For over a half century South Africa’s Blue Train has enjoyed an International reputation as one of this world’s most pre-eminent traveling experiences. Imagine the absolute luxury of an elegant hotel room, watching the moon rise over the Karoo, then waking to set your gaze on the lush greens of the Winelands. The Blue Train is something you can never quite adequately describe – you simply have to experience the richness & ambiance along the journey.

The Blue Train owes it origins to the Union Limited & the Union Express which from 1923, linked Johannesburg to mailships departing Cape Town for England. Articulated saloon carriages were imported in 1927 & the trains covered the distance in 30 hours. 1937 saw the introduction of air-conditioned sleeping units. At the commencement of 1942, the service was suspended, but it resumed in 1946, from which year it formally bore the name ‘Blue Train’.

In 1997 a new Blue Train was introduced & its traditional route between Cape Town & Pretoria was extended northwards to the Victoria Falls. In 1998 an additional new Blue Train was introduced. This allowed services to Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park & to Port Elizabeth at the commencement of the Garden Route to come into being.

The Blue Train has undergone continuous embellishment & refurbishment programs & the two Blue Trains consist of 18 carriages, 14 of which are for guests. The uncompromising elegance of the train boasting a new observation car, provides the discerning traveler a choice of journeys into that timeless world of grace, elegance & romance while rolling through some of the most dramatic scenery, soothing body & soul.

By day, the elegantly furnished suites offer generous lounge chairs & large windows allow for all but unrestricted views of the countryside as it glides by. A writing desk, individual air-conditioning controls, telephone & video monitor all are within arms reach. Each suite has a private mini-safe for valuables, provides for a laundry service & on call, your own private butler ensure guests will want for nothing. Come nightfall, the suites are transformed into sumptuous bedrooms of either two twin beds or one double bed configuration. Each suite has private bathroom facilities with a bath or shower featured.

The ambiance of the lounge car is one of warm, rich wooded elegance. Incandescent lighting, individual tables & ample pictorial books are features for guests. A traditional high tea is served in the lounge car. The observation car is always the rear most carriage & it features all around glass for panoramic viewing.

Dining is an ‘event’ to behold on the Blue Train. The food is quite simply, exquisite – a la carte & vegetarian menus are prepared using only the freshest ingredients, complemented by the finest of South Africa’s red & white vintage wines.

The Blue Train travels at no time on its journey greater than 110 kms per hour & accommodates between 74 and 82 guests in complete luxury.

The Four Uniquely Special ‘Blue Train’ Journeys

1. Pretoria – Cape Town :

One day – one night, 1600 kms, descending from 2000 m to sea level.
This journey is available in southbound & northbound directions.

After gliding past the Goldfields of the Witwatersrand & through Kimberley, the site where diamonds were discovered in 1871 leading to one of this world’s most lucrative mineral rushes, the train crosses the vast semi-desert of the Karoo as it travels overnight. On into the Hex Valley, emerald green vineyards & in summer, rose draped fence-lines & orchards greet the awakening guests. In Autumn the valley changes its coat & takes on yellows, orange & amber tones. The town of Paarl passes behind & so to the purple hued mountains give way to the distinctive flat plateau of Table Mountain under which sits Cape Town.

Off train excursions for guests are taken at Kimberley on the southbound journey & Matjiesfontein on the northbound journey.

2. Pretoria – Hoedspruit –‘ The Valley of the Olpihants’

Overnight – 16 hours, 560 kms. This journey is available in eastbound & westbound directions.

Departing Pretoria which affectionately is known as Jacaranda City as in springtime until early summer it glows crimson-purple with these blooms, the train travels along the 19th century route of the Delagoa Bay Railway Line. Leaving Gauteng Province, across the vast Mpumalanga, to Machadadorp, established as an overnight stop for early transport riders or hunters. Waterval- Boven is where the highveld officially comes to a spectacular & abrupt ending as the train descends sharply, 228 metres to Waterval-Onder, enters the Elands River valley & onto Nelspruit. Heading north now & parallel to the western border of the Kruger National Park, on to Hoedspruit in the Valley of the Oliphants.

This is so called as it is the largest aggregation of privately owned wildlife reserves in the world. Apart from superb game viewing focusing on the Big 5 – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino & leopard – within the area defined by the Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg escarpment & Blyde River Canyon there are superb outdoor recreation facilities. Including championship golf courses, excellent fishing & the wildlife safari experiences.

