Train Safaris

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THE UNION LIMITED is the only authentic vintage steam rail company in South Africa, catering for passengers wishing to experience exciting destinations in the comfort of your own luxury air-conditioned lounge, providing photographic steam safaris for enthusiasts from around the world.

Put up your feet, make new memories and indulge in the splendour of South Africa’s breathtaking scenic vistas, relaxing in first-class comfort and style.
Experience the luxury of superb accommodation in either a four-berth compartment (for two) or a two-berth coupe (for one), with scrumptious 2-course lunches and 4-course dinners served in traditional silver service style. The traditional hearty South African meals are served in the magnificent wooden interior dining cars.
Dress on the tour is casual and comfortable at all times.

Dining Room

Dine in style…

In keeping with the Transnet Heritage Foundation’s pledge to preserve the heritage of rail and steam, many of the original fittings have been retained, highlighting the authentic way in which these coaches and locomotives have been restored. Each of the sleeper coaches have been upgraded with gas-heated showers, and each compartment and coupe has its own wash basin to ensure the comfort of all guests. There is steam heating in winter where possible and fresh air from open windows in the summer!
The Union Limited offers a two tier price and accommodation package - the standard vintage first class (without air-conditioning) and an air-conditioned luxury suite with its own ablution facilities consisting of shower, toilet and vanity (limited at present to six couples per tour). The windows may still be opened in the air-conditioned suite coach if required.
A maximum of only 60 passengers are accommodated on this six-day, five-night tour to ensure maximum space and comfort.

2005 Fares & Departure Dates:
2005 – Return Journey – 06 Days & 05 Nights
2005 Fares
Standard Vintage Class: US$ TBA per person (no single supplement applies here) Air-conditioned Suites: US$ TBA per person / Single Supplement US$ TBA
2005 Departure Dates
February	TBA	September	TBA
March	TBA	October	TBA
April	TBA	November	TBA
May	TBA	December	TBA

Included: All meals, bedding, travelling, accommodation, side tours and early morning coffee / tea.
Excluded: Drinks.

DAY 01 – TUESDAY

Union Limited 15F # 2916 departs Cape Town

Steam out of Cape Town through the Winelands of the Paarl valley to Dal Josafat, the Union Limited loco depot, for the first locomotive service stop.
Then on to Worcester via the picturesque Nuwekloof Pass at Tulbagh. The locomotive takes water at Worcester and branches on to the non-electrified secondary mainline via the fertile Robertson Valley renowned for the fruit growing and racehorse stud farms to Ashton. This ends the steam run for the day.
Passengers travel by bus from Ashton to a lovely wine estate for a traditional South African braai or ‘barbecue’ and winetasting.
The train leaves Ashton at 23h00 for the overnight run.

DAY 02 - WEDNESDAY:

Sunrise finds the train meandering through the wheatlands at the foot of the Langeberg mountain range past Riversdale and onward to Albertina. A heavy climb out of the Gouritz River gorge takes the train past the Mossgas plant at Bartlesfontein and travels on to Hartenbos where the train stages overnight. Passengers are taken to Mossel Bay by bus in the afternoon in order to explore this lovely historic seaside town.

DAY 03 – THURSDAY

19D & GEA at Tunnel 5, Montagu Pass

Leave Hartenbos and steam along the coast past Klein Brak River, Reebok and Tergniet, before starting the steep climb inland at Groot Brak River.
After crossing the Maalgaten and Gwaing gorges, the train arrives in George at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range.
The steam locomotives are serviced for the run up the spectacular Montagu Pass, the rail link between George and the Klein Karoo, arriving in Oudtshoorn at lunch time.
Passengers enjoy a bus tour in Oudtshoorn, visiting the interesting Cango Wildlife Ranch with its beautiful king cheetahs and other feline species, followed by a visit to an Ostrich Show Farm.
Steam out of Oudtshoorn to Camfer and then start the descent of the Montagu Pass to George where the train stages overnight.

Ostrich at Oudtshoorn

Cheetahs at Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoornhere
© CA Swanepoel

DAY 04 – FRIDAY

Leave George in the morning and steam along the preserved Museum line for an early afternoon arrival in Knysna. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon (weather permitting) before returning to the train for dinner and an overnight stay in Knysna.

DAY 05 – SATURDAY

Crossing the Kaaiman’s River Bridge

This morning passengers are free to have a last look around the town before the train steams out of Knysna.
Leaving Wilderness, the train crosses Kaaiman’s River Bridge, arguably the most photographed railway bridge in the world, and on past Victoria Bay for the climb into George.
After a locomotive service stop the train continues to Hartenbos and changes to diesel for the overnight run to Worcester.

DAY 06 – SUNDAY
Union Limited Steam crossing two Class 16's & one Class 15F	Enjoy an early departure behind steam from Worcester through the Tulbagh Kloof mountain pass, before a last locomotive service stop at Dal Josafat. Have a final run through the Winelands at Paarl and steam to Cape Town.

KOKANYA TOURS is able to offer a number of Day Trips and Longer Excursions with a mix of locomotives and coaches for the steam afficionado. Regular stops are made for the enthusiast to take photographs and videos of the locomotives as well as the spectacular scenery of Southern Africa as a backdrop.

Photo Shoot

Catering specifically for the Steam Enthusiast, tours have travelled as far afield as Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Swakopmund, Namibia.
During 1999 a 14-day tour was scheduled which boasted no less than 14 different steam locomotives, as well as historical diesel and electric locomotives.