Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - All Aboard!
Visitors exploring the Garden Route should really consider taking a ride on South Africa's only remaining steam train, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, as it travels from George to Mossel Bay and back along one of the country's most spectacular stretches of coastline. Start off your adventure with a visit to the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George, where you will get to see 13 superbly restored and preserved steam locomotives and coaches, a fascinating photo gallery and a host of models and memorabilia relating to railway history in South Africa.
The railway line, which was opened on 25 September 1907, initially passes through lush agricultural land before crossing the Gwaiing River and climbing the hill toward the siding of Skimmelkrans and descending into the picturesque Malgate Valley. The train then crosses the Malgate River over a high bridge. Looking down at the riverbed, passengers will notice large round holes which have been caused by water rolling stones over and over, eroding the rock of the riverbed over time.
From Outeniqua, the railway line begins to descend toward the sea, and as the train makes its way around a large bend, the hillside falls away suddenly opening up an incredible view of the Indian Ocean with its waves crashing onto the beach. Making its way through a deep cut into the mountain and the only tunnel on the line, the train emerges to another incredible vista including the St Blaze lighthouse to the south of Mossel Bay.
At Great Brak River passengers will see the original station building which had been erected by the Cape Government Railways, as well as the remains of the original railway bridge. Passing through Hartenbos Station, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe arrives at Santos Beach, where passengers have the opportunity to explore the Diaz Museum Complex and other attractions in the area before making their way back to George.
Interestingly, due to the ecologically sensitive area that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe travels through there may be occasions where the steam locomotive will be replaced by a diesel locomotive to prevent any chance of sparking a fire. But whether it is a steam or diesel locomotive pulling the train, passengers are assured of a memorable adventure on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
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User Comments & Reviews: 7 Comment(s)
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SouthAfrica.com Team - 2010-02-17 07:23:41
Hi Bobby, The official website for the Outiniqua Choo-Tjoe is - http://www.onlinesources.co.za/chootjoe/. We hope you enjoy your trip. Let us know what you thought of it.
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Bobby Brodemus - 2010-02-15 21:28:45
Hi guys! Could you help with more info? Like, does the Choo-tjoe have a website where I can book online? How much does it costs? Can you take the train just one way, say Mossel Bay to George? Anemail address would be helpful too. Many thanx. Bahama Bob
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Francois W - 2010-01-04 13:22:09
Me and my family just rode the train about a week ago and what a wonderful experience it was. The only dissapointment on our day of train riding was that they had to use the diesel loco. Not because of fire hazard, but because of water restrictions. The Eden Area currently sufffers immense drought. (The steam loco uses about 20 000 Liters of water per trip) The train ride was very nice, although NOT so nice as it used to be when it done the Knysa route. The only other problem I experienced with my small children, when we arrived in Mosselbay... NO EATING PLACE nearby!!! There is a fish restaurant next to the museum, but my children are allergic to seafood. Next stop.. Wimpy in the small mall... again dissapointed!!! the place is full and it is obvious that we wouldn't get a table in time. (the train stops for 2 hrs in Mosselbay ... 12H00 pm - 14H00 pm) My advice is... encourage / allow food and drink stalls next to the train stop in Mosselbay with adequate seating and shade. Or inform passengers beforehand to pack a picnic bag. We had to stay hungry until we were back in George :-) Oh yes, and a final word of advice... you need to BOOK your seats at least 24hrs beforehand. Other than that ... enjoy the ride !!!
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