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The Blue Train South Africa

Jenny Burns
2014-01-24
Reviews, South Africa, Transport
The-Blue-Train-South-Africa.
The Blue Train. Image courtesy of the Blue Train.

The Blue Train is marketed as one of the world’s most luxurious train trips. My trip lived up to expectations.  It was a relaxing way to see the South African countryside.

What: Suite 28, a luxury suite on the Blue Train between Cape Town and Pretoria

Who: JB

Why: As I had heard about the Blue Train on many trips to South Africa, but never experienced it, South African Tourism arranged a trip for me.

When: May 17, 2013

How did it rate?

A-luxury-suite-the-Blue-Train-South-Africa.
A luxury suite on the Blue Train. Image courtesy of the Blue Train.

The size and decor of the suite including the full size bath.

My butler who was friendly and helpful and brought me a hot cup of coffee in the morning!

A comfortable chair and desk good for writing (if you do have to work).

The bathrobes – especially as I was trying to keep luggage to a minimum.

The request from train manager that mobiles not be used in public areas.

The fresh fruit waiting for me in my carriage – especially welcome as I chose the later brunch time on the first morning of my trip.

Dinner-on-the-Blue-Train-South-Africa
Dinner on the Blue Train. Image courtesy of the Blue Train.

The meals generally of a very high standard and the service was friendly and helpful.


The cost of the train trip is fully inclusive excluding caviar and French champagne.

Although I didn’t watch it there was a television which included a selection of movies, music and information on the train trip and areas travelled through.

The front facing seat looked straight into the mirror of the dressing table so I did continually see myself in the mirror which at times can be disconcerting!

[caption id="attachment_1341" align="alignnone" width="1024"]A-double-bed-in-a-luxury-cabin-Blue-Train-South-Africa. A double bed in a luxury cabin on the Blue Train. Image courtesy of the Blue Train.[/caption] [question] I found sleeping very difficult given the movement of the train – some on the train experienced similar problems, others reported an excellent night’s sleep.

Wi fi in the suite was unexpected and most welcome, but the service did drop out quite a bit which could lead to some frustration.

While promoted as brunch, the menu on offer was more of a lunch menu. It included escargots and herb and parmesan lamb. It wasn’t a problem for me as I chose the second sitting which started at 12.30 and I was happy to have such cuisine for lunch, but not sure if I would want it at 10.30am  – the time of the first sitting.

Dinner on the train is formal, so men must wear a tie and jacket and women elegant evening wear. While I was happy to dress accordingly this may not suit everyone.

The afternoon tea of cakes, scones and sandwiches disappeared very quickly. After such a big lunch I wasn’t interested in any more food but early sitting brunch patrons may enjoy such delights.

Visit the Blue Train website for more information on this trip or in Australia Africareps
Visit travelswithjb/South Africa for more reviews and stories about South Africa.
  • luxury, South Africa, train travel
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