Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
IN a significant move meant to invigorate domestic tourism and foster a renewed sense of national pride, Zimbabwe is witnessing the revival of its passenger rail services, championed by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Tongai Mnangagwa.
Speaking during the conclusion of the Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare on Saturday, Mnangagwa emphasised that restoring train routes is a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to developing Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure and encouraging Zimbabweans to explore their homeland in comfort, safety and affordability.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has successfully reinstated passenger services on two vital routes that had been inactive for several years: the Harare–Mutare line and the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route.
These routes are strategic, connecting major economic and tourist centres and their revival is seen as a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s transportation and tourism sectors.
The Harare–Mutare service now operates twice weekly, departing from the capital at 8pm every Friday and arriving in the scenic Eastern Highlands at approximately 6am Saturday. Return trips are scheduled for Sunday evenings, providing a convenient and relaxed travel option. Economy fares are set at a nominal US$5, making this route accessible to a broad spectrum of travellers.
The scenic journey offers travellers an affordable opportunity to explore one of Zimbabwe’s most picturesque regions, renowned for its lush landscapes and cultural heritage.
Similarly, the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls line, which had been dormant for over four years, has been restored to service. Trains depart from Bulawayo on Friday evenings, reaching Victoria Falls by Saturday morning, with return journeys scheduled for Sunday nights. The economy fare for this route is priced at US$9, opening up access to Zimbabwe’s most famous natural wonder and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The route promises travellers an immersive experience through the diverse landscapes that define Zimbabwe’s natural beauty.
The revived services garnered overwhelming enthusiasm during the recent Sanganayi/ Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, with long queues forming at booking offices and trains operating at full capacity, underscoring the public’s strong desire for scenic, affordable and safe travel options within the country.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa highlighted the broader significance of the initiative.
“For the Second Republic, this is about more than trains, it’s about reconnecting communities, stimulating local economies and giving Zimbabweans the chance to experience the beauty of their homeland.”
Tourism operators and travel experts have expressed optimism on the potential of the rail services in boosting domestic tourism. They concurred that rail travel offers a unique vantage point for exploring Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes — from rolling hills and river valleys to wildlife-rich national parks — without the stress and unpredictability of road journeys.
Local businesses, including lodges, craft markets and tour operators, stand to benefit from increased tourist traffic. The scenic train routes are expected to serve as catalysts for economic growth, particularly in regions that rely heavily on tourism.
The initiative also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasises infrastructure development and tourism growth as key drivers of economic recovery with analysts suggesting that affordable, scenic rail services could ignite a domestic tourism renaissance, encouraging Zimbabweans to visit destinations such as the Eastern Highlands, Victoria Falls, and lesser-known locales, fostering a culture of exploration within the country.
“For Zimbabweans eager to trade speed for scenery, the new train services offer more than transportation — they provide a journey through the country’s rich landscapes, history and culture,” said a tourism player who added that the revival aims to rekindle a love for domestic travel and showcase Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural treasures to its own citizens.
