Travel the 'Blue Train' at half price

A COMPANY that's been running for five years, hires first-class seasonally unused mainline coaches from Spoornet providing passengers with a choice of affordable rail options from short weekend getaways to 10-day trips covering unique destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana, has put together a half-price 'Blue Train' package. Bushveld Train Safaris of Warmbaths in the Northern Province has hired the Blue Train and included the dining car and all the luxuries for a scenic trip from Pretoria to Nelspruit and Tzaneen from July 21 to 23 for R4 500 per person, a reported saving of more than 50% of the standard 'Blue Train' tariff. Owner, Johan Boomzaaier, says the company's standard service is to hire a train complete with locomotive, lounge car and up to 16 coaches depending on demand, but no dining car. "Meals are pre-arranged along the routes whether it be at eateries along the way or braais on platforms. We have our own cleaning staff and provide our own bedding. In terms of Spoornet staff, we are compelled to take along an electrician and train manager." He says that fares range between R900 for a weekend tour to around R4 500 for the Blue Train trip and other longer trips to neighbouring countries. "Some of our trips will travel on lines that haven't seen passenger trains for decades, such as the unique switchback line between Lady Grey and Barkly East in the Eastern Cape. Passengers also have the opportunity to view several passes and mountain ranges in the Eastern and Western Cape including the Lootsberg Pass, the Toorwater Gorge, the Outeniqua Mountains, Mitchell's Pass the Hex River Valley, the Amatola Mountains and the Great Kei River Pass. (Miguel de Sousa)