The rhythmic chug of a steam locomotive is set to echo once again along the Garden Route as the legendary Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe prepares for its long-awaited return. More than just a train, the Choo-Tjoe is part of South Africa’s cultural fabric — a link between past and present, heritage and progress. Its re-launch signals not only the revival of a beloved icon but also a renewed chapter in the Western Cape’s tourism and transport story.
Heritage on the Move
First launched in 1928, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe quickly became one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Running between George and Knysna, the line hugged the rugged coastline, crossed dramatic bridges, and offered sweeping views of forest, lagoon, and sea. For decades it was as much a part of the Garden Route as the beaches and mountains, carrying thousands of passengers a year and earning a reputation as one of South Africa’s greatest rail experiences.
The service came to a halt in 2009 after storm damage and escalating maintenance costs. But public affection for the train never faded, and calls for its revival continued. Now, after years of planning and investment, the Choo-Tjoe is on track to steam back into service — fully restored, environmentally conscious, and aligned with the province’s vision for sustainable tourism.
Tourism in Motion
The revival of the Choo-Tjoe comes at a moment when the Western Cape is reimagining how people move through its landscapes. Alongside expanding flight networks and new road investments, the return of this heritage rail adds a nostalgic yet innovative dimension to tourism. International travellers — already flocking to the Cape for wine, wildlife, and coastal adventures — now have another world-class reason to extend their stay.
Local businesses along the route are also expected to benefit. Restaurants, guesthouses, and craft producers from George to Knysna anticipate a surge in visitors drawn by the romance of steam travel. Tourism bodies project that the Choo-Tjoe could inject millions into the regional economy each year, creating jobs while showcasing the beauty of the Garden Route in a way no highway or air route can match.
More Than a Train Ride
The re-launch is not just about nostalgia. Operators have committed to modernising the service with upgraded coaches, improved safety systems, and sustainability measures. Biofuels and cleaner energy technologies are being explored to reduce the environmental footprint, ensuring the Choo-Tjoe lives up to its heritage while embracing the demands of a greener future.
Special themed journeys are also being planned — from wine and food experiences featuring local producers, to cultural excursions that highlight the stories of the communities along the line. In this way, the train becomes not only a mode of transport but a moving showcase of the Western Cape’s people, culture, and landscapes.
Western Cape in Motion
The return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is a powerful symbol of the Western Cape’s broader journey. It represents movement on multiple levels: the literal motion of steam and steel, the economic motion of jobs and tourism, and the cultural motion of a region drawing on its past to shape its future.
As the whistle blows and steam fills the air once more, the Choo-Tjoe reminds us that progress is not only about building new but also about reviving what matters — keeping heritage alive, while carrying it forward on tracks that lead to tomorrow.
