A magnificent way to travel
V.J's
Exotic Safaris is proud of its close associations and
partnerships with some of the finest vendors from around the
world.
As you already know we are famous for using/offering the finest
features on our trips -
this includes stays at luxury hotels
& palaces, trains, private aircraft, yachts,
expert trip leaders, Sr. level specialist guides and all services
Introduction
South Africa has gained a major new international tourist attraction with the
launch (September 26/27, 1997) of a magnificent new Blue Train, the most luxurious train in the world.
"I believe the new Blue Train provides the grandest of traveling experiences," says Braam le Roux, chief executive of Spoornet.
"This is not merely a train but one of the world's leading hotels.
"Ninety percent of The Blue Train's passengers have been international visitors and, with the new train, we expect this trend to continue.
The tourism industry is one of the great hopes for the South African economy and the new Blue Train demonstrates how
our young democracy has been
able to produce a traveling masterpiece which will attract tourists from around the world."
Since its launch in 1946, The Blue Train has been synonymous with elegance and luxury and this
latest incarnation is guaranteed to make it the focus of global attention.
In January 1995, management and interior designers gathered to conceptualize a level of luxury that has never been seen in motion before.
By January 1996, construction of the new Blue Train was under way at the Transwerk workshop at Koedoespoort in Pretoria.
Experts in every sphere were appointed to ensure the train would exceed the highest expectations.
Blue Train
Routes - Four Special Journeys:
Cape Town - Pretoria (vice versa) - January thru December
Victoria Falls: Pretoria - Victoria Falls (vice versa)
The Garden Route: Cape Town - Port Elizabeth (vice versa) - Mar, Sep and Dec
The Valley of The Olifants: Pretoria - Hoedspruit (For Charter Only)
Sample Schedule
The new Blue Train traverses thruough some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery between
Pretoria and Cape Town (1,600 kilometers or 994 miles), with guests spending 1 day and 1 night on the train,
and Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (1,000 km or 625 miles) on a
trip called the Garden Route, during which guests spend 1.5 days and 2 nights on board.
On the spectacular Pretoria to Victoria Falls Journey(1,600 kilometers or 994 miles), guests spend 2 days and 2 nights on board travelling deeper into the heart of Africa;
The Valley of The Olifants Journey which operates between Pretoria and Hoedspruit is available on a private charter basis only.
Each Blue Train compartment has a fully appointed bathroom en-suite, featuring either a bath or shower; a telephone, television
and individually controlled air-conditioning.
A video channel allows guests to access short documentaries about the area through which the train is traveling, while a large screen
in the Club Car provides a driver's-eye view of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the locomotive.
Other innovations include CD players and video machines in the luxury compartments.
The Blue Train project team also introduced a Club Car styled along the lines of a gentleman's club and the ideal place for coffee
and a post-prandial drink. This is in addition to the Lounge Car where guests are able to enjoy traditional high-teas.
Wining
and Dining
A new concept in wining and dining features cuisine created by The Blue Train Team. Only fine South African wines are served.
"South African wines can stand proudly alongside the best in the world," says The Blue Train's
business manager Kishore Seegoolam, who collaborated on the new menu.
"The Blue Train offers some the most remarkable wines our country produces".
The A la carte and vegeterian menus are prepared using only the finest ingredients according to the seasons, and the
areas through which the train travels, to introduce our guests to the best of South African cuisine.
Special Meals (eg: Kosher and Halaal) are avialable on request.
GROUP OR CORPORATE TRAVEL
Whether
travelling as a group of friends or as an organized party our
staff are happy
to make special arrangements
to suit your individual needs.
Conference
Fast-track your company with The Blue Train Conferencing
Offering the best audio visual and technical equipment for a high level business meeting or a small
conference, The Blue Train is surely one of the most spectacular meeting venues for the discerning business person.
Its facilities can be used for team building as well as for corporate incentive programmes.
The Blue Train conference experience is such a luxurious departure from the norm.
It is an ideal way to build team spirit and motivation while rewarding and informing high performers.
This conference centre on rails offers conference seating for up to 22 delegates.
When not in use for conferences, this area serves as an observation car. A popular choice for smaller corporate
groups is a partial conversion into conference format while retaining most of the observation car features.
We are delighted to welcome groups travelling together, whether
on business, or for pleasure.
Whatever your requirements,
organizing a special event on The Blue Train couldn't be
easier: simply contact
one of our highly experienced
specialists, who will give you all the advice and assistance
you need, or explore the facilities of your preferred venue.
TAILOR MADE CHARTERS
Why not charter the Blue Train for strategic meetings, product launches, VIP breakfasts, lunches, dinners
and cocktail parties, weddings and more.
You can also book a charter with a difference such as Golfing or Safari charter.
Traverse along the Victoria Falls route where the Blue Train offers a window to view nature situated
to the north of South Africa's borders.
The route winds its way to the awesome 'Smoke that Thunders'. or
make your way through the unique beauty of the Olifants Valley
to the Game Reserves and other attractions of Mpumalanga.
Charters are not limited to the charter options or the routes mentioned above.
Please do call us to check on available charter dates on offer.
Memorable
Experience
Finally, to ensure the ultimate in hospitality, professionally trained personnel are on call
for guests in each compartment 24 hours a day.
The 380-meter long (416 yards) train has 18 carriages, accommodates 84 passengers with 27 staff
to look after them and travels at a maximum speed of 110km/h (68mph).
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