A Journey Through Time
Every weekend, a nostalgic voyage begins from the heart of Cape Town, where the rhythmic hum of a bygone era greets passengers aboard the Ceres Rail Company’s legendary steam locomotive. The train embarks on a scenic 160-kilometer round trip to the Elgin Railway Market, a journey that offers much more than transportation—it delivers a memorable encounter with South Africa’s rich railway history.
Blending romance, heritage, and breathtaking views, this unique experience continues to enchant first-time visitors and lifelong steam enthusiasts alike. In an age of high-speed trains and digital distractions, the Ceres steam train offers something different—time to breathe, to look out the window, and to reconnect with the past.
Passengers Embrace the Past
Among the passengers on a recent Saturday was Hans Luijk, who chose the train ride as a unique way to mark his 60th birthday. “The last time I was on a train like this was about 38 years ago when I was called up for military service,” he recalled. “That journey was filled with anxiety and uncertainty. This one is filled with joy and nostalgia.”
Passengers board vintage coaches in the early morning, sipping coffee as the train rolls gently out of Cape Town. Children press their faces to the windows, while older travelers swap stories about their own past encounters with rail travel. The pace is gentle—just 45 kilometers per hour—allowing everyone to soak in the experience fully.
Through the Mountains and Into the Overberg
The ride to Elgin is a visual feast, featuring scenic farmland, charming rural settlements, and dramatic mountain passes. One of the most unforgettable segments of the journey is the slow, winding ascent up Sir Lowry’s Pass, which offers sweeping views over the Cape Flats and beyond.
Crossing this stretch aboard a steam locomotive adds a sense of adventure and triumph as the train battles the gradient with puffs of white steam and the echo of its whistle bouncing off the mountainside.
Once over the pass, the landscape opens into the lush greenery of the Overberg region, known for its vineyards, orchards, and unspoiled beauty. It’s a reminder of how railways once connected the remote corners of South Africa, making commerce and communication possible across great distances.
Legacy of Steam in South Africa
Steam rail has deep roots in South Africa, where the first locomotives began operating in the 1860s. At their height in 1959, over 3,300 steam locomotives were active across the country’s extensive rail network.
Peter Rogers, a historian who has been organizing steam tours since the 1980s, explained why steam endured here longer than in many other countries. “Coal was abundant, and during the years of apartheid-era sanctions, access to diesel fuel was restricted. That made steam more practical well into the late 20th century,” he said.
The final commercial steam service ceased operations in 1992 on the Kimberley-De Aar line. At that point, there were still 700 operational steam locomotives, though most were soon decommissioned or scrapped. Today, only around 20 remain in active service for tourism and educational purposes.
The Human Element Behind the Engine
One of those engines powers the Ceres Train, kept alive by the dedication of a small group of railway veterans. Among them is Johan Fourie, a seasoned driver who began working for the national railways in 1971 and stayed on until his retirement in 2009.
Since 2013, Fourie has driven heritage steam trains. “Steam is my first love,” he said with a smile. “It has a soul, unlike diesel or electric trains. You feel every breath it takes, every push it makes. There’s something deeply human about operating a steam engine.”
He added, “When we climb the mountain and feel the pressure building in the boiler, it’s not just mechanics at work. It’s history. It’s legacy.”
A Market Steeped in Character
At the end of the line, the train arrives at the Elgin Railway Market—an eclectic venue nestled in a converted apple warehouse. The market buzzes with life, offering artisanal food, handmade crafts, live music, and more. It’s also a celebration of steampunk aesthetics, with décor and design that pay tribute to the golden age of rail.
Market owner Roger Orpen described the awe he witnesses from visitors. “The kids run out when they hear the whistle. They’re wide-eyed when they see the steam pouring out. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve seen a real steam train—it’s magical.”
The locomotive that pulls the train, built in 1946, was fully restored in 2015. The restoration included replacing worn-out components and manufacturing new ones from scratch—a process that can take months due to the scarcity of original parts and skilled engineers.
Challenges and Revival in the Steam Era
Running a steam operation in the 21st century is no easy feat. It requires rare mechanical expertise, ongoing maintenance, and financial support. Despite these challenges, Ceres Rail has remained committed to preserving this unique experience.
Rick Botha, Director of Ceres Rail Company, says interest in steam travel is growing. “We’ve seen a surge in passenger numbers and inquiries. People are hungry for experiences that feel real and tangible,” he said. “Wherever the steam engine goes, people wave, smile, take pictures. It creates joy in a way nothing else does.”
Bringing History to Life
For many, the journey on the Ceres steam train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For others, it’s a cherished tradition. School groups, photographers, tourists, and families all find something to love in the journey.
The train doesn’t just move through space—it moves through time, connecting generations and stories with each turn of the wheels.
A Future Fueled by the Past
Despite modern pressures, the Ceres Train continues to inspire. It reminds passengers that there is still room in our fast-paced world for wonder, for reflection, and for meaningful connection.
In the hissing of the steam and the rhythm of the rails, South Africa’s steam heritage remains very much alive—and ready for its next journey.
