The winner of our 2010 Valentine’s Day Competition was Ms. Arellia Smith from Johannesburg, working at ABSA. She went on the trip from Jo’burg to Durban on the Premier Classe train over the weekend of 14th February 2010. Her husband, Eban, traveled with her.

Our winner Ms. Arellia Smith

Thanks to everyone who participated. As mentioned previously our server was flooded with entries to the extend that we had to increase our server capacity. More than 27000 (!) entries were received. Everyone who entered was notified of the result on the 8th February 2010.

Baie van ons gereelde passasiers en Nuusbrief-lesers het by die Beeld vakansie-skou, 19 tot 21 Feb 2010. by die Galagher Conference Centre in Midrand, opgedaag en ‘n besoek aan ons stalletjie gebring. Dankie vir die ‘kom groet’. Die wenner van die kompetisie wat daar aangebied is, was Me. Hannalie van der Merwe van Rant-en-Dal in Roodepoort. Sy gaan Paasnaweek op ‘n treintoer vanaf JHB na DBN op die Premier Classe trein. Hierdie toerpakket is besig om BAIE gewild onder die publiek te word. Terloops, daar is nog ‘n klompie plekke op hierdie toer beskikbaar.

The 11th annual Cape Town Jazz Festival will be hosted again over the coming Easter weekend in Cape Town. More than 40 local and international artists will be performing in the Cape Town International Conventions Centre. In 2009 more than 32000 people attended.

JB Train Tours have organised a train tour to this event on short notice with (unfortunately) limited space available. The tour departs on Easter Friday, 2nd April 2010 from Jo’burg and will arrive back on Tuesday, 6th April 2010. Accommodation is in Cape Town in a top hotel across the street from the Jazz Festival, meals, as well as the Entry Passto the two-day Jazz festival are included in the tour package. Tour price is R3600 pp sharing. More info

Die eerste inniBosveld musiekfees het op Saterdag 20 Februarie 2010 op die sanger Kurt Darren, se bosveldplaas buite Naboomspruit plaasgevind. Ons maatskappy het 6 busse soontoe gereël om sowat 300 passasiers na die fees te neem. Die bykans 20000 mense wat opgedaag het, het buitengewone eise aan die organiseerders en logistieke struktuur gestel – maar die fees het plaasgevind en daar is tot laat in die nag gekuier.

That Easter weekend in 2011 is only by the end of April. Good Friday is on the 22nd and easter Monday on the 25th April

Have you bought your ticket for any (maybe just one) of the 64 games to be played in South Africa? Whether you like football (soccer) or not, just go and attend one fixture. Be part of history and the hype surrounding it.

Ons praat weer eerskomende Saterdag, 27 Feb 2010, om 11:10 oor die Radio op RSG se Reise Sonder Grense oor ons treintoere. Kom luister saam.

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.

Namibia had exceptionally good rain during the summer and the veld is lush and green. Even the dessert looks different compared to other seasons.

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

Omaruru

Travel with the Premier Classe train to DBN.

As always we have an affordable train package for the Rugby enthusiasts. Get a group of friends to join you on this stylish weekend train trip from Fri, 7 – Mon, 10 May 2010. Bring the family along as they will have time to spend on the beach (Durban weather in May is great!), visit uShaka Marine World and have lunch at the SunCoast Casino.

Incl. in the package:

• Return train trip on the luxurious Premier Classe train (accommodation in a 2-bed compartment, 5-course dinner & breakfast incl. on train)
• Return transfers to Hotel, ABSA Rugby stadium and Train station
• B&B in 3-star hotel (one night)
• JB Train Tours representative
• Rugby ticket: Sharks vs Stormers

Price: R3 350,00 pp sharing

Contact Jolene for more info at jolene@jbtours.co.za or 011 913 2442.

The first Buffalo Rally for bikers (visit www.nomads.org.za) was held in 1969 at Bathurst in the Eastern Cape. +-250 Bikers attended. In 2010 the ‘Buff’ will be hosted again at Santos/De Bakke municipal resorts in Mossel Bay – this time many 1000’s of bikers will attend.

