1000 Hills Tourism CTO
Umgeni Steam Train: heritage in motion
Sat 25 Sept – 08:30 & 12:30
Sun 26 Sept – 08:30 & 12:30
No better way to celebrate Heritage and Tourism month, than supporting local – on an 83 year old Steam Train! Enjoy a nostalgic fun family outing beyond your wildest steams on board the Inchanga Choo Choo. The fabulous Umgeni Steam Railway runs the last weekend of each month and on select holidays.
Join our volunteer-operated, NPO, as we celebrate this Heritage month by coming on board as we depart from Kloof Railway Station, travelling through the heart of the 1000 Hills Tourism Route, traversing along the Old Main Line, to our destination, Inchanga Station.
Safe parking is offered at The Kloof Civic Hall. The train takes a three-hour round trip from Stokers to Inchanga Station and back again. There is a pop-up market and food fair at Inchanga, and one can visit the Railway museum and model railway exhibition. One can buy refreshments and souvenirs in the old Inchanga railway station.
The Umgeni Steam Railway runs on a 3ft, 6 inch (1067mm) gauge heritage railway line. The route follows part of the Durban to Pietermaritzburg mainline opened in 1880, and traverses some of the steepest railway gradients in South Africa. The trip includes a 53-metre-long tunnel at Drummond, built in 1878 which is quite possibly the oldest tunnel still in use in South Africa today. “Wesley” is a Class 19D locomotive which is used for the monthly excursions and was built in 1938. The coaches vary in age – some were built as long ago as 1908, most in the 1930s and the youngest was built in 1953.
The Umgeni Steam Railway is a non-profit company run entirely by volunteers who maintain and operate the trains as well as the museum and archives. The organisation is dedicated to preserving the heritage of railways in South Africa and they have in their care a sizable array of historically significant locomotives, coaches and various goods wagons.
A special treat on the Sunday morning trip – members of the Classic Motorcycle Club of KZN will be pacing the train along the way, and stopping at Inchanga Station to display their classic and vintage motorcycles. Typically they have a monthly run to different locations and they are hoping that riding with the train will become an annual event.
SEPTEMBER
Sat 25 Sept – 08:30 & 12:30
Sun 26 Sept – 08:30 & 12:30
Ticket Prices for the Round Trip:
Adults: R260
Pensioners (65+) & Children (2-12): R190
Children under 2: Free (Lap Passengers)
Family Package: R800
(2 Adults & 2 Children (2-12) – Book & pay online within 48 hours)
For more information & bookings www.umgenisteamrailway.com
Book early to avoid disappointment as space is limited & strict COVID19 protocols apply
Please note that refreshments and merchandise for sale on the train, and at the market are for cash only.
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The Umgeni Steam Railway is a proud member of, and supported by, 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation.
Umgeni Steam Railway is a volunteer-based organisation which is actively looking for new members. Enthusiasm and love of trains is all that is required – no particular skills are needed. Pse contact them for more information.
Umgeni Steam Train: Heritage In Motion
