Outeniqua Choo Tjoe revival: South Africa’s legendary steam train returns! [update #2]

update (03 December 2025):  Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe company began this week to clear the vegetation that has overgrown the George-Knysna line in many places. 
According to Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, this was necessary so that engineers can make a proper assessment of the line in order to finalise the capital expenditure that will be required to put the iconic train back on track. 
Clearing began at the Sedgefield Station, and will continue towards Knysna, with the George-Sedgefield section to be cleared in the second phase.

update (27 October 2025): Transnet is set to host an official signing ceremony today at George in the Western Cape, paving the way for the reintroduction of the iconic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. 

After almost two decades of silence, one of South Africa’s most beloved heritage trains - the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - is set to return to the tracks. The legendary steam train of the Garden Route, which once ran between George and Knysna, will soon be revived as a flagship tourism attraction thanks to renewed investment and local collaboration.
Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, confirmed that his company has secured all the required contracts and partnered with new funding partners to rebuild the historic railway line. “We’re thrilled to announce that everything is now on track. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is coming back,” McVitty said on 06 October 2025.

A South African rail icon
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe first began operating in 1928, quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most scenic rail journeys. Winding its way along the spectacular Garden Route coastline, the train offered breathtaking views of lakes, forests, and beaches, making it a favourite among local travellers and international visitors alike.
The service was discontinued after severe flood damage to the line in 2006, followed by years of uncertainty and stalled negotiations. Since then, railway enthusiasts, tourism bodies, and the local community have been campaigning passionately for its return - and now, after nearly 20 years, that dream is finally becoming reality.

Two-Phase Return to the Tracks
Classic Rail plans to reopen the route in two phases:

• Phase 1: Knysna to Sedgefield
• Phase 2: Sedgefield to George

The first phase is expected to take about 12 months to complete. A Ceremonial Signature Event will soon be held to mark this landmark milestone - a celebration of the joint effort between Classic Rail, Transnet Freight Rail, and local Garden Route businesses that made the revival possible.

Restoration and engineering work underway
Several locomotives are currently undergoing restoration in Gauteng, while the passenger carriages are being refurbished in George. Plans also include the establishment of a dedicated steam workshop along the line. Once ready, the rolling stock will be transported by road to the Knysna–Sedgefield section, where the first passenger services will begin.
“Our team is already clearing vegetation from the line so that we can inspect the tracks, bridges, and engineering structures,” McVitty explained. “Safety is our top priority - both for passengers and the project team.”

Tourism revival for the Garden Route
The return of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is expected to reignite tourism along the Garden Route, attracting thousands of visitors eager to relive one of South Africa’s most iconic travel experiences. The project promises to create sustainable local jobs, boost small businesses, and strengthen the region’s reputation as one of Africa’s top coastal destinations.
“It’s too early to start taking bookings, but we’ll keep everyone updated through our social media platforms,” said McVitty. “The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is more than a train – it’s a symbol of heritage, community, and collaboration. Together with local businesses, everybody wins.”

 

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Okavango Delta in November – Weather, wildlife & travel tips for Botswana’s green season!

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of Africa’s most mesmerizing wilderness areas, and November marks a fascinating period of transition here. It is the month when the long, dry season finally begins to give way to the first rains, transforming the Delta from golden and dusty to lush and green within days. This is the time when Okavango Delta's rhythm changes - the heat intensifies, the skies turn dramatic, and life begins to pulse with renewed energy. Visiting in November means witnessing nature in motion: landscapes shifting, wildlife patterns changing, and the air filled with the promise of summer storms.

Weather & Landscape
November sits on the cusp between the dry winter months and the green rainy season. The weather can be unpredictable, as the last weeks of dryness slowly yield to the first scattered showers. Early in the month, the days are often hot and shimmering, with temperatures frequently climbing above 35°C. The air feels heavy, and the once-crisp mornings of October give way to warm, sometimes humid dawns. As the month progresses, the first thunderstorms begin to roll across the Okavango Delta, transforming the parched earth into a mosaic of fresh greens and reflective pools.
The landscape changes almost overnight. Grasslands that were brittle and brown suddenly sprout new shoots, and trees burst into leaf. The floodplains take on a soft, emerald hue, while distant thunderclouds build high over the horizon - a photographer’s dream. Even though local rains begin to fall, the Okavango Delta's water levels are still largely determined by the flow of the Okavango River from Angola, which means some channels may remain shallow while others deepen. The result is a landscape that feels alive and evolving, full of light, movement, and color. November’s beauty lies in this contrast: the dry earth giving way to rebirth.

