Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Mutare
National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has said the reintroduced tourism train service — a cost-effective and scenic alternative is designed to connect travellers with some of the country’s most iconic destinations aimed at boosting domestic tourism.
The initiative, launched under NRZ’s Rail Leisure Division, is part of a broader effort to make domestic travel more affordable while showcasing Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and historic sites.
Speaking at the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare, NRZ spokesperson Mr Andrew Kunambura outlined the dual purpose of NRZ’s participation at the expo indicating the importance of affordability for local and international tourists alike.
“Our presence here (at tourism expo) is mainly for two major reasons. First of all, you might be aware that we have re-introduced the tourism train to ferry tourists to various tourist destinations such as Victoria Falls, Mutare, Hwange National Park and other such places,” said Mr Kunambura.
“So we anticipate that this train will be able to ferry tourists to those places at a cheaper price and to allow them to experience the beauty of nature and feel it in close quarters.”
This cost-saving measure is expected to attract a broader demographic of travellers — from local families looking to explore the country, to international visitors seeking an immersive rail experience through Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes.
The tourism train falls under the mandate of NRZ’s Rail Leisure Division, which is tasked with managing all tourism-related assets and services within the railway company.
“The other one [reason] is because we have a division called Rail Leisure which manages our tourism component. So they will also be managing this tourism train,” said the official.
Furthermore, NRZ is working hand-in-hand with private tourism operators to expand rail-based tourist excursions across the country.
“In addition to that, we have private players that use and operate on our railway lines like Rovers Rail, like Bush Treks and Ngamo Safaris in the area between Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park,” he said.
“These are for exclusively tourist excursions. So we are here because of that as well, so that we can facilitate that smooth movement of tourists that want to be on rail around the country.”
In addition to rail excursions, NRZ is also shining a spotlight on its Railway Museum in Bulawayo, a hidden gem that continues to attract rail enthusiasts and history lovers from across the globe.
“Then the other issue is with our museum. In Bulawayo, the Railway Museum, which is very popular with particularly international tourists, they visit and make inquiries from all over the world to come and visit our museum,” the official explained.
“So we are showcasing it here as one of the products under the Rail Leisure Division.”
The reintroduction of the tourism train not only provides a more economical means of travel but also invites passengers to relive the golden age of rail offering panoramic views of Zimbabwe’s landscape and a chance to slow down and connect with nature.
With a growing focus on budget-conscious travel and local tourism revival, the NRZ’s cost-saving tourism train marks a significant step toward making Zimbabwe’s world-class destinations more accessible to all.