To make life easier for bikers from ‘up country’, JB Train Tours has organised a train trip for bikers (with their bikes and pillions with them on the train) from Jo’burg to Beaufort West. After off loading they’ll ride the 253 km to Mossel Bay via spectacular Meiringspoort & over the Robinson Pass.

The tour is from Wednesday 17th March to Monday 22nd March 2010 (Monday is a Public Holiday) and the tour price is R3100 pp. The pillion pays less. More info

Contact Jolene today to check availability and make a booking.

Premier Classe train in Cape Town

Dinner time on board

SPECIAL TOUR: Easter Weekend 2010 - Durban Stylish weekend on the Premier Classe train

Take the family on a luxurious train trip from Jo’burg to Durban over the Easter weekend from 2 - 5 April 2010.

Inc. in package: 
Return overnight train trip on the Premier Classe train (5-course dinner & breakfast on train incl.)
Return transfers from DBN Train Station to Hotel
One night B&B in 3-star hotel in DBN
Price: 
Adults pay R3 470,00pp 
Children under 10 years of age sharing with adults pay R2 770,00 pp (R700/child discount!)
More info

&         &         &

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 traveling is on the Premier Classe train. More info

Budget Tours:

Garden Route:           Jo’burg to the Southern Cape           The inaugural train tour from Jo’burg to the Garden Route in the Eastern & Southern Cape took place and the Tsitsikama, Plet, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and many more places were visited. The Trolley trip up the Outeniqua Mountains outside George and the Tractor-and-trailer trip up the Langeberg mountains outside Montagu were definite highlites.
Cape Town Holiday:  Durban to Cape Town            The KZN people escaped from the humidity of their own province and visited the Mother City.
Motorbike-on-Train Tour:    Jo’burg to Cape Town (Western Cape & Boland)   The first bike tour of the year took te bikers again over many mountain passes and through the Boland during grape harvesting time.
7 Provinces & 3 Trains:         Circular route through South Africa             This tour is growing in popularity with people who like to travel a lot by train. It is so relaxing traveling through our country and visiting some big cities briefly.
Durban & KZN:         Jo’burg to Durban      This last tour of the month is currently in progress.

Upmarket Tours:

Durban stylish weekend:       Jo’burg to Durban      Another good break-away weekend tour for couples who wanted to spend some time in the holiday city.
Oudtshoorn Re-discovery:    Cape Town to Oudtshoorn     A group of foreigners travelled with us to the Little Karoo.

March 2010 TRAIN TOURS

Budget Tours:

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.
Cape Town Holiday:  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 Vol bespreek
Buffalo Rally:             Jo’burg to Mossel Bay          Go and attend the very popular Buff in Mossel Bay. Put your bike & pillion on the train with you and go and enjoy the ‘jol’. 17 – 22 March 2010 R3100 pp More info
BMW BikeFest:        Jo’burg to Oudtshoorn           Cut out the long trip on your bike through the Karoo and travel with your bike on the train to the annual BMW BikeFest, this year to be hosted in Oudtshoorn. 17 – 23 March 2010. R3300 pp More info
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 ppMore 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. 18 – 30 Mar 2010. R3990 pp Fully booked
Klerksdorp Hoërskool:         Klerksdorp na Boland           Die HS Klerksdorp reis met 340 passasiers vanaf Klerksdorp na Worcester om daar met rugby-, netbal- en hokkiespanne teen plaaslike skole op Worcester en Ceres 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

Upmarket Tours :

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 Fully booked
Motorbike-on-Train Tour:    Jo’burg to Cape Town (Western Cape & Boland)   Traverse 26 mountain passes, enjoy the beauty of the Boland and ride in safety, comfort & style on the Premier Classe train (new tour). 7 - 14 Mar 2010. R10140 pp Fully booked

April 2010 TRAIN TOURS

Budget Tours:

