SANTOS EXPRESS:  BLUE TRAIN LODGE

MOSSEL BAY in the heart of the famous Garden Route of South Africa.

Enjoy the unique and romantic experience of staying on a real train only 30 meters from the sea on the Indian Ocean side of Cape Town.
With double, single and budget compartments, accommodation has spectacular sea views and hot, clean showers. Great seafood, traditional meals, seafood, regular braai`s (South African for BBQ!). Cosy bar, stunning view and a nice warm atmosphere.

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.

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.

ACCOMMODATION:

  • The breakfast included in your stay consists of coffee, tea, different cereals with mil, fruit juices and fruit salad or fresh fruit, and bread or toast with butter, jam etc. Full a la carte menu available throughout the day. We do NOT provide towels.
  • We have 5 coaches, of which 4 are identical, with 5 compartments (2-4 sleeper), 2 coupe’s (1-2 sleeper), 2 toilets and 1 shower. The 5th coach is divided into a 16 bed Dorm with lounge and the Caboose – an en suite room with balcony.
  • TWIN BED COMPARTMENT:
  • Shared facilities. Includes light breakfast.
  • Sleeps maximum 2 adults, 2 children.
  • SINGLE COUPE:
  • Shared facilities. Includes light breakfast. Sleeps maximum 2 adults
  • DOUBLE BED COMPARTMENT:
  • Shared facilities. Includes light breakfast. Sleeps maximum 2 adults, 2 children.
  • CABOOSE:
  • En suite bathroom. Includes light breakfast. Sleeps maximum 2 adults.
  • THE ROYAL SUITES:
  • Rates include a light and hot breakfast. Sleeps maximum 2 guests. En suite with private deck and sea or mountain view.
  • Beverage facilities available.
  • DORMITRIES:
  • (Not available during High season/ school holidays)
  • The 5th coach is divided into a 16 bed Dorm with lounge.
  • No breakfast included.
  • ALL RATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
  • Seasonal rates apply.

We offer a unique stay in a double compartment or single coupe similar to the Trans Karoo. We are 5-10 min walk from the Dias Museum Complex, The harbor and Town Centre. 

We have also recently added two vintage wooden coaches called the Royal Suites. 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.

Extensive renovations commenced immediately and we now have four royal suites, all with private sea view decks and en suite facilities. These have proven extremely popular, even resulting in a television news broadcast. The colonial feel, authentic woodwork and attention to detail makes these extra special.

  • Double and single rates include a free continental breakfast and we also have an option to upgrade to an additional hot breakfast.

    We can accommodate a max of 114 pax and have special STO rates for groups of 30 pax and more (Low seasononly).  Menus can be customized to suit any budget and special requirements.

  • Our happening restaurant and bar serves all day breakfast, and other delicious meals such as steaks, seafood and our most famous traditional meals, that can be served inside or on the sundeck. The restaurant is open from 7:30 am until late.

  • With professionally-trained staff, we provide facilities for large to small meetings, seminars, corporate events and functions for up to 120 people.  Menus can be customized to suit any budget and the delegates’ requirements.

  • Our staff is on the ball and can help with all travel and adventure arrangements such as shark cage diving, boat-based whale watching, sky diving, game drives, quad biking, deep-sea fishing, pleasure boat trips to Seal Island etc.

  • We also offer the following services: BBQ; Internet & WiFi; Phone cards & Airtime; Baz Bus Stop; Laundry and Security.

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

  • Stunning clean Blue Flag beaches
  • Visit the Diaz Museum Complex
  • Boat trips, Seal Island trips, Shark cage diving
  • World renowned Zip line
  • Surfing, Sand boarding, Golf courses
  • Big 5 Game viewing, walk with elephants
  • Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding
  • 4×4 and quad biking
  • Dias Express train trips in the Outeniqua mountains
  • Affordable to very upper market restaurants

  • Wine tastings

  • Deep sea fishing trips

  •  

    Kayaking, tubing and much more.

    WE CAN ALSO ASSIT WITH BOOKINGS AT ALL ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

    You name IT, we get it and we organize it for you!!!

Rates

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Accommodation Type Price Additional Info
Twin Bed Compartment Rates available on request Shared facilities, light breakfast included, sleeps max 2 adults, 2 children.
Single Coupe Rates available on request Shared facilities, light breakfast included, sleeps max 2 adults.
Double Bed Compartment Rates available on request Shared facilities, light breakfast included, sleeps max 2 adults, 2 children.
Caboose Rates available on request En suite bathroom, light breakfast included, sleeps max 2 adults.
Royal Suites Rates available on request En suite, private deck, sea/mountain view, light and hot breakfast, sleeps max 2 guests.
Dormitories (16 bed) Rates available on request Lounge area, no breakfast included, not available during high season/school holidays.
Group Rates (30+ pax, Low season) Special STO rates available Contact for details.