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Dear Subscriber

JANUARY 2010 JANUARIE - NEWSLETTER / NUUSBRIEF

THIS is 2010 WELKOM in 2010
Welcome in the new year. Enjoy it to the full and make one of your new year resolutions is to go on a train tour to some interesting place in Southern Africa!
Daar is soveel dinge, plekke & geleenthede om in ons pragtige land te geniet – doen dit & besoek dit vanjaar. Geniet 2010!
 
THIS was 2009 DANKIE aan 2009
The year of 2009 was a major challenge to many people, businesses, corporate companies, industries and institutions. The recession has hit hard at all levels and at all places. The tourism industry world wide was negatively affected as well. For many it was ‘a bridge too far’ in financial terms. We trust that everyone that has experienced a negative and tough 2009 will have a GOOD one in 2010.

Our company, JB Train Tours, has experienced our best year ever! We had growth in all our departments. The number of passengers per year that travelled with us increased, the number of tours hosted increased, new destinations were added, the number of regular passengers grew and the novices grew as well!

Why this good fortune on us? There could be many reasons, but we’ll highlight only a few:

Our clients stayed loyal to us
We offered an affordable, comfortable and safe product
Our staff are passionate about what they do
We increased our advertising and promotion campaigns
South Africans realised that touring IN South Africa could be fun and value for money as well – especially by train tour
The train tours brought back sweet memories and nostalgy of gone-by years
The traveling needs of many people were addressed
Shosholoza Meyl improved their services to us
AND probably the best reason:
We were blessed from Above.

Baie dankie aan elkeen van u wat hierdie nuusbrief lees. Ons doel is om aan te hou groei en meer & lekker treintoere aan u te bied. Kom reis (weer) saam met ons.
 
GARDEN ROUTE TRAIN TOUR
Our first train tour for 2010 is the inaugural Garden Route train tour running from Jo’burg to Port Elizabeth, then via the Garden Route and Route 62 to Montagu and Worcester before returning to Gauteng. Dates: 2 – 9 February 2010.
 
WORLD CUP SOCCER
This is our BIG year. Our = South Africa. Our country will be the host nation for one of the biggest events (not sport only) ever to be hosted anywhere in the world. The official dates of the FIFA World Cup is from 11th June to the 11th July 2010, but long before and after those dates, spectators, supporters, dignataries, members of the press and TV crews, heads of states and many more will be flocking to our country.

If you are not involved yet – do get involved. Just buy one ticket to a match and go and enjoy it. Even if you don’t know the game nor like it. Go for the ‘happening’. You can purchase tickets at any FNB Bank or on the internet. Link

Soccer City, JHB
Soccer City, JHB
Supporters
Supporter
 
NAMIBIA in May 2010

We’ll be hosting only two train tours from Jo’burg to Namibia during 2010, compared to the 5 tours we did in 2009. This is mainly due to the unavailability of the train set due to the Soccer World Cup to be hosted in South Africa this year.

Both tours are again 10 days long and is scheduled for 19 – 28 May & 31 May to 9 June 2010.

Spitzkoppe, Damaraland, Namibia
Spitzkoppe, Damaraland, Namibia
New friends at Walvis Bay
New friends at Walvis Bay
 
GAAN KYK BLOMME per MOTORFIETS
Ons het ‘n hele klompie navrae oor hierdie toer ontvang n.a.v die artikel in die vorige Nuusbrief. Die meeste navrae het gegaan oor: Kan ‘n passasier saamry op die motorfiets? (Die antwoord is “JA”). Kan ‘n padfiets saam ry? (Die antwoord is “Nee”. Ons gaan ook bietjie grondpaaie ry – juis met die doel om in die versteekte valleie uit te kom)

Daar word elke nag in goeie hotelle geslaap, twee etes per dag is ingesluit en die bagasie word per bus vervoer. Die toergids ry uiteraard op sy eie motorfiets saam. Hierdie toer gaan heerlik wees, sonder dat ons op ‘bobbejaan-paaie’ ry. Meer inligting
 
CAPE TOWN TRAIN TOUR – NEW DATES
Please take note that the Cape Town budget train tour # 1, scheduled to depart on Sunday 21st March 2009 from Johannesburg, will now depart on Friday 19th March 2010 and return on Thursday 25th March 2010. The tour moves only two days earlier This is due to the unavailability of the train on the original dates.

All the affected passengers that have booked on this tour have been informed accordingly.
 
