The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.

The routes of The Blue Train take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. And, as expected, the meals are complimented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.

In ensuring that your experience is as reliable and sound as it is luxurious, safety and technical excellence are of paramount importance on The Blue Train.

All the suites, and every public area, are fitted with constantly monitored smoke detection systems. Two highly qualified technicians are always on board, and the trains are thoroughly serviced at the Pretoria depot after every return trip.

The Blue Train's suspension, braking, lighting and under-floor heating systems have been designed and customised with our guests' comfort as the primary consideration, allowing them to savour the experience of a smooth, pleasurable ride.

Every modern convenience, including a telephone service and a choice of digital entertainment channels, serves to make the journey all the more memorable.

When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.

The Trains

Our luxurious journeys are made possible by two Blue Train sets. The first train accommodates 82 guests in 41 suites. The second accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train.

The trains travel at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour (58,2 mph). Both are 336 metres (433 yards) long and consist of 18 carriages, 11 of which are for the use of the guests. The weight of each train is approximately 825 metric tons, excluding the locomotives.

They each carry 31 000 litres (6820 gallons) of water. Two diesel-powered generators - one of which is always on standby - are used to supply The Blue Train's demanding power requirements.

The kitchen car is a masterpiece of stainless-steel design. The fully air-conditioned car features walk-in cool rooms and freezers, ensuring that wines and hors d'oeuvres remain at optimum temperatures.

All the public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. A standard internal temperature of between 20 to 21°C (70 to 72°F) is maintained throughout the journey.

For the comfort of guests, each suite has individual temperature controls which range from 18 to 24°C (65 to 77°F). These systems are water-cooled and each suite has its own fresh air intake.

During cold periods, all systems are provided with heating cycles from the air-conditioning units, as well as under-floor heating. Heating systems have been fitted under the marble tiles of most of the bathrooms.