannesburg, South Africa's economic powerhouse figuratively and literally built on gold. The new Blue Train is the most luxurious train in the world and the best way to travel. In 1947 the three month long tour by the British Royal Family saw the ordering of eight ivory-painted air-conditioned saloons from Britain, three of which were built to Blue Train sleep car standards, while the remaining five were special saloons for use by the Royal Family and Field Marshal Jan Smuts, the South African Prime Minister. It is little wonder these distinguished passengers chose the Blue Train. Falling asleep with a Karoo moon in the sky and waking up to a fresh pot of coffee as the Blue Train passes Cape vineyards is a feeling that is hard to beat?

The Blue Train suites live up to their reputation for magnificence and splendour. The Blue train takes you to a timeless world of elegant living, combining the romance of travel by rail with the luxury of a grand hotel. Much of the allure of the Blue Train lies in its past and it can easily lay claim to being one of the top 3 luxury trains in the world. The Blue Train rivals many five star hotels in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style with interiors created by a leading interior design company. An a la carte South African menu is just part of the Blue Train service which also includes butlers attending your every need and a luxury suite. Taking just over two days, the Blue Train glides from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa.

With menus feature a selection of local cuisine, a meal on the blue train is an experience in itself - from Karoo lamb and ostrich fillet to Knysna oysters - accompanied by award-winning cultivars from the Cape Winelands. The royal blue menu cards with their gold cord are a colour representation of the region through which the Blue Train guests are travelling. The Blue Train is equipped with the finest bone china in white, cut-crystal and classic silver cutlery engraved with the familiar "B" insignia. Fine South African wines compliment a gourment menu servied in a sophisticated atmosphere making dining a magnificent experience on the Blue Train. It is a showcase for South African wines and after meticulous consultation with top South African wine experts have been selected to compliment each course on the menu.

Guests are requested to check-in 1 hour prior to departure at the Blue Train lounges in Pretoria and Cape Town. The Blue Train management team is at your service to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience on the journey. Your private suite combines the needs and desires of a modern world with the romance and elegance of traditional luxury coach travel in Africa. Your Blue Train suite is a day time luxury lounge. Your Blue Train butler will convert your private suite into a luxury bedroom at night. The suites on the Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour.

The Blue Train still links Pretoria and Cape Town once or twice a week but nowadays is aimed fairly and squarely at tourists. Blue Train guests are offered an out of the ordinary journey in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisice over for years. The mystique, the aura of luxury and history attached to one of the world's most famous trains is part of the attraction for first timers and repeat guests. The boutique on the Blue Train is a treasure trove of gems and minerals as rich as Africa itself. Special branded gifts are given to Blue Train guests at the end of their journey. As a memento guests are given an engraved sherry glass with the Blue Train logo. A lifetimes dream for many is a trip on the famous Blue Train of South Africa.

About the Author

Rob Atherton is a travel writer and has visited South Africa many times.