Blue Train Golf Safari

Your Adventure of a Lifetime Begins

THE BLUE TRAIN, in its charisma and majesty, has been synonymous with the ultimate in luxury travel since 1946. It offers a unique way of traversing some of Southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks.

Guests will revel in exceptional golf courses and inspiring scenery when not relishing Shamwari Big Five wildlife adventures and exceptional culinary experiences throughout.

Perhaps you will glimpse the elusive leopard, dozing in the bough of a tree; spot a beautiful black rhino with its magnificent horns and bad temper, half-hidden in thick shrubs; come across a pride of lions stalking their prey; or a large herd of elephants silently crossing the road.

That is, when you are not discovering a new favourite vintage while exploring wine farms.

THE ROUTE: Round Trip from Cape Town

Cape Town | George | Port Elizabeth | Shamwari | Mossel Bay | Paarl | Cape Town

  •  TOUR INCLUSIONS

Golfers Package INCLUSIONS

  • 4x nights accommodation on The Blue Train
  • Three meals daily and all alcoholic and/or other beverages while on board
  • Suite orientation by Personal Butler, 24-hour full Room Service, Bar Facilities and Portage
  • 2x nights accommodation at 5-Star Shamwari Game Reserve on Full-Board basis
  • All Safari activities at Shamwari (excluding Spa)
  • 5x 18 holes golf on Fancourt Montagu, Belmont, Humewood, Pinnacle Point and Pearl Valley
  • All Carts/Caddies, Halfway House Lunch and Private Coach Transfers to golf courses
  • Daily fun contests and fantastic prizes
  • Personally autographed copy of Christo Brand’s book “Doing Life with Mandela”
  • Return transfers from Cape Town airport
  • All local taxes and service levies

Non-Golfers Package INCLUSIONS

    • 4x nights accommodation on The Blue Train
  • Three meals daily and all alcoholic and/or other beverages while on board
  • Suite orientation by Personal Butler, 24-hour full Room Service, Bar Facilities and Portage
  • 2x nights accommodation at 5-Star Shamwari Game Reserve on Full-Board basis
  • All Safari activities at Shamwari (excluding Spa)
  • Guided tours including Outeniqua Power Van, Jakkalsvlei Wines, Algoa Bay Boat Cruise, Port Elizabeth City Tour, Point of Human Origins, Diaz Rail, De Vette Mossel & Franschhoek Wine Tram
  • All day tours in private vehicles with lunch
  • Personally autographed copy of Christo Brand’s book “Doing Life with Mandela”
  • Off-train excursions with a Tour Director
  • All local taxes and service levies

THE BLUE TRAIN

Enjoy your first-class seat to ever-changing vistas of the countryside in a spectacular suite. Your suite aboard THE BLUE TRAIN offers a home-away-from-home lounge with WiFi, free of charge, as well as a phone for complimentary on-train calls and local or international calls at a minimal fee. At night, your sitting area is transformed into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows are enveloped in 100% percale cotton bedding ready to welcome you after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom. All that is left is to drift away as you are lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.

DE LUXE SUITE | 19 suites with Twin beds | 5 suites with Double beds *

Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail. From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night with electronic entertainment options on offer. The De Luxe coaches each have four suites that measure 4 by 2 metres. One of these contains a double bed and a ¾ size bathtub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.

LUXURY SUITE | 2 suites with Twin beds | 1 suite with a Double bed *

Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with a luxurious bathtub and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blu-Ray DVD. Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5.13 by 2 metres.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Situated in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve features 5-star accommodation. The malaria free reserve is home to vast herds of wildlife, bird life and ecological diversity and guests have the opportunity to spot Africa’s Big 5. Shamwari has different accommodation types for guests to choose from.

