| This tour will run primarily for railway enthusiasts and photographers Participants should be able to board and leave trains where there are no platforms, and walk some distance without assistance. It is not the policy of Geoff’s Trains to maximise the number of run- pasts, but to offer a quality steam experience with a reasonable number of good photographic opportunities. The tour will interest enthusiasts, but will also be acceptable and sustainable to the railway authorities. This and future tours cannot emulate those that have run in the past, they must encompass the needs of South Africa’s modern railway that faces severe economic, operational and safety constraints. Hotels will offer reasonable en- suite facilities and will be to three star standards wherever possible. Please contact us if you are unsure if this tour will be suitable for you. |
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| Steam is very much alive in South Africa and Geoff’s Trains is working with the steam clubs to offer a comprehensive steam rail tour to South Africa in May, 2010. Main line (Cape Gauge) and Narrow Gauge (Two Foot) both feature prominently in this exciting tour that includes a wide selection of steam locomotives, from diminutive 4-4-0's to mighty Garratts. The railways visited offer a great variety of scenery from highveld savannah through the hills of Natal to the coastal railways on the Garden Route. The tour will appeal to steam photographers, but will also embrace other aspects of the rail tour scene with interesting steam train rides and alternative touring where practical. Hosted by Geoff Cooke with the assistance of some of South Africa's foremost railway photographers, this is the major event in the 2010 South African calendar - unless you prefer football. |
South African Steam 2010
| 21 May to 07 June |
Thursday, 20 May 2010.
Optional pre-stay in Johannesburg, Bed and Breakfast.
One or more extra nights can be booked at the City Lodge Airport (Edenvale) Hotel in Johannesburg. This hotel is about 4 km from the
airport with a shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes.
Option One starts
Day 1. Friday. 21 May.
Our tour starts at 11h30 when our coach leaves the City Lodge. We will call at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, leaving there at
12h00 Noon for the James Hall Museum of Transport. The Museum includes steam railway items alongside other transport types
found in South Africa, making it a pleasant and relaxing way to spend your first afternoon in the country. Refreshments are available at
the museum. Return to our hotel later this afternoon. The hotel runs a shuttle bus from the Airport every half hour if you do not wish to
visit the museum.
Overnight: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2. Saturday. 22 May.
Drive to Cullinan early today for morning and afternoon photographic sessions on the Cullinan Branch with a Class 15F on a mixed
train (goods wagons and passenger coaches). Friends of the Rail run regularly run over the Cullinan Branch, they set up good
photographic opportunities, turning the locomotive occasionally for variety. There will be an opportunity to visit the Diamond Mine during
the mid-day break where there is normally a good amount of underground railway equipment on the surface (Not included, about Rand
60 per person). Ride the train back to Pretoria this afternoon with runpasts en-route, followed by a Braai and night photography at
Capital Park with Friends of the Rail with the 15F and a Class 19D in steam for night photographs. Return to our Johannesburg hotel
for the night.
Tourist option: Half day Soweto tour followed by lunch (own account) and half day Gold Reef City Tour. Return to the hotel for dinner
(own account). Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals: Light packed breakfast. Braai dinner.
Tourist option meals: Breakfast.
Day 3. Sunday. 23 May.
We will start early this morning, transferring to the Germiston Locomotive Depot for the Reefsteamers train to Magaliesburg on the line
to Mafikeng. A Class 25NC will take charge of a passenger train in traditional South African Railways colours as we steam out of the city
into the hills surrounding Magaliesburg. This line is regularly used by Reefsteamers, who are well experienced in arranging good
photographic runpasts. Coffee and a bacon roll will be served and refreshments will be available on board. After lunch (own account),
the train will return to Germiston where the Reefsteamers crew will welcome us with a traditional South African Braai (Barbecue). There
will be an opportunity to visit the depot and see the locomotive being ‘put to bed’. Following our dinner in South Africa’s largest steam
depot, return to our hotel.
Tourist option: Half day Johannesburg City Tour followed by half day Lesedi Cultural Village tour. Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals included: Light breakfast, Braai dinner.
Tourist option meals: Breakfast, Dinner at Lesedi.
