The Blue Train combines the comfort of a hotel with the elegance and sophistication of luxury train travel. Since it's inception in 1946, it has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service. Perhaps the best way to see the ever changing landscapes of South Africa, the train allows you to sit back and soak up the splendour of this diverse and interesting country.
All suites have en suite facilities with a choice of bath or shower and are air-conditioned. There are two categories of suite, deluxe or luxury, the latter having the addition of full size bath tubs, CD and DVD players. On board, there is a separate dining car and lounge. Dress code onboard the train is smart-casual during the day but a jacket and tie are compulsory for gentlemen in the evening. Ladies dress elegantly for dinner. A gourmet menu of freshly cooked cuisine combined with the finest of South African wines makes dining on the Blue Train a memorable experience.
Accommodation
The Blue Train's most popular journey is between the jacaranda city of Pretoria and the mother city of Cape Town, however it can also be privately chartered to other destinations for special groups and celebrations. There are actually two train sets to ensure there are regular scheduled departures. They are very similar in décor but have a slightly different composition. Train one sleeps 74 guests and train two 58. Both benefit from the latest suspension system which offers one of the smoothest rides that can be found on any train anywhere in the world.
The Blue Train
Best time to be there
October to May is the best time to visit the Cape. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
Fly to
Cape Town/Johannesburg
flying time
11 hours 30 minutes/10 hours 30 minutes non-stop
time difference
GMT +2 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
The Battlefields with Rob Caskie
Highlights - Escorted throughout by battlefield expert Rob Caskie; Visit the battlefield sites of Islandwana, Rorke’s Drift and Spioenkop; Relax in the Drakensberg Mountains... Read more ...
Cape Town & Garden Route
Highlights - Take a day to enjoy Table Mountain National Park; Drive to Birkenhead House... Read more ...
South African Family Safari
Highlights - Fly to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve; See 5 star Tuningi Safari Lodge situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve on the Botswana border... Read more ...
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Guest Testimonial
We appreciated knowing the travel specialist (Katie Sims) from the previous A&K holiday. The hotels in Grenada and Cordoba were excellent.
The Renfe trains from Grenada to Malaga were very impressive. On time, comfortable and fast. 
- JS, Wirral
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World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
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Peninsula School Feeding Association
Aims to reduce short-term hunger and increase attendance of school children, with daily lunches for children who may otherwise not have a meal that day.
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