In 2002, Derick du Toit had a vision to reinstate the line and together with Simon Beckett and Transnet as it’s enabler and Private Sector Participator, the line was reopened in 2012.
The Ceres Railway track was originally built at the turn of the 19th century, starting in July 1910 and was completed in May 1912. The line was built using second hand material and the engineers responsible for the building work was Mr’s Heatlie, Warren and Bromley.
COME
TAKE A RIDE WITH US
WITZENBERG
The Ceres Railway offers a unique way for visitors to experience the Ceres valley whilst being immersed in 100 year old history.
Ceres is one of the biggest deciduous fruit producing areas in the Western Cape and features breath-taking scenery, exciting activities including cherry picking in summer and snowy visits in winter, and a plethora of indigenous fynbos in and around Ceres.
CALENDAR & SCHEDULE
Upcoming Events
Browse our calendar to find the perfect event in and around the Witzenberg area to compliment your next Ceres Rail experience.
FOLLOW
OUR GREAT STORY
FOLLOW US
West Coast by Steam Train Sep 2019
A 3 day tour of the scenic West Coast aboard our #VintageSteamTrains. Expect plenty of photo opportunities as we travel along. Overnight accommodation provided on the train or at the Clanwilliam Hotel.
DAY 1 – CAPE TOWN > GRAAFWATER
Friday, 6 September
Departure time: 08:00 – please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure
Departure point: aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town (via CTICC)
Parking: Next to Hotel (free)
After departing we will travel to Kalbaskraal, Western Cape, South Africa where our locomotive will turn around. Kalbaskraal is a small village with a population of about 2000 people and was established during 1898 when a railway crossing was erected between Malmesbury and Cape Town.
From here the train will be traveling to Malmesbury, Western Cape for a scheduled water stop. Malmesbury is the largest town in the Swartland and is well known for its grain and wine cultivation. The first farms were established in 1703 when the town was known as Zwartlands-kerk. The town was renamed in 1829.
Leaving Malmesbury behind the train will travel through Moorreesburg, Western Cape, South Africa. This town was laid out in 1879 on the farm Hooikraal.
From Moorreesburg we will travel to Piketberg (estimated time of arrival 13:30), where we will have lunch. The area around Piketberg is conducive to wheat farming and the area on top of the mountains is suited to fruit and Rooibos Tea farming. This area has very well-preserved San Rock art in the mountains.
The train will reach Graafwater, Western Cape, South Africa at around 18:00 from where some passengers will be transferred by bus to the hotel. Dinner will be served at your respective hotel (drinks for your own account). For the remaining passengers, who prefer a night on the train, dinner will be provided in Graafwater. Bedding and Towels will be provided (please supply own toiletries).
DAY 2 – Graafwater > Klawer > Graafwater
Saturday, 7 September
Bus transfer from Hotel to Graafwater: Departure from Hotel 09:00
Train departure from Graafwater: 10:00
During this trip the train will stop for all our avid photographers. Lunch will be arranged. The train will turn around in Klawer and head back to Graafwater with more photo opportunities on the way back.
Bus transfers will take passengers back to their respective hotel’s where dinner will be served.
DAY 3 – Graafwater > Cape Town
Sunday, 8 September
Bus Transfer from Hotel to Graafwater: Departure from Hotel 08:30
Train departure from Graafwater: 09:00
After departing from Graafwater, the train will head back to Cape Town. Buffet style lunch will take place at Moorreesburg. There will be a scheduled water stop at Malmesbury after which we will depart back to Unity Station.
The train will arrive back in Cape Town at an estimated time of 18:00.
Additional information:
There is absolutely no smoking on the train.
The Train Manager will inform passengers when they will be allowed to disembark.
There are no pets allowed and there are unfortunately no wheelchair facilities available at this time.
We have limited electricity on the train, so make sure camera batteries, phones, tablets etc are fully charged or that you have emergency chargers with you.
RATES (depending on accommodation package):
CLANWILLIAM HOTEL: OPTION A
R6 800pp sharing (R7 900 Single Rate)
TRAIN: OPTION B
R6 500pp sharing
Ticket includes: Train fare, bus fares, accommodation, breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Drinks & snacks, are for your own account. (tea, coffee, wine, bubbly, beer, cider, soft drinks, water, juice)
ITINERARY: www.ceresrail.co.za/booktrip/
BOOKING: bookings@ceresrail.co.za | 079 077 5332
TFOCR
The Friends Of Ceres Rail
For those who are passionate about locomotives and railway systems, join the Friends of Ceres Rail along with other train enthusiasts.