Day 4. Monday. 24 May.
Spend this morning at Capital Park where there are good photo opportunities at the depot, coal stage and ashpits. In steam days this
was the main Pretoria steam depot, now shared by Friends of the Rail and Rovos Rail. The coal stage is the largest operating example
in South Africa and the ashpits are enormous, with early morning glint shots particularly appealing. Locomotives on site will be their
15F, Class 24 and 19D, with the 19D or 15F in steam. Later this morning, visit the adjacent Rovos Rail depot and station to see their
magnificently restored Class 25NC’s, 19D’s,6th Class and recently acquired Electrics. Following a light lunch, drive to Fouriesburg.
Tourist option: Half day Pretoria City Tour followed by transfer to Capital Park. Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: Fouriesburg Country Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, light lunch with FoTR, Dinner.
Day 5. Tuesday. 25 May.
Leave early by road for Sandstone, arriving in time for sunrise. Our full day activity at Sandstone will include an NGG13 and NGG16
Garratt in steam. Trains will run over the entire rail network with numerous runpasts staged in outstanding scenery. The two Garratts
will operate as double headed, single headed and with one running as a banking engine. Lunch and refreshments will be at the
Waehuis and the impressive estate will be open for your inspection. If you have not visited Sandstone before, you will be amazed by the
number of steam locomotives in working order and awaiting restoration. Also to be seen are enough railway waggons to serve a small
country, a vast collection of vintage and modern agricultural equipment and some impressive restored military hardware, including a
working Sherman tank. Return to your hotel late this afternoon.
Hotel: Fouriesburg Country Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6. Wednesday. 26 May.
Arrive at Sandstone in time for sunrise, one of the best times for photography on the estate. This morning's session will be with two
NG6 Lawleys, the iconic 4-4-0's that started life on the Beira Railway in Mozambique. This afternoon's session will be with the NG15 2-
8-2, The SAR's largest two foot gauge straight locomotive. Dinner this evening will be a Braai at Sandstone with a chance for night
photography.
Hotel: Fouriesburg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Sandstone.
Day 7. Thursday. 27 May.
Arrive at Sandstone once more in time for sunrise. This morning's session will be with an NG4 Tank locomotive. Sandstone has a
variety of working goods wagons and these will be changed each day for photographic variety. After morning refreshments and a last
chance to visit the Sandstone Heritage Trust collection, motor to Creighton in Natal. On arrival at Creighton (estimated 19h00) enjoy
dinner in the Sisonke Stimela dining car standing at Creighton Station. After dinner, those not spending the night on the train will be
transferred to their nearby Guest House.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Packed breakfast at Sandstone. Dinner in the Dining Car standing at Creighton Station.
Day 8. Friday. 28 May.
The Sisonke Stimela passenger train will leave Creighton before sunrise for Riverside. On arrival, reverse the train and prepare for a
sunrise departure for Creighton. The Class 19D locomotive will run chimney first towards Creighton. Stop at the Ngwangwane River
Bridge and wait for the sun to become optimum for photography before continuing into the river valley where there will be a number of
runpasts. Continue to Creighton, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, the GMAM Garratt will depart for Riverside with a mixed train using
traditionally painted SAR coaches. Runpasts will be set up on both morning and afternoon sessions where appropriate. On arrival at
Riverside, reverse the train and return to Creighton, with a runpast just before sunset. Dinner will be in the Braai Boma on the platform.
Both locomotives will be staged in the station area for night photographs.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Continental breakfast in the dining car. Lunch (cold meats and salads) in the dining car. Dinner in the Braai Boma at Creighton.
Day 9. Saturday. 29 May.
The mixed train with the GMAM Garratt will leave Creighton before sunrise, timed to be on the hill section in time for runpasts in the early
morning light. A packed breakfast and lunch will be available on the train. After a stop for locomotive servicing the train will return to
Creighton. Dinner will be in the Sisonke Stimela dining car.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Packed breakfast. Packed lunch. Dinner in the Sisonke Stimela dining car at Creighton.
Day 10. Sunday. 30 May.
