South Africa’s luxury passenger train, The Blue Train, hosted members of the trade on an overnight trip from Pretoria to Durban ahead of Indaba 2015.
“Today is your opportunity to experience not only The Blue Train’s awesomeness, but even more still, the people who keep this blue machine going.” These were the words of welcome spoken by Hanlie Kotze, Executive Manager of The Blue Train, in the reception area before passengers embarked. Kotze added that it is the people of The Blue Train that make it so unique. “Our staff retire after having worked for this blue gem, some for more than 35 years, others 42 years. With every departure the collective skills we have on board the train taking care of the guests is in excess of 400 years of experience.”
Speaking to some of the staff aboard The Blue Train, it was clear that the level of training given to them was equal to that of any five-star hotel, and that after working for The Blue Train for years, many go on to work on international cruise lines or in high-end prestigious hotels.
The train offers De Luxe and Luxury suites where each coach has a personal butler available 24/7. Suites feature marble and gold-fitted en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable lounge area. This lounge area is converted into a bedroom at night while guests enjoy dinner.
Suites are equipped with air-conditioning, under-floor heating, electronic blinds and an entertainment set with the option of watching movies or listening to music, or guests can turn the channel to the front-of-train live camera to view the tracks and scenery as they travel.
The Delux coaches each have four suites. One of these contains a double bed and a three quarter size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers. The luxury suites are slightly bigger with longer bath tubs. Luxury coaches have three luxury suites and have option of twin beds or a double bed.
The fine dining experience on the train’s dining car offers traditional South African cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. Some of the items offered include, foie gras, Karoo lamb and a selection of locally made cheeses. Three-course meals are served at an elegantly decked table with white lining and crystal glasses. The dining car can accommodate 42 guests in a single sitting.
Other cars on the train include the club car and the lounge car. The club car is situated behind the train’s engines and is where guests can enjoy a drink and a cuban cigar after dinner. Here guests can also play board games or watch sport on the big-screen TV. The lounge car, with bar, is situated in the middle of the train and is where guests can enjoy high-tea or an afternoon glass of wine while watching the sunset. Another lounge located right at the end of the train features a floor-to-ceiling window with panoramic views of the countryside.
Guests are treated by hands-on, friendly staff throughout the journey. This, combined with the luxury bedrooms and entertainment areas makes for a truly unique and memorable experience.
Caro Malherbe, was one of the invited delegates generously hosted by The Blue Train and has shared the experience above.