Bayethe Lodge offers tented accommodation with private plunge pools, Eagles Crag Lodge with its classically decorated suites offers breath-taking scenery, Lee Manor, the Edwardian-styled manor, overlooks the African plains, Riverdene Family Lodge has luxury suites while Sarili Lodge’s deck boasts magnificent views of the The Bushmans’ River. All lodges have a lounge area, in and outdoor dining facilities and WiFi access. For spa treatments, Eagles Crag Lodge features 2 treatment lodges, a hydro bath, a sauna and steam bath. Treatment rooms are also available at Long Lee Manor and Bayethe Tented Lodge.

Guests can go on morning and afternoon game drives, accompanied by a trained game ranger. Walking safaris and visits to conservation, rehabilitation and educational facilities can also be arranged.

  •  GOLF COURSES

FANCOURT MONTAGU GOLF COURSE

Voted the number one golf course in South Africa in 2000, the Montagu Golf Course at Fancourt is named after the mountain pass of the same name, and is part of the original 27-hole design at Fancourt by the legendary Gary Player in the early 90s. This classic tree-lined parklands layout underwent a major facelift in 2005 under renowned Scottish golf architect David McLay Kidd.

The upgrade saw two completely new holes – the 1st and the 9th., redefined bunkers and greens and introduction of several water features such as the dam. Celebrated for its immaculate, round the year conditioning, the Montagu GC is currently ranked at #6 in South Africa (Golf Digest, 2014). The signature hole is the Par-3 17th, reminiscent of the 12th hole at Augusta National – the permanent home of the US Masters.

BELMOND GOLF COURSE

The Belmont Golf Club course is in the Belmont Valley about 7kms south east of Grahamstown. It straddles the gravel road that runs from Grahamstown down the Belmont Valley, under the N2 bypass and joins up with the Port Alfred Road just before Manley’s Flats. There are 12 holes on the western side of this road and 6 on the eastern side with the Kowie river running through the course, adjacent to the road in the main. Another interesting feature is the old railway line to Port Alfred that runs through the course in places, but, generally, is quite well hidden and doesn’t interfere with play at all.

The course was built on a farm so there was traditional Eastern Cape bush to work with and this has been put to good use. There is a distinct difference between the course on the eastern side of the road, on the upper slopes of the valley, from the western side in terms of the undergrowth and the eastern side provides some panoramic views both north and south. The western part has many beautiful old Oak trees, and others, which provide a home for over 100 different bird species.The course is beautiful and well worth a walk around it just to enjoy the scenery.

HUMEWOOD GOLF COURSE

In 1929, Port Elizabeth Golf Club members asked course architect Colonel SV Hotchkin to design a second championship course for the town. He owned Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, but his love for the Old Course at St Andrews inspired him to produce Humewood.

He did break away, though, from the traditional 9 holes out and 9 holes back approach and, instead, he built a course of two separate 9’s. Each 9 returns to the Club House in the middle of the course in a similar way to the Muirfield Links in Scotland.

As a result, the holes run in different directions so that the golfer doesn’t get to play a long sequence of holes, either downwind or into the wind. His design included 8 par 5’s on a par 76 layout. Humewood is considered his finest work!

PINNACLE POINT GOLF COURSE

The Pinnacle Point Golf Course, a clifftop fynbos links, co-designed by renowned golf architect Peter Matkovich and professional golfer Darren Clarke, stretches along four kilometres of spectacular coastline and boasts dramatic cliff-side holes as well as a virgin beachfront. Awe inspiring views are a given with the stunning ocean visible from every hole.

The emerald green fairways and tees offer a perfect surface for making shots and the bent grass greens will ensure a challenging and entertaining game. The seven holes perched precariously along the cliff edge not only intimidate but also seduce the golfer with both their challenges and their beauty, and are justifiably some of the world’s most photographed holes.

