The 7 Scenic Highlights to See from Cape Town to Pretoria on The Blue Train

When travelling across the south of Africa, stopping by South Africa to admire its natural landscapes and biodiversity is a must. This country boasts the most majestic wildlife, from Africa’s “Big Five” on safari to the beautiful flora and fauna in its national parks. And one of the best ways to explore and marvel at all these is by taking the luxurious Blue Train South Africa.

The Blue Train famously has routes that go from Cape Town to Pretoria and back. This allows passengers to get a glimpse of the country, from the southwest to the northeast. Not sure what to see in South Africa aboard this rail service? Here are seven of the most scenic highlights and points of interest you can’t sleep on when you take the Blue Train.

Table Mountain at Cape Town

In every traveller’s bucket list of what to see and do in Cape Town, marvelling at the iconic Table Mountain will probably always come out on top. This flat-topped mountain is more than just a stunning natural landscape to stare at—it’s also a symbol of South Africa’s capital as it towers over the city of Cape Town.

Before getting on your train en route to Pretoria, stop by the colossal mountain. Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway all the way to the top of the landmark and look on in awe at Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love discovering over 8,000 species of plants on the mountain as well.

Hex River Mountain Range

The Blue Train traverses through what is known as the Hex River Mountains, a 50-kilometre mountain range in the Cape Fold Belt with peaks that reach up to 2,200 metres high. Look out the window of your cabin to admire the rugged peaks of the mountains and lush, green valleys with dramatic mountains in the backdrop.

The Karoo Region

Karoo is a vast desert region right in the heart of South Africa that spans almost 400,000 square kilometres. The area has no nearby body of water—that’s why it’s called “Karoo”, which means “the land of thirst” in native Khoisan.

When passing through this area, you’ll see tons of succulents, low scrub bushes and open plains. Far off in the distance, you’ll see mountain ranges in red, gold and orange hues. The area may be quite remote, but there is a relaxing charm only the flatlands of the Karoo can exude. The area looks most stunning during sunset and after darkness falls, when the stars come out to glimmer and shine in the middle of the desert.

The Big Hole at Kimberley

The Kimberley Mine—endearingly referred to as the “Big Hole”—is an underground mine that was once believed to be the deepest manmade hole in the world. Back in the late 1800s, people clamoured to excavate the area to dig up some diamonds, leaving a huge, 40-metre deep chasm filled with turquoise water.

Today, it’s a site many tourists flock to to learn more about mining culture in the 19th century. There’s a simulated mine experience where you are taken down a shaft, similar to how diamond miners did back in the day. There’s even a heavily guarded diamond vault, where thousands of diamonds are kept. And outside of the Big Hole is the Kimberley Mine Museum, an open-air museum and reconstruction of the old, Victorian-era mining settlement that thrived there in the 1880s.

Magaliesberg Mountains

The rugged, 120-kilometre Magaliesberg Mountain Range was formed more than two billion years ago and has some of the oldest mountains in history. The Blue Train passes through the mountains’ many vistas, valleys and rocky terrain, giving you stunning views of the historic natural scenery.

But it’s not just the landscapes that are interesting here. You’ll also see tons of flora and fauna in the area, from rosette-shaped aloe plants to vibrant frithia flowers. Magaliesberg is also home to over a hundred bird species, making it wonderful for birdwatchers.

Union Buildings at Pretoria

While Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, Pretoria, your final destination aboard the Blue Train, is the administrative capital. So, it’s only fitting that when you get off your luxury train excursion, you check out the Union Buildings in the city, aka the official seat of South Africa’s government.

The Union Buildings are a spectacular point of interest for many visiting Pretoria because of their stunning, elegant neoclassical architectural style and imposing facades and towers. It also sits at the top of a hill called Meintjeskop, giving it beautiful views of Pretoria’s modern skyscrapers below.

Although the main buildings aren’t open for public viewing, people often flock to the sweeping gardens at the front of the structures. Here, you’ll find lush greenery and statues of some of South Africa’s greatest heroes, including the well-loved Nelson Mandela.

Kruger National Park

When it comes to what to see in South Africa, a day on safari will always be on the list. During some seasons, the Blue Train offers a safari excursion that brings passengers from Pretoria to Hoedspruit, where they can kickstart a journey to Kruger National Park.

This park, one of the country’s largest game reserves and undeniably one of the most popular national parks in all of South Africa, is home to almost 150 mammals (including the coveted “Big Five” of the safari) and over 500 birds. It’s a must for any wildlife lover who wants to experience seeing elephants, giraffes, lions and more on the African horizon.

Experience South Africa Firsthand Through the Blue Train!

From the impressive views of Table Mountain in Cape Town to the historic buildings in Pretoria, there’s always something pretty to look at when travelling throughout South Africa. And when you’re in the comfortable seats of the Blue Train as you admire these scenic views, the experience becomes even more memorable and luxurious.

Make your next adventure to South Africa unforgettable when you book a rail service with Entire Travel Group. Check out all of our rail journeys and discover the world by train today!