Inchanga Choo Choo in Inchanga, Durban (original) (raw)

The Valley of 1 000 Hills is breath-taking at the best of times, thanks to dramatic landscapes and verdant greenery. But, enjoying this incredible part of South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal is even more memorable from the comfort of the Inchanga Choo Choo, a steam train with the charm of yesteryear and the exhilaration of classic rail travel.

The Inchanga Choo Choo departs from Kloof, which is just 25 kilometres from the urban epicentre of Durban. This scenic suburb is the perfect point from which to launch your steam train adventure. From here, you will head off to Inchanga, a little station perched between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The rolling green hills showcase classic Victorian architecture to create a destination that is unforgettable.

Inchanga also has a fabulous art and craft market, where awesome goods are available for visitors, and even better food is on offer. There are inviting spots under the tall trees, where you can relax with friends and family and enjoy the food and festivities. Pack your own picnic basket, if you prefer. There are no braai (barbecue) facilities available at the market. The morning train ride includes an hour at the market, while the afternoon excursion means 30 minutes longer to explore the stalls and enjoy the sunshine. Afterwards, you will travel back to Kloof.

The Inchanga Choo Choo is the project of Umgeni Steam Railway, which is a non-profit organisation that is committed to preserving and celebrating the railway heritage of this country.

The ticket prices are reasonable (at the end of 2017, these prices were R180 for people between the ages of 13 and 65, and R130 for people older or younger than that. Children under two years travel for free).

Enjoy the outdoorsy loveliness of Inchanga and this verdant part of South Africa when you take the Inchanga Choo Choo.