The Blue Train Pretoria to Hoedspruit

This is luxury rail travel at its best. Several common spaces allow guests to chat, or read. The Club Car Lounge has a refined pub-like feel, with leather chairs set around shallow tables – perfect for a dram and a backgammon board. High Tea is served in the Lounge Car, comfortably furnished with couches and coffee tables. The dining car is bright by day, soft-lit and romantic by night; here you'll enjoy freshly prepared meals and superb South African wines.

De Luxe and Luxury coaches each have four or three individual cabins. Each cabin functions as a private lounge during the day and a sleeping cabin with foldaway beds at night. De Luxe Cabins either have a 3/4 bath/shower or a glamorous shower. Luxury Cabins are more spacious and contain a deep bathtub. However, all the cabins are unapologetically luxurious, with super-comfortable twin or double beds, goose-down duvets, marble bathrooms and fabulous views of the passing countryside. There's wi-fi too.

The Pretoria-Hoedspuit–Pretoria journeys take place on select dates, so advanced planning is absolutely essential. Boarding always begins at 13:00; departure is at 15:00; and arrival the next morning is around 10:00. While in transit, feel free to relax, admire the views, and take things at your leisure. Meals, of course, are scheduled. There are two sittings for dinner, one from 18:30–20:00, the second from 20:30. For train enthusiasts, two engineers on board are happy to share their knowledge.