Following the national government’s pronouncements moving the country to alert level 1 as part of the COVID-19 risk adjusted strategy, The Blue Train is pleased to announce the launch of its 2021 winter special for leisure travel. This special will run from 01 April to 31 August 2021. The special echoes the nation-wide call for more accessible domestic tourism experiences, and will be available for all residents of South Africa and tourists whose countries allow travel into South Africa.

“The impact of Covid-19 to the tourism industry has been catastrophic to all sizes of business, and we are putting in a concerted effort to rebuild the sector. The call to support domestic tourism is as much about keeping the industry buoyant and active to support the drive for economy recovery, as it is about enthusiastically inviting our people to experience our country’s heritage, tourism and hospitality. We believe they will encourage an influx of guests, both return and new, to experience the country through the windows of The Blue Train,” says Nomasonto Ndlovu, Executive Manager of Tourism, Heritage and Hospitality at Transnet.

This special is exclusive to the Pretoria – Cape Town route. This is a two-night journey that features an off-train excursion in Kimberley where guests will visit The Big Hole and the Kimberley Mine Museum. The experience is all-inclusive, with highlights that include five-course silver service gourmet dinners paired with wines from The Blue Train’s Diners Club award-winning winelist, breakfasts, lunches and high teas, live entertainment, fine liquors and Cuban cigars, and overnight hospitality with 24-hour butler service.

“We have amped up our COVID-relevant hygiene protocols, introducing inhouse Antigen Rapid Testing for all guests and crew at check-in. This helps us ensure that our guests feel as safe as possible, giving them peace of mind while they surrender to the luxury of slow on board The Blue Train,” continued Ndlovu.
The discounted rates start from R 16,695-00 per person sharing for a De Luxe suite. The rates apply to travel from 1st April to 31 August 2021, subject to availability. The special is applicable to new bookings only. Upon booking, guests, operators and agents need to indicate that they are booking on The Blue Train’s 2021 Winter Special.

For bookings, guests and travel trade can contact our reservations office at the Pretoria office on +27(0)12-334-8459 or the Cape Town office on +27(0)21-449-2672 or on email info@bluetrain.co.za, or book via our website, www.bluetrain.co.za.

End.

About The Blue Train: The Blue Train is a business unit of Transnet Freight Rail, a division of Transnet SOC Limited and has been in existence since 1946. It offers a unique way of experiencing some of Southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. On this train luxury assumes a new dimension. Take a journey into a timeless world of grace; elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery will stir your imagination and luxurious comfort will soothe your mind, body and soul. Please visit www.bluetrain.co.za for further information.