The Blue Train - A Window to the Soul of South Africa
I have travelled on Africa’s most luxurious train, with a 5* service that you would expect from a train as enticing as The Blue Train. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and. . .
I have travelled on Africa’s most luxurious train, with a 5* service that you would expect from a train as enticing as The Blue Train. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service delivered over the 27-hour duration of the journey. From meeting up with fellow passengers in the check-in area where champagne, coffee and pastries are available, and the tingling expectation of what awaits on one of the world’s most iconic trains, coupled with the experience of what lies ahead, until we get to Cape Town in circa 27 hours, fills the mind with wonder. I was checked in and was personally escorted to my carriage, introduced to my personal butler and shown the workings of my cabin, followed by my butler advising me of the day’s itinerary. What followed was a meet and greet in the lounge for drinks and canapés, and an invitation to explore the train from front to back, which I duly did. The observation deck at the rear delivered views so breathtaking that I could have sat in my comfortable armchair all day. However, lunch was called, which naturally was preceded by drinks in the bar, where I perused the lunch menu to choose what I wanted, but I wanted everything. The dining room is spectacular, from the very comfortable dining chairs to the 5* plus food, beverages, and service. After post-dinner drinks, I retired to my cabin for a snooze, which was easy to achieve due to the helpful click-clack of the train meandering its way through the striking countryside of South Africa. The train features a full-sized bath, perfectly positioned beside a large window, allowing guests to soak in luxury while watching the spectacular South African landscape glide by. Having never dressed up for dinner, I chose to go full on and get out the good kit for what I hoped was going to be a ‘Hercule Poirot’ evening of intrigue, subterfuge, and crimes of passion. Alas, I was to be disappointed. Instead, I had quality pre-dinner drinks in a bar any 5* hotel would be proud of, a mouth-watering menu coupled with a top-end wine list curated by the train’s own sommelier, and a few post-dinner whiskeys (with an e), and yes, the train had two Irish whiskies to choose from; I chose Redbreast 12 year old, it would have been rude not to. After I retired to my cabin, and yes, my butler had beaten me to it and delivered my turndown service, I thought about my day and how spectacular it had been before I drifted off for a perfect, solid night’s sleep, which was disturbed only by my early morning call and morning tea in bed. After breakfast, which offered everything imaginable, I went to sit in the observation cabin to watch Western Province and Cape Town (The Mother City) come into view. There is no rush on the Blue Train when the train pulled into Cape Town station, then and only then did I pack and disembark. It was a trip I would recommend to everyone who wishes to be spoiled and pampered. Life is short, go visit the world, starting with this beautiful train……The Blue Train……The Blue Train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town in either direction. An off-train excursion in Kimberley is included, allowing guests to visit the Big Hole (the world’s largest man-made excavation) and Diamond Mine Museum. It is unique, technically, with its under-floor heating and cooling systems throughout the train. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, golden-tinted picture windows, and air-conditioning. All high-end meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Cuban cigars, and a dedicated butler are included at no extra cost. There are only 14 or 19 carriages, depending upon which train set is operating. You will therefore be sharing this wonderful experience with 28 or 38 persons, max.