| A land of opportunity for railway enthusiasts Geoff grew up in Zimbabwe, and for many years owned and operated the Train de Luxe steam safari train to Victoria Falls. Although now based in the UK, he maintains his interest and continues to support this wonderful, if troubled, country. |
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| The Bulawayo Railway Museum |
| This fascinating museum presents the history of the Beira, Mashonaland and Rhodesia Railways with artifacts, big and small. The museum is supported by "The Friends of the Bulawayo Railway Museum". Geoff's Trains supports the FoBRM by hosting their website. |
| Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls aboard Africa's most luxurious train |
| Rovos Rail once more offers luxury train travel through Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. Travel over the famous Cape to Cairo rail route in grand style. Add a journey from Cape Town to Pretoria for a magnificent train holiday. Multiple departures. |
| Shongololo Express The Southern Cross Adventure |
| This 16 day train journey travels across six countries. The route is carefully crafted to deliver stunning experiences every day. The train travels leisurely between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg making numerous calls at destinations in Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. As the tracks unfurl you’ll gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical cocktail that makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting. Multiple departures |
Zimbabwe is a unique and fascinating train holiday destination for both
tourists and railfans. The country is blessed with a landscape of
extraordinary beauty, rich and diverse tropical wildlife and, of course,
the last working Garratts in the world.
Situated on a high plateau in southern Africa, between the Zambezi and
the Limpopo Rivers, Zimbabwe is landlocked, bounded by Zambia,
Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Zimbabwe covers an area
equal to the state of California. Most parts lie more than 300 metres
above sea level.
The climate is warm without being oppressive, with a daily sunshine
average of 7 hours all year round. Generally, days are bright and sunny
and nights clear and cool. Temperatures and rainfall are directly
influenced by altitude. The high veld and eastern highlands are cooler
and the low veld and the Zambezi Valley hotter, with summer
temperatures often soaring over 35 degrees C, well above the high veld
average of 28 degrees C. November to April are the rainy summer
months, with the dry winter running from May to July, when daytime
winter temperatures range from 13 degrees to 20 degrees C but can fall
to minus 5 degrees C at night. The August to October period is
particularly dry.
Equally warm are the Zimbabwean people, