If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable family outing, the Ceres Rail Experience offers an exciting journey through the stunning landscapes of the Western Cape, all while riding a classic steam train! The whole family will love this nostalgic adventure that combines history, breathtaking scenery, and a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Here’s why the Ceres Rail should be on your family’s bucket list of things to do in Cape Town.
What is the Ceres Rail Company?
The Ceres Rail Company offers a charming steam train experience that takes you from Cape Town to different destinations in the Western Cape, winding through some of the most beautiful scenery. The journey itself is a throwback to the days when steam trains were the the main source of travel, making it not just a trip but a step back in time. The steam locomotive chugs along the ocean, scenic Table Mountain, through vineyards, mountains, and farmlands, all while you relax in beautifully restored vintage coaches. For families, the excitement begins the moment the train blows its whistle and steams out of the station.
The Ceres Rail Company offers different journeys to choose from. You can either go to Simon’s Town or travel to the Elgin Railway Market. You can check online at what specific days the various trips are running and make a booking for that particular trip. You can find out about the different routes here: RAIL EXPERIENCES
There are different seating options available on the train. The various seating types include Day Sitters, Compartments, the Bar Lounge, Family Coupes, Lounge Seating and the Observation Car. You can get an idea on the look and feel of each seating type here: SEATING TYPES
Why the Ceres Rail is Perfect for Families
- A Journey of Discovery: The 3-4 hour trip is not just a scenic journey but an educational one. Parents can point out the towering mountains, rolling farmlands, and vineyards, and children can learn about how people traveled in the past. You can even chat with the train crew to learn about the history and operation of the steam locomotive—kids might be thrilled to meet the driver!
- Restored Vintage Coaches: The train’s carriages are restored to their former glory, with comfortable seats and large windows offering panoramic views of the countryside. It’s a cozy, comfortable environment for children, with enough space to stretch out or move around when they need a break.
- Stops Along the Way: The train makes a few stops along the route, for those who have to satisfy some needs. Here, families can hop off the train to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and for the kids to see the train up close.
- Snacks and Refreshments Onboard: There’s no need to pack a big picnic basket unless you want to! The Ceres Rail offers snacks and drinks onboard, making it easy to grab something for the kids when they get hungry. Plus, what’s better than sipping on a hot drink while watching the world roll by through a steam-train window? You can either pre-order a meal from their menu or shop some snacks on the day. They serve sandwiches, croissants, muffins, sweet treats, cookies, bagels and much more!
- Interactive Experience: From the moment the train blows its whistle, kids will be wide-eyed with excitement. The train’s crew is friendly and happy to chat with passengers, often sharing stories about the steam engine and answering curious questions from young train enthusiasts. And let’s be honest, what child doesn’t love trains? You as the parent can join the WhatsApp group for the jouney on that specific day and will receive updates on certain stops, delays or offers.
- Scenic Beauty: The journey takes you through some of the Western Cape’s most picturesque landscapes, with views that will leave the whole family in awe. The kids might spot sheep grazing, tractors working in the fields, and birds flying over the mountains. Keep your camera ready for some great family photos.
Practical Tips for Families
- Book in Advance: The Ceres Rail is a popular family activity, especially during holidays and weekends, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets early. Family packages are available, making it easier to plan your trip without breaking the bank.
- Bring Entertainment: While the train ride is captivating, it’s a long trip, so it’s a good idea to pack a few small toys, books, or snacks to keep younger children entertained in between admiring the view.
- Dress Comfortably: The train cars are comfortable, but since you’ll be getting on and off the train at various stops, make sure the family is dressed in layers and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and hats if you’re planning to explore your destination during a sunny day.
Our Experience
Although the day of the departure started quite early for a Saturday morning (the train already leaves around 8am from the station), we were all very much looking forward to our trip to Elgin and had a great time on the train. We sat in the spacious lounge area with couches and lots of space to walk around, so the kids could go around and explore the train while we were enjoying the fabulous views. We didn’t book any food in advance, but there were plenty of snacks onboard. Just make sure to get whatever you want relatively early as the food sells out quickly in the first couple of hours and you might want to stack up some for later.
We went past Table Mountain, the ocean, mountains, went through tunnels, along townships and it just doesn’t get boring. The kids fell asleep on the way to the market and got some good rest. For the remaining time I bought some card games to keep them entertained during the ride. We also enjoyed the market a lot and had enough time to grab something to eat, have ice cream and the kids could run wild at the generous play area.
We can definitely recommend this experience for families, especially when you run a history of train fascination. Our kids spent most of the time looking out of the window and simply enjoying the ride. For younger children, it makes certainly sense to bring along toys or some other sort of entertainment as you will be spending an entire day on the train with only short breaks in between.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Checklist
- Opening Times: Weekends
- Age Group: 0 – 99
- Baby Changing Facilities: No
- Kids Menu: Yes
- Fun Factor: 4/5
- Free WIFI: No
Website
https://www.ceresrail.co.za/
Phone: +27 (0) 79 401 9353 / bookings@ceresrail.co.za