Overnight in the Overberg
Cape Town to Houwhoek Hotel (Return)
Cape Town to Houwhoek Hotel | 10 – 11 May 2025
Experience the magic of the Cape countryside aboard our vintage steam-hauled train as we journey to the historic Houwhoek Hotel for an unforgettable overnight escape. This all-inclusive package offers a rare combination of scenic travel, local flavours, heritage charm, and classic Overberg hospitality.
Departure
Your adventure begins at 08h05 on Saturday, 10 May 2025, from the Harbour Bridge Platform in Cape Town (Dockrail Road, Foreshore, next to AC Hotel by Marriott). After boarding, guests will enjoy a relaxing morning rail journey through the city and surrounding farmlands.
Route & Stops
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Van Der Stel Station, Somerset West: The train makes a short stop between 09h40 and 10h20 for guests boarding here.
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Elgin Railway Market: Around 11h15, we arrive for a leisurely lunch stop (lunch not included). Enjoy live music, artisan food, and crafts in this beautifully restored station building.
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Houwhoek Hotel: We arrive at approximately 15h30, where guests check in and relax before the evening festivities.
Accommodation & Meals
All packages include one night’s accommodation at Houwhoek Hotel, plus:
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Breakfast onboard the train on 10 May
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Three-course Dinner Dance at the Hotel’s Barn venue (Dinner at 19h30, live music from 21h30 – No under 12s permitted)
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Full buffet breakfast on 11 May
Families with children under 12 can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, and babysitting services are available upon request.
Booking Options
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Couples Package (2 adults sharing a standard room)
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Singles Package (1 adult in a standard room)
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Family Package (2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 2 children in a family room)
Additional children may be added to the family package at an additional cost.
Return Journey
On Sunday, 11 May, after breakfast, the train departs from Houwhoek Hotel at 10h30, arriving at:
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Van Der Stel Station by approximately 12h30
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Cape Town by around 15h00
Onboard Facilities
While onboard, guests can enjoy:
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Light refreshments and snacks for sale
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A fully licensed cash bar
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Books and memorabilia
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Spa services available at an extra cost (bookings recommended in advance)
What to Pack
We suggest bringing:
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Smart casual or semi-formal attire for the Dinner Dance
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Comfortable shoes and a light jacket
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Swimwear (for hotel pool or spa use)
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Toiletries, sunscreen, camera, and any personal items
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Cash/card for market purchases and extras
Pricing
- Couples Package – R5420 per couple
- Family Package – R5420 per family (includes 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
- Single Package – R3255 per person
Let History Transport You
Notes
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- The ticket is a return ticket and includes the cost of your journey with us.
- No personal food and drink items are permitted onboard. We have a fully stocked bar, dining car (for snacks), and coffee onboard. Payment by cash or card is accepted.
- No smoking is permitted onboard.
- A light jersey or jacket is advisable in the case of sudden weather changes.
- We strive to have a steam locomotive as part of the trip at all times, but there is the rare occasion that we have a breakdown and are forced to use only diesel locomotives. Please note, there are diesel locomotives part of the train every trip that we do.
General Rules and Other Info
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- If you are in need of assistance, go to the Coach Controller or Train Manager.
- Obey the instructions given by our Train Manager (orange visi-vest) and our Coach Controllers (yellow visi-vest).
- Please do not stand or kneel on the furniture and tables, and keep dirty feet off too.
- Everyone loves to peek out of the window, but please do not hang out of the windows; it is dangerous due to vegetation along the track as well as soot from the steam locomotive.
- Please do not throw litter out of the windows – cleaning staff and bins are available on board.
- No bare feet – the plates between the coaches shift and passengers are at risk of getting injured if their feet are bare.
- NEVER throw anything out of the train; whether it be sweets, chips, money; this is prohibited as it has a knock-on safety effect.
- We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line. We do have sporadic incidents of stones that are thrown at the train; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are protected, and communities are engaged. We have patrollers on duty at various points along the railway line.