WINNER at TOY RUN 2009
The winner of the Motorbike-on-Train tour competition, held at the 2009 Toy Run in Jo’burg, was won by Mike Summer from Johannesburg. He will be traveling with us on the September 2010 tour to the Western Cape & Boland. Looking forward to host you Mike!
 
WENNER van BEELD KOERANT se KOMPETISIE

Die wenner van die kompetisie wat deur JB Train Tours gedurende die laaste week van November 2009 in die ‘Beeld’ koerant aangebied is, is deur Me. Marie Strydom van Valhalla in Centurion gewen. Sy en haar wederhelfte, en vriende, gaan in 2010 saam op een van die Durban & KZN langnaweek treintoere na die Suidkus vir 5 dae. Baie geluk Marie & kom geniet dit saam met ons!

Marie Strydom
Me. Marie Strydom

 
TOURS on PREMIER CLASSE TRAINS
The article in the October 2009 Newsletter, about JB Train Tours selling ‘tickets only’ as well on the luxurious Premier Classe train, created a lot of interest from many readers. These trains have become VERY popular in recent years and passengers who have traveled on them have commented very favourably about the good food, neat environment and friendly on-board services.

Contact Jolene today to check availability and make a booking.

Premier Classe
Premier Classe train in Cape Town
Dinner time on board
Dinner time on board

Bikers who’d like to do the Motorbike-on-Train tour to the Western Cape & Boland can now do it on the Premier Classe train as well. It run simultaneously with the other Motorbike-on-Train tours but travelling is on the Premier Classe train. More info
 
BAVIAANSKLOOF – ELKE ‘BIKER’ se DROOM
Die Baviaanskloof-roete in die Oos Kaap (tussen Patensie en Willowmore) is vir die meeste 4x4 & ‘off road’ motorfiets entoesiaste ‘n droom & roete wat gery MOET word. Besoek http://www.baviaanskloof.za.cx/ en http://www.baviaans.co.za/ om te sien hoe dit daar lyk. Die skrywer van hierdie nuusbrief het in Desember 2009 sy motorfiets op die trein in Johannesburg gelaai, oornag na Beaufort Wes gery, deur Meiringspoort na Oudtshoorn gery (vir sake), toe na George en die Wildernis en toe sommer ook die Baviaanskloof saam met sy neef, Du Toit Viljoen van Durbanville, op hul motorfietse deurgery.

Oppad terug het hy ook die bekende (en baie mooi) R62 roete gery en om die baie motorfietsryery op ‘n (letterlik) hoë noot af te sluit oor die bekende en baie mooi Swartbergpas na Prins Albert gery om by Beaufort Wes weer met die motorfiets op die trein te klim – terug na JHB. (Hy het ook “Die Hel” (Gamkaskloof) besoek).

Wat kan ons verder sê: Die droom het waar geword en die rit was beter as die droom! Altemit moet ons maar ‘n Motorfiets-op-Treintoer vir ‘dual purpose bikes’ soontoe reël…

Swempoel in Meiringspoort
Swempoel in Meiringspoort
Welkom in Baviaanskloof!
Welkom in Baviaanskloof! 

Die bordjie sê dit alles
Die bordjie sê dit alles

 
PLEASE FAX PROOF OF PAYMENT!!!
Many people send their Reservation Forms (Booking Forms) to us to book on one of the train tours but they forget to fax the Proof of Payment to us. Without the latter we can’t send you the Final Confirmation Letter AND you won’t be booked on a tour. Please make sure that you’ve sent it to us. We currently have a lot of money in our bank account and we don’t know who sent it for which tour! If you haven't heard from us within a week after you've sent your fax, please contact us to make sure we got your Reservation Form fax and proof of payment.
 
FEEDBACK on TOURS – December 2009
Cape Town - Jo’burg to Cape Town           The Mother City stood up to its reputation: December in the Western Cape was beautiful, warm, sometimes windy with lots of fun. Many of our passengers had the opportunity to visit Robben Island, the top of Table Mountain by cable car and scenic Cape Point. All 8 thse tours were fully booked.

Cape Town - Durban to Cape Town           These two inaugural 8-day tours, departing from the Holiday City, were well supported and enjoyed. More tours from DBN have been scheduled for 2010.

Durban & South Coast - Jo’burg to Durban          This last tour for the year, from Jo’burg to DBN, was hosted in good weather and good spirit. The sea and beachs were enjoyed by all and the return trip on the Premier Classe train was a nice surprice – traveling in style!
 
