How to Travel From Tshwane to Cape Town, South Africa by Rail

If you appreciate beautiful vineyards, fertile farmlands and majestic mountain views, then the train ride between Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) and Cape Town may be one of the most memorable trips of your life. South Africa's Blue Train offers both world-class accommodations and exemplary service in a magnificent setting. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Book Train Tickets

1. Make reservations online at the Blue Train Web site (see Resources below) or book through your travel agent.
2. Call the Blue Train at 011 ([phone] to make your reservations.
3. Decide on a travel date. The Blue Train leaves every Wednesday from Tshwane to Cape Town at 9:50 a.m.
4. Choose your accommodations. The Blue Train offers either De Luxe or Luxury suites for up to two passengers.

Enjoy the Journey

5. Arrive at least an hour before the scheduled departure time. The Blue Train offers cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the well-appointed pre-departure lounge.
6. Shop for exquisite jewelry and Blue Train merchandise in the onboard boutique.
7. Dine on the finest foods, spirits and beverages. Listen to a live band in the tasteful dining car.
8. Have an after-dinner drink or amuse yourself with cards or board games in one of the comfortable lounges.
9. Get a new perspective on your trip. Watch your progress courtesy of the front-mounted camera while sipping a cool beverage in the club car.
10. Look for diamonds at the Big Hole mine in Kimberley and take in some history at the Railway Museum. Transportation and any entrance fees are included in your fare.

Relax in Style

11. Wind down after an eventful day in a De Luxe suite. With an in-room bathroom, included cellular phone service and an on-call butler, it might be difficult to leave.
12. Indulge your fantasies with a Luxury suite. Along with the en-suite bathroom, butler and cellular service, these suites each feature full entertainment systems with DVD and CD players.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the Blue Train Web site for current rates. Prices differ depending on the season.
• All phone numbers include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes in phone numbers given here are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Departure and arrival times are subject to change; so prepare accordingly. Arrive early and leave sufficient time for any transfers upon arrival.
• The entire trip (994 miles) should take 27 hours. It will give you time to experience all the Blue Train has to offer.
• Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site for information on necessary travel documents, as well as travel warnings for the region.