A Six-Day Heritage Rail Journey from Cape Town to the Garden Route
Ceres Rail is proud to announce “The Mossel Bay Explorer”, a premium six-day rail adventure departing Cape Town on Thursday 7 May 2026. Billed as “The Soul of the Cape meets the Spirit of the Bay”, this relaxed journey offers travellers a genuine South African experience, gliding through vineyards, mountain passes and rolling farmlands; all from the comfort of vintage observation and lounge coaches.
Unlike flying or driving, the train allows passengers to truly feel the transition from the city bustle to coastal calm. The itinerary combines scenic daytime rail travel with comfortable off-train accommodation, selected meals, onboard hospitality and planned steam locomotive highlights.
Key Highlights
• Vintage-era coaches with panoramic viewing windows
• Planned steam locomotive segments (subject to operational availability)
• Five nights in hotels en-route
• Onboard wine tasting on the final day
• Free day in Mossel Bay for beaches, Post Office Tree Museum, casino or golf
• Escorted transfers and onboard support throughout
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 – Thursday 7 May 2026
Early departure from Cape Town, scenic route via Worcester to Swellendam. Light breakfast and finger lunch onboard. Overnight at select B&Bs with catered supper and breakfast.
Day 2 – Friday 8 May 2026
Continue through Heidelberg and Riversdale. Steam locomotive joins at Albertinia for evening arrival in Mossel Bay. Finger lunch onboard. Three-night stay at four-star hotels with supper included.
Day 3 – Saturday 9 May 2026
Free day in Mossel Bay. Breakfast and supper at hotels. Suggested activities (own account): beaches, museum, casino, golf.
Day 4 – Sunday 10 May 2026
Late-morning steam departure along the coast to Great Brak River. Relaxed buffet lunch at Oppi-Stasie restaurant. Return to Mossel Bay. Breakfast and supper at hotels.
Day 5 – Monday 11 May 2026
Return journey through glorious Cape landscapes to Montagu. Finger lunch onboard. Overnight at select establishments with catered supper and breakfast.
Day 6 – Tuesday 12 May 2026
Breakfast at hotels, wine tasting and finger lunch onboard. Morning transfer to train for onboard wine tasting. Early evening arrival in Cape Town.
Practical Information
Price: R24 750 per person (incl. VAT)
Deposit: Non-refundable R5 000 per person to secure booking
Included: 4 days of vintage train travel, 5-nights accommodation, breakfast daily, selected lunches/dinners, tea/coffee onboard, on-trip transfers, onboard host support.
Not included: Optional activities, additional bar purchases, personal insurance, gratuities
Train features vintage lounge and observation coaches (no Wi-Fi, not fully air-conditioned – mild May weather expected)
Steam haulage planned but subject to operational conditions; diesel otherwise
Mobility note: Not wheelchair accessible; passengers must manage uneven ground and steep coach steps (assistance provided)
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice
Bookings and enquiries:
bookings@ceresrail.co.za | +27 (0)21 891 4193
About Ceres Rail
Ceres Rail specialises in authentic, heritage-focused rail experiences across South Africa, bringing passengers closer to the country’s landscapes, history and small-town charm.
