African Rain Journey's
The Blue Train is regarded as one of the most luxurious trains in the world and offers a truly unique journey across South Africa from Cape Town to Pretoria (or in reverse). Aimed at creating a hotel on wheels experience, the Blue Train is a sumptuous choice for a pan-South Africa journey with beautifully crafted wood-lined suites.
The Blue Train takes 27 hours to travel from Cape Town to Pretoria with an off-train excursion included at Matjiesfontein in the Karoo - a perfectly preserved Victorian settlement where you feel like you have truly stepped back in time. On the reverse journey from Pretoria to Cape Town the Blue Train stops at Kimberley - home of the diamond rush.
The Blue Train can carry a maximum of 82 guests at one time but on occasions a shorter train is operated. The suites are either deluxe which have an en-suite shower room with marble tiles and gold taps or a luxury suite which are larger and have an en-suite bathroom. Your suite is luxuriously furnished with plush armchairs which convert into beds at night with a TV and telephone. During your journey you have the service of a dedicated butler who will be only too happy to cater for your every need. You certainly won't go hungry on the Blue Train either with brunch, afternoon tea and a four-course dinner on offer, paired with fine South African wines.
When to go
Cape Town is a year-round destination, with its driest months running from November through to February where skies are generally clear and the sun is shining. Temperatures range from 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F). The winter months run from May to August when the weather is cooler, at around 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 65°F). The wettest month is June with around 93mm of rain falling and the odd thunderstorm making an appearance.
Described as a five-star hotel on wheels, the Blue Train’s standard journey is between Cape Town and Pretoria and takes 27 hours traversing 1,600km and show-casing the diversity of South Africa’s landscapes. Stopping en route at the home of the diamond mining rush in Kimberley on the southbound journey or step back in time with an off-train excursion to Matjiesfontein when travelling north to Pretoria. Your night on the train will be in the lap of luxury with butler service and a gastronomic dinner themed around the golden age of rail travel. My top tip to really make the most of the journey and exquisite scenery that you pass through is to spend time in the observation car at the back of the train – a truly memorable experience!
Rovos Rail
Billing itself as the most luxurious train in the world, Rovos Rail offers a truly unique experience capturing the romance of a bygone era on a memorable rail journey across South Africa, or further afield to Victoria Falls, Namibia or Tanzania.
Rovos Rail is the perfect way to travel in style across South Africa in wood-panelled carriages which have been refurbished to emulate the bygone era when train travel way king. As you step aboard the train you will be transported back in time for a journey which is rich in romance and grandeur.
The most popular route is between Cape Town and Pretoria (and in reverse), a 1600-kilometre journey traversing the country. It really shows off the diversity of the country from the dramatic Cape, through the harsh Karoo environment to the jacaranda-lined streets of Pretoria. Off-train excursions are offered at Matjiesfontein in the Karoo, a perfectly preserved Victorian village and Kimberley, the home of diamond mining and the Big Hole - the world's largest man-made excavation site. If you are looking for a longer journey there is a meander from Pretoria to Victoria Falls as well as through Namibia. For a real no holds barred experience; all the way to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious trains imaginable and has many of the comforts that you would expect in a 5-star hotel with service to match. The train has 36 luxury suites and can carry a maximum of 72 guests at one time. The dining cars date back to pre-1940 and dinner is a formal affair with traditional food and South African wines served. The pullman and deluxe suites have an en suite shower room whilst the royal suites have en suite bathrooms complete with Victorian roll-top bath. There are a number of lounges including an observation carriage and smoking lounge.
When to go
Johannesburg remains fairly mild all year. Summer months run from November to March with average temperatures falling between 11°C and 25°C (52°F - 77°F), while in the winter months temperatures can fall to 4°C but generally lie at around 16°C (40°F - 60°F). The rainy season begins in October and continues through to April. Travellers interested in spending time in the area during the local events and festivals which characterize the culture there will probably find that autumn is the season to head to Johannesburg.
For those looking for added wow factor, how about traversing Botswana on a two-night journey ending at one of the natural wonders of the world – Victoria Falls? Or for those with more time to spare (and an even healthier budget) there are longer trips through Namibia and up to Dar es Salaam – irregular in frequency, these are real once-in-a-lifetime trips all characterised by Rovos Rail’s famous luxury and flawless service!