If you’re intrigued by the whispers of history and the accounts of yesterday, then this blog is for you.

From a young age, the historical tapestry of our country – which forms so much of our identity – has always intrigued me. Hoedspruit is no exception, ranking highly in  contribution to the formative identity of the South Africa you see before you.

One such tale, pertaining to our “history ladened” little town, is how the railway systems you see and hear around Hoedspruit today came to be?

So it is among numerous attractions, that the Selati Railway emerges as a captivating narrative, a thread weaving through the fabric of time and nature. The rail line isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s a time capsule, a scenic corridor to the past that beckons explorers, history enthusiasts, and the simply curious to uncover its mystique.

Kindly join me as we unravel the magic of the Selati Railway:

A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY:

The tale of the Selati Railway is as rich and textured as the landscapes it traverses. With the dream of connecting the remote goldfields of the Selati area to the main line, the farming lands of Hoedspruit were revolutionized as a new artery of transportation forged its path towards the north-west, linking Komatipoort at the border to the prospecting fields of Tzaneen.

The railway, sliced through the heart of the Sabie Game Reserve over a stretch of some eighty kilometers, and what was initially envisioned as a conduit for the flow of goods, quickly adapted to accommodate the surging demand for passenger transport.

This shift prompted the emergence of a series of strategically located stations along its length and the immediate vicinity was dotted with five key stations, including the burgeoning settlements of Klaserie Town, Kapama, Hoedspruit itself, Olifant tank, and Mica.

THE ROMANCE OF RAIL: 

Woven into the fabric of South Africa’s rich history, Selati stands as a monument to human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of adventure. This railway is a testament to the romantic era of rail travel, capturing the hearts of those who traversed her tracks. Its story is one of hardship, triumph, and the timeless allure of distant horizons.

The Railway played a significant role during both wartime and peace, serving as a strategic supply route and contributing to socio-economic development. During the South African War (Second Boer War) from 1899 to 1902, it became a crucial logistical artery, facilitating the movement of troops, weapons, and supplies. This not only underscored its strategic importance in warfare but also made it a target for military actions by both British and Boer forces.

In the aftermath of conflicts, the Selati Railway aided in the healing process of the nation by supporting economic recovery, reconnecting disrupted trade routes, and enabling the reunification of families separated by war. Thus, the railway was instrumental in both the tumultuous periods of conflict and the peaceful endeavours of rebuilding and reconciliation, embodying its vital role in the dynamics of war and peace.

THE LION THAT RODE THE RAILS:

A popular folk story tells of a lion, which, driven by curiosity and hunger, found its way onto a stationary train carriage parked on the tracks one night. Unbeknownst to the sleeping crew, the lion made itself comfortable amongst the cargo.

The next morning, as the train embarked on its journey, the lion’s presence caused quite a commotion once discovered. However, the story takes a turn for the whimsical, suggesting that the lion enjoyed its journey so much that it became a regular stowaway on the Selati Railway. This tale, while fantasy, captures the wild essence of our region through which the Selati Railway passes, highlighting the close connection between the people and the untamed nature that surrounds them.

Today, the Selati Railway is not just a relic of the past but a living legacy, offering a window into the soul of South Africa. Its preservation and the tales that surround it remind us of the enduring grandeur of rail travel and the timeless allure of exploring the unknown. The Selati’s tracks, stretching through the heart of the bushveld, continue to inspire adventurers, historians, and dreamers alike, inviting them on a journey through time, nature, and the unbreakable human spirit.

In closing, I trust this brief introduction of our beloved railway has somehow ignited the adventurer in you? Encouraging you to come and experience the wonders of all that is Hoedspruit and the majesty of the Lowveld. If you’re still not quite sold or purely interested to learn more about the intrigue that is the Selati Railway, be sure to join me in the next couple of installment as I cover –  

• The Scandal of the Line 
• The Round in Nine train tour
• The Sabie Bridge / Skukuza and
• The Selati Station Restaurant (Kruger Station)