3. Cape Town – Port Elizabeth - ‘The Garden Route’

One day, two nights – 1000 kms. This journey is available in both directions.

Departing from Cape Town & traveling first through the wine regions of Robertson, Aston & Swellendam, the line meets the Garden route at Mossel Bay, the point where in 1488, Bartholomew Diaz was the first European to anchor & scramble onto South African soil. The train continues on with spectacular coastal scenery unfolding, before arriving into the settlement of George. Here, guests will be taken, by bus, to the popular Outenique Choo-Tjoe line for a ride in the vintage steam engine drawn 24 carriage train that travels through Wilderness Lake, then onto the thrilling ascent of the Outenique Pass, bound for Oudtshoorn. As the train descends steeply, it enters the Little Karoo – an area of sandstone cliffs, wild flowers & grand Edwardian & Victorian farmhouse mansions.

When traveling from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, guests are taken to the famous Cango Caves & afterwards, to an Ostrich Farm. From Ousdtshoorn, the line travels through the Kammanassie Mountains, into the Eastern Cape near Willowmore, through the Grootrivier Mountains to reach Port Elizabeth on the shoreline of the Indian Ocean.

4. Pretoria – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Two days, two nights – 1600 kms. This epic journey is available in both northbound & southbound directions.

Heading out of Pretoria, via Johannesburg, the train passes through Krugersdorp, Swartruggens, Mafikeng & then crosses into Botswana making a brief stop in the capital city of Gabarone. Heading directly northward across the dry & undulating savannahs of Botswana, past precariously balancing granite outcrops it heads deeper into the heart of Africa. After Freetown, the train crosses into Zimbabwe & stops at Bulawayo for a few hours. Guests are invited to spend time exploring this colonial town which sits on the banks of the Matsheumlope River, one of the tributaries that flows into the mighty Zambezi.

The explorer, Cecil Rhodes lies buried in the mysterious Matopos hills that provide a stark backdrop, the train continues north towards Victoria Falls. Locally this deluge of Zambezi waters that pour in and over the chasm is known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. The first European to discover Victoria Falls was Dr David Livingstone, the British explorer in 1855.

In heavy rainfall periods that swell the mighty Zambezi, spray that is tossed up by Victoria Falls can be seen from a distance of 50 kms away as it rises swirling into the air. The falls are accepted as being one of the ‘eight natural wonders of the world’.

On the southbound journey between Victoria Falls and Pretoria, the train stops at Hwange Game Reserve so guests can take in spectacular game viewing in what is recognized as one of Africa’s most abundant wildlife regions.

Experience the elegance, the extravagance & the sheer luxury of riding one of the most luxurious trains in the world, combining the opulence of days gone by travel with subtle modern innovations into the very heart & soul of Africa.

Rovos Rail has taken years to painstakingly restore two immaculate vintage steam trains & their twenty classic rolling stock of carriages. Each completed with minute attention to detail, half of them date back to the 1920’s & 30’s. Accommodating up to 72 guests, the facilities aboard are simply stunning & of the highest standards. The use of traditional furnishings & period décor, exquisite craftsmanship in all of the wooden paneling & an atmosphere of grandeur by far exceeds the original construction.

There are two standards of suites available – Royal Suites & Deluxe Suites. The Royal Suites offer Victorian claw footed bathtubs & are of a considerable size, being 16 sq m – 172 sq feet taking up half of one carriage.

The Deluxe Suites restored with the exact same care and attention, occupy 11 sq m – 118 sq feet & take up approximately one third of a carriage. With the option of twin bedded or double bedded suites, each accommodates two guests. A private lounge area, individually air-conditioned with en-suite bathroom facilities boasting hot showers, hair dryers & shaver plugs.

The trains have beautifully restored dining cars where extensive cuisine menus, the wine cellar & service levels are beyond reproach.

Rovos Rail Classic Journeys

1. Cape Town – Pretoria ‘Traditional Pioneer’

One day , one night – 1600kms.
Departs Cape Town to Pretoria, each Monday
Departs Pretoria to Cape Town, each Tuesday & Friday.

Aboard the ‘Pride of Africa’ there is no finer short journey than this weekly experience. From the southern extremity of South Africa, 1600 kms the route follows the old pioneering trail carved out of African bushveld, passing through the winelands & climbing slowly into the interior of the country, the Hex River Valley. A highlight of the journey is a stop at the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100 year old refreshment center in the midst of the arid Karoo – then Kimberley ( De Beers city ) the diamond boom town that lays claim to the largest man made excavation in the world ‘Big Hole’.

