The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is the last steam hauled scheduled passenger train operating in Southern Africa and runs daily (excepting Sunday) between George and Knysna. The route of the Choo-Tjoe is from George, via Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Goukamma to Knysna and encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa in the heart of the Garden Route lake district. The section from Victoria Bay along the Cliffside and over the Kaaimans River viaduct to Wilderness is the highlight of the journey. The railway line between George and Knysna was opened to traffic in 1928 and when built was regarded as one of the most expensive sections of line in the world - today it is rated the most beautiful. All trains departing from and arriving at George use the new Choo-Tjoe station at the Outeniqua Railway Museum and passengers can enjoy a visit to the Museum as well as a trip on a steam train. The trains are normally hauled by a class 19D or class 24 steam locomotive although other locomotives may be used on special occasions. During the peak tourist seasons the train is run as a passanger train, but during off peaks, the trains also convey freight. Carriages used date from 1903 to 1950 and are all of the suburban side-door type.
Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast. he new headquarters and the heart of this superb private railway company is the historic and newly built Capital park Station and Locomotive yard which is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria.
For more information see the official Rovos Rail site.
The Blue Train is unique - it is not merely a train but combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels withthe charm of train travel. Think of it as an all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view South Africa's spectacular landscapes and visit interesting tourist attractions along the way. Take a journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery stirs your imagination and luxurious comfort soothes your body and soul. Sit back, de-stress and relax. This unique luxury recreation and business experience takes you where you want to go in an endless, five-star splendour. It pauses only to pick up prestigious World Travel awards for being a cut above the rest and the Diner's Club accolade for its connoisseur selection of South African wines. The Blue Train cuisine puts sheer good taste on a plate while butler personal attention puts you on a pedestal. It's a journey of a lifetime for those who appreciate finer things in life.
For more information see the official Blue Train site
The Apple Express
This famous narrow-gauge steam train operates from Port Elizabeth on a regular basis to Thornhill Village, 53km from Port Elizabeth and offers one day excursion trips. One of the stops is the Van Stadens River Bridge, where passengers may disembark and stroll over this famous narrow gauge and admire the view before photographing the oncoming train as it slowly steams over.