The Ultimate South African Journey: South To North On The Blue Train

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 96
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The Blue Train Experience

The Blue Train''s origins lie in the 1920s, when thousands travelled from Cape Town to the goldfields of the north-east and back. The train service evolved into a luxury experience in more recent years, becoming known as a ''palace on wheels''. With full butler service end-to-end, the journey begins with travellers unwinding with cocktails before being escorted to their private suites.

The accommodation is worthy of the royalty and dignitaries who have enjoyed it over the years. By day the living room is an air-conditioned have, in which to relax and watch the scenery slip by, while by night it becomes a luxury bedroom, complete with cinema screen. The en suite bathroom (and it does have a bath, not just a shower) is fitted in gold and marble. For the next day and night, a personal butler is at hand, day or night, to attend to travellers'' every whim.

You could stay comfortably in your suite, but most will venture out to the luxury cars for a drink and to mingle with fellow travellers. These wood-panelled cars have a period feel, offset by contemporary African designer chic. A highlight ...
... of the journey is of course, the formal dinner (dress: elegant), featuring a spread of the best of South African cuisine. Treats include Karoo lamb, Knysna oysters or ostrich fillet, accompanied by the best South African wines.

Excursions

It''s not all sitting about in luxury. Each route (north- or southbound) includes a brief excursion. On the southbound trip, travellers disembark at Kimberley, Northern Cape Province, the site of the discovery of diamonds in 1869 and of the Big Hole, one of the largest man-made, hand-excavated mines ever created (it yielded 6000 pounds of diamonds in its heyday). On the northbound trip, a brief stop is made at the ornate Victorian hotel at Matjesfontein, a gracious colonial relic and an oasis in the dryness of the Great Karoo.

The Blue Train experience is not for the budget traveller, but for those with the wherewithal, there are few such unique opportunities to enjoy first class personalized service while some of the world''s most glorious scenery passes by outside. The Blue Train is not a legend among train buffs for nothing. It is the ultimate in luxury travel and the most comfortable way imaginable to traverse one thousand miles. Bonny Kominek wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide flights to South Africa and other desinations.