Reefsteamers Train Tours to Magaliesburg

Steaming out at dawn. Photo courtesy flickfrank2

For a day trip with a difference, travel to the picturesque town of Magaliesburg and back on a classic old steam train with Reefsteamers Train Tours.

On the round trip, passengers are taken on a leisurely ride across the countryside and into Magaliesburg, where they can enjoy a sumptuous meal, and explore the village and its arts and crafts shops, before returning to the big city later in the afternoon.

The train, which departs from Roodepoort’s Maraisburg Station at 08h45, offers two seating options: for open plan bench seating, opt for the day-sitter coach; if you prefer privacy, book a single sleeper compartment in advance. Most coaches have two flush toilets.

On the two-hour outbound trip, the licensed bar coach serves spirits, wine and beer, while the kitchen car tuck shop sells crisps, sweets and cool drinks.

Upon arrival in Magaliesburg, passengers are advised to book the lunch buffet at the three-star Magaliesburg Country Hotel, located just opposite the train station. The restaurant offers an outdoors buffet under a large, thatched roof, or a reasonably priced à la carte option for diners who prefer an indoor setting.

Passengers who prefer to relax outdoors may make use of the Magaliesburg picnic grounds, located just to the right of the train station. Passengers can enjoy the self-service facilities while watching the train being serviced. The grounds provide shelter and ablution facilities, and are within walking distance of the Magaliesburg Goods Shed, a candle-dipping shop and antiques store. The Magalies River is accessible via a footpath.

The train leaves Magaliesburg Station at about 14h30 and begins a spectacular climb to Krugersdorp, with steep gradients and twisting curves. The steam locomotive has to work hard on this part of the journey, as it puffs its way through the hilly surrounds. The train arrives back at Maraisburg Station at about 16h00.

Admission

Day-sitter coach: R196 (adults); R140 (children aged four to twelve); free for children under four
Private coupé (seats three adults; three coupés available): R750
Private compartment (seats six adults; five compartments available): R1 500

Directions

The Maraisberg Station: See map below