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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
Adding traditional flavour to the festive season’s activities, the National Railways of Zimbabwe has resumed the steam safari trains after an absence of almost two years with the train running from Bulawayo to Plumtree and back on National Unity Day on Wednesday next week.
The train will be pulled by a Garrat locomotive and incorporates coaches from the railway museum to give the full flavour of steam travel. Garrats are articulated steam locomotives.
A pair of drive sections are connected by a single boiler, which also includes the cab for the driver and fireman, giving two points of articulation.
The Garrats owned by NRZ, all designed by Bayer Peacock of Manchester although some were built under licence in France, had the main water tank mounted on the front drive section and the locomotive towed a tender carrying the coal.
All water tanks except for the first couple of batches were streamlined, giving the iconic shape to the Garrats.
The design allowed large powerful locomotives on the fairly narrow Cape gauge used across southern Africa since the locomotives could bend as they went round the resulting tight curves. NRZ acting public relations manager Mr Martin Banda said the train will travel from Bulawayo to Plumtree with the Garratt Locomotive one of the few remaining such locomotives in the world still in good running condition.
Mr Banda said the train will leave Bulawayo train station at 8:45 am and is expected to arrive in Plumtree at 1:15 pm.
“In Plumtree passengers will have an opportunity to have a braai at the station before the train returns to Bulawayo arriving at 6:30 pm,” he said.
Fares for the steam train range from US$30 for adults and US$15 for children in first class coaches and US$25 for adults and US$13 for children in dining cars. Economy class fares are US$16 for adults and US$8 for children.
As an attraction when one pays for four people they get an extra one ticket for free.
Mr Banda said a cash bar will be available on the train and passengers can also bring cooler boxes at no extra charge. He said, as is the norm, the journey will be carried out under strict Covid-19 regulations as stipulated by the Government and the World Health Organisation.
“Covid-19 health protocols such as wearing of masks, sanitising hands and social distancing will be observed. Temperature readings will be taken when boarding the train and those with a fever will not be allowed to board.
“Riding on the steam train is not only for steam train enthusiasts but also members of the general public wishing to have a Unity Day holiday with a difference. The steam train is run by NRZ’s Rail Leisure unit as part of a drive to promote domestic tourism and attract international tourists through train excursions,” Mr Banda said. He said the steam train excursions have in the past been well received by members of the public, with steam train enthusiasts travelling from abroad to experience rides on NRZ steam trains as they were among the few still operating in the world.
Online Reporter