2. Pretoria – Durban ‘Classic Safari’

Two nights, three days

Departs Pretoria to Durban each Friday arriving Sunday late afternoon
Departs Durban to Pretoria each Monday arriving Wednesday afternoon

Departing from Capital Park in Pretoria, the ‘Pride of Africa’ travels towards Witbank, then down the spectacular escarpment into a bushveld paradise. Awake at Malelane, Mpumalanga for an early morning game drive in the world famous Kruger National Park. Then, rejoining the train, relax as it travels towards the Kingdom of Swaziland. An afternoon game drive through the pristine Mkhaya Game Reserve followed by a memorable candle light bush dinner beside the river at the exclusive Stone Camp. Overnight the train heads on to Hlulhuwe in Zululand, sanctuary of the endangered White Rhino & after a game drive at dawn, head over the rolling lush hills and canefields of the KwaZulu – Natal on into Durban on the shores of the Indian Ocean coast.

3. Cape Town to George & Knysna ‘The Garden Route’

Two days, one night

Departs Cape Town on Fridays arriving Knysna Saturday lunchtime.
Departs George Saturday arriving Cape Town Sunday late afternoon.

The 620 km rail journey between Cape Town & George, then onto Knysna, which is located at the head of a coastal inland lagoon in the heart of the world renown Garden Route. This is rated one of the most spectacular coastal trips in the world. Departing from the Mother City as Cape Town is affectionately known, travel north & east through the mountains before passing hectare after hectare of grid like vineyards, rolling wheat fields & horse stud farms in the Robertson Valley. There’s an opportunity to stop & sample world class vintages, then rejoining the train, onto the coast & the picturesque town of George.

For those guests who delight in historical vintage trains, there is the optional choice of carrying on in the Outenique Choo- Tjoe for a final spectacular 67 kilometres of vista into Knysna. This nature lovers mecca draws visitors from the world over with an array of natural wonders, abundant bird life & numerous sporting & recreational attractions.

4. Pretoria – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ‘Pristine Nostalgic Expedition’

Three days, two nights

Departs Pretoria on Thursday arriving Victoria Falls on Saturday afternoon
Departs Victoria Falls on Saturday arriving Pretoria on Monday afternoon

Combine the sheer luxury of train travel with the excitement of a flight in an immaculately restored vintage airliner in what can only be described as a pristine, nostalgic experience. Traveling along this wonderous route of special significance & interest, rich in romance & adventure, steeped in history. Spend three days aboard the ‘Pride of Africa’ as it ascends the Drakensberg escarpment into the subtropical climes of Mpumalanga. To the renown Kruger National Park & onto Hoedspruit where here a fascinating game viewing excursion is planned. Thereafter rejoining the train as it slowly ascends the mountain range heading west through the Tzaneen & Duiwelskloof up ancient gorges, past towering cliffs into Baobab country.

At Pietersburg, alight from the train to board our vintage aircraft on a two hour flightseeing extravaganza which will have you gazing down at seemingly endless savannah until suddenly, the thin misty wisps of Mosi- oa-Tunya - ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ - as Victoria Falls in known, comes into plain sight usually some 50kms before landing at the Victoria Falls airport.

This is most definitely one of the world’s classic nostalgic adventures & one not to be missed, passed over or put off for another time.

5. Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar ‘The Penultimate historical adventure’

Thirteen days , twelve nights

One departure annually from Cape Town in June
One departure annually from Dar es Salaam in July

This annual epic penultimate historical adventure crosses four International borders, travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania heading for the lush, exotic East Coast on into Dar es Salaam. We believe within a matter of a few short years, this will be the most sought after train journey in the world but meantime, it is most certainly unique & the most magnificent contrasting train travel experience to be had in Africa.Highlights en-route include stopping at Kimberley - the diamond boom town with the largest man excavated hole ever engineered; a city tour of the South African capital city of Pretoria; the Kruger National Park & an overnight stay in a five star Private Game Reserve with a visit to the Cheetah & Wild Dog conservation project close to Hoedspruit; cruise the Zambezi River at sunset, followed by a spectacular African traditional dance spectacular; the incredible Luangwa Valley & the amazing Tazara railway before arriving to Dar es Salaam.

Once here, guests can opt to extend & go on to visit the city & port of Zanzibar with its pirate heritage or Mt Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater & the wildlife paradise of the Serengeti or Masi-Mara National Parks.