Rediscovering South Africa’s oldest railway tunnel
In South Africa’s Western Cape mountains lies an old railway tunnel that appears to have been forgotten by time.
The Hex River Tunnel was built nearly 150 years ago as a major route for trains but has now only become an adventure spot for many.
The tunnel was constructed in 1876 to connect Cape Town with Kimberley, following the discovery of diamonds in the north.
Engineers had to carve through the rocky Hex River Mountains by hand, using only shovels and pickaxes to make travel by train in the area possible.
By 1929, a second tunnel was built to accommodate bigger trains, and in 1989, an upgraded system of tunnels officially opened.
As road transport became more popular, train traffic on the old route slowed down. Eventually, the railway line was shut down, and parts of it were removed.
Today, the old Hex River rail pass has become a remote tourist attraction known as the Hexpas Ecotrek.
However, it is not easy to reach. Only big trucks and vehicles can access the area, and visitors must navigate rough dirt roads, narrow paths, and old railway tracks.
The forgotten tunnel in the mountains offers a glimpse into South Africa’s past and an exciting challenge for modern explorers.
