Savoring the luxury of The Blue Train

August 11, 9:51 PMTrain Travel ExaminerDebbie Early

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The Blue Train in South Africa is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. This moving five-star hotel offers butler service, lounge cars, an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, (although I confess I don't recall these) in soundproofed, carpeted compartments. Not surprisingly the train has been enjoyed by kings and presidents.

The origins of the train date to the 1920s when Union Limited  trains took passengers from Johannesburg to Cape Town. They then journeyed onwasrds to England via ship. The almost 30-hour train journey between Pretoria and Cape Town is about 990 miles. Passengers can enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa. I certainly did.

In fact, there are two trains, each traveling in opposite directions. The trains apparently travel at a speed of 58,2 mph. Both are about 430 yards long. The weight of each train (excluding the locomotives) is reported to be over 800 metric tons.

Although most visitors travel, between the highveld and the Cape, as I did, there are alternative routes available to local safari lodges. The Blue Train is also used for events such as VIP breakfasts, lunches or dinner parties, business meetings, small conferences, wedding receptions and more.