PEARL VALLEY GOLF COURSE

The Pearl Valley Golf Estate is enchantingly beautiful. Located between the magnificent Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountain Ranges, it shares its borders with two of the most well-known and picturesque winemaking towns in the Cape – Paarl and Franschhoek. The estate as well as the course is post-card perfect in every sense of the word. From the vineyards and orchards that border the course to the mighty Berg River flowing through it to the mountainous backdrops of every hole, playing here is an experience that cannot be adequately described in words.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has used his abundant store of knowledge and experience in the game to develop the most visually spectacular golf course in the country. The design of the Pearl Valley Golf Course has received praises galore for its magnificent rich, deep, green all-season fairways and the clever use of dazzling water features, which often protect the splendid large and subtle bent grass greens. The bunkers, in true Nicklaus fashion, are shallow, long and relatively undaunting.

 

Day 01

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | PORT ELIZABETH | SHAMWARI | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Aboard your Palace on Rails

morning: welcome and departure

Arrive at the luxurious Blue Train Lounge at Cape Town for an short orientation reception by the train manager or one of our representatives.

As your luggage is received, tagged and safely whisked away, the stage is set for a personal invitation to stroll onto the platform and settle into your own private suite. Soon the train leaves the Cape Town station for George.

On The Blue Train, a dedicated butler comes as standard, ready to meet your every whim. A late-night snack? An early-morning wake-up call? A dinner jacket in need of pressing? At the touch of a telephone, your butler is waiting.

Soon its lunchtime, as you sit down for a multi course spread with the flavor of local cuisine, matched by many fine wines. Bon appetit !

late-afternoon: as you like it

As the train moves through an ever changing landscape, meet with your travel companions in the Observation Car at the rear of the train. You may also opt for an engaging talk in the Lounge Car by historian Tim Carr who will narrate South Africa’s colorful heritage.

evening: a movable feast

While every meal on The Blue Train is special, but dinner occupies a platform all of its own. As the sky darkens, the day’s smart-casual dress code gives way to formal evening-wear in tune with classic livery and earthy African décor of the Dining Car. Take your seat and indulge in a legendary cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients and artfully presented in the finest Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware on crisp white linen sets. The banquet is about to begin.

 

Day 02

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | PORT ELIZABETH | SHAMWARI | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

In the heart of Garden Route

morning: fancourt montagu golf course

As the train leisurely strolls into the historic town of George, enjoy a made to order delightful breakfast, before transfer to South Africa’s #1 golf resort, Fancourt – set on 613 hectares of countryside against the Outeniqua Mountains.

Over the years, Facnourt’s Montagu course has developed into one of the finest 18-hole parkland layouts in the country. Exquisitely conditioned to provide a riveting golfing experience, this tree-lined course covers large tracts of varying terrain on rolling land. A detailed stroke saver takes golfers through the course, providing distance measurements and images that assist players with navigating the course. A warm-up area, featuring a full-length range and a chipping and bunker practice area, is also available to golfers before play.

Lunch at the Halfway House is included.

non golfers: scenic passes & jakkalsvlei cellar

Today, enjoy Outeniqua Power Van – a unique railroad trip through the four stunning mountain passes of Outeniqua, to experience waterfalls, forests, tunnels and abundant flora and fauna.

Next, visit Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar at the foot of Langeberg Mountains for wine tasting and shopping, followed by a memorable picnic or pizza experience. Late afternoon, take a walk along the Herold’s Bay beach to visit quaint villages, tidal pools and heritage chapels.

evening: eastward ho!

Return to the train as it departs via Oudtshoorn and Uitenhage to Port Elizabeth.

You may opt to hear Tim Carr speak on the 1820 Settlers in the Lounge Car before sitting down to another superb dinner followed by a nightcap.

 

Day 03

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | PORT ELIZABETH | SHAMWARI | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Nelson Mandela’s Final Resting Place

morning: belmont golf course

Yet another delightful breakfast will be served before the train arrives at Port Elizabeth. Golfers debark for transfer to the Belmont Golf Course.

This incredible course, set in the Belmont Valley farming community, straddles the gravel road that runs from Grahamstown. There are 12 holes on the western side of this road and 6 on the eastern side, with the Kowie river running through the course, adjacent to the road.

