Since its launch in 1946, The Blue Train has become synonymous with luxury travel in South Africa. The eye-catching royal blue trains transformed over the years, switching from steam to electric and diesel. They travel much-loved routes between Cape Town and Pretoria, and north to the Kruger National Park.

And with the arrival of 2019 comes an updated experience aboard The Blue Train. Adding to its traditional overnight voyage between Pretoria and Cape Town, and vice versa, the classic Blue Train route will soon become a two-night journey. Allowing its passengers more time to enjoy the on-board comfort and stunning landscape of South Africa, the one-way trip, which previously took between 27 and 30 hours, will now provide 40 hours of luxury travel at an additional rate of approximately £115 per person.

The new extended journey brings logistical benefits, as the train will now depart from either Cape Town or Pretoria in the afternoon, so guests will no longer have to stay in the city prior to departure or endure the early morning wake-up call necessary to arrive for the old 7.30am check-in time. The new journey allows guests to enjoy day tours before setting off and more flexibility on arrival on the other end with the new 10.30am arrival time. There is also a guaranteed 2.5-hour excursion in Kimberley at the famous diamond mine’s ‘Big Hole’ and museum.

All suites offer a private entertainment system with movie channels and radio stations, en-suite bathrooms, free wi-fi, underfloor heating, a universal telephone system, air conditioning, GPS and a drivers-eye-view camera as well as your own personal butler. And if you book a luxury suite, you can even enjoy a full-sized bath during your journey. So if you’re looking for the timeless elegance, grace and romance of a luxurious train journey, 2019 is your year and South Africa is your destination.

Prices from approx. £1,018pp (sharing a Deluxe Double) one-way between Cape Town and Pretoria; bluetrain.co.za