The route of the Choo-Tjoe is from George, via Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Goukamma to Knysna and encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa in the heart of the Garden Route lake district. The section from Victoria Bay along the Cliffside and over the Kaaiman’s River viaduct to Wilderness is the highlight of the journey.

The railway line between George and Knysna was opened to traffic in 1928 and when built was regarded as one of the most expensive sections of line in the world - today it is rated the most beautiful.

The George-Knysna line was declared a preserved railway in 1992 and officially handed over to the Transnet Heritage Foundation. At that time there was only a daily return trip with an average of 40,000 passengers per year. Today approximately 115,000 tourists travel the line annually.