TRAINS

THE BLUE TRAIN

Welcome on The Blue Train – a world of refinement, sophistication and... romance.

This is one of South Africa’s premier luxury trains with a mysterious charm to it. Many dignitaries have enjoyed the absolute luxury accommodation this five-star hotel has to offer with one of the main ingredients being – personal service.

Accommodation is in the form of luxury and deluxe suites – both equipped with either twin or double-beds and shower, marble tiles, gold fittings and... the finest bed linen. The luxury suites offer baths, as well as radio/movie facilities and a private digital entertainment centre.

The railway journey takes the traveler through some of the most spectacular sceneries in South Africa, with ever-changing landscapes... enjoy this awe-inspiring view whilst sipping a cocktail in the lounge or one of the club cars - or indulging in one of the superb, freshly prepared meals in the dining car.

As the sun sets, the smart casual attire is being transformed into elegant evening wear... this to keep with the classic style and African artwork on the train... and guests are being treated to a truly 5 star dinner with a culinary twist. The menu offers a diverse selection of local cuisine, accompanied by award-winning South African wines, and tasteful, soft background music. The kitchen also can also cater for Vegetarian, Kosher and Halaal dietary requirements, which should be requested when making your reservations. Breakfast is served in the form of either a Continental or Full English breakfast.

On each journey, a team of highly qualified and specially trained hospitality staff run The Blue Train. These include, train manager, rooms division supervisor, restaurant supervisor, executive chef, sous chef, butlers, waiters/barmen as well as kitchen staff.

So, all there is to do – sit back, relax and enjoy!

Trips operate between Pretoria and Cape Town (or vv), or Pretoria and Durban (or vv).

ROVOS RAIL

For the ultimate in luxury travel, experience the extravagant elegance of railway travel on the most luxurious train in the world. Rovos Rail's unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences.

Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.

The epitome of luxury travel, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds.

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

The Pullman Suites are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to enjoy luxury travel in privacy and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard.

Breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars – meals, carefully prepared, are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Meals can be adapted to suit special dietary requirements by prior arrangement.

The Observation Car seats 32 passengers and takes up the rear end of the train. The coach next to it contains a smoking lounge which seats 8. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets onboard and the use of cellular telephones is confined to the privacy of the suites.

During the day, the dress is smart casual. Attire that is more formal is worn in the evening on the “Pride of Africa’. A jacket & tie is a minimum requirement.

Choose from a short journey between Pretoria and Cape Town (or vv); Pretoria and Victoria Falls (or vv); Pretoria and Durban (or vv); or opt for a longer journey such as a Golf Safari, the African Golf Collage, Namibia Safari or Dar es Salaam!

DESERT EXPRESS

One of the best destinations for luxury vacations, Namibia is renowned for its wide open spaces and superb sunrises and sunsets. The timetable has been specifically designed to coincide with the sunrises and sunsets.

DESERT EXPRESS departs westbound in the early afternoon on Fridays from Windhoek Station and calls at the luxurious lodge for a stop, including a game activity.

Early the next morning, DESERT EXPRESS leaves the siding and continues on its westbound journey. The train will travel through the Namib Desert and finally behind the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where it will stop for sixty minutes, to allow passengers to disembark and take a walk. The dunes are really unique! The train will then proceed on to its final destination, Swakopmund, arriving at approximately 10h00.

On the eastbound journey from Swakopmund that departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, DESERT EXPRESS stops at a siding close to the Kahn Valley. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour, offered drinks and simply relax. Once back on the train, the evening and a superb three course dinner is on offer for you to enjoy and savour. The next morning we arrive at Okapuka Game Ranch at 08h00, where you can witness lions feeding. The train arrives at the historical Windhoek Station at 10.00 am. The train has twenty-four compartments - each accommodating one, two or three passengers. The compartments are fully air-conditioned and heated and have en-suite facilities as standard. Passengers have access to an elegant lounge, unique bistro bar and spacious restaurant that will serve the best in Namibian cuisine. Uniquely shaped large windows throughout the train, include the traveller in the wide open spaces.