Transfer to Ixopo by coach early this morning for the Paton Country Narrow Gauge Railway. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served at
Allwoodburn Station before thenarrow gauge NGG11 Garratt takes a mixed train through the forests to Stainton and Carisbrooke.
Recent forest clearing have created new vistas overlooking the dramatic backdrop of the Mzimkulu River Valley. Continue to Ncalu,
where sugar cane tank loco UVE2 will be waiting to re-enact the carriage of sugar cane by rail. Return to Allwoodburn Station this
afternoon. Transfer by coach back to Creighton Station.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Light continental breakfast at Ixopo. Packed lunch. Braai dinner at the station Boma at Creighton.
Day 11. Monday. 31 May.
If you do not wish to continue to Port Elizabeth for the Avontuur Line, return by coach to Johannesburg. The coach will depart at 06h00
with a packed breakfast and should arrive at Johannesburg Airport by 16h00 after a few short breaks and lunch. You should be on time
for this evening's flights, but there can be no guarantee that the coach will not be delayed.
Option One ends
If you are continuing to Port Elizabeth, we will leave Ixopo this morning. The coach trip through the Transkei will take most of today.
Option Two starts
If you have booked Option Two only (The Avontuur Line), arrive independently in Port Elizabeth and book into the Kelway Hotel. The
group travelling from Ixopo will meet you there this evening.
Hotel: Kelway Hotel, Port Elizabeth.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 12. Tuesday. 01 June
Depart Port Elizabeth this morning. Travel as far at Loerie today. Two NG15 locomotives will double head our train out of Port Elizabeth
before splitting into two trains, the first will be a passenger train using the Apple Express coaches and one second one will be a goods
/ mixed train in authentic SAR colours. We will ride the first train to run-past locations, and rejoin the second, maximising our
photographic opportunities. This two - train operation will be run where appropriate over the next four days. A 10 seat mini-bus will
accompany the train and will be available to participants wishing to occasionally chase by road.
Hotel: Game Reserve accommodation at Thornhill or Guesthouses at Jeffreys Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 13. Wednesday. 02 June
Today we will travel from Lourie to Patensie and back to Loerie.
Hotel: Game Reserve accommodation at Thornhill or Guesthouses at Jeffreys Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 14. Thursday, 03 June.
Loerie towards Assegaaibosch. The Apple Express team will determine how far we can travel today. Our overnight stop is planned for
Assegaaibosch
Hotel: Assegaaibosch Country Lodge/Die Plaaswerf/Elandsrivier Guesthouse
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 15. Friday, 04 June.
Today we will travel as far as possible up the line - this should be Louterwater.
Hotel: Assegaaibosch Country Lodge/Die Plaaswerf/Elandsrivier Guesthouse
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 16. Saturday. 05 June.
After breakfast a coach will transfer you back to Port Elizabeth, stopping on request at the airport or the Kelway Hotel. Arrival at the airport
should be in ample time for the Kulula Air flight to Johannesburg that departs at 13h25.
Bookings at the Kelway Hotel can be arranged on request.
Option Two ends
If you are continuing to George you will be met at Assegaaibosch early this morning for a road transfer to the Outeniqua Transport
Museum. The transfer back to Port Elizaberth is not included if you take this option.
Option Three starts
Transfer from Assegaaibosch to the Outeniqua Transport Museum. On arrival, join the Powervan for a return trip up the Montague Pass.
Transfer to your Bed and Breakfast accommodation in George. Dinner has not been included, options including an evening meal at the
Stimela Dining Car Restaurant in the Museum can be arranged subject to adequate demand from those booked on this option.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in George.
Meals included: Breakfast (may be packed).
Day 17. Sunday. 06 June.
After breakfast, transfer to the Outeniqua Transport Museum to join the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe on a round trip to Mossel Bay. On return to
George, transfer to your B&B accommodation.
Notes:
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in George.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 18. Monday. 07 June.
Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers will be booked when all flight details are known in order to offer the best group rates,
these can be paid locally.
Optional pre-stay in Johannesburg, Bed and Breakfast.
One or more extra nights can be booked at the City Lodge Airport (Edenvale) Hotel in Johannesburg. This hotel is about 4 km from the
airport with a shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes.