Fauna
The shift from dry to wet season profoundly influences the wildlife of the Okavango Delta. While the high concentrations of animals seen during the dry months start to disperse as new grazing areas open up, November remains a rewarding time for safaris. Many species, including elephants, buffalo, and various antelope, still linger around permanent lagoons and channels, ensuring excellent sightings. Predators such as lion, leopard, and spotted hyena continue to patrol these water-rich corridors, taking advantage of the abundance of prey drawn to the newly green plains.
November is also the start of the birthing season. Impala, tsessebe, and other antelope give birth to their young, filling the bush with the sight of wobbly-legged calves taking their first steps. This baby boom naturally attracts predators, so encounters between hunters and their prey can be particularly dramatic. The air hums with new life - frogs calling from shallow pools, insects emerging after the first rains, and reptiles basking in the renewed warmth. Birdlife flourishes as well, with migratory species arriving from Europe and northern Africa to breed. The skies fill with swallows, bee-eaters, and kingfishers, while herons, storks, and jacanas thrive along the expanding waterways. For bird enthusiasts, November is the true beginning of the Delta’s most colorful and vocal season.

Animal Behavior & Sightings
Animal behavior in November reflects both abundance and adaptation. As fresh grazing and surface water appear across the floodplains, wildlife begins to spread out after months of concentration near the shrinking dry-season waterholes. This dispersal can make game viewing slightly more challenging, but the reward is the sense of authenticity - animals moving freely through rejuvenated landscapes, behaving naturally rather than gathering tightly around dwindling resources. The lush vegetation offers cover, which means sightings require a more patient eye and the guidance of experienced trackers.
Predators take full advantage of the calving season. Lions often lie in wait near herds of impala or lechwe, while leopards use the thickening vegetation to stalk silently through the undergrowth. The first rains also stir nocturnal activity, and the cooler evenings can bring hyenas, servals, and genets out into the open. In contrast, elephants become more dispersed, sometimes moving into the mopane woodlands that are now greener and more nourishing. The drama of the landscape itself adds to the spectacle - the distant rumble of thunder, flashes of lightning over the plains, and the fresh scent of wet earth after rain all combine to create a truly atmospheric safari experience.

Travel Tips
Traveling to the Okavango Delta in November requires flexibility and a spirit of adventure. The weather can shift rapidly, and afternoon storms may briefly interrupt game drives or flights. However, these showers usually pass quickly, leaving behind clear air and vivid sunsets. Travellers should be prepared for heat, humidity, and occasional mud, but also for some of the most photogenic skies and vibrant scenery of the year.
Choosing camps located near permanent water channels is advisable, as wildlife remains most active around these lifelines during the transition period. Lodges within the Moremi Game Reserve or in private concessions on the edge of the Okavango Delta often provide reliable access regardless of rainfall. Because November is part of Botswana's low safari season, rates are generally lower, and crowds are minimal - another compelling reason to visit.
Light, breathable clothing, good sun protection, and waterproof covers for cameras and bags are essential. A lightweight rain jacket will come in handy during the afternoon storms, while insect repellent and malaria precautions should not be overlooked. Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon remain the best times for wildlife activity, but water-based excursions - by motorboat or traditional mokoro - can offer a serene perspective on the Okavango Delta's flooded channels as the ecosystem begins to awaken after months of dryness.

Final Thoughts
Visiting the Okavango Delta in November means experiencing a place in flux - a living landscape poised between two seasons. It is a time of renewal, when the first rains bring relief to the land and ignite a wave of life across the floodplains. Though game viewing may be less predictable than during the peak dry season, the sense of wilderness, solitude, and transformation more than compensates. The light, the colors, and the sounds of November in the Okavango Delta create an unforgettable atmosphere that captures the very essence of Africa’s wild heart.

Okavango Delta tours >>
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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks announces maintenance at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp! [update]

update (27 October 2025): SANParks has announced that the much-needed maintenance at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has been successfully completed. The camp is now open and ready to welcome guests once again. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that essential maintenance and upgrades will be carried out at Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park from 07 October to 27 October 2025. The work is part of SANParks’ ongoing infrastructure improvement programme aimed at maintaining the high standards of visitor comfort and safety across all its facilities.
During this period, (minor) disruptions may occur as contractors complete necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure the camp remains a world-class wilderness experience.

About Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp
Perched high on a red sand dune overlooking the Kalahari’s vast arid landscape, Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp offers one of the most breathtaking views in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Located approximately 50 km south of Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, the camp is accessible only by 4x4 vehicle and provides a truly remote and tranquil escape into the desert wilderness.
The camp features four self-catering units and a dedicated dune cabin for people with limited mobility, each equipped with solar power, gas facilities, and private decks with panoramic views. A small waterhole below the camp attracts wildlife such as springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, and even elusive predators like leopard and cheetah, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities from the comfort of your veranda.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp is one of six wilderness camps in the park, each designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding dunes while minimizing environmental impact. The camp’s eco-friendly setup – relying on solar energy and natural materials – exemplifies SANParks’ commitment to sustainable tourism in fragile desert ecosystems.

