Africa’s most iconic train will this year signal the start of the journey to Africa’s most iconic horseracing event as the Vodacom Durban July and the Blue Train combine for a five star weekend with the stars of Africa.

The Vodacom Durban July Red Experience was launched within the luxurious surrounds of the Blue Train on Sunday 19 May, and marks the countdown to a 2019 Vodacom Durban July that will challenge traditional ideas of Africa and showcase the fashion and creative excellence being driven by the growing movement of Afrofuturism.

Maps Maponyane (left) and designer Rina Chunga of the label Ri.CH Factory at the launch of the exclusive exclusive Blue Train trip to this year’s Vodacom Durban July. Photo By 22Knots Photography for Gameplan Media

A world-class lineup of Africa’s foremost creative minds, including renowned visual artist Osborne Macharia and top designers Laduma of MaXhosa, Ri.Ch Factory and Sindiso Khumalo, will unveil their African future against the backdrop of this illustrious horse race.

And 10 Vodacom Red clients and their partners will experience the best of this as part of a once-in-a-lifetime reward that will see them travel to the Vodacom Durban July on the Blue Train.

The winners of the Vodacom Durban July Red Experience will leave on Friday 5 July and travel in style overnight from Pretoria to Durban, and then be escorted to Greyville Racecourse and the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday for a day of Vodacom Red VIP hospitality at the Vodacom Paddock.

Once at the Vodacom Paddock, they’ll have a front-row seat to the latest creations from the gathering of designers as they unveil their visions of the “Once Upon an African Future” collection.

“I love the juxtaposition between the idea of Afrofuturism, the Stars of Africa and the Blue Train,” says Maps Maponyane. Photo By 22Knots Photography for Gameplan Media

A train that has hosted kings, queens and presidents will this year open up a world of timeless elegance to the racing enthusiasts lucky enough to travel “Under the African Stars” on one of the world’s most luxurious trains.

And to make their journey even more memorable, they’ll be joined by leading South African personalities Maps Maponyane and Liesl Laurie for an unforgettable date with the most anticipated horseracing and fashion extravaganza of the year.

“I love the juxtaposition between the idea of Afrofuturism, the Stars of Africa and the Blue Train,” says Maponyane.

“The Blue Train is such a classical part of travel in South Africa. It will always be timeless, and that’s what makes so much sense with the Vodacom Durban July and the Blue Train coming together in this way. If you think of the stars of travel, it is one of the stars of Africa when you want to get the ultimate experience and make the most of your journey. This is a beautiful way of thinking about the past before really thinking about the future.”

To be one of the 10 lucky Vodacom Red clients to stand a chance to win a seat on the Vodacom Durban July Red Experience, register on www.redrewards.co.za.

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 6 July 2019. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za