GEORGE - MOSSEL BAY - GEORGE: THE MUSEUM-TO-MUSEUM TOUR

The famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train now runs between George and Mossel Bay in the Garden Route. Since excessive storm damage  occurred to the main structures of the scenic route which crosses Kaaimans Bridge through to Wilderness.  The Museum to Museum George- Mossel Bay route and back is equally memorable.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe (Photograph: Wayne Holtshausen)

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 on the water, looking for whales and dolphins. Across the Great and Little Brak River Lagoons, through a fynbos reserve and past Hartenbos and then through the eerie, deeply atmospheric Voorbaai Yards, the largest steam locomotive maintenance workshop in the country, great rusting hulks and fading carriages aching with stories and the dramas of an almost 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.

STATIONS
GEORGE:
Trains arrive & depart from the Outeniqua Transport Museum, 2 Mission Street (off Knysna Road), George.
MOSSEL BAY:
Trains arrive & depart from the Dias Museum, Santos Beach.

DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe may be forced to operate with diesel locomotives from time to time. This is because the line runs through an ecologically sensitive area in which there is considerable risk of veld (bush) fires. For this reason, the Transnet Heritage Foundation has agreed with the authorities (Local Disaster Management, Cape Nature Conservation, South African National Parks and MTO [a conservation and forestry organisation]) that steam traction will be replaced with vintage diesel locomotives on days when the fire danger index (FDI) exceeds 52 (the FDI depends on factors like wind and rainfall recorded over the preceding days. Forecasts of rain are not taken into account - and thus it might happen that the train will run with diesel in the pouring rain - specially after a long dry spell.

Also note that steam locomotives can pull a maximum of 5 coaches on this line and on rare occasions (when demand requires that an additional coach be added to the train), diesel locomotives may have to be used.

TIMETABLE

Please Note

• Advance reservations are essential (at least 24 hours prior to departure)
• Reporting time: 30 minutes prior to departure
• Diesel locomotives may be used when fire hazard, weather and/or technical reasons dictate.
• Train service subject to sufficient support

Departures

• George – Outeniqua Transport Museum , 2 Mission road , George
• Mossel Bay – Diaz Museum complex , Santos Beach

Fares: 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011

** No Pre-booking – subject to seat availability

Tour Operators: 10 % commission

Tour guides/ Tour leaders: Free of charge.

Special School Group Fares: 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011

Entrance fee to Dias & Outeniqua Transport Museums included.

Entrance Fee – Outeniqua Transport Museum Only

More Information & Reservations

Mossel Bay Tourism

Phone: +27(0)44 691 2202

info@visitmosselbay.co.za

Transnet Foundation – Heritage Preservation, Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe

PO Box 850, George 6530

Telephone: +27(0)44 801 8289 / +27(0)44 801 8286

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