The Blue Train: Pretoria to Kruger National Park

Overview

Spanning an expansive 19,633 square kilometers between the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, this colossal game reserve not only captivates with its sheer size but also enchants with its remarkable biodiversity. Home to Africa's renowned Big Five – Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo – Kruger National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Adding to its allure is the exclusive route undertaken by the iconic Blue Train, a luxurious journey that unveils the park's wonders as it weaves through the heart of this wildlife haven. As visitors embark on this enchanting adventure, they are treated to a spectacle of unique flora and fauna, making Kruger National Park an essential destination for those seeking an unforgettable South African holiday experience.

While enroute, the train is scheduled to make a stop for an off-train excursion, contingent on weather conditions and the available time. Guests will be transported through Numbi Gate in open safari vehicles for a sunrise game drive led by experienced tour guides. A special highlight awaits guests as they relish a bush breakfast at a secluded, unfenced location within the pristine expanse of Kruger National Park.

Inclusions

2 nights’ accommodation in De Luxe Suite (optional upgrade to Luxury Suite available)

All meals and beverages – excluding caviar and French champagne

24-hour Butler service onboard

Off-train excursions

Itinerary

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Day 1 Pretoria

Embark on a luxurious journey at The Blue Train Station Lounge in Pretoria. Begin with a seamless check-in, then relish pre-departure snacks and beverages while soaking in the elegant surroundings. Boarding is a personalised experience guided by attentive butlers who escort guests to their suites and provide a thorough orientation. Once settled, the train sets off from Pretoria Station, offering a graceful start to the adventure.

Indulge in a leisurely five-course gourmet lunch served in the Dining Car, a culinary experience that spans the afternoon. Later, immerse yourself in the refined ambiance of the Non-Smoking Lounge Car for High Tea at 4 pm.

The evening unfolds with pre-dinner drinks available in the lounges, allowing guests to unwind and freshen up before the exquisite dinner. With two sittings between 6 pm and 10:30 pm, the dinner service promises a sumptuous culinary journey.

Overnight stay aboard The Blue Train.

Please dress accordingly for excursions: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.

Dress code for duration of the trip is smart casual or safari wear.

Lunch, Dinner

The Blue Train Lounging Area

Day 2 Numbi Train Station

The journey on the Blue Train continues as it arrives at the Numbi Train Station. Passengers disembark for an off-train excursion, boarding open safari vehicles for a sunrise game drive guided by professionals. After this captivating experience, they savor a bush breakfast in an exclusive spot within Kruger National Park.

The return journey to Numbi Gate follows an alternative route, allowing guests to immerse themselves further in the beauty of the Kruger area. Later, a five-course lunch is served in the Dining car for a leisurely and indulgent dining experience.

In the afternoon, passengers are transferred back to Numbi Gate for a sunset game drive on the Nkambeni concession, an 11,400-hectare area between Numbi and Phabeni gates. This drive offers a unique perspective, extending towards Shabeni Koppie near Pretoriuskop camp.

As the evening sets in, guests are then escorted to the Nkambeni Safari Camp for a remarkable boma dinner. Here, a local group with international recognition provides an immersive cultural experience. The night winds down with post-dinner drinks, fine cognacs, and Cuban cigars in the Club Car, offering a perfect end to a memorable day before guests retire for the night back on the Blue Train.

Overnight stay aboard The Blue Train.

Please dress accordingly for excursions: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.

Dress code for duration of the trip is smart casual or safari wear.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lions spotted at Kruger National Park

Day 3 Pretoria

The journey concludes as the Blue Train arrives at Pretoria Station, where guests are guided to the arrival lounge. Before disembarking, breakfast is served in the Dining Car, marking the end of this memorable adventure.

Breakfast

Accommodation

The Blue Train

Upgrade available

Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail.

De Luxe Suites measure 8m2 of space and offer twin beds or double beds with either a three-quarter sized bath or a shower in each suite.

From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.

Please note: The De Luxe coaches each have four suites. One of these suites contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Room Upgrades

Luxury Suite

Luxury suites are the premier suites and measure 10.26m2 of space and offer twin beds or double beds with either a full-sized bath or a shower in each suite. The same suite is also a lounge area by day and is converted into a comfortable bedroom during the night.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

The Blue Train is happy to accommodate culinary requests that are supplied with adequate notice. Please specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Guests are requested to check-in at least two hours prior to departure. Guests will be kept captivated and entertained with a live performance by a saxophonist while they indulge in gourmet canapes, pre-departure snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please dress accordingly for excursions: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised.
Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
Dinner is an elegant affair – Gentleman are requested to at least wear a jacket/waistcoat and elegant evening wear for ladies.
Please note: caviar, french champagne, external phone calls and gratuities are excluded from the price.

2025 departure: 26 - 28 June, 2025

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in the holiday package
Caviar and French champagne not incuded
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the price?

With the exception of Caviar, French champagne and external telephone calls, everything onboard is included in the rate.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Blue Train?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. The Blue Train is not completely wheelchair friendly, but it has a customised wheelchair onboard which has been specifically designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A butler will be on hand to assist guests should they require. Wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility are asked to contact us directly - we would be delighted to discuss personal arrangements and respond to any further questions you may have.

Are children permitted onboard?

Children 5 years and younger sharing a suite with their parents travel free of charge (maximum of two children per suite). Please contact us for the full child policy terms & conditions.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available in all suites and is complimentary to all guests.

Can the Blue Train accommodate special dietary preferences?

Special diets can be accommodated by our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food-related or not. We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, Halal etc. Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Is there a dress code when onboard the Blue Train?

In keeping with tradition, dinner on-board The Blue Train is an elegant affair. Elegant evening wear for ladies, and gentleman are required to wear at least a jacket or waistcoat or traditional attire. During the day dress code is smart casual.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch, dinner drinks and afternoon tea, and is a no-smoking area. The Club car is ideal for post-dinner Cognac or Cuban cigars. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Check-in takes place at our VIP lounges two hours prior to departure – where guests can relax to a live performance and enjoy gourmet canapes, pre-departure snacks and drinks

Are there luggage restrictions?

It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in your suite. Butlers will store additional luggage in the Luggage Car. Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that luggage be insured. Please ensure any medication is kept with you when travelling.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

The Blue Train: Pretoria to Kruger National Park (Tour code: 13518)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions