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THE National Railways of Zimbabwe, as part of its programme aimed at promoting tourism and family rail leisure travel, will be running special Valentine trains in Harare, Bulawayo and Bulawayo to Victoria Falls on February 13 and 16.For the first time this year, the NRZ is running a Valentine Sashay steam train from Harare to Ruwa in commemoration of this romantic day on February 13.
The train is scheduled to depart from Harare at 4PM to Ruwa Club for a dinner and is expected back at 9PM. Meanwhile, on the same day, another steam train will be giving loved ones a memorable rail travel to Victoria Falls. Those intending to catch a ride on these memorable special trains are expected to arrive at the respective departure points at 3PM in Harare and 5PM at Bulawayo Station to facilitate registration, confirmation and booking.
In Bulawayo, a belated Valentine Sashay train will depart from Bulawayo Station at 1600 hours to Figtree on February 16, where the lovers will be treated to a sumptuous dinner upon its return at the museum at 9PM. Those intending to board this special train should arrive at the station at 3PM to facilitate travel arrangements, registration and bookings. Bookings are now open at Harare and Bulawayo stations, weekdays.
National Railway of Zimbabwe (NRZ) public relations manager Fanuel Masikati said the NRZ was geared to provide efficient rail leisure steam safari trains at a reasonable cost in order to cater for all classes of society, from top business executives, leisure lovers and steam enthusiasts.
“The fare for the Valentine Sashay train to Figtree is $75 and to Victoria Falls is $200, while the one from Harare to Ruwa will charge $100 per couple.
“ The fares include a candle lit dinner and drinks that will be served at the Railway Museum, Ruwa Club as well as on board for the train to Victoria Falls,” said Masikati.
Masikati said the Valentine’s Day trains were a romantic experience of a life time not to be missed by leisure lovers who will enjoy the breath taking scenery along the way to the various destinations on board the special rail leisure trains that will be hauled by age defying steam locomotives, while re-kindling the memories of yesteryear with their loved ones in an exclusive and unique style.
The rail leisure steam safari train service, which was also successfully run last year during the Valentine and Father’s days, is popular with both local and overseas steam enthusiasts. More steam safari trains are earmarked to be run this year as a way of promoting and contributing towards tourism growth in Zimbabwe.
It is hoped that the move will indeed boost the tourism industry in the country, since Zimbabwe is one of the remaining countries in the world that still run and operate steam locomotives that are popular with international steam enthusiasts.
The Valentine Sashay steam rail leisure trains will be using luxurious Museum coaches and those intending to travel on a particular day should contact Bulawayo and Harare reservation and ticket offices for further details and assistance.
Furthermore, there will be lots of entertainment. This is a special experience not to be missed by those intending to sample the comfort of rail leisure travel in a special way, while celebrating the Valentine day with their loved ones and partners.
Come and sample this service that you will never regret, as it is destined to bring families together and rekindle memories of yesteryear.
Online Reporter