Southern Africa has always attracted adventurous and romantic souls - discerning travelers who crossed the land in as much comfort as possible, but it was not until 1928 when the first luxury train was introduced between Johannesburg and Cape Town that truly luxurious train travel became a reality.
South Africa has gained a major new international tourist attraction with the launch (September 26/27, 1997) of a magnificent new Blue Train, one of the most luxurious train in the world.
Ninety percent of The Blue Train's passengers have been international visitors and, with the new train, we expect this trend to continue. The tourism industry is one of the great hopes for the South African economy and the new Blue Train demonstrates how our young democracy has been able to produce a traveling masterpiece which will attract tourists from around the world.
With interiors created by a leading interior architectural design company, the new Blue Train will rival many a five-star hotel in terms of grace, comfort and style. The compartments have been superbly redesigned to offer discerning guests the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship can provide.
By day, your private suite is an elegant and relaxing haven. Generous lounge chairs and a writing desk at the window afford unparalleled views of Africa's panoramic and enigmatic sights.
The Trains
Our luxurious journeys are made possible by two Blue Train sets. The first train accommodates 82 guests in 41 suites. The second accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train.
The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph). Both are 336 metres (433 yards) long and consist of 18 carriages, 11 of which are for the use of the guests. The weight of each train is approximately 825 metric tons, excluding the locomotives.
They each carry 31 000 litres (6820 gallons) of water. Two diesel-powered generators - one of which is always on standby - are used to supply The Blue Train's demanding power requirements.
The kitchen car is a masterpiece of stainless-steel design. The fully air-conditioned car features walk-in cool rooms and freezers, ensuring that wines and hors d'oeuvres remain at optimum temperatures.
Luxury Experience
Temperature control
All the public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. A standard internal temperature of between 20 to 21°C (70 to 72°F) is maintained throughout the journey.
For the comfort of guests, each suite has individual temperature controls which range from 18 to 24°C (65 to 77°F). These systems are water-cooled and each suite has its own fresh air intake.
During cold periods, all systems are provided with heating cycles from the air-conditioning units, as well as under-floor heating. Heating systems have been fitted under the marble tiles of most of the bathrooms.
Suites
Each suite has its own bathroom with either a shower or bath. There are two luxury coaches which both have three suites with bathrooms fitted with tubs. The other nine De Luxe coaches have four suites per coach. One of the four suites has a bathroom with a bath, while the other three have showers.
The beds have been custom-designed for The Blue Train. A butler pulls them out, already made, from a space in the suite wall, converting the lounge into a comfortable bedroom. White cotton sheets and down duvets are the standard linen throughout the train. Ten of the suites feature double beds on the first train, while there are nine on the second.
The luxury suites have hi-fi, audio CD and VHS video systems.
Guests on The Blue Train receive special branded gifts at the end of the journey.
Dining
The dining car provides seating for 42 people. There are two sittings for lunch and dinner. Lunch is smart-casual, dinner is jacket and tie for the men and elegant wear for the ladies, while breakfast is casual.
Lounges
Each of The Blue Trains has two lounges: the main lounge car in which high tea is served each afternoon, and the club car where guests can relax over a post-prandial cognac. The club car is the only public area available for smoking.
In ensuring that your experience is as reliable and sound as it is luxurious, safety and technical excellence are of paramount importance on The Blue Train.
All the suites, and every public area, are fitted with constantly monitored smoke detection systems. Two highly qualified technicians are always on board, and the trains are thoroughly serviced at the Pretoria depot after every return trip.
The Blue Train's suspension, braking, lighting and under-
floor heating systems have been designed and customised with our guests' comfort as the primary consideration, allowing them to savour the experience of a smooth, pleasurable ride.
Every modern convenience, including a telephone service and a choice of digital entertainment channels, serves to make the journey all the more memorable.
Download The Blue Train Brochure (Note: pdf document of 6.7MB) or a slideshow about The Blue Train (Microsoft PowerPoint file of 3.4MB) for more information.
Emergencies
There is a first-aid worker on board and contingency medical plans have been put into place should an emergency arise. There are also doctors on standby en route.
Facilities
Fax facilities are available in the train manager's office. There are also facilities for mailing letters, as well as stamps and The Blue Train postcards.
A camera mounted on the front of both trains gives guests a driver's-eye-view of the scenery ahead. The unfolding journey is shown on a TV screen in the club car and on one of the TV channels so guests can view it in their suites.
Each suite is also equipped with a cellular communication telephone which can be used for phone calls and to reach train staff.
The Blue Train has a central intercom system which is used for making relevant announcements.
Staff at your service
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.
The Blue Train management team is at your service to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience on the journey.
