If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to swap Santa’s sleigh for something just as magical, then this festive season’s Umgeni Steam Railway trips are your ticket to pure holiday nostalgia. Think rolling green hills, vintage carriages, the whooo-whooo of an old locomotive, and happy kids grinning from ear to ear.
This beloved KZN tradition is run entirely by volunteers who have one shared passion: preserving South Africa’s railway heritage. The Umgeni Steam Railway (USR) was founded back in 1982 by rail enthusiasts from the Railway Society of Southern Africa, determined to save the country’s disappearing steam legacy. Today, the organisation has collected around 10 historic locomotives and dozens of classic coaches, some dating back as far as 1908.
One of the stars of the show is Wesley, the 1938 Class 19D locomotive built in Berlin. Wesley regularly hauls passengers from Inchanga up to Botha’s Hill on a route first laid in the 1880s. This includes the iconic Drummond Tunnel, believed to be the oldest still in use in South Africa.
The journey is every bit as charming as it sounds. The 75-minute round trip departs from Inchanga Station, chugging along the Valley of 1000 Hills with unforgettable views. Before or after your ride, you can explore the Inchanga Station Craft Market, grab a bite, visit the Railway Museum, or find Thomas & Friends in the Modellers’ Shed.
Get Your Tickets!
- Where: Inchanga Railway Station, KZN
- When: Multiple departures on 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 December 2025 | 2, 3, 4 January 2026
- Duration: ±75 minutes
- Route: Inchanga → Botha’s Hill → Inchanga
- Tickets: Bring cash or Zapper (no card facilities or ATMs) | Arrive 30 minutes early to collect tickets |Book & pay within 48 hours to secure your seats
- Bookings: www.umgenisteamrailway.com
Whether you're chasing a bit of old-school magic, treating the kids, or simply looking for the perfect holiday adventure, the Umgeni Steam Railway is ready to whisk you away.
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