In the heart of historical Mossel Bay

The Santos Express Train Lodge is a genuine train situated on the Santos Beach in Mossel Bay with all cabins facing the sea. With the ocean so close, you can’t really beat its unbelievable position and exquisite views. An invigorating sea breeze keeps everything cool even on really hot days.

The Santos Express Train Lodge opened its doors on 1 December 1994. Nine decommissioned coaches were procured from South African Railways and fitted with the necessary plumbing and electricity. These coaches were similar in style to the Transkaroo first class, which operated on South African lines during the seventies. One coach was a communal kitchen and a bed cost only R25 per person per night, but guests had to supply their own bedding.

Originally it provided only accommodation, but due to its uniqueness and location, it proved very popular, especially with foreign visitors and it was decided that a restaurant was needed to complete the experience. The accommodation was upgraded and a bar and restaurant were added.

In August 2007 a fire destroyed the train restaurant and offices. A new restaurant area was built, but all the memorabilia and authentic train fittings were lost in the fire. We are looking to recreate this due to popular demand and in an effort to provide the full experience of staying and dining in an authentic Transnet train. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe used to run between Mosselbaai and George, but has ceased service much to the dismay of the general public, as well as foreign visitors. It proved to be a major attraction whilst it was running and we still get many enquiries. Nowhere on the Garden Route can one now experience a train ride or any train related experience apart from the Transport Museum in George and our Train Lodge.

A need for more luxury coaches was identified and two vintage wooden coaches called the Royal Suites were acquired. These were built in 1919 and 1921 respectively, then transported by boat from England to South Africa where they served a luxury rail company until they were decommissioned and made their last journey by rail to join our fleet in December 2013.

Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and right in the middle of the famous Garden Route of South Africa, nestles the seaside town of Mossel Bay. A bustling holiday resort in summer and the ideal retreat in winter, it is situated on a spectacular sun washed peninsula, embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. The greater Mossel Bay area has a well-deserved reputation among the thousands of holidaymakers who frequent this area every year.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, this `Karoo-by-the-sea` town has the second most moderate climate in the world and has the only north facing beach in South Africa. The sea temperature in the summertime is 20 to 22 degrees C, and in the winter 14 to 16 degrees C. The average temperatures for September – May is 21 to 28 degrees C, and May to Sept is 16 to 21 degrees C.

From right in front of the Santos Express one can watch dolphins, seals and whales at play. Seal Island is home to a large colony of seals and their cubs, while scuba diving at Santos Beach opens a colourful and astonishing underwater wonder world. Mossel Bay is also famous for marlin, sole, mussels and oysters.

The history of steam trains in South Africa, like the Royal Suites of Santos Express, is closely linked to Mossel Bay and it is, therefore, no wonder that Mossel Bay has become the biggest centre for restoring steam locomotives of all classes in the South African rail network. Enthusiasts from all over the world come here to see in real life locomotives they’ve only read about.

Make Santos Express your base while exploring this breathtaking area.