Butlers:

Each coach has a professionally trained butler whose pleasure it will be to ensure your journey is as memorable and comfortable as possible. Butlers are available 24-hours a day for the duration of the journey to anticipate and accommodate your every need.

Check-In:

Guests are kindly requested to check-in one hour prior to departure. The check-in takes place in Blue Train VIP lounges situated at Cape Town and Pretoria stations. There is also a welcome desk on the Victoria Falls station platform.

Check-Out:

Half an hour before you reach your destination, the train manager will announce the procedures regarding luggage collection and disembarkation. Should you require assistance with land arrangements, please contact the train manager. Please remember to re-confirm your onward flight, either through the relevant airline booking offices or your travel agent.

Climate:

The train is fully airconditioned and the temperature can be individually adjusted in your compartment. With the exception of the Cape peninsula, southern Africa has a summer rainfall area with an average daily maximum temperature of between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade. Although winters are generally mild, temperatures can drop to below freezing over night.

Compartment Facilities:

Individually-controlled air-conditioning, remote-controlled television, internal telephones, room-safes and hair dryers are standard in each compartment. The television is concealed above the armoire. A remote control and individual head sets are located in the night stand.

Dining:

All table d'hote meals and room-service snacks are included in the fare. Should you require a snack please contact either your butler, the steward or the barman. Lunch and dinners are usually served in two sittings, while breakfast is at your leisure.

Dress Code:

The stylish luxury of The Blue Train is conducive to dressing for dinner. Evening wear is elegant and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. During the day, dress is smart casual.

Drinking Water:

Bottled water is supplied in your compartment. Your Butler will provide you with more on request.

Electricity:

The electricity supply on-board is 220 volts. Light switches are located at the door and at the bedside table.

First Aid:

Trained first-aid personnel are on board at all times. In the event of an emergency, doctors and first aid personnel can be contacted at the various stations en-route.

Gift Collection:

Souvenirs and gifts will be available for sale in the lounge and club car from 15h00 to 18h00 and again between 20h00 to 22h00. If you wish to purchase any souvenirs during the course of your journey, your butler will gladly assist you.

Gratuities:

Guests who wish to show their appreciation may leave a gratuity in the box located in the lounge car, at the end of the journey. Gratuities are shared on a points system with Blue Train personnel on board.

Languages:

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken and understood.

Laundry:

An on-board laundry and valet service is available. Please contact your butler for assistance.

Layout:

The Blue Train is 380 (416 yards) metres long and consists of 18 carriages, including 11 passenger cars (two luxury and nine deluxe), a power car and two service cars. The kitchen, dining and both lounge cars are located in the middle of the train.

Lounge Cars:

The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch or dinner drinks and afternoon-tea, while the Club Car is ideal for post-prandial cognac or cigar. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and then closes when the last guest departs. Please note that the Lounge Car is a no smoking area. All drinks are included in the fare except for certain imported beverages which can be purchased from your butler or the barman.

Luggage:

It is advisable to pack an overnight case for journey as only limited amount of luggage can be stored in you compartment. Your butler will store additional baggage in the luggage van. Although great care will be taken, we recommend that you take out insurance to cover loss or damage to your luggage.

Malaria:

Guests who plan to travel across the South African border are advised to consult their pharmacist/doctor about anti-malaria precautions and other necessary medication pertaining to the time of travel and the destination.

Room Service:

Twenty-four hour room service is available free of charge except for the speciality menu.

Safes:

Safes are provided in all compartments. While every precaution is taken. The Blue Train cannot be held liable for loss of valuable items left unattended in compartments.

Smoking:

Smoking is only permitted in your room and the Club Car. The lounge and Dining cars are smoke-free zones.

Telephone Calls:

The internal telephone beside your bed will allow you to dial the manager or your butler 24 hours a day. Should you wish to make an outside call, please contact the train manager or your butler, who will be glad to assist you. The cost of external calls and faxes are not included in the fare.

Technical:

Two engineers always accompany The Blue Train to ensure a trouble-free journey. They will happily share their knowledge with train enthusiasts.

Time:

South Africa is + 2 hours GMT (summer time).

The Train Manager:

The train manager is on call at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact the train manager should you require any assistance or information pertaining to your journey.

Train Speed:

The train travels at an average speed of 90 kph with a maximum speed of 120 kph.

Vegetarian & Special Dietary Requirements:

Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. We are happy to accommodate culinary requests.

Visas:

Your travel agent/tour operator will assist you in obtaining the necessary visas for your destinations. The Blue Train offices are regrettably unable to assist with visas. Our reservations personnel will, however gladly direct you to the relevant authority.