The Blue Train route between Cape Town and Pretoria is a 31-hour journey of 1600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. On the Northbound journey, the train leaves Cape Town at 14h00 and arrives in Pretoria at 12h00 two days later, stopping for an off-the-train excursion at the Kimberley Open Mine Museum on the second day.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- Experience contrasting views of the beautiful South African countryside
- Travel on a South African icon over 70 years old – on of the world’s great rail journeys
- Relax in comfort and style with butler service and fine cuisine
- Visit the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum and the largest man-made hole on the planet
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Depart Cape Town Station
At 12:30, register and check-in at The Blue Train Lounge, Cape Town Station. You are welcome to enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks. At 13:15 boarding commences, where butlers usher guests to their suites. Boarding concludes at 13:45. At 14:00 The Blue Train departs from Cape Town Station and at 16:00 High Tea is served in the Non-Smoking Lounge Car. Dinner is from 18:30 to 22:00. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2: Off-train excursion in Kimberley
Breakfast is served from 06:00 – 09:00 on a first-come-first-served basis. After lunch, The Blue Train arrives at Kimberley Station. Here you can disembark and gather at the railway museum, where you will be ushered to a bus which transfers you to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. You will be taken to a number of interesting and historical sites, including an enclosed ramp on the edge of the Big Hole. At 17:00 you depart from the Open Mine Museum back to Kimberley Station, where you are greeted with a glass of sherry. The sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo is a memento for you to keep. After this exciting tour, you are welcome to refresh yourself and enjoy aperitifs before dinner.
Day 3: Arrive in Pretoria
Enjoy your final breakfast on board the train as you continue on to Pretoria Station, arriving at around 12pm.
About the Hotel
Room Types
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Excursions as specified
What’s not included?
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Any item not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
