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This is luxury rail travel at its best. Several common spaces allow guests to chat, or read. The Club Car Lounge has a refined pub-like feel, with leather chairs set around shallow tables – perfect for a dram and a backgammon board. High Tea is served in the Lounge Car, comfortably furnished with couches and coffee tables. The dining car is bright by day, soft-lit and romantic by night; here you'll enjoy freshly prepared meals and superb South African wines.
De Luxe and Luxury coaches each have four or three individual cabins. Each cabin functions as a private lounge during the day and a sleeping cabin with foldaway beds at night. De Luxe Cabins either have a 3/4 bath/shower or a glamorous shower. Luxury Cabins are more spacious and contain a deep bathtub. However, all the cabins are unapologetically luxurious, with super-comfortable twin or double beds, goose-down duvets, marble bathrooms and fabulous views of the passing countryside. There's wi-fi too.
The Pretoria-Hoedspuit–Pretoria journeys take place on select dates, so advanced planning is absolutely essential. Boarding always begins at 13:00; departure is at 15:00; and arrival the next morning is around 10:00. While in transit, feel free to relax, admire the views, and take things at your leisure. Meals, of course, are scheduled. There are two sittings for dinner, one from 18:30–20:00, the second from 20:30. For train enthusiasts, two engineers on board are happy to share their knowledge.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
11 nights from $6.7K per person
14 nights from $10.1K per person
14 nights from $8.5K per person
10 nights from $15.4K per person
The Blue Train can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring The Blue Train or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at The Blue Train start from around $1.9K, or US$1.9K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
The City of Gold is vibrant, diverse and more than worth spending a few extra hours in.
