Luxury Safaris by Rail, part 2: The Blue Train
Posted on Thursday, October 7th, 2010
The Blue Train is one of the most luxurious trains left in the world. At the core, it’s a moving five-star hotel, painted flamboyantly blue and yellow, which travels all around the glorious South African countryside both for regularly scheduled and chartered runs. If you can imagine nothing better than sitting in a comfy chair, wine glass in hand, watching the amazing countryside roll by, a luxury train safari is a potential perfect holiday for you. If you’d like to travel in a world of “grace, elegance, and romance” on your luxury safari, the Blue Train is the right choice.
Suites on the Blue Train are world famous for their opulence. Each suite has the finest bed linens, marble tiles, and gold fittings throughout each bathroom and bedroom. You’ll feel like a millionaire in a way that probably has never been possible for you before. Each luxury suite is carefully decorated and planned out. You’ll even find a deep bath available in your bathroom. Bedrooms come equipped with a choice of radio and movie channels on your own digital entertainment system, along with a small library of CDs and DVDs for more refined entertainment. Suites are transformed during the day into relaxing lounges by the butler, one of whom is on hand for 24 hours in each coach.
Your meals on the Blue Train will be exquisite. Each dish features a range of local cuisine, ranging anywhere from Karoo lamb to ostrich fillet to award-winning wines from the local Winelands. Each meal is prepared with the freshest ingredients possible, served on the finest china with elegant Sheffield cutlery and glassware. Breakfast is casual, lunch is smart-casual, and dinner is formal, lending the trip that extra touch of formality and old-fashioned glamour.
Depending on which route you choose, you’ll experience a different stopover. If you’re heading south between Pretoria and Cape Town, you’ll have a stop in Kimberley for a historical journey through the era of the diamond rush. If you’re heading north, you’ll stop at Matjiesfontein to experience Victorian splendour with a glass of sherry at the bar and a wander through the Victorian buildings and lampposts imported from London, perhaps heading out on an excursion on an Old London Bus. You’ll truly feel as though you’ve stepped into one of your favourite Victorian novels.
For those going from Pretoria to Durban, the trip is a little longer and includes instead two nights at Zimbali Lodge. For golfers, the resort offers an 18 hole golf course with native trees, natural streams and ponds, which helps the course to blend in and provide a unique experience. If golf is not your type of leisure activity, you’ll also be able to enjoy the spa and other leisure facilities during your relaxing break. If you’re after a true safari experience, you can choose the trip from Pretoria to Bakubung Game Lodge, where you’ll stay for two nights and experience daily game drives led by experienced rangers and trackers.
Do you fancy an old-fashioned, luxury rail journey? If so, the Blue Train may be just the choice for your luxury safari holiday.
Alex, you’re right about the Blue Train, it is a very luxurious train that is superbly comfortable with service and cuisine to match. South Africa is also one of the most stunning countries to travel through – a winning combination.