The Blue Train route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 31-hour journey of 1600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. On the Southbound journey, the train departs from Pretoria at 16:00 and arrives in Cape Town at 10h30 two days later. En route to Cape Town there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where we take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Around-the-clock personal Butlers see to the guests’ every need for the duration of their journey; be it in the comfort of their private suites or in any one of our exquisite lounges.
- The train features panoramic size windows enabling guests to comfortably view the stunning scenery of the South African countryside.
- Guests indulge in sublime fine-dining accompanied by some of the best wines South Africa has to offer.
- Guests can tune into the driver’s eye view camera and watch the world ahead as the train swiftly glides along on its journey of 1,600 kilometres.
- Modern technological advancements include a TV monitor in each suite, an automated 24 channel entertainment system and Wi-Fi throughout.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Depart Pretoria
You will begin this exciting adventure in the afternoon at 12:30pm where you will register and check-in at Pretoria Station. Guests are boarded directly to The Blue Train. Please enjoy your your pre-departure snacks and drinks onboard. High tea and dinner will be served according to the planned schedule.
*Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2: Off-train excursion in Kimberley
Enjoy breakfast on-board. The Blue Train will arrive at Kimberley station at 9:30am allowing guests to disembark and gather at the railway museum and begin their tour to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. You will have the chance to view interesting historical sites and taken to an enclosed ramp on the edge of the Big Hole. Return to the station and enjoy a glass of sherry at the bar. You will also receive a sherry glass as a memento for you to keep. Lunch and dinner will be served according to the schedule.
*Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 3: Arrive in Cape Town
In the morning, you will be served breakfast on a first come first serve basis. The train will arrive at Cape Town station at 12:00pm where the journey will end.
About the Hotel
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo... all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.
It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. Cairo was never to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. And even ordinary folk who romanticise about a life of spectacular luxury, a life that has seemed tantalisingly out of reach. Until now...
Room Types
Whats included?
- Accommodation
- All meals
- High tea
- Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Excursions as specified
What’s not included?
- International and internal flights
- Visas and entry fees, if applicable
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Any item not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
