On the way up the hill to Fort Klapperkop and the SA National Defence Force Memorial outside Pretoria stand an old steam locomotive. This specific locomotive was amongst others used over 100 years ago during the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902) to carry British troops and supplies from the coast to where the war was taking … Continue reading British Troop Train
Tag: railway
Apple Express in "go!" magazine
My favorite magazine is Weg, South Africa's biggest travel magazine. I had a huge surprise a month or two ago when the deputy editor of Weg's sister publication go! (the English version), e-mailed me asking for permission to use a picture of the Apple Express she had seen on Port Elizabeth Daily Photo. I have … Continue reading Apple Express in "go!" magazine
Melon
Ever heard of a place called Melon? No? Well, the other day I discovered such a place. Melon is a siding on the narrow gauge line between the Gamtoos Valley and the Langkloof. Its basically a farming area and Melon itself is nothing more than two small buildings next to the railway line, a general … Continue reading Melon
Miniature trains
The Port Elizabeth Model Locomotive Society runs their minituare trains at Londt Park every first Sunday of the month. It is a very popular morning outing for anybody with little kids, but enjoyed just as much by the big kids (if you know what I'm saying).
George
The town of George at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains was founded in 1811 and was the first town to be established in South Africa by the British. It was named after King George III. The town is the main commercial town on the Garden Route and is often just used by tourists as … Continue reading George
Wilderness
I have always said that if my boat had to come in I would one day retire in Wilderness on the Garden Route. Somewhere against the hillside from where I can see the ocean, mountains, lakes and beaches of this beautiful area. Wilderness is a nice central base from where visitors can explore the Southern … Continue reading Wilderness
The Apple Express
The historic little Apple Express steam train that puffs out of Port Elizabeth most weekends on a day trip to Thornhill has really been struggling for the last couple of years. Not just do the Apple Express Society struggle financially, but their steam engine has been out of commission for about two years now. The … Continue reading The Apple Express
The Choo Tjoe to Mossel Bay
If i suddenly dissapear for a couple of posts, don't worry. I seem to be loosing bandwidth somewhere and have a feeling that somebody is tapping in from somewhere. I'm hoping the problem will be sorted out soon. Anyway, on with the tour. One of the most popular tourist attractions on the Garden Route is … Continue reading The Choo Tjoe to Mossel Bay
Firefly the Travel Guy 