Southern Africa has always attracted adventurous and romantic souls - discerning travelers who crossed the land in as much comfort as possible. But it was not until 1928, when the first luxury train was introduced between Johannesburg and Cape Town that truly luxurious train travel became a reality.

Southbound, the train, with its distinctive sapphire-blue carriages, was known as the 'Union Limited', and on its return journey, the 'Union Express'. People soon began referring to them as 'those Blue Trains' and so... a legend was born. The Blue Train celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 1996. Officially named The Blue Train in 1946, the train's predecessors trace their history to the 1890's and the discovery of diamonds and gold.