Thanks to Covid-19, locals can finally afford South Africa’s luxury train ride

The train is popular among tourists from countries like the United States, Britain and Japan. These days, however, locals take up most of the seats and cabins. — Photos: MARCO LONGARI/AFP

Waiters in grey waistcoats bearing dainty platters of canapés circle the private lounge at Cape Town’s main train station and the tinkle of champagne glasses fills the air.

Timeless ease fills the room as passengers wait to embark on the fabled Blue Train for a luxurious two-night trek across South Africa.