SA luxury trains suspend services

South Africa’s luxury trains have suspended their services temporarily as a result of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The Blue Train, which runs routes between Cape Town and Pretoria and Pretoria and the Kruger National Park, has suspended its services until 30 April.

Guests who were booked to travel on The Blue Train between 18 March and 31 August can either postpone their travel to dates to between 1 September and 31 December 2021 or cancel the booking and receive a full refund.

According to Tourism Update, The Blue Train’s decision was made in line with the advisory of the World Health Organisation and South Africa’s national Health Department.

Rovos Rail which operates multiple routes in South Africa and into other countries has also decided to shut down for the meantime.

Rovos Rail. Image: Safari Guide

‘We are living in unprecedented times. Our main priority right now is the safety of our guests and staff,’ said Tiffany Vos-Thane, CEO of Rovos Rail.

‘We are therefore winding down operations completely here at Rovos Rail, with only a long-distance train still travelling.’

Guests who were expected to travel on a Rovos Rail train who need more information can contact the Head Office on + 27 (0) 12 315 8242, the Cape Town office on + 27 (0) 21 421 4020 or email [email protected]

Guests who were expected to travel on The Blue Train who need more information can contact the reservation team in Pretoria on +27(0)12-334-8459 or the Cape Town office on +27(0)21-449-2672 or on email [email protected]

Image: The Blue Train/ Twitter