The only remaining passenger steam train in Africa that operates according to a schedule, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe runs between George and Mossel Bay on the Garden Route; an exciting journey, and one of the greatest experiences on this part of the coast. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is sorely missed by lovers of historic train journeys here and abroad. In the article below Peter Ball sketches the history and potential future of … A sad day for what has been a world renowned tourist attraction and heritage line.

In its' last years it transported over 100 000 passengers a year, most of them being foreign tourists. The restoration of the line and return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, while preserving one of the iconic railway lines in the world and steam locomotive activities for future generations, will attract international and local tourists with a direct benefit to business in the region and provide much needed downstream employment.An organisation such as the Friends is always in need of funding to continue their … A journey on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe takes visitors through over bridges and through tunnels across scenic lush green farmlands, for 52 kilometres from George to Mossel Bay. It ran this route for nigh on 78 years and became a vital part of the Garden Route's heritage making a considerable contribution to Cape Tourism. Following a decision by Transnet, the South African railway authority, to suspend passenger services, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe’s licence to transport passengers expired on Friday, 17th September 2010 when the train made its last run as a Transnet asset. Sit back, relax and gaze out at the magnificent scenery as the beautiful steam train chugs along at a steady pace. Thousands of people in South Africa and abroad dream of the day when the famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe will run again. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe was one of South Africa’s longest-lived and most famous steam passenger train services – and now the spectacular and challenging route of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is available for Train Simulator! STATE OF THE CHOO TJOE: SEPTEMBER 2019 Official site for the revived Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - the beloved steam train that once ran between Knysna and George, and that’s now owned (and will by operated) by Classic Rail.