Option One starts
Day 1. Friday. 21 May.
Our tour starts at 11h30 when our coach leaves the City Lodge. We will call at Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, leaving there at
12h00 Noon for the James Hall Museum of Transport. The Museum includes steam railway items alongside other transport types
found in South Africa, making it a pleasant and relaxing way to spend your first afternoon in the country. Refreshments are available at
the museum. Return to our hotel later this afternoon. The hotel runs a shuttle bus from the Airport every half hour if you do not wish to
visit the museum.
Overnight: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2. Saturday. 22 May.
Drive to Cullinan early today for morning and afternoon photographic sessions on the Cullinan Branch with a Class 15F on a mixed
train (goods wagons and passenger coaches). Friends of the Rail run regularly run over the Cullinan Branch, they set up good
photographic opportunities, turning the locomotive occasionally for variety. There will be an opportunity to visit the Diamond Mine during
the mid-day break where there is normally a good amount of underground railway equipment on the surface (Not included, about Rand
60 per person). Ride the train back to Pretoria this afternoon with runpasts en-route, followed by a Braai and night photography at
Capital Park with Friends of the Rail with the 15F and a Class 19D in steam for night photographs. Return to our Johannesburg hotel
for the night.
Tourist option: Half day Soweto tour followed by lunch (own account) and half day Gold Reef City Tour. Return to the hotel for dinner
(own account). Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals: Light packed breakfast. Braai dinner.
Tourist option meals: Breakfast.
Day 3. Sunday. 23 May.
We will start early this morning, transferring to the Germiston Locomotive Depot for the Reefsteamers train to Magaliesburg on the line
to Mafikeng. A Class 25NC will take charge of a passenger train in traditional South African Railways colours as we steam out of the city
into the hills surrounding Magaliesburg. This line is regularly used by Reefsteamers, who are well experienced in arranging good
photographic runpasts. Coffee and a bacon roll will be served and refreshments will be available on board. After lunch (own account),
the train will return to Germiston where the Reefsteamers crew will welcome us with a traditional South African Braai (Barbecue). There
will be an opportunity to visit the depot and see the locomotive being ‘put to bed’. Following our dinner in South Africa’s largest steam
depot, return to our hotel.
Tourist option: Half day Johannesburg City Tour followed by half day Lesedi Cultural Village tour. Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: City Lodge Hotel.
Meals included: Light breakfast, Braai dinner.
Tourist option meals: Breakfast, Dinner at Lesedi.
Day 4. Monday. 24 May.
Spend this morning at Capital Park where there are good photo opportunities at the depot, coal stage and ashpits. In steam days this
was the main Pretoria steam depot, now shared by Friends of the Rail and Rovos Rail. The coal stage is the largest operating example
in South Africa and the ashpits are enormous, with early morning glint shots particularly appealing. Locomotives on site will be their
15F, Class 24 and 19D, with the 19D or 15F in steam. Later this morning, visit the adjacent Rovos Rail depot and station to see their
magnificently restored Class 25NC’s, 19D’s,6th Class and recently acquired Electrics. Following a light lunch, drive to Fouriesburg.
Tourist option: Half day Pretoria City Tour followed by transfer to Capital Park. Minimum 2 participants.
Hotel: Fouriesburg Country Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, light lunch with FoTR, Dinner.
Day 5. Tuesday. 25 May.
Leave early by road for Sandstone, arriving in time for sunrise. Our full day activity at Sandstone will include an NGG13 and NGG16
Garratt in steam. Trains will run over the entire rail network with numerous runpasts staged in outstanding scenery. The two Garratts
will operate as double headed, single headed and with one running as a banking engine. Lunch and refreshments will be at the
Waehuis and the impressive estate will be open for your inspection. If you have not visited Sandstone before, you will be amazed by the
number of steam locomotives in working order and awaiting restoration. Also to be seen are enough railway waggons to serve a small
country, a vast collection of vintage and modern agricultural equipment and some impressive restored military hardware, including a
working Sherman tank. Return to your hotel late this afternoon.
Hotel: Fouriesburg Country Inn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6. Wednesday. 26 May.
