Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • Sho't Left

Americas

  • USA
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back
Gauteng
Entertainment
Attractions
Adventure
Kids
Pretoria
Day Trips

IIf you reminisce about days gone by, when a train trip provided you with more than a simple perfunctory service, and long for a throwback to the days of steam trains, take a trip on the fabulous Tshwane Explorer.

Covering a distance of 60km in and around Pretoria, the Tshwane Explorer steam train trip is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. If you have children, this is a great chance to introduce them to the magic of steam trains.

Did You Know?
GGeorge Stephenson was only 20 years old when he began building the first steam train in 1813.

TThe Tshwane Explorer, which departs from the private Hermanstad Station, alongside Michaelson Street in Hermanstad, Pretoria, snakes through a number of suburbs on its way to the nearby town of Cullinan, including Gezina, Villieria, Queenswood, Waltloo, Silverton, Deneboom and Mamelodi.

Tshwane Explorer

Food
When to visit
How to get here

AAlong the way you will likely catch sight of various game, kept by farmers in the area, including bontebok and ostriches. The game viewing gets a lot more exciting when passing the Somabula Nature Reserve, where animals such as rhino, antelope, kudu, impala and giraffe roam.

After the train pulls into Cullinan Station, you are allowed to disembark and take photos of the train and then explore the beauty and tranquillity of this small town. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or find a spot to enjoy the picnic lunch you packed.

The train departs at a scheduled time, so it’s up to you to make sure you arrive back at the station with enough time to spare – about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Who to contact
Best time to visit
What will it cost
What to pack

Related articles

  • Breathtaking scenery

    South Africa’s Treasures: Discover the New UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Breathtaking scenery
    South Africa’s Treasures: Discover the New UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    Discover the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa, including Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites and The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour. Explore 14 historic locations honoring Mandela's legacy across Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. Visit archaeological wonders like Diepkloof Rock Shelter and Pinnacle Point Complex in the Western Cape, showcasing early human innovation. Plan your journey with accessible tours, detailed travel tips, and cultural routes connecting you to South Africa’s rich heritage. Enhance your travel experience with guided tours, local insights, and the latest updates on these remarkable sites.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    South Africa on the big screen

    Breathtaking scenery
    South Africa on the big screen
    Here, we bring you some of the best on-screen locations that you can experience on your next trip to South Africa – and which films to watch before you visit!
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Discover the best family experiences in Cape Town and beyond

    Breathtaking scenery
    Discover the best family experiences in Cape Town and beyond
    With no jetlag, a great year-round climate (particularly during school holidays), the strength of the pound against the South African Rand giving families fantastic value for money and an incredible abundance of nature and wildlife, South Africa is an ideal destination for families. To mark the royal visit, here are some of the top family activities in Cape Town and beyond.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    The delight and complexity of South African architecture

    Breathtaking scenery
    The delight and complexity of South African architecture
    If calamity were to strike humanity, and archaeologists of a distant future were to enquire about how we lived, they would draw upon our architecture to paint a picture of who we were.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    The fascination of South African cave adventures

    Breathtaking scenery
    The fascination of South African cave adventures
    South Africa offers a variety of caves for you to explore, from hominid fossil sites and ancient San cave paintings.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve - Africa in a day

    Breathtaking scenery
    Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve - Africa in a day
    Just 22km north of Pretoria, you’ll find the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary where you can picnic, go fishing, do some game viewing and finally tick those elusive bird species off your spotting list.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    All aboard - The Magaliesburg Express

    Breathtaking scenery
    All aboard - The Magaliesburg Express
    If you have ever wanted to experience an adventure by a steam locomotive, then this day trip from Joburg to Magaliesburg and back again will charm you with the romance of days gone by.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    The best places to enjoy nature in Gauteng

    Breathtaking scenery
    The best places to enjoy nature in Gauteng
    Gauteng boasts amazing tourist attractions that are worth visiting more than once.