Following the president’s announcement to move the country to Alert Level 1, The Blue Train is pleased to announce its 2020 re-opening special for leisure travel that will run from 1st November 2020 to 31st March 2021. The special rates follow a nation-wide call for more accessible domestic tourism and will be available for all residents of South Africa and tourists whose COVID-19 regulations allow them to enter South Africa from 01 November 2020.  

“We welcome the announcement of the move to Alert Level 1 with great excitement and are ready to deliver to our leisure travellers an evolved experience relevant for this moment. The impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector has been one of the most visceral, felt across the entire tourism industry value chain. Our hope is that these special rates will encourage people in South Africa to experience our beautiful country through the windows of this national treasure,” says Vincent Monyake, Executive Manager at The Blue Train.  

The re-opening special is exclusive to the Pretoria - Cape Town route. This is a two-night trip from either Pretoria to Cape Town, or Cape Town to Pretoria. The journey features an off-train excursion in Kimberley where guests will visit The Big Hole and the Kimberley Mine Museum. The experience includes five-course gourmet silver service dinners and lunches; breakfast and high teas; live entertainment and overnight hospitality with full 24-hour butler service. All alcohol consumption on board The Blue Train is inclusive, including Cuban cigars.  

The discounted rates start from R 12,715.00 per person sharing in a De Luxe suite, and R 16,950.00 per person sharing in a Luxury suite. The rates apply to travel from 1st November 2020 to 31st March 2021, subject to availability. Upon booking, guests, operators and agents need to indicate that they are booking on The Blue Train’s 2020 Re-Opening Special, and the special is applicable to new bookings only. 

Not so long ago, The Blue Train announced its hygiene protocols. These protocols ensure that there is adherence to the highest level of hygiene to inspire the confidence of all guests and clients, and to ensure that The Blue Train experience continues to meet its award-winning service excellence. “While our operations were suspended for a few months, The Blue Train team was readying the train for travel in a COVID-19 era. We have strict hygiene protocols, that are in line with industry standards and the measures set by the World Health Organisation. So, while on-board, guests can be assured that they will be well taken care of,” added Lethabo Vilakazi, Risk and Safety Officer at The Blue Train. 

For bookings, please contact our reservations office  or book via our website, www.bluetrain.co.za Guests who require more information on these changes and how they potentially affect their travel plans can contact The Blue Train’s reservation team at the Pretoria office on +27(0)12-334-8459 or the Cape Town office on +27(0)21-449-2672 or on email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.