Magaliesburg Express, Magaliesberg, Gauteng
There was a time when everyone had been on a train and experienced the thrill of the clackity-clack of the rails, the billows of steam from the engine and the view of passing scenery from the window. On the Magaliesburg Express, operated by Reefsteamers, you can once again enjoy this thrill.
From the moment your leave Park Station at 9h00 in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the adventure begins. You can relax in the licensed bar coach (wine and beer) with very comfy sofa type seats or view the world from your coach. Refreshments such as toasted sandwiches, pancakes and muffins, sweets, crisps and cool drinks are available on board.
En-route, the train stops at the original Krugersdorp station building, built in 1896, and at 11h30 you arrive at the town of Magaliesburg. Magaliesburg is a quaint village with interesting craft shops which you can explore before tucking into your choice of lunch – from your own picnic basket or braai enjoyed at the Magaliesburg picnic grounds to either one of the two hotels – Swallows Inn or Magaliesburg Country Hotel. There are also fast food franchises in the town of Magaliesburg.
From the picnic grounds which have shelter and ablution facilities, it is an easy walk to the Magaliesburg Goods Shed which houses a candle-dipping shop and antiques store. The Magalies River is accessible via a footpath. Supervised cab visits are available once the crew have finished servicing the locomotive.
Then it’s all aboard once more for the return trip that many feel is the highlight. The climb from Magaliesburg to Krugersdorp is really challenging for the locomotive with all the steep gradients and sharp curves encountered. It is here you can identify with the sounds of the engine straining up the hills, the power of this large mechanical wonder of its day.
Bookings for the Magaliesburg Express: Tel: +27 (0)11 888 1154: Website: Special Magaliesburg train trips can be arranged through Reef Steamers: Theunis van Wyk: E-Mail:
Lunch Bookings: Swallows Inn: Tel: +27 (0)14 577 0054/5940: E-mail: OR Magaliesburg Country Hotel: Tel: +27 (0)14 577 1109: E-mail.
What will it cost: The cost is R195 per adult, R135 per child, 3-12 years, and under 3’s travel free provided they do not occupy a seat. The cost to picnic or braai (barbeque) at the Swallows Inn is R20 p/person. The Magaliesburg Country Hotel offers a buffet for R95 p/person, ½ price for children under 12, and free for the under 3’s. Please phone to make bookings and confirm these prices as they could change.
The train departs from Johannesburg Park Station at 09:00, normally from platform 14. Park Station is on Rissik Street, Braamfontein, situated underground between Smit and Wolmarans Streets. Affordable and safe parking is available at the station for train users who want to leave their cars. GPS: S:26°11.732′, E: 028°02.493′
| More info on the quaint town of Magaliesberg | More info on the West Rand area |
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