WHAT
Considered to be the most luxurious train in the world, the Blue Train (or more accurately Blue Trains: two new ones were introduced in the late 1990s) combines the service and comfort you'd expect of a five-star hotel with a journey through some of South Africa's most beautiful countryside. Carrying around 80 passengers, the trains have a staff of 30 butlers and a choice of 'deluxe' or larger 'luxury' suites - all with private bath - or shower-rooms. Of the four routes, the classic journey is the 1,600km overnight stretch from Pretoria to Cape Town through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, the diamond town of Kimberley, the Hex River Valley and towards Table Mountain and Cape Town.
WHEN
Go in April or May when the weather is generally dry, the Hex River Valley turns glorious autumnal oranges and reds, and flights are cheaper.
BONUS POINTS
You can tailor-make your holiday, combining the rail trip with a visit to Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park or a safari
PRICE
£455, based on two sharing a deluxe cabin (£508 for a luxury cabin). Exclusive Destinations (01892 619650; www.exclusivedestinations.co.uk) can organise departures on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. |
