LODGES WELCOME FIVE-STAR TRAIN TO HOEDSPRUIT

 
LODGES WELCOME FIVE-STAR TRAIN TO HOEDSPRUIT  

SA’s top game lodges have welcomed the launch next month of a Premier Classe train service between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, providing an added attraction to Limpopo’s big-five reserves. The Premier Classe train offers visitors to Limpopo’s game belt a five-star service that includes private cabins, five-course meals and spa facilities. The service begins on 9 July and will operate once a week, leaving Park Station on a Thursday evening and arriving mid-morning on Friday in Hoedspruit. It returns on the Sunday evening, arriving back in Johannesburg on the Monday morning. Viwe Mlenzana, CEO of Shosholoza Meyl, which owns Premier Classe, said the schedule was aimed at the weekend market.

 “The service allows guests to get away to the bush for the weekend but still arrive back on Monday in time for work.”

 He said the service was launched in response to demand from customers who wanted a new travel experience and was aimed primarily at the domestic market. The train has been recently refurbished and Mlenzana said the product would continue to be refined, including a new point-to- point service for passengers to Johannesburg’s Park Station. Later this year further coaches catering to a more exclusive market would be added. However, Mlenzana said, the aim was to make the service affordable to a range of passengers.

“This is such a win for our industry and offers a great alternative to flying or driving to a premium game experience,” said Nic Griffin, CEO of the Thornybush Collection, which operates seven lodges near Hoedspruit. Premier Classe has teamed up with Thornybush to promote the service and Griffin believes there will be great demand from both local and international visitors.

While game lodges have traditionally focused on the international market, Thornybush has increasingly sought to attract local travellers, growing South African support from 11% in 2007 to 28%. Londolozi, one of the top lodges in Sabi Sands, also welcomed the service, while David Ryan, CEO of travel operator Rhino Africa, said there was already a huge demand for the service. 

www.thetimes.co.za

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