The course was built on a farm and there is a distinct difference between the course on the eastern side of the road, on the upper slopes of the valley, from the western side in terms of the undergrowth. However, both sides offer great panoramic views all around.

non golfers: port elizabeth city tour

Embark on a Port Elizabeth City Tour which includes Route 67 and Donkin Memorial. Route 67 consists of 67 Public Art Works symbolizing Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to the Freedom of South Africa and includes 67 steps leading up the second largest national flag in Africa. The artworks were designed by local artists from the Eastern Cape and the route is a glorious celebration of this city’s proud heritage.

evening: shamwari game reserve

Late afternoon, both groups check in at 5- Star Shamwari Game Rerserve for an all inclusive 2 night stay. Settle down in your lodge and after freshening up, enjoy a splendid dinner at this award-winning African paradise; perhaps at the outdoor Boma to the sounds of roaring lions and trumpeting elephants in the distance.

 

Day 04

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | PORT ELIZABETH | SHAMWARI | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Welcome to Big Five Country

morning game drive

Big Five safaris are a must-do for anyone visiting South Africa, the term referring to the animals considered most difficult to hunt, namely lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.

The sound of “Big Five” still conjures up the romance thrilling encounters in the wild, as you will experience today at Shamwari. Your ranger will wake you up pre-dawn with hot coffee and rusks before escorting you to 4WD custom-built Land Rovers for a drive through the African bushveld. This is often the best time of the day to spot predators before they duck into the shade to escape heat.

Come back for a hearty breakfast, following which, you can spend time catching a nap, laze at the pool with an iced cooler or even take a educative Bush Walk with armed rangers. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots and tell you about the reserve’s history.

late afternoon: more wildlife

After lunch, and afternoon high-tea, an evening game drive takes you back into the bush for some more action and adventure.

This is your chance to spot an abundance of plains game and birds of prey that are different from those seen in the morning, If you have a particular area of interest, you are welcome to inform your guide who will include it along the journey. Your vehicle will stop at a scenic spot for a traditional “sundowner”, often dubbed as the high point of any African safari.

Return back to your lodge to freshen up and perhaps enjoy a spa treatment (at your own cost). As the sky lights up with a million stars, gather around a campfire over drinks and trade stories about the highlights of the day.

Enjoy a final dinner at this award-winning African paradise paired with fine beverages.

 

Day 05

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | SHAMWARI | PORT ELIZABETH | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Of Wedges and Whales

morning: play at humewood

Delight in a leisurely breakfast before being transferred in luxury vehicles (about 1 hour) to tee off at the Humewood Golf Course.

Home to one of the world’s most challenging links courses, Humewood is ranked 11th among South Africa’s Top golf courses. Found in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the golf course is a genuine seaside links, with wide and undulating fairways, fast greens and thick coastal bush. It also boasts a variety of animal life with an abundance of plovers, otherwise known as “kiewietjies”, which is also the club’s emblem.

Humewood has hosted the SA Amateur 10 times and the SA Open 5 times apart from being the venue of the Goodyear Classic, a major Sunshine Tour event, from 1984-1992.

non golfers: algoa bay boat cruise

Your final morning safari may be most exciting as you you may spot another of the Big Five. Return for breakfast and check out of Shamwari for a thrilling day on the ocean aboard a boat cruise in Algoa Bay to spot a wide variety of marine wildlife. Common species are African Penguins, Dolphins (Bottlenose, Common & Humpback), Whales (Southern Right, Humpback, Killer and Bryde’s) and Sharks (both Great White and Hammerhead) apart from Cape Fur Seals.

evening: welcome christo brand

it is fitting that Christo Brand, Mandela’s former prison warden joins the tour at Post Elizabeth – Madiba’s final resting place. In his own words, Christo will tell the incredible story of his unlikely friendship with Mandela and share anecdotes and insights about his life in prison.

Prepare to remain fascinated even after dinner as The Blue Train continues its return journey along Garden Route towards Mossel Bay.

 

Day 06

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | SHAMWARI | PORT ELIZABETH | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Golf and Caves of Pinnacle Point

morning: pinnacle point golf course

Enjoy breakfast in the dining car before the train arrives in Mossel Bay. Golfers will be transferred to the Pinnacle Point Golf Course.

