The Umgeni Steam Railway can be found in the Valley of 1000 Hills area of KwaZuku Natal in South Africa. The area lies between the city of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, approximately a half hours drive from Durban city centre.

Thanks to the donation of the first small shunting locomotive and further donations from the old South African Railways, the Umgeni Steam Railway could open rides to tourists and locals to enjoy a day out in the picturesque Valley of 1000 Hills. The Railway is run by train enthusiast volunteers and is a non-profit organization which had its first public run in early 1984.

Trains depart from Kloof Station (Stokers Arms) and meander along the original railway line built between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in the 1880’s and through South Africa’s oldest tunnel, the 53 metre long tunnel in Drummond. Approximately 45 minutes later the train arrives at Inchanga Station were passengers can spend some time enjoying the sights, craft shopping and lunch before heading back from Inchanga to Kloof.

Alternatively you can depart from Inchanga to enjoy a pub lunch at the Stokers Arm Station Restaurant and travel back to Inchanga in the afternoon.

Accommodation of all types can be found in this area, from backpackers to country lodges, B&B’s and Guest Houses.

Things to do and see

  • Craft Market
  • Food Stalls
  • Picnic Area
  • Pony Rides
  • Inchanga Railway Museum
  • Model Railway Display
  • Stokers Arms Station Restaurant

Admission

Bookings are essential. Please contact the Railway booking office directly for train schedules and ticket pricing.

Normal running days are the last Sunday of each month. Trains depart from Kloof Station twice, daily.

Closed on Christmas Day

Climate

Durban has a warm climate throughout the year with cooler evenings in the winter months and rainfall in the summer months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 29˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 20˚C.

Transport

There are Domestic and International flights into Durban’s King Shaka Airport on a daily basis. Car rental companies are available for easy access around the area.

Festivals

February – Dusi Canoe Marathon: One of the worlds’ toughest and most prestigious canoe races held over three days and 120 km.

May – Comrades Marathon: The world’s greatest ulta-marthon, 89 km long run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Contact Us

Umgeni Steam Railway
Address:
Stokers Arms Station
Valley of 1000 Hills, Ximba
KwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa
29° 47′ 31.319″ S, 30° 50′ 4.448″ E
work: +27 31 303 3003
cell: +27 82 353 6003
fax: +27 86 584 4862
Send Email
http://www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za Visit Website

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Nearby Routes

National Routes

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