Top luxury trains in the world revealed and South Africa made the list

The report – which looks at the travelling trends of the wealthy – compiled a list of the global wealth and migration trends over the past ten years. In short, how the rich prefer to spend their money.

One of the sections of the report looks at luxury travel and lists the top five luxury trains preferred by the billionaires and multi-millionaires of the world. The results were extrapolated from interviews with top-end travel agents, and by tracking the wealthy’s movement in the media.

The Blue Train, which reached the coveted third spot, was only beaten by The Orient Express in Europe and the Eastern & Oriental Express in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The Blue Train, South Africa

At a cost of about R16 500 per person, it’s not hard to see why the Blue Train made it to the list. It will take you on a 27-hour, 1 600 kilometre journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, stopping at the diamond mines of Kimberley along the way.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and travellers can expect 24/7 service – from providing snacks and drinks to ironing your clothes. The Blue Train celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016 and can boast Kylie Minogue, Mia Farrow and Margaret Thatcher as passengers.

Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa

Slower than the Blue Train, the Rovos Rail crosses South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tanzania. The cabins are the epitome of luxury, and a four-day trip from Pretoria to the Victoria Falls in the Pullman suite would cost about R20 000 per person sharing.

The Rovos Rail travels at approximately 60 kilometres per hour, which allows passengers to open their windows and enjoy the fresh air. Should it to be dusty for your liking, staff will provide goggles to keep the dust out of your eyes.

Fifth most luxurious: The Royal Scotsman

Described as a leisurely and luxurious, intimated and eye-opening trip, the Belmond’s Royal Scotsman marries Edwardian elegance with “the comforts of a country house.” It features ten carriages which the Belmond is proud to market as a “palace on wheels.”

The train has a spa, bars and two wood-panelled lunch and dinner carriages where only the finest dishes of Scottish fare are served. And what would any trip through the Scottish Highlands be without whisky? Prices start at R40 000 per person for a two-night stay.