Sitting in the compartment Ali reminisced about bygone days when carriages would be packed with students like her travelling back to UCT after holidays on the farm…..for others, it was their first adventure on a steam train.
Ceres Rail Company operates every Saturday and Sunday throughout the glorious Cape summer transporting steam enthusiasts, families and food lovers from Cape Town through the mountains to Elgin and Ceres.
The Elgin Railway Market (http://www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za/) is a delightful place to marvel at the innovative architecture, savour local craft beers, wines and a wide selection of different faire and while away an afternoon listening to live music.
Jessica and Dominique are beautifully restored steam locomotives who first graced the tracks of South African Railways in the late 1940s. Fortunately, they are equipped with 482 Mountain-type wheel arrangements, which are ideal for tackling Sir Lowry’s Pass on the climb up to the Elgin Valley. The three and a half hour trip affords superb views across False Bay, and there is nothing quite like arriving back in Table Bay under steam – a memorable experience every visitor should try to include in their travel plans! For more information visit: http://www.ceresrail.co.za/