The Overberg Explorer adds new dates for nostalgic rail adventure

All aboard! The Overberg Explorer steam train is back with fresh dates for July and August - inviting travellers to experience the beauty of the Cape countryside in one of the most charming ways possible.

This heritage rail journey, operated by Ceres Rail Company, runs between Botrivier Station and the lively Elgin Railway Market, offering a one-hour scenic ride each way through the rolling landscapes of the Overberg.

📅 Trip dates: 5 & 6 July, and 9 August (Women’s Day)

🕰️ Departure options: Morning and afternoon return trips

🎟️ Tickets: Adults R295 | Children R180 | Under-3s ride free 

Passengers have 1–2 hours to explore Elgin Railway Market - a converted apple warehouse buzzing with artisan food stalls, live music and local crafts. It’s a wholesome day out filled with nostalgia, family-friendly fun and countryside charm.

While Ceres Rail also offers full-day steam trips from Cape Town to Elgin (departing 7.45 am, returning 6 pm), the Overberg Explorer from Botrivier is a shorter, more flexible option. It's ideal for those wanting to skip the day-trip train journey and instead base themselves in the Overberg for a slower-paced winter escape. 

Why overnight in Botrivier? 

Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, Botrivier is a small town with big soul. Surrounded by vineyards and rugged mountains, it’s known for its warm hospitality, characterful wine farms, and proudly off-the-grid attitude. It makes the perfect base for a relaxed overnight or weekend stay, where you can enjoy winemaker-led tastings, local farm fare, and misty morning views before hopping on the train to Elgin and back.

The wider Overberg region, stretching from the Hottentots-Holland mountains to beyond Caledon, is one of the Western Cape’s most underrated destinations. 

Whether you're in it for the rail nostalgia, a foodie market fix, or a countryside getaway, the Overberg Explorer is a timeless winter adventure waiting to happen.  

Notable Stops on the Way to Botrivier (via N2):

Somerset West

A gateway to the Helderberg wine region, stop here for a tasting at Vergelegen or Lourensford, both offering beautiful gardens, restaurants and historic Cape Dutch charm.

Strand & Gordon’s Bay

A slight detour toward the coast gets you sea views, beach walks, and the Clarence Drive (R44) scenic coastal route, ideal if you want a breathtaking drive through to Kleinmond later. It's also the home turf  of our now world-famous elephant seal Gordy. 

Sir Lowry’s Pass

Climb into the mountains via this iconic pass - pull over at a viewpoint for panoramic shots of False Bay and the Cape Flats below.

Grabouw / Elgin Valley

This is Apple country with a twist: cool-climate wines, forest hikes, mountain biking and farm stalls abound. Don’t miss Peregrine Farm Stall for hearty pies and fresh produce.

Houw Hoek

Pop in to Houw Hoek Farm Stall or the Houw Hoek Hotel for a tea break or light lunch — it’s one of South Africa’s oldest licensed hotels and steeped in charm.

So there you have it. These stops make the road tip to Botrivier worth savouring, whether you're stocking up on local treats, wine-tasting en route, or stretching your legs with a scenic view.