The Blue Train is the way to see Africa in style. If you want luxury you'll get the lion's share here. You'll travel with just 83 other pampered passengers waited on by 27 staff, with white-gloved butlers on call 24 hours. Safari khaki seems to be de rigueur. The classic route is Pretoria to Cape Town so you can watch the moon rise over the Karoo and wake up in the Stellenbosch and the wine lands before pulling into Cape Town mid-morning. Each compartment has its own en-suite bathroom with a full length bath, crisp white linen on the bed, and your own TV. Although who needs television when the observation deck has wrap-around windows for perfect game viewing. The past passengers list include Nelson Mandela and Elton John (though not together), so you are in good company.

In Africa The Luxury Travel Bible also likes the Shongololo Express Heritage Train, this carries its own air-conditioned safari vehicles on board, and Rovos Rail's classic trains.