This morning we arrive in Matjiesfontein, where you can disembark and visit this quaintly preserved Victorian village, founded in 1884 by an energetic Scottish railwayman called James Logan.
Once a fashionable Victorian spa, this town played a key role in the Anglo Boer War of 1899, as it was situated on the main railway line between Cape Town and Johannesburg. It was also the home of the famous author and anti-war campaigner, Olive Schreiner, who wrote 'The Story of an African Farm'. Of special interest is the museum on the station platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel.
After leaving Matjiesfontein the train proceed through Touws River, before descending the Hex River Pass which consists of four tunnels, one of which is an impressive 13.5 km long. We continue through De Doorns and Worcester, travelling through the beautiful mountains and vineyards of the Cape Winelands.
Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes today.