Kaaimans Bridge: Historic Railway Landmark Between George and Knysna

The Kaaimans Bridge is a famous landmark connecting George and Knysna in the Southern Cape of South Africa. It is known for its history, engineering, and the scenic railway journey it offers.

Building the Kaaimans Bridge
The idea of a railway between George and Knysna began in the late 1800s. Construction started in 1925 under engineer NK Prettejohn, after decades of careful planning. To cross the Kaaimans River, a temporary bridge was made from long blue gum logs brought from Witfontein near George. Special wagons were used to transport these enormous logs.

The bridge itself was a feat of engineering, with caissons sunk 23 meters below the riverbed and eight-meter pylons rising above the water. Despite difficult terrain, bad weather, and labor challenges, the bridge was completed, and on 30 November 1928, the first train crossed the 210-meter-long Kaaimans Bridge.

Connecting Communities and Nature
The railway line helped transport timber from the Knysna forests and made travel between George and Knysna much easier. Later, the route became famous as the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe tourist train, attracting visitors from all over the world to enjoy the scenic train ride along the Southern Cape coast.

Preserving a Historic Landmark
In 1992, the bridge was declared a preserved railway. In 2019, it was named the National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the Year, recognizing its importance in South African engineering and history.

A Must-See Attraction in the Southern Cape
Today, the Kaaimans Bridge is more than just a railway bridge. It is a symbol of human skill, perseverance, and South Africa’s history. Visitors to George and Knysna can enjoy the beautiful views, the story of the engineers who built it, and the historic railway experience that connects the towns and the stunning Knysna forests.