Arrive at Sandstone in time for sunrise, one of the best times for photography on the estate. This morning's session will be with two
NG6 Lawleys, the iconic 4-4-0's that started life on the Beira Railway in Mozambique. This afternoon's session will be with the NG15 2-
8-2, The SAR's largest two foot gauge straight locomotive. Dinner this evening will be a Braai at Sandstone with a chance for night
photography.
Hotel: Fouriesburg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Sandstone.
Day 7. Thursday. 27 May.
Arrive at Sandstone once more in time for sunrise. This morning's session will be with an NG4 Tank locomotive. Sandstone has a
variety of working goods wagons and these will be changed each day for photographic variety. After morning refreshments and a last
chance to visit the Sandstone Heritage Trust collection, motor to Creighton in Natal. On arrival at Creighton (estimated 19h00) enjoy
dinner in the Sisonke Stimela dining car standing at Creighton Station. After dinner, those not spending the night on the train will be
transferred to their nearby Guest House.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Packed breakfast at Sandstone. Dinner in the Dining Car standing at Creighton Station.
Day 8. Friday. 28 May.
The Sisonke Stimela passenger train will leave Creighton before sunrise for Riverside. On arrival, reverse the train and prepare for a
sunrise departure for Creighton. The Class 19D locomotive will run chimney first towards Creighton. Stop at the Ngwangwane River
Bridge and wait for the sun to become optimum for photography before continuing into the river valley where there will be a number of
runpasts. Continue to Creighton, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, the GMAM Garratt will depart for Riverside with a mixed train using
traditionally painted SAR coaches. Runpasts will be set up on both morning and afternoon sessions where appropriate. On arrival at
Riverside, reverse the train and return to Creighton, with a runpast just before sunset. Dinner will be in the Braai Boma on the platform.
Both locomotives will be staged in the station area for night photographs.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Continental breakfast in the dining car. Lunch (cold meats and salads) in the dining car. Dinner in the Braai Boma at Creighton.
Day 9. Saturday. 29 May.
The mixed train with the GMAM Garratt will leave Creighton before sunrise, timed to be on the hill section in time for runpasts in the early
morning light. A packed breakfast and lunch will be available on the train. After a stop for locomotive servicing the train will return to
Creighton. Dinner will be in the Sisonke Stimela dining car.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Packed breakfast. Packed lunch. Dinner in the Sisonke Stimela dining car at Creighton.
Day 10. Sunday. 30 May.
Transfer to Ixopo by coach early this morning for the Paton Country Narrow Gauge Railway. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served at
Allwoodburn Station before thenarrow gauge NGG11 Garratt takes a mixed train through the forests to Stainton and Carisbrooke.
Recent forest clearing have created new vistas overlooking the dramatic backdrop of the Mzimkulu River Valley. Continue to Ncalu,
where sugar cane tank loco UVE2 will be waiting to re-enact the carriage of sugar cane by rail. Return to Allwoodburn Station this
afternoon. Transfer by coach back to Creighton Station.
Hotel: On the Sisonke Stimela train at Creighton or nearby Guest House.
Meals: Light continental breakfast at Ixopo. Packed lunch. Braai dinner at the station Boma at Creighton.
Day 11. Monday. 31 May.
If you do not wish to continue to Port Elizabeth for the Avontuur Line, return by coach to Johannesburg. The coach will depart at 06h00
with a packed breakfast and should arrive at Johannesburg Airport by 16h00 after a few short breaks and lunch. You should be on time
for this evening's flights, but there can be no guarantee that the coach will not be delayed.
Option One ends
If you are continuing to Port Elizabeth, we will leave Ixopo this morning. The coach trip through the Transkei will take most of today.
Option Two starts
If you have booked Option Two only (The Avontuur Line), arrive independently in Port Elizabeth and book into the Kelway Hotel. The
group travelling from Ixopo will meet you there this evening.
