A Window Into The Soul Of Africa - The Blue Train

We woke up early on the morning of March 15, 2017 and quickly dressed. As we live very close to a Metrorail station, we decided beforehand to enjoy an early morning walk to board the Malmesbury Express to Cape Town as it terminates on Platform 24, usually, the exact place to board The Blue Train.

It was only when we left our home that we realised that it was raining! No cab service would arrive in time at our home, let alone getting us in time to The Blue Train Lounge. We took the weather in our stride and arrived at Monte Vista Metrorail station. One quick glance at the congested N1 highway proved us correct: no car could get us into central Cape Town in time as the twelve kilometres easily would have taken more than two hours to travel.

This is how my wife and I arrived at The Blue Train Lounge dripping wet. The butlers soon took charge of our luggage and we were welcomed by the friendly, efficient concierge staff. We were invited to take our seats in the plush lounge on Monument Station. (The Main Line Passenger section of Cape Town Station carries this apt moniker.) Our feathers are not ruffled easily, though, and we soon settled in with a nice, hot cup of coffee.

Soon, we were welcomed by the friendly Mr Leon Du Toit, Food and Beverage Manager of The Blue Train, as well as Mr Francois Geldenhuys, Financial Manager. We were joined by other guests and we had the opportunity to socialise until we could board. The Blue Train was delayed by operational conditions, as early morning commuter trains created an obstruction while ours was being maneuvered into position. As we are used to aeroplanes, city buses and ships being delayed even in first world countries, this did not upset us to the least.

Time to board arrived and we were shown to our suite by our friendly butler, Angela. Guests were invited to an array of tasty snacks upon our discreet departure from Cape Town. The Blue Train wafted along the railway line, as if it were a luxurious British car, its contact with the railway tracks almost imperceptible.

Instead of the snacks, however, we settled in the Observation Car right at the back. This afforded me the opportunity to take more than a hundred photos of the passing city and countryside. We saw springbok, a giraffe, lions, gnu and other game as soon as we left the city, although these aren't ranging freely.

Sadly, my camera's almost brand new memory card failed as we neared Worcester. Data recovery software on my Linux Mint laptop could not rescue any and Mr Francois Geldenhuys also tried the same on his laptop. The harsh reality is that we had to format the memory card, losing all of about one hundred photos taken during the first two hours of our very first journey on The Blue Train.

Lunch was served and it was a decadent affair, starting with a crumbed Camembert, followed by a cream-of-pea soup and a tender steak cutlet. Not easily deterred, we ended this feast with a sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream.

I had taken so many photos of interesting mountains, things and places. Most of all, harvesting of grapes for making wine, in the fertile Breede River Valley.

Arriving at Worcester, we had a change of train drivers as well as a routine safety inspection. I have noted, along our entire journey, that safety comes first on The Blue Train and that nothing is left to chance. Guests on board can just sit back, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes.

(Of course, hospitality staff are always there to serve and their friendliness as well as efficiency really did impress. Unlike so many top hotels, staff on The Blue Train are always attentive, ready to serve. Our butler, Angela, brought me a large plate of delectable toasted sandwiches when I ordered two late in the evening. I am diabetic and may need something to maintain blood glucose levels during the night.)

Leaving Worcester, we passed by the world's largest pot still brandy distillery, then award-winning olive farming and, eventually, the picturesque Hex River Valley.  This is where we witnessed the harvesting of choice table grapes, such as Alphons and Barlinka. As we journeyed towards the more arid eastern end of the Hex River Valley, we entered the first of four tunnels, part of the Hexton system. These measure 0.5, 1.1, 1.2 and 13.5km in length. (I have resorted to my tiny Canon Powershot A810 compact camera in an effort to capture some of the scenery, at least.)

Passing Touws River, we sat watching the amazing Swartberg mountain range and arid Karoo landscapes. Nibbling at delicacies ranging from fresh kiwifruit to aforementioned grapes to the finest confectionery, we prepared for our visit to the historical Matjiesfontein .

At Matjiesfontein, we disembarked and boarded the Red Bus for a guided tour, with the eloquent John commenting along the way. Soon, he invited us to the bar for some piano playing and we sang lustily while enjoying complementary sherries.

Our luxurious suite

All too soon, we departed for Beaufort West where the 3kV Class 18E locomotives were exchanged for the 7Kv Class 7E's. Also, new drivers took over duty and water was replenished. By now, night had fallen and we travelled into the night past Three Sisters, Merriman, Hutchinson, and De Aar….

Sunrise greeted us on the plains of the Upper Karoo and we soon crossed the Gariep (Orange) River and sped past scenery that had changed to thorn brush savannah.

Along the way, a scrumptious breakfast was served and I ordered the Full English option, followed by juice as I had enjoyed too much of the excellent coffees and cappuccino’s during the previous day. Every meal served on The Blue Train was memorable, but the previous evening's dinner by Chief Chef Bobby (Charles) Wessels deserves a special mention. The lamb was prepared more succulent, tasty yet well done – a feat most chefs nowadays apparently cannot seem to accomplish. Once again, The Blue Train sets the standard.


After having had lunch, our time sadly came to end our journey at Klerksdorp as we had other commitments there. We were greeted by Train Manager Bonga. We were sad to go!

In the next delivery, I will expand a little upon the train, adding more detail.

This first impression was true to the creed of The Blue Train:

- A Windows Into The Soul Of Africa! -