The Great South African Steam Festival

For five days in 1991,the South African railways featured their steam locomotives on their mainline from Kimberly to De Aar in a celebration called the Great 1991 Steam Festival. This would be the last display of these magnificent locomotives before steam would be replaced by diesel power. Join us as we visit Beaconsfield, the last operational steam shed in South Africa. Watch high-stepping steam locomotives charge down the narrow-gauge mainline on continuous welded rail with concrete ties. Wander with us around Orange River, and watch steam being serviced and the exciting activity of arriving and departing trains. Don’t miss this last hurrah for South African steam power!