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In 2016 The Blue Train will be heading up to “Big 5”
country with the launch of its brand new Hoedspruit
departures. The Blue Train will make two round trips up
to the Limpopo Province, one in July and the other in
August, offering guests the choice of four spectacular
19-hour one way journeys. These new departures will
enable some fantastic new “rail safari” combination
packages with the many wildlife reserves and private
safari lodges in the Greater Kruger and Sabi Sands area.
For those wanting to take the Blue Train northbound, the
train will travel from Pretoria to Hoedspruit on Friday
8 July and again on Friday 12 August 2016, departing at
15h00 in the afternoon and arriving at 10h00 the next
morning.
Those wanting to enjoy the rail journey after their
safari can opt to travel southbound from Hoedspruit to
Pretoria on either Saturday 9 July or Saturday 13 August
2016. The train departing at 15h00 in the afternoon and
arrives at 10h00, allowing plenty of time for those
wanting to catch international flights home.
These one way journeys between Pretoria and Hoedspruit
in either direction take 19 hours as opposed to the
usual 27 hours between Cape Town and Pretoria and cost
around £300 less per person – an attractive option for
those with this Blue Jewel on their travel bucket list
on a tighter budget.
South Africa’s leading luxury rail the Blue Train is
offering the new values for travel between January 10 –
March 31, 2015. For any last minute bookings, travelers have
the opportunity to select between two unprecedented offers
when they travel on board between Pretoria & Cape Town (or
vice versa):
One complimentary night at Camp Jabulani. Nestled within the
Big Five Kapama Game Reserve in Hoedspruit, this exceptional
experience includes game drives and meals (excluding
beverages and elephant back safaris). Camp Jabulani’s
classic and elegant interiors seamlessly blend with the
rugged African bushveld, providing a warmth and comfort that
makes guests feel completely at home.
or
Two complimentary nights at one of our strategic hotel
partners in Pretoria or Cape Town, an exciting upgrade on
our existing offer! Guests receive 2 hotel nights with
breakfast included and a one way transfer between the hotel
and station. Options include the Sheraton or Castello di
Monte in Pretoria or the Westin or Taj in Cape Town (note
Westin and Taj not available 08-13 Feb).
Valid on new bookings only.
The Blue Train, www.bluetrain.co.za While
in Johannesburg this spring, we had the opportunity
of visiting the main railway station and Blue
Train's impressive head office facilities. During
this important meeting, our editors were given a
thorough update on the company's newest programs
and facilities. I have always considered the Blue
Train a lifetime experience . . . land cruising
across South Africa. Plans are being made this
summer for a special series of rail tours organized
by our magazine and participating ATA chapters.
Watch for news!
For years I had read that South Africa held many
pleasures for those of an adventurous spirit or
romantic nature. So one summer, taking a month's
vacation from my job as a travel agent in Ivory
Coast, West Africa, I headed south. Here at last
was my chance to spend some
leisurel The trademark was
its attractive bright sapphire-blue fleet of
carriages. Originally known as the 'Union Limited'
and 'Union Express' , a legend began when folks
started calling them 'the Blue Trains'. Prior to
this occasions trains on the famous route were
involved in the discovery of gold and diamonds, and
in the Boer War of the 1890s. Those cold, soot
laden coaches were a far cry from the opulent
coaches operating today.
The Blue Train launches new safari
departures for 2016
-250x156.jpg)
South Africa’s Blue Train Offers More Luxury at Less Cost
by
Muguette
M. Goufrani
y,
laid back weeks getting to know that fascinating
country surrounding the Cape. While the sights and
delights were many and varied, the epitome was my
experience aboard the famous Blue Train. It was
like the finest luxury cruise, sailing across a sea
of ever-changing landscapes . Yet there was time
and space to savor every waking moment.(photos to
come) I managed to read some pamphlets about the
line's history, which spans over 50 years. Back in
1928, it became the first luxury train in South
Africa.
For membership and events, contact: Africa Travel
Association,
ATA Head Office: 347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 610, New
York, NY 10016
E-Mail:
africatravelasso@aol.com
. Tel:
(212) 447-1926, Fax: (212) 725-8253
..