Cape Town is full of iconic and historic elements which make up the vibrant city. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is just one of these quaint factors which make the city such a wonderful place to visit. Africa's last scheduled steam train and a major tourist attraction to this area of the Southern Cape is under threat from big business.

Since the tracks between Knysna and George were damaged in a flood in recent years, the train's journey has been significantly shortened. Transnet, the South African rail manager, suggested shutting down the service entirely due to maintenance costs, but the Western Cape MEC for Finance said that he was hopeful the public would come to the icon's rescue. "I am of the strong view that this icon needs to be preserved, and will do everything in my power to ensure it operates again. To this end, I will be discussing possible privately funded mechanisms for its survival with the acting CEO of Transnet," Winde said in July. Cape Town holidays will be forever changed if this icon of a by-gone era is removed from the public eye.


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The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is named after its destination and the sound it makes as it releases steam from the valves on board. The train offers passengers a unique, picturesque, and scenic journey through 52 kilometres of the Garden Route. Expect spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and an unforgettable experience. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe may at times be forced to operate with diesel locomotives. The reason for this switch over is because the train line runs through an ecologically sensitive area in which there is a considerable risk of veld fires from the steam and coal.