Pinnacle Point is practically synonymous with golf in the Garden Route. Not surprising because for the second year in succession, it was voted South Africa’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards in 2017. Designed by Peter Matkovich with Irish PGA-Pro Darren Clarke, this cliff-top fynbos links stretches along four kilometers of spectacular Indian Ocean coastline.

The emerald fairways and tees offer a perfect surface for making shots and the bent grass greens will ensure a throughly enjoyable game. Several holes are perched precariously along the cliff edge which not only intimidate but also seduce the golfer with their challenges and beauty, and are justifiably some of the world’s most photographed holes.

non golfers: rail, dining and stone age man

Today board the Diaz Express, running along the Indian Ocean between Great Brak River and Mossel Bay with lovely views. A 9 course meal of the best seafood around at De Vette Mossel is up next. With your feet in the sand and the beach in your face you will love this unique experience. Finally visit the Point of Human Origins caves near Pinnacle Point with early evidence of modern human behavior – including the earliest use of ochre for coloring and symboling.

evening: westward ho

Return to the train to hear Christo continue his inspiring narrative about Mandela after which he will personally answer your questions.

Prepare for your final dinner on The Blue Train that will captivate your senses. Delight in a nightcap and splendid stories by fellow guests as the train speeds towards its final stop in Paarl.

 

Day 07

CAPE TOWN | GEORGE | SHAMWARI | PORT ELIZABETH | MOSSEL BAY | PAARL | CAPE TOWN

Fairways and Vineyards… Au Revoir

morning: play at pearl valley

Enjoy a final smashing breakfast before the train arrives in Paarl where golfers will be transferred to Pearl Valley Golf Course.

Awarded the 5-Star Experience Award by Compleat Golfer for six consecutive years, this iconic Jack Nicklaus Signature Design has the master’s touch evident throughout the course.

Opened in 2003 by Nicklaus himself along with Gary Player, Pearl Valley was named the Best New Golf Course in 2005 by Golf Digest and has received numerous accolades from all over the world. The two signature holes, 4th and 13th both offers majestic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

After golf, transfer back to the train.

non-golfers: franschhoek wine tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history. You can hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards.

late afternoon: see you soon

Your last day of this remarkable journey may well usher in some sadness. But, like all good things that must come to an end, so too must the Blue Train Golf Safari. As the train departs for Cape Town, meet up in the Lounge Car for a Prize-giving session where you will receive an autographed copy of Christo’s book “Doing Life with Mandela”. Bid farewell to your new found mates and have a safe trip back home.

 

Don’t Miss

  • privately chartered with just 24 suites for exclusive small-group travel
  • The Blue Train Golf Safari is like a private club for a select few; with all-suite accommodation and 24-hour personalized butler service
  • stunning golf, numerous fun contests and fantastic prizes
  • Play South Africa’s top golf courses including Fancourt Montagu, Pinnacle Point & Pearl Valley and take home great winnings
  • 2-nights all inclusive accommodation at 5-star Shamwari game reserve
  • Indulge in the ultimate bushveld luxury at the malaria free Shamwari known for its Big Five safaris and exceptional game viewing
  • celebrity Christo Brand and natural historian Tim Carr on board
  • Get inspired by heart warming stories about Mandela’s life in prison and South African history narrated first hand by international experts
  • legendary cuisine and unlimited fine wines throughout the journey
  • Gourmet dishes made with the freshest produce that are rivaled by the best South African wines poured before, during and after all meals
  • diverse sightseeing attractive non-golfer packages
  • Enjoy varied including cellar-door wine tasting, picnic lunches, scenic natural wonders, city tours and ancient caves
Scheduled Departures 2019

07 February

22 March

11 October

08 November

Contact Us Now for more info: visit www.southernskyadventures.com or call us

Henk Visagie 919-741-2135

Richard Pace 770-324-0068