Ceres Rail Company

AVAILABLE: Open Air Museum Experience | Family Friendly | Online Booking | OPEN: Monday – Friday (Booking Essential) | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Instagram Page | Phone +27 (0)79 401 9353
Introduction
South Africa has a rich history of railway transportation, and few things are more evocative of this legacy than a steam train ride. For visitors to the Western Cape, the Ceres Rail Company offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the romance of steam locomotion. This is certainly not your typical museum as normally covered on Museum Explorer SA, but rather an open air, mobile museum, where heritage, education and nostalgia come together. The experience will truly take you back in time.



About Ceres Rail
The Ceres Rail Company was established with a mission to preserve and promote South African Rail Heritage. The company achieves this by restoring and refurbishing old locomotives and coaches, and operating scenic train journeys that showcase the natural beauty and heritage of the Western Cape.
REALTED: Browse more museums in the Western Cape
What Can You Experience?
If you considering taking a journey with Ceres Rail, there are a number of options available. The most popular journey is a 160km round-trip departing from Cape Town on Saturdays and Sundays at 08h05, with a destination of the Art Deco “Elgin Railway Market.” The journey takes passengers through Cape Town and its surrounds before climbing the majestic Sir Lowrys Pass, one of the steepest railway lines in South Africa. From there, the train snakes its way into the lush Elgin Valley, arriving at the Elgin Railway Market. Along the way, guests can enjoy the stunning scenery from various seating options, including the bar and dining car.
Another popular journey is a trip to Ceres, a picturesque town located in the heart of the Western Cape. The journey departs from Cape Town and takes passengers through the scenic Hex River Valley, before arriving in Ceres. Along the way, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast and a leisurely stroll through the train’s observation car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Be sure to visit the Ceres Rail Company’s website to see which options are currently available and book accordingly.



Interesting Facts
- The Ceres Railway track was originally built at the turn of the 20th century, starting in July 1910 and was completed in May 1912.
- The line was built using second-hand material, and its construction was a remarkable feat of engineering.
- Today, the Ceres Rail Company’s locomotives are an important part of South Africa’s rail heritage, and are a testament to the power of steam locomotion.
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Physical Location
Conclusion
A journey with Ceres Rail Company is more than just a train ride. It’s an opportunity to experience the romance of steam, to see some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful scenery, and to relive a bygone era of rail transportation. Whether you’re a history buff, a railway enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to explore the Western Cape, Ceres Rail Company is sure to delight.