Outeniqua Choo Tjoe: South Africa’s beloved steam train returns to the Garden Route
After nearly two decades of silence, one of South Africa’s most iconic tourist attractions – the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe – is set to make its long-awaited return to the Garden Route.
The historic steam train, which once offered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, will soon be back on track between George and Knysna, rekindling nostalgia and economic opportunity along the coast.
Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, confirmed that his company has secured both the necessary contracts and funding partners to restore the line and relaunch the train as a major tourism drawcard.
“We plan to open the line in two phases, from Knysna to Sedgefield first, followed by the Sedgefield to George section,” he said. “The first phase should take around 12 months to complete.”
The project, which comes after almost 20 years of negotiations and setbacks, marks a major milestone for rail tourism in South Africa. Restoration work will begin with clearing vegetation along the route to assess which sections need repair.
Bridges will also undergo detailed engineering surveys to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, locomotives are being repaired in Gauteng, and the vintage carriages will be refurbished in George.
A steam workshop is planned along the line to support ongoing operations. Once ready, the rolling stock will be transported by road to the Knysna–Sedgefield stretch to launch the first leg of the revived service.
McVitty emphasised that safety and sustainability are top priorities. “Project and passenger safety is paramount,” he said. While it’s too early for ticket sales, regular updates on the project’s progress will be shared via social media and official channels.
@mayor.dirkkotze Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe ry weer – en die Tuinroete beweeg saam vorentoe Vandag het Alderman Anton Dellemijn, Portefeuljevoorsitter vir Infrastruktuurdienste, Mosselbaai met trots ons dorp verteenwoordig by die ondertekeningsgeleentheid van die Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Konsessie-ooreenkoms by die Outeniqua Transportmuseum in George. Hierdie 25-jaar ooreenkoms tussen Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) en Outeniqua Choo Tjoe (Pty) Ltd bring die ikoniese George–Knysna-spoorlyn weer tot lewe as ’n passasiers-toerismetrein — ’n reuse-inspuiting vir erfenisbewaring, toerisme en plaaslike ekonomiese groei. Wat hierdie projek nóg meer besonders maak, is die manier waarop dit samewerking tussen munisipaliteite regoor die Tuinroete versterk. Deur saam te werk oor grense heen, bou ons ’n streek wat meer veerkragtig, verbind en toerismevriendelik is. Dankie aan Transnet, nasionale en provinsiale regering, en die privaat sektor vir hul visie en vennootskap. Mosselbaai sien uit na die geleenthede wat hierdie spoorlyn vir ons hele streek gaan ontsluit.
Beyond nostalgia, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe’s return is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the region.
McVitty described the project as both a tourism icon revival and a much-needed economic investment.
“It’s an amazing brand,” he said. “The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe was once ranked the 10th most recognised tourism icon in South Africa, alongside Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Kruger National Park, and one of the top 10 steam trains in the world. Bringing it back means reigniting jobs, tourism, and local pride along the Garden Route.”
For locals and visitors alike, the return of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe promises more than just a train ride – it’s the revival of a beloved piece of South African heritage, one that once again will wind its way past lagoons, forests, and the Indian Ocean.
IOL Travel