KKNK:           Jo’burg na Oudtshoorn          Twee treintoere na die Fees toe. Lekker verblyf in ‘n skoolkoshuis met plaas-ontbyt! 2 – 6 Apr & 5 – 10 Apr 2010. R2350 pp & R2590 pp onderskeidelik. Beide hierdie toere is nou vol bespreek (met 103 passasiers elk). 
‘n Ekstra treintoer is gereël na die KKNK vanaf PTA & JHB. Saterdag tot Donderdag, 3 tot 8 April 2010. U is vanaf Sondag tot Woensdag by die KKNK. Toerprys is R2800 pp 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           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
Cape Town Holiday:  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 Classetrain 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
Cape Town:    Jo’burg to Cape Town           All 8 the December 2009 tours were 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

Upmarket Tours:

KKNK:           Kaapstad na Oudtshoorn       Ry vanaf die Moederstad met die Premier Classe trein 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 (Paasnaweek). R3450 pp Daar is nog plek vir een dame wat bereid is om ‘n kompartement te deel. 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:''Other dates available on request''
Motorbike-on-Train Tour:    Jo’burg to Cape Town (Western Cape & Boland)   Traverse 26 mountain passes, enjoy the beauty of the Boland and ride in safety, comfort & style on the Premier Classe train (new tour). 18 - 25 Apr 2010. R10140 pp More info

May 2010 TRAIN TOURS

Budget Tours:

Garden Route:           Jo’burg to PE to Worcester   Visit Tsitsikama, Plet, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam & Montagu and . 18 – 25 May 2010. R5800 pp More info
Kruger National Park:           Cape Town to KNP & Lowveld         Sleep 3 nights IN the KNP and visit the popular tourist destinations in the Lowveld. I.e.: Pilgrims Rest, Bourke’s Potholes, Blyde River canyon, etc. 8 – 13 May 2010. (Only 5 spaces available) R6400 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. 6 – 18 May 2010. R3990 pp More info
Superbike at Kyalami:           Cape Town to Jo’burg           See the BIG Bikes in action. Go by train, attend all 3 days at the track and fly back on the Sunday. 12 – 16 May 2010. R5100 pp More info

Upmarket Tours:

Namibia:         Jo’burg to Namibia (#1) & Namibia to Jo’burg (#2)            Visit Etosha pans & game reserve, Fish River Canyon, Swakopmund, Windhoek and much more. 19 to 28 May & 31 May to 9 June 2010. R14990 pp
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. 14 – 17 May 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. 23 – 30 May 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. 28 – 31 May 2010 (Long weekend). R2995 pp More info

Note # 1:         All tours are return trips. I..e: It takes you to the destination AND back to your place of departure.
Note # 2:         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 # 3:         Visit our website at www.jbtours.co.za for more details on any of our tours.
Note # 4:         In June & July 2010 we won’t be hosting ANY train tours due to unavailability of trains during the Soccer World Cup hosted during that period in South Africa.

There are only two companies in Gauteng hosting day trips by train. This is ideal for families, companies, churches, clubs, etc. and especially for children who have never been on a train trip. Both these companies haul the train with a steam locomotive engine!

Pretoria area:             Friends of the Rail     Contact Mr. Arno Victor at Tel: 082 293 4616 or sales@friendsoftherail.com or visit their website athttp://www.friendsoftherail.com                     They travel mostly from Pretoria to Cullinan & Bela Bela..

Johannesburg area:   Reef Steamers           Contact Mr. Les Smith at Tel: 011 956-6409 or bookings@reefsteamers.co.za or visit their website athttp://www.reefsteamers.co.za     They travel mostly from Maraisburg to Magaliesburg.

KZN (Durban & PMB) area:            Umgeni Steam Rail                Contact Mr. Rob McGregor at Tel: 031 303 3003 or robbie@umgenisteamrailway.co.za or visit their website athttp://www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za/. They travel mostly from Inchanga, Kloof & PMB.

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

Regards/Groete