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The Blue Train: Cape Town to Pretoria
Cape Town | Kleinstraat / Aquila Private Game Reserve | Pretoria Print | Email
 
Price and Departures
Rates:
from ZAR 8595 twin / ZAR 12895 single

Departs:
Selected Mon, Wed & Fri Departures
 

A journey on The Blue Train holds the promise of indulgent luxury and a glimpse of the charm of South Africa from the train's gracious hosts onboard, to incredible beauty as one travels the route from Cape Town northwards to Pretoria... "A window to the soul of South Africa".  This five star 'hotel-on-wheels' delights the senses, from delectable cuisine, elegant suites and the opportunity to experience a hint of a bygone era, with traditional attire and gowns for dinner and a Lounge Car where high tea is enjoyed at a leisurely pace, whilst the South African countryside rolls gently by.
 
Itinerary  Highlights

CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA
DAY 1:

  • 07:50-08:30
    Register and check-in at The Blue Train lounge, whilst guests enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks.
  • 08:30
    Boarding begins and Butlers usher guests to their suites, whereupon the Butler will conduct a suite orientation.
  • 08:50
    The Blue Train departs from the station.
  • 10:30-11:45
    First sitting for brunch.
  • 12:00-13:15
    Second Sitting for brunch.
  • 13:30-14:45
    Train arrives at Kleinstraat siding for an off-train excursion at Aquila Private Game Reserve.  Guests are transferred by Aquila vehicles and enjoy a welcome drink served a the Reserve.  Guests enjoy coffee/tea and snacks in the restaurant.
    An educational talk about habits and conservation of cheetahs is presented by experienced Game Rangers.  Guests will also be given the chance to interact with these incredible animals.
    As the philosopher Baba Dium once wrote "We only conserve what we love, we only love what we understand, we only understand what we know and we only know what we are taught".
  • 15:00
    The Blue Train departs for its northbound journey to Pretoria.
  • 16:00
    High tea is served in the Lounge Car.
  • 19:00
    First sitting for dinner.  Dinner this evening is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie or dress in traditional attire and ladies in elegant evening or traditional wear.
  • 21:00
    Second dinner sitting.

DAY 2:

  • 07:00-10:00
    The following morning, breakfast is served on a first come first served basis.  Breakfast can also be served in-suite at our guests' request.
  • 12:30
    The Blue Train arrives in Pretoria Station.  Butlers usher guests to The Blue Train Lounge.

Click here for more detailed information pertaining to the suites, the dining car and the Butler service.

Optional Pre & Post Tours

Train travel is a wonderful addition to any itinerary, as not only is it a magnificent manner in which to travel from A to B, taking in spectacular scenery, but it also 'slows' the pace of the vacation down for time spent dedicated to the indulgent pleasures of cuisine and conversation, with the opportunity to rest. 

Thompsons Africa offer a range of accommodation options in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town for either a pre or post additions to a tripo on-board The Blue Train.  Thompsons Africa own and maintain a fleet of vehicles, therefore we cater for transfers and tours in all of these areas.  We can easily assist you with accommodation, transfers to and from your hotel to the train station as well as day tours in all of these areas.  If your itinerary allows some time in Johannesburg, why not take our SOWETO Tour - this tour provides a fascinating insight into township life in South Africa.  We highly recommend that you spend a few nights in Cape Town, and enjoy this cosmopolitan and scenically arresting destination.  Whilst in Cape Town we recommend a full day Cape Winelands Tour and a full day Cape Peninsula Tour. 

Why not 'tack-on' a fully escorted / guided tour of the Garden Route, which is an area of South Africa referred to as the 'Garden of Eden' as it offers picturesque coastal hamlets, to semi desert Karoo landscapes, a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon and 'feathers and history' in Oudtshoorn, massive indigenous trees of the Tsitsikamma and more - we will transport you in comfortable, air-conditioned mini-coaches - small groups for personalised attention and attention to detail - you will not be disappointed. 
Garden Route Splendour - 4 days - Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
Magnificent Garden Route - 4 days - Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
Garden Route Wonderland - 4 days - Cape Town back to Cape Town

Our Consultants will be able to advise you on your entire African vacation - perhaps you are interested in adding Victoria Falls to your itinerary, or a safari in Botswana or the Kruger National Park... we look forward to being of assistance.

Related Locations
  • South Africa
  • Cape Town
  • The Blue Train boasts a rich history which aside from the sheer luxury of the train is a fascinating 'story'.  Dating back to 1933, The Blue Train has played host to numerous celebrities, Kings and Queens and the staff have many tales to tell to enliven the evenings.  Totally renovated and modernised in 1997, The Blue Train was relaunched in 1997.

    • Five Star luxury in every respect - decor, service, cuisine and attention to detail.
    • Interesting and entertaining off-train excursion.
    • Meals on board The Blue Train are a 'special affair', with top south African chefs and the freshest produce, the train offers a gastronomic dining experience.
    • Dinner is accompanied by award-winng South African wines.
    • Experience the indulgence and romance of a by-gone era of travel.
    • Spectacular scenery that 'only trains can pass through'.

       The Blue Train - Bar & Lounge Car 

     Includes

    • Luxury Accommodation
    • All meals
    • High Tea
    • All Drinks
    • All off-train excursions

    ** Rates exclude French Champagne, caviar and external calls.

     Price & Departures

    DELUXE SUITE 
    01 Jan 2008 - 31 Aug 2008
    ZAR 8 595 twin / ZAR 12 895 single
    01 Sep 2008 -15 Nov 2008
    ZAR 10 609 twin / ZAR 15 900 single
    16 Nov 2008 - 31Dec 2008
    ZAR 8 595 twin / ZAR 12 895 single

    LUXURY SUITE 
    01 Jan 2008 - 31 Aug 2008
    ZAR 9 289 twin / ZAR 13 929 single
    01 Sep 2008 -15 Nov 2008
    ZAR 11 550 twin / ZAR 17 175 single
    16 Nov 2008 - 31Dec 2008
    ZAR 9 289 twin / ZAR 13 929 single

    CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA
    Selected Departures: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
    2008 Scheduled Departures

    Feb 6,11,15,22,27
    Mar 7,12,19,26
    Apr 2,9,14,16,23,30
    May 14,21,28
    Jun 6,11,18,25
    Jul 11,16,23,30
    Aug 6,13,20,25,29
    Sep 3,8,12,17,22,26
    Oct 1,3,6,10,15,17,20,22,24,27,29,31
    Nov 3,5,7,10,12,17,24,28
    Dec 3,8,12,17,22

    • A 1 hour check-in time is required prior to departures.
    • All prices shown are one-way.

    Departure & Arrival Times Times:

    • Pretoria to Cape Town: Depart Pretoria at 08:50am / Arrive Cape Town at 12:20pm
    • Cape Town to Pretoria: Depart Cape Town at 08:50am / Arrive Pretoria at 12:20pm

       The Blue Train - incredible vistas of South Africa

     Related Activities
  • Luxury Train Journeys
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