Hotel: Kelway Hotel, Port Elizabeth.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 12. Tuesday. 01 June
Depart Port Elizabeth this morning. Travel as far at Loerie today. Two NG15 locomotives will double head our train out of Port Elizabeth
before splitting into two trains, the first will be a passenger train using the Apple Express coaches and one second one will be a goods
/ mixed train in authentic SAR colours. We will ride the first train to run-past locations, and rejoin the second, maximising our
photographic opportunities. This two - train operation will be run where appropriate over the next four days. A 10 seat mini-bus will
accompany the train and will be available to participants wishing to occasionally chase by road.
Hotel: Game Reserve accommodation at Thornhill or Guesthouses at Jeffreys Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 13. Wednesday. 02 June
Today we will travel from Lourie to Patensie and back to Loerie.
Hotel: Game Reserve accommodation at Thornhill or Guesthouses at Jeffreys Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 14. Thursday, 03 June.
Loerie towards Assegaaibosch. The Apple Express team will determine how far we can travel today. Our overnight stop is planned for
Assegaaibosch
Hotel: Assegaaibosch Country Lodge/Die Plaaswerf/Elandsrivier Guesthouse
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 15. Friday, 04 June.
Today we will travel as far as possible up the line - this should be Louterwater.
Hotel: Assegaaibosch Country Lodge/Die Plaaswerf/Elandsrivier Guesthouse
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 16. Saturday. 05 June.
After breakfast a coach will transfer you back to Port Elizabeth, stopping on request at the airport or the Kelway Hotel. Arrival at the airport
should be in ample time for the Kulula Air flight to Johannesburg that departs at 13h25.
Bookings at the Kelway Hotel can be arranged on request.
Option Two ends
If you are continuing to George you will be met at Assegaaibosch early this morning for a road transfer to the Outeniqua Transport
Museum. The transfer back to Port Elizaberth is not included if you take this option.
Option Three starts
Transfer from Assegaaibosch to the Outeniqua Transport Museum. On arrival, join the Powervan for a return trip up the Montague Pass.
Transfer to your Bed and Breakfast accommodation in George. Dinner has not been included, options including an evening meal at the
Stimela Dining Car Restaurant in the Museum can be arranged subject to adequate demand from those booked on this option.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in George.
Meals included: Breakfast (may be packed).
Day 17. Sunday. 06 June.
After breakfast, transfer to the Outeniqua Transport Museum to join the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe on a round trip to Mossel Bay. On return to
George, transfer to your B&B accommodation.
Notes:
- The timetable for the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is not yet available. If it does not run today the Powervan and Choo Tjoe journeys may
be switched. - The Choo Tjoe is normally steam but if a high fire risk is declared by the Met Office it may use a diesel instead.
- If the Choo Tjoe does not run on either day we will charter the Powervan for the trip to Mossel Bay. The Powervan runs faster
than the train, giving time to visit the Voorbaai Locomotive Depot (steam and diesel) en-route.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in George.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 18. Monday. 07 June.
Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers will be booked when all flight details are known in order to offer the best group rates,
these can be paid locally.
| Page updated on 11 March 2010 |
| Click here for Geoff Cooke's Fotopic website |
Prices:
Option One: For the tour starting 21 May and ending on 31 May 2010
£2,195: Per person sharing
£399: Single room supplement.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Port Elizabeth is included if you book both Option One and Option Two.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Johannesburg is included if you book Option One only.
Option Two: For the tour starting in Port Elizabeth on 31 May and ending in Port Elizabeth on 05 June 2010
£1,063: Per person sharing.
£101: Single room supplement.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Port Elizabeth is not included if you book Option Two only.
Option Three: For the tour starting in Assegaaibosch on 05 June and ending in George on 07 June 2010
£245: Per person sharing a twin room.
£15: Single room supplement.
Pre – and post tour hotel in Johannesburg. Bed and Breakfast.
City Lodge Hotel, Edenvale (4 Km from Airport. Shuttle bus runs every 30 mins.)
£71: Per person sharing.
£27: Single supplement.
Extra night at Port Elizabeth.
For the Kelway Hotel in Port Elizabeth on 05 June 2010
£35: Per person sharing.
£25: Single supplement.
Tourist options:
Per person, subject to a minimum of two bookings.
£121: 22 May. Half day Soweto and half day Gold Reef City.
