The Garden Route’s most beloved train is preparing to make its grand return.
The legendary Outeniqua Choo Tjoe will once again weave through coastal mountains and forests following a 25-year concession agreement between Transnet and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company.
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe at the Kaaimans River bridge/Tim giddings/Wikimedia Commons
A Heritage Icon Returns
Once a defining experience for visitors to the Southern Cape, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe has been silent since 2006. Its revival marks an important moment for South African railway heritage and the tourism industry that thrived around it.
The new agreement, signed in George, will see the restoration and management of the historic line between George and Knysna. The aim is to reestablish the Choo Tjoe as a world-class heritage and tourism experience.
Breathing New Life into the Line
The partnership between Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company promises to bring both nostalgia and economic renewal to the region. Plans include restoring infrastructure, upgrading facilities and ensuring the operation aligns with modern safety and sustainability standards.
Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips described the project as “a return of a national treasure,” highlighting its potential to generate cultural and economic value for local communities.
A New Era for the Garden Route
For many, the rhythmic chug of the steam engine was part of the magic of travelling the Garden Route. Its return will once again offer passengers sweeping ocean views, lush forests and glimpses of the Outeniqua Mountains.
The project is also expected to create jobs, attract heritage tourism and strengthen the region’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most scenic and storied destinations.
With the signing of the concession, preparations for the phased reopening are underway. When the Choo Tjoe whistles again, it will reconnect travellers with a piece of South African history that has been waiting patiently on the tracks.
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