UPCOMING TRAIN TOURS in 2010
Budget Tours             Upmarket Tours

February 2010 TRAIN TOURS

5 Budget tours & 3 Upmarket tours will be hosted during this month:

Garden Route: Jo’burg to the Southern Cape         The inaugural train tour from Jo’burg to the Garden Route in the Eastern & Southern Cape. Visit the Tsitsikama, Plet, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and many more. 2 – 9 Feb 2010. R5800 pp More info

Oudtshoorn District 
Oudtshoorn District
Knysna Lagoon
Knysna Lagoon


Foot bridge at Storms River Mouth

Cape Town: Durban to Cape Town   Escape from the humidity in KZN for 8 days and visit the Mother City. 5 – 12 Feb 2010. R3850 pp More info

Motorbike-on-Train Tour: Jo’burg to Cape Town (Western Cape & Boland)      The first bike tour of the year. Traverse 26 mountain passes, enjoy the beauty of the Boland and ride in safety and comfort. Very popular with lady bikers as well. 14 – 20 Feb 2010. R6580 pp More info

7 Provinces & 3 Trains: Circular route through South Africa         If you like and love traveling by train, this is your tour. Join any place en route and disembark again at the same station 8 days later. 11 – 23 Feb 2010. R3990 pp More info

Durban & KZN: Jo’burg to Durban Travel on the Trans Natal Tourist train from JHB to DBN, sleep 2 nights in an upmarket holiday resort and return by Premier Classe train after 5 days. 25 Feb – 1 Mar 2010. R2600 pp More info

Bikes on the train
Bikes on the train
Bike with a view – Hout Bay
Bike with a view – Hout Bay

Cape Town Stylish week: Jo’burg to Cape Town    Visit the Mother City by traveling on a return trip on the Premier Classe train & staying in a 4-star hotel. 7 – 14 Feb 2010. R9800 pp More info

Durban stylish weekend: Jo’burg to Durban           Departs Thursday evening from JHB and arrive Monday morning back. Return trip on the Premier Classe train and one night in a hotel in the Holiday City. 19 – 22 Feb 2010. R2995 pp More info

Oudtshoorn Re-discovery: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn        Another one of our inaugural train tours from CPT. Re-discover Oudtshoorn and the ‘Klein Karoo’ by Premier Classe train and stay in a beautiful lodge at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range. 26 Feb – 1 Mar 2010. R3995 More info

Swartberg Mountains in a distance
Swartberg Mountains in a distance… 
Close us Swartberg Mountains
… and close up.

March 2010 TRAIN TOURS

Cape Town: Jo’burg to Cape Town  All 8 the December 2009 tours were fully booked. Come and see why. Enjoy the Cape. 19 – 25 Mar 2010. R3850 pp More info

Motorfiets-op-Trein Toer: Jo’burg na Kaapstad (Wes Kaap & Boland)               Hierdie is ‘n heerlike motorfietstoer wat jaarliks in gewildheid groei. Gaan ry die Kaapse draaie, maar reis met die trein soontoe en terug. Geniet die Boland se berge en –passe. Al hoe meer dames-‘bikers’ ry dikwels saam. 7 – 13 Mar 2010. R6580 pp Meer inligting

Argus Fietswedren: Jo’burg na Kaapstad    Hierdie treintoer is omtrent net so gewild as die wedren self. Laai jouself, jou fiets, die vriende (nie-trappers) en familie saam op die trein en gaan geniet die Kaap. Ons bied vanjaar 2 toere aan en beide is bykans vol bespreek! 10 – 15 Mar & 12 – 16 Mar 2010. R3390 & R2990 pp onderskeidelik.

Two Oceans marathon: Jo’burg to Cape Town        This ultra marathon (56 km) and half marathon (21.1km) are both very popular and described as “the most beautiful marathon in the world”. Come and enjoy it with other runners, supporters, dignitaries, family and friends and sleep 3 nights in an upmarket hotel. 31 Mar – 5 Apr 2010. R3050 pp More info

JB Trains Tours' Gazebo at the Two Oceans’ finish line.
UCT & Table Mountain in the background
JB Trains Tours' Gazebo at the Two Oceans’ finish line.
UCT & Table Mountain in the background

7 Provinces & 3 Trains: Circular route through South Africa         If you like and love traveling by train, this is your tour. Join any place en route and disembark again at the same station 8 days later. 18 – 30 Mar 2010. R3990 pp More info Note: We have a couple from Bellville in the Cape doing their 3rd tour in two years!

Klerksdorp Hoërskool: Klerksdorp na Boland        Die HS Klerksdorp reis met meer as 350 passasiers vanaf Klerksdorp na Worcester om daar met rugby-, netbal- en hokkiespanne teen plaaslike skole deel te neem.

