In 2019 South Africa’s legendary Blue Train reinvented its classic Cape Town/Pretoria journey, extending it to a 2-night “slow travel” experience. Now they are giving their Hoedspruit safari departures a complete makeover for 2020 – making it a round trip including sunrise & sunset Big 5 game drives, a boma dinner under the stars and even some traditional cultural dancing!
Previously, The Blue Train offered a one-way, overnight journey from Pretoria to Hoedspruit (or vice versa) leaving guests to check into one of the Sabi Sands/Greater Kruger Lodges for a few nights. The challenge, however, was finding availability for 70 – 80 guests.
Now the train will be offering its safari departure as a RETURN ROUND-TRIP to the Kruger that will depart Pretoria at 11am (time TBC) on Day 1, arrive at the Kruger National Park at 05am the next morning for a full day guided safari including sunrise and sunset game drives. The train will then depart at 10pm to head back to Pretoria, arriving around noon on day 3.
Initially, there will only be two departures in 2020 namely:
- 18 – 20 June 2020
- 30 July – 01 August 2020
THE SAME “BUCKET LIST” BLUE TRAIN EXPERIENCE – BUT WITH A SAFARI TWIST
After boarding, guests will enjoy a five-course gourmet lunch, followed by high tea at 4pm and then dinner before heading off to bed to be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the train. The next morning it’s an early start as the train arrives at Kruger’s Numbi Gate at 5am. Safari vehicles with guides will be waiting to take guests off on a sunrise game drive, including an incredible bush breakfast at an exclusive, unfenced location inside the iconic Kruger Park. Guests return to the train for a decadent 5-course lunch around noon and a rest/freshen up. At 4pm guests head out on safari again, this time in a private 11,0000-hectare concession finishing off with a spectacular boma dinner under the stars at Nkambeni Safari Camp, complete with cultural dancing. Guests return to the train at 10pm and the train slowly makes its way back to Pretoria arriving before noon, after a decadent breakfast. Dress code will be a bit more relaxed throughout with smart casual or safari wear recommended in the private suites, lounge/bar, club car, dining car and observation car.
For more information visit www.bluetrain.co.za