£165: 23 May. Half day Johannesburg City and half day Lesedi.
£61: 24 May. Half Day Pretoria.
Note.
The Tour Price includes:
The Tour Price does NOT include:
Immigration rules:
All participants need a passport which is still valid at least 6 months after the travel date and needs to have at least 3 free pages,
preferably facing each other. Please check the immigration rules for your nationality to avoid surprises.
Climate and Clothes:
It is autumn in the southern hemisphere: at night it can be cool, during the day temperatures rise to around 20 degrees. It may rain, but
you should enjoy a blue sky with scattered clouds. A warm pullover, long trousers and long sleeve shirt will protect you against cool
nights and insects. A hat and sun-block will protect you against the African sun.
Tour Manager:
Geoff Cooke.
Bookings:
Bookings are now bing taken. Click here for a booking form.
Deposits and Final Payment: (Deposit conditions changed on 07 January 2010)
It is important to ensure that all bookings received are genuine, avoiding the risk that a confirmed tour may later fail to cover operating
costs. You will receive an invoice when you book and a deposit will be requested when adequate invoices have been issued to cover
the cost of running the tour. The tour will be confirmed as a sure - go when adequate deposits have been received.
Final payment will be required 60 days before the start of the tour.
Our booking conditions can be found here.
BOOKING DEADLINE - 26 MARCH 2010
Thereafter, bookings can only be confirmed if accommodation is available.
Maximum number on this tour: 60.
Option One is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
Maximum number on this tour: 60.
Option Two is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
Maximum number on this tour: 20.
Option Three is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
Option One: For the tour starting 21 May and ending on 31 May 2010
£2,195: Per person sharing
£399: Single room supplement.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Port Elizabeth is included if you book both Option One and Option Two.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Johannesburg is included if you book Option One only.
Option Two: For the tour starting in Port Elizabeth on 31 May and ending in Port Elizabeth on 05 June 2010
£1,063: Per person sharing.
£101: Single room supplement.
The coach transfer from Ixopo to Port Elizabeth is not included if you book Option Two only.
Option Three: For the tour starting in Assegaaibosch on 05 June and ending in George on 07 June 2010
£245: Per person sharing a twin room.
£15: Single room supplement.
Pre – and post tour hotel in Johannesburg. Bed and Breakfast.
City Lodge Hotel, Edenvale (4 Km from Airport. Shuttle bus runs every 30 mins.)
£71: Per person sharing.
£27: Single supplement.
Extra night at Port Elizabeth.
For the Kelway Hotel in Port Elizabeth on 05 June 2010
£35: Per person sharing.
£25: Single supplement.
Tourist options:
Per person, subject to a minimum of two bookings.
£121: 22 May. Half day Soweto and half day Gold Reef City.
£165: 23 May. Half day Johannesburg City and half day Lesedi.
£61: 24 May. Half Day Pretoria.
Note.
- All prices may change if exchange rates vary.
- In order to calculate this price, the train operators have calculated Transnet charges based on their 2009 rates and anticipated
escalation. If Transnet charge more than expected a surcharge may be necessary. This arrangement has been agreed in order
to keep the price as low as possible.
The Tour Price includes:
- All train journeys as described in the programme. Please note that train times and consist, including locomotive types, are
always subject to change. - Accommodation on all nights according to the program in hotels in double rooms or single rooms with a supplement. All hotels
are subject to change for another of equal or higher standard. - Meals as advertised in the programme.
- Transfers, train and bus journeys, visits according to the program including entry-fees except where these are shown as
excluded in the programme. - The services of Geoff Cooke as tour manager.
The Tour Price does NOT include:
- Flights.
- Personal expenditure (telephone calls, laundry, drinks, gifts, etc),
- Tips and gratuities.
- Visas.
Immigration rules:
All participants need a passport which is still valid at least 6 months after the travel date and needs to have at least 3 free pages,
preferably facing each other. Please check the immigration rules for your nationality to avoid surprises.
Climate and Clothes:
It is autumn in the southern hemisphere: at night it can be cool, during the day temperatures rise to around 20 degrees. It may rain, but
you should enjoy a blue sky with scattered clouds. A warm pullover, long trousers and long sleeve shirt will protect you against cool
nights and insects. A hat and sun-block will protect you against the African sun.