 

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SANParks announces entry fees for Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially announced the entry fees for the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, South Africa.
The world-class facility, which opened to the public on 22 June 2025, offers a fascinating journey through South Africa's paleontological, archaeological, geological, and cultural heritage. Through immersive and interactive exhibitions, visitors can explore the ancient history of the Maloti-Drakensberg region — a landscape once roamed by dinosaurs.
During its opening period, free entry was granted to all visitors until 30 September 2025. From 01 October 2025, the following admission fees apply:

Entry fees for the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre:

• South African Citizens:
• Adult: R110.00
• Child: R70.00
• South African Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R25.00
• Pensioner: R70.00
• Southern African Development Community (SADC):
• Adult: R150.00
• Child: R75.00
• SADC Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R50.00
• International Visitors:
• Adult: R250.00
• Child: R125.00
• International Groups:
• School (up to 60 pax): R100.00

Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park's iconic sandstone cliffs, the centre perfectly complements the park’s natural beauty and geological significance. Covering around 340 km², the park is famous for its golden-hued cliffs, diverse wildlife — including black wildebeest, eland, and the endangered bearded vulture — as well as its spectacular hiking trails and panoramic mountain vistas.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or family traveler, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre offers a unique educational experience that connects the ancient past to the breathtaking present-day landscapes of the Maloti Mountains.

 

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Durban Beach Update: 19 beaches open for swimming (03 October 2025)!

Durban – the vibrant coastal city of KwaZulu-Natal – continues to shine as one of South Africa’s top seaside destinations. With its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and year-round subtropical climate, the city attracts holidaymakers from around the world. To ensure every beach visit is both safe and enjoyable, the eThekwini Municipality regularly monitors beach water quality and provides official safety updates.

Beaches Open for Swimming (as of 03 October 2025)
A total of 19 Durban beaches have passed the municipality’s stringent water quality tests and are safe for swimming. Each is patrolled daily by qualified lifeguards between 06:00 and 18:30.  
Open beaches:
Point Beach • uMgababa • uShaka • Addington • North Beach • Bay of Plenty • South Beach • Wedge Beach • Battery Beach • Brighton • Pipeline Beach • Toti Main Beach • Westbrook • Anstey’s Beach • Thekwini Beach • Laguna Beach • Country Club • Doonside Beach • mDloti Main

Whether you love swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, or strolling along the promenade, Durban's open beaches offer safe waters and a vibrant coastal vibe for both locals and international visitors.

Beaches Temporarily Closed (No Swimming)
The following beaches are temporarily closed due to elevated water contamination levels:
Reunion • Winklespruit • uMhlanga Main • Bronze Beach

While swimming and water sports are not permitted at these locations, they still offer scenic opportunities for sunbathing, beach walks, and photography. The eThekwini Municipality will reopen them as soon as water quality returns to safe levels.

Durban’s Public Swimming Pools
If you prefer a controlled environment or when some beaches are closed, Durban boasts 40 public swimming pools across the metro – perfect for families, training, or a refreshing dip away from the waves.

 

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Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Construction of new ablution facility begins in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that construction of a new ablution facility has begun at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Contractors arrived on-site today, 06 October 2025, marking the start of an important infrastructure project aimed at enhancing visitor comfort and convenience.

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is the largest rest camp and administrative headquarters of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Situated along the dry Nossob Riverbed, it serves as the main gateway to the park’s striking red dunes and expansive semi-desert wilderness. The camp blends modern amenities with the authentic atmosphere of the Kalahari, making it a popular choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari travellers.

Facilities at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp include a reception area, shop, fuel station, restaurant, information centre, and swimming pool, as well as the park’s Interpretation Centre, which showcases the unique wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

 

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South Africa: CemAir launches a new domestic route!

South African regional airline CemAir is expanding its domestic network with the introduction of a new service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London. The route is scheduled to begin on 13 October 2025, offering travelers a direct connection between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.
CemAir will initially operate one weekly flight every Monday on the following schedule:

• Cape Town > East London: Departure 06:00, arrival 07:20
• East London > Cape Town: Departure 07:50, arrival 09:30

Flights on the route will be operated with CemAir’s Bombardier CRJ900, a modern regional jet with seating for up to 90 passengers. The airline has indicated that additional frequencies may be added in the future if passenger demand grows.
This new route provides business and leisure travelers with another convenient option for flying between Cape Town and East London, strengthening domestic air connectivity in South Africa.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

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