This past Sunday saw us waking early and heading to Kloof station in time to board the train that departs at 08h30 promptly.
The Inchanga Choo Choo is a steam train named Wesley that has been around since the 1930โs and now has the wonderful task of steaming to life on the last Sunday of each month and transporting passengers on a round trip from Kloof to Inchanga…
There is something relaxing about sitting back while listening to the clackety-clack of the train while gazing out at the beautiful scenery and rural scenes that make up the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Originally the train route between Durban and Johannesburg, the line dates back to the 1880โs and is now maintained by the Umgeni Steam Railway.
Dedicated to preserving the heritage of South African railways, the Umgeni Steam Railway is a non-profit organisation that runs the train trips each month in addition to maintaining the trains, library and museum.
A craft market takes place at the Inchanga station on days that the train runs; this has a variety of wonderful craft and food stalls.
Beverages are available in the beautifully maintained station building and passengers are welcome to peruse the museum in the Station Masters House.
A shady grassed area is the perfect place to set up your picnic basket while the kids play or line up for a pony ride!
There are two trips per day during the year with additional trips over Christmas and Easter.
The morning excursion departs at 08h30 and returns at 11h30 (the journey is an hour each way with a 60 minute stop at Inchanga station).
The afternoon trip departs at 12h30 and returns at 16h00 (there is a 90 minute stop at Inchanga station).
December 15th to 17th, 22nd and 23rd also have a Carols by Candlelight trip in addition to the two day trips.
The train departs Kloof at 17h00 with a two hour stop for carols at Inchanga before returning at 21h00.
Tickets are R240 per adult and R170 for both pensioners and children under the age of 12.
Children under the age of two are regarded as lap passengers and travel free of charge.
For more destination info see:
- Valley of 1000 Hills Attractions
- Things to Do in Valley of 1000 Hills
- Accommodation in KwaZulu Natal