Tour Manager:
Geoff Cooke.
Bookings:
Bookings are now bing taken. Click here for a booking form.
Deposits and Final Payment: (Deposit conditions changed on 07 January 2010)
It is important to ensure that all bookings received are genuine, avoiding the risk that a confirmed tour may later fail to cover operating
costs. You will receive an invoice when you book and a deposit will be requested when adequate invoices have been issued to cover
the cost of running the tour. The tour will be confirmed as a sure - go when adequate deposits have been received.
Final payment will be required 60 days before the start of the tour.
Our booking conditions can be found here.
BOOKING DEADLINE - 26 MARCH 2010
Thereafter, bookings can only be confirmed if accommodation is available.
Maximum number on this tour: 60.
Option One is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
Maximum number on this tour: 60.
Option Two is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
Maximum number on this tour: 20.
Option Three is confirmed. Bookings still being taken.
| Flying home If you need to book a flight from George or Port Elizabeth back to Johannesburg, it may be worth taking a look at Kulula Air. Owned by Comair, the BA franchisee, this South African budget airline offers cheaper fares and a light hearted approach. |
| Book soon If you would like to book this tour, please do so soon. Without enough confirmed bookings to guarantee that there will be enough money "in the pot" to cover the cost of chartering the trains, the tour cannot be confirmed as a sure - run. Without this confirmation it is difficult to finalise your airline bookings, and the service suppliers such as Reefsteamers and Friends of the Rail do not have a guarantee that their efforts to prepare for the tour will be rewarded. Click here for a booking form Click here if you have a query, or if you would like to let us know that you want to book the tour, but cannot do so immediately. |
| The best tour for you Cape Gauge If you are primarily interested in Cape Gauge action with the 25NC, 15F, GMAM and 19D locomotives, Option One starting on 21 May and ending on 31 May could be the best for you. This includes two days at Sandstone - I have never had a steam enthusiast who has not found the Sandstone experience worthwhile. Narrow Gauge That's 2 foot! Sandstone, Patons Country Railway and the Apple Express offer a magnificent narrow gauge experience using a variety of locomotives. You can book the Apple Express as a bolt-on to the Cape Gauge tour (Option two), seamlessly bringing everything together Requests have been received for a short visit to George starting on 05 June. Included will be a ride on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, a Powervan trip over the Montague Pass and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. This has been included as Option Three. Anything else We are always open to suggestions, so if you have any other ideas about what you would like to do, please let me know. |
| Sisonke Stimela Updated 20 January 2010 The Ingwe local council at Creighton has built a train that will attract tourists to this scenic and historic region. The train is called Sisonke Stimela. The coaches have been built by Rovos Rail in Pretoria to a high standard. GMAM Garratt number 4074 has also been restored as principal motive power. We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the train operator not only to use their Garratt on the Riverside and Donnybrook lines out of Creighton, but also to use the Sisonke Stimela coaches as our principal accommodation for four nights at Creighton. The train will be used for the morning journey to Riverside. Thereafter it will stand at Creighton and we will use traditionally painted coaches on the remaining trains, recognising the interest that photographers have in scenes representing as close as possible the steam era on South African Railways. You will have is opportunity to use the train, and try it out on the run to Riverside, at no extra cost. The train offers limited accommodation, and the overflow will be accommodate in nearby Guest Houses. With train accommodation being first allocated to those already booked on the tour, space is limited and you should book as soon as possible if you would like to enjoy this option. All meals will be taken together either on the train, in the Creighton Station Boma (meeting place) or at other stations, as appropriate. |
| Tour E-Group An E Group has been set up on the Yahoo Groups network to enable participants and prospective participants to network together as they plan their tour, pre and post tour visits and flights. It also enables us to keep you informed as the tour develops. Go to: sasteam2010-subscribe @yahoogroups.co.uk Follow the instructions - enjoy |
| To download a PDF version of this page Click here |
| Confirmed Book before 26 March to be sure of your place |
| For a great South African resident's special Click here |