Suggested Itinerary - Day Four
Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train Journey along the coast
Day four
If you loved the romantic ballads, “Sentimental journey”, “Chattanooga Choo choo” and “Midnight train to Georgia” with their references to the romance of train journeys, then the charming steam-driven Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is a must for you.
After a hiatus of a couple of years, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is rolling again. South Africa’s last steam train in daily use now traverses the scenic coastal route between the Transnet Heritage Foundation (Railway) Museum in George and the Dias Museum in the centre of Mossel Bay, some 45 kms away, with stops in Great Brak River and the little seaside resort of Hartenbos.
You need to leave Calitzdorp Country House at 08h00 sharp to meet the train’s departure time, so we’ll arrange an early breakfast for you.
Once there, passengers have the opportunity to visit Mossel Bay central - a three-minute walk from the museum gate - as well as exploring the Dias Museum complex (named after the famed 15th C Portuguese explorer) which houses the maritime museum, shell museum and the Old Post Office Tree (used by sailors in centuries past as a ‘post box’ to leave messages for ships stopping at Mossel Bay on their way to or from the Far East).
Of course, we’ll recommend the best places for you to snatch a quick lunch.
At once an exciting and a relaxing experience, the return train trip is astonishing value at just R 100 per passenger. Here’s Mossel Bay Tourism’s description:
“The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is one of Africa's great experiences - it's an awesome trip. Start with a long stroll around the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George and explore rarities like the train in which President Paul Kruger conducted the affairs of the Transvaal Republic at the end of the South African War; look at the vintage cars and unusual trucks and the White Train (in which the British Royal Family toured South Africa in the early 50s). Then board the train (first class only) and, with a toot on the whistle you're off. Enjoy the bridge crossings at the Malgate and Gwaiing Rivers, the farmlands outside George with the Outeniqua Mountains in the background and then that amazing vista over Glentana and the Indian Ocean. Through a tunnel (the only one on the line) and out again to a sweeping view all the way across Mossel Bay to the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse. And keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins. Across the Great and Little Brak River Lagoons, through a fynbos (indigenous plants of the Cape) reserve, past Hartenbos and then through the eerie, deeply atmospheric Voorbaai Yards, the largest steam locomotive maintenance workshop in the country, great rusting hulks and faded carriages aching with the stories and dramas of a nearly-forgotten time.
Pass Mossel Bay's Langeberg Mall and enjoy the final run into town with steam billowing and whistle blowing, the sea and the beaches and Mossel Bay's famous caravan parks to the left as you roll to a gentle stop at the Dias Museum Station.
Now explore the Dias Museum Complex's Maritime Museum with its replica of Bartholomew Dias' Caravel, visit the Shell Museum and the Braille Trail and the famous Post Office Tree itself, and, of course, nip into the CBD for a quick bite to eat before your departure for George at 2:15”
In the summer, September through April, the train operates daily except for Sundays and Christmas Day, departing George at 10h00, arriving Mossel Bay at 12h00.
Two hours to explore and marvel and perhaps get a quick lunch, then depart Mossel Bay at 14h15 and arrive George 16h35.
And before 18h00, with plenty of sunshine left in the day, you’re back at Calitzdorp Country House in plenty of time to relax and freshen up before your silver and crystal fine dining experience.
view day 5 - Balloon Trip and other exclusive visits
