The trip to
The current pandemic is not unlikely to flare up again in the coming African winter, which is why we timed our trip for the beginning of winter, when case numbers in southern
Date |
Itinerary |
11.6. |
Flight to |
12.6. |
Arrival in |
13.6. |
We will run the GMA/M-Garratt to |
14.6. |
As there are some positions that require more effort and could not be implemented on the first day, we will go to |
15.6. |
In the morning we drive from Creighton in the opposite direction. About 7 km on the line to Donnybrook are operable. At sunrise we will photograph our charter train with the mighty Garratt. Afterwards we drive to our accommodation in Kloof. |
16.6. |
We have booked a charter train on the Umgeni Steam Railway and will go all the way to Inchanga. A 19D will haul our train. |
17.6. |
In the morning we’ll start from Inchanga with a different train composition. In the afternoon we leave the railway and drive to a hotel in |
18.6. |
Individual flight home |
19.6. |
Arrival at home |
Creighton is now isolated from the rest of the national railway network in the southern part of
The Umgeni Steam Railway from Kloof to Inchanga is one of the few museum railways in
In
The GMA/M in Creighton has seen better days as there are hardly anyone left who knows how to maintain the engine. However, the boiler inspector has given his okay, which means the locomotive will be available for us in 2022.
The 19D of the Umgeni Steam Railway is in good technical condition. Work is currently underway on the 3BR, but it is not certain whether it will be ready by the time of our visit. As there are no replacements on the two railways, no spare locomotive can be provided in case of a technical failure. There is no possibility of compensation or refund in case of problems, delays, breakdowns, etc. This risk must be accepted when booking the tour.
Our hotels offer different standards. In Creighton we have to divide the group between different accommodations (not hotels). All accommodations are clean and have a hot shower. The number of single rooms is extremely limited; therefore we cannot guarantee single rooms. However, booking early increases the chances of getting a single room considerably.
We will concentrate on sunrise and sunset to make the photographic opportunities as good as possible and meal breaks will work around this aim. Even though breakfast is included in the tour price, this does not mean that we will have a five star breakfast at sunrise. Breakfast may also be served packed if circumstances require it.
The temperature can be below freezing in the morning (though this is very rare), while in the afternoon it can exceed 20 degrees. Although we naturally hope for sunny weather, it can also rain, and in extreme cases even snow. Therefore, besides sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, a jumper, an (umbrella) cap and sun cream should be in your luggage.
Most of the photo spots we visit have hardly seen any photographers for two years. That's why the vegetation could be a problem a temporary one. Because if everyone helps to cut it down, and even tall grass can be cut back in a few minutes, the problem can be solved quickly. However, if everyone rushes to the supposedly "optimal" photo spot and stays there until the only one or two who removes the grass is done, it can take 30 minutes time that we simply miss for other photo locations.
The 230 volt/50 Hz power supply is reliable, but in many cases an adapter is needed. Besides the two-pin figure of eight plugs,
The region we are visiting is considered malaria-free. Except for Covid19, no special vaccinations are required (exception: against yellow fever if you have previously visited a yellow fever area). However, if you want to visit one of the national parks after the railway trip, including the
For most nationalities, no visa is required. However, this does not apply to all, so you should check with the embassy.
You will need some local money (
In the countryside, you are usually just as safe in
Please note that although
South Africa | ||
Craighton & Umgeni Steam Railway | 21 to 38 participants | £2,460 |
11.06.2022 19.06.2022 | 17 to 20 participants | £2,870 |
Single room surcharge | £300 | |
Registration Deadline: 01.05.2022 |
In addition, the following expenses should be expected:
Expenses for meals (approximate guide values)
Lunch: |
90 Rand
|
Dinner: |
110 Rand
|
One bottle of beer: |
25 Rand
|
One bottle of water (0.5 l): |
20 Rand
|
The price includes:
Not included are: