SOUTH Africa's Union Limited steam train will be launching its new feature, a vintage private saloon coach, at Indaba 2000.
The Union Limited steam train now has two coaches with the addition of the new exclusive 1931 coach which, in the past, was reserved for Prime Ministers.
Seven passengers can be accommodated on this coach, which constitutes three double compartments and one single compartment. The other coach offers accommodation for up to six people.
There is also a private lounge, dining room, two showers and two toilets.
The history of the Union Limited can be traced back to the early 1900s, with one of the dining cars having served on two royal trains.
The most popular tour among overseas visitors is the Union Limited Golden Thread Tour, a six-day tour which runs from Cape Town to the Garden Route and back.
The train travels from Cape Town through the Paarl Valley to Porterville where guests alight for a traditional braai (barbeque) and wine tasting.
From there the train steams into Worcester and on to Albertinia, Hartenbos and Mossel Bay, through the picturesque Montagu Pass to Oudtshoorn and the beginning of the stark beauty of the Little Karoo. At Oudtshoorn visitors can go on excursions to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the Ostrich Show Farm.
Highlights on the trip back include a meander through Knysna and its lakes, forests, rivers and mountains.
A visit to the Outeniqua Railway Museum is also on the travel itinerary.
Traditional South African meals are served in the wooden interior dining cars, which are linked to both coaches.
(Southern African Tourism Update - April 2000)