Easter weekend in Cape Town: Jo’burg to Cape Town       Don’t stay at home over the 2010 Easter weekend. Travel with us to the Mother City by train and enjoy the facilities, sweet grapes, beautiful beaches and sun Cape Town has to offer. 31 Mar – 5 Apr 2010. R3050 pp More info

Cape Town Stylish weekend: Jo’burg to Cape Town          Enjoy the trip on the Premier Classe train to Cape Town, stay two nights in an upmarket hotel, enjoy good food and fly back on Sunday afternoon. 18 – 21 Mar 2010. R5700 pp More info

April 2010 TRAIN TOURS

KKNK: Jo’burg na Oudtshoorn        Twee treintoere na die Fees toe. Beide toere elke jaar vol bespreek. Lekker verblyf in ‘n skoolkoshuis met plaas-ontbyt! 2 – 6 Apr & 5 – 10 Apr 2010. R2350 pp & R2590 pp onderskeidelik. Meer inligting

KKNK: Durban na Oudtshoorn        Nog een van ons nuwe treintoere. Ry saam vanaf KZN en gaan geniet die Fees. 2- 9 Apr 2010. R3100 pp Meer inligting

Two Oceans marathon: Jo’burg to Cape Town  See March 2010 tours above
Cape Town: Durban to Cape Town   Escape from KZN for 8 days and visit the Mother City. 16 – 23 Apr 2010. R3850 pp More info

Motorfiets-op-Trein Toer: Jo’burg na Kaapstad (Wes Kaap & Boland)               Hierdie is die laaste motorfietstoer voordat die winterreëns in die Kaap begin val. Gaan ry die Kaapse draaie, maar reis met die trein soontoe en terug. Slaap in ‘n goeie hotel. Geniet die Boland se berge en –passe. 18 – 24 Apr 2010. R6580 pp Meer inligting

Durban & KZN: Jo’burg to Durban Travel on the Trans Natal Tourist train from JHB to DBN, sleep 2 nights in an upmarket holiday resort and return by Premier Classe train after 5 days. 22 – 26 Apr 2010. R2600 pp More info

Motorbike-on-Train Tour: Jo’burg to Garden Route          Go and enjoy the Garden Route in the Eastern & Western Cape on your motorbike on this inaugural tour. Like all the other Motorbike-on-Train tours, all roads are tarred. Ride mountain passes and visit small villages.30 Apr – 6 May 2010. R6580 pp More info

Outeniqua Mountain pass – George
Outeniqua Mountain pass – George

Cape Town: Jo’burg to Cape Town  All 8 the December 2009 tours are fully booked. Come and see why. 25 Apr – 1 May 2010. R3850 pp More info

Easter weekend in Cape Town: Jo’burg to Cape Town       31 Mar – 5 Apr 2010. R3050 pp See March 2010 tours above

KKNK: Kaapstad na Oudtshoorn    Ry vanaf die Moederstad met die Premier Classe na Oudtshoorn, woon die KKNK vir 2 dae by en keer weer stylvol na Kaapstad terug. Slaap een nag in ‘n hotel by die fees. 2 – 5 Apr 2010. R3450 pp Meer inligting

Oudtshoorn Re-discovery: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn        Re-discover Oudtshoorn and the ‘Klein Karoo’ by Premier Classe train and stay in a beautiful lodge at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range. 16 – 19 Apr 2010. R3995 More info

Cape Town Stylish week: Jo’burg to Cape Town    Visit the Mother City by traveling on a return trip on the Premier Classe train & staying in a 4-star hotel. 4 – 11 Apr 2010. R10400 pp More info

Durban stylish weekend: Jo’burg to Durban           Departs Thursday evening from JHB and arrive Monday morning back. Return trip on the Premier Classe train and one night in a hotel in the Holiday City. 30 Apr – 3 May 2010 (Long weekend). R2995 pp More info

Note:            It’s always better to book early to avoid disappointment. Complete the Booking Form for the tour of your choice NOW, pay your deposit and your place is secured.

Note:        Don’t change/cancel your holiday – change your way of going on holiday! Travel with JB Train Tours. It is Comfortable, Affordable, Safe & Secure
 
2010 YEAR PROGRAMME
Click Here

Regards/Groete

Johan Badenhorst
& the Team
JB Train Tours (Since 1975)
P.S. We host train tours to various destinations, sporting events and occasions in Southern Africa
 
 

Enquire today:

011 913 2442

upmarket@jbtours.co.za

www.jbtours.co.za/upmarket