The Oteniqua Transport Museum is a firm favourite when it comes to places of interest in the Knysna area. Here amongst more than 13 different types of locomotives from day’s gone by, you will find Johannesburg’s first steam engine, the Emil Kessler. If that doesn’t simply blow you away, the collection of old carriages, coaches and private saloons certainly will. It is said that even Paul Kruger’s own private coach is amongst the ones that are on display.
For those who want a closer look at a variety of units that are not on show, there is an impressive photographic exhibition showing off some of South Africa’s oldest steam locomotives. You can also find various old-fashioned coach number plates and other interesting items of crockery, cutlery and so on. It is sometimes hard to believe how much our country has progressed and changed when gazing upon such valued and historical items.
The museum itself is situated in George and provides travellers to the area with the opportunity to take a cheerful and informative trip down memory lane. While you might think that this is just the perfect venue for a morning or afternoon of exploration, you would be wrong. Many people actually book the Oteniqua Transport Museum for weddings, product launches, special functions and events.
Visitors to the museum are welcomed to browse through the souvenir shop and African art shop. The restaurant and coffee shop can also whip up a delicious treat for you if you and the family get peckish during your exploration.
Those who are staying at the Turbine Hotel and Spa are situated conveniently close to the Oteniqua Transport Museum and are encouraged to take the time to pay it a visit. You are sure to find something of interest there and are guaranteed to be simply amazed at the locomotives and other modes of transport that dominated the roads, in years gone by.
