There are many ways to experience South Africa – but if you really want to push the boat out and do it in style, you will be hard-pressed to beat this winning combination! 

The Blue Train is an icon of South Africa - renowned for its sumptuous ensuite accommodation, award winning wines, freshly prepared cuisine and superlative service - all the while showcasing some of the country's most beautiful landscapes along its winding journey.   Usually travelling between Cape Town and Pretoria, The Blue Train also makes occasional special departures to the Greater Kruger area allowing a select few guests the opportunity to combine their rail journey with a safari.  Guests can enjoy around 19 hours of pampering on board as the train departs Pretoria around 3pm in the afternoon and arrives in Hoedspruit around 10 am the next morning – or vice versa. 

Why not combine this rail journey with another world-renowned South African gem?  MalaMala is the safari industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari and  is still South Africa's largest private Big Five game reserve – wedged in between the Kruger (including a 12km unfenced border) and the Sabi Sand Reserve, making it undoubtedly South Africa's top safari hotspot at 33 000 acres.  In fact the game viewing is so incredible that it came up second only to the Serengeti in a recent SafariBookings.com poll!  Your accommodation choices include the newly refurbished MalaMala Main Camp and Sable Camp - or the ultra-exclusive Rattray's At MalaMala, where your decadent Khaya (meaning “home”) comes with its own outdoor shower, plunge pool and breath taking views over the Sand River.  Expect to be blown away by both the lodge and a safari you won't soon forget.

BOOK IT: 

KNIGHTON REEVE (01904 866 033) offers the ultimate rail and safari escape combining a night of pure luxury on The Blue Train from Pretoria to Hoedspruit, then a short flight to the iconic Big 5 MalaMala Game Reserve's airstrip from £4,800 per person sharing.  Prices include return international flights from London to Johannesburg, a scheduled charter flight to MalaMala's own airstrip, lodge transfers and a flight from Skukuza to Joburg. Accommodation for 3 nights at Rattray's at MalaMala* includes Full Board, drinks (excluding premium brands) and all game activities.   The Blue Train departures from Pretoria are on 13 July, 10 Aug, 19 Oct and 14 Dec 2018 - or 14 July, 11 Aug, 20 Oct and 15 Dec if you prefer to catch the train back to Pretoria after your safari instead. * or similar lodge subject to availability.

Please visit www.bluetrain.co.za  or email info@ethosmarketing.co.uk for further information and follow The Blue Train on twitter @TheBlueTrainSA