Durban - Hundreds of Durban residents and visitors to the city began the new year with a nostalgia trip, taking a ride on the Inchanga Choo Choo steam train.
The train has been running on the Valley of a Thousand Hills line for 31 years and remains hugely popular.
“Maureen”, the 1912-built Class 3BR locomotive takes an hour from Kloof to Inchanga, and an hour back.
Five-year-old Tyler Carl, from Hillcrest, rode the train for the first time.
He said: “Although I love planes, I really like this train because it reminds me of the trains I see in my story books, and it goes choo choo.”
His mother Claire said that she enjoyed the “amazing” trip to Inchanga.
“It is so scenic and beautiful; it’s easy to forget that we have such a stunning province when you’re caught up in the city life and all things modern.”
Nadia Singh from Johannesburg said that she enjoyed “scenic views” from the train.
“You don’t get steam trains any more, so it’s very exciting to go on one like this”, she said.
Bruce Bennett, manager of the Umgeni Steam Railway, welcomed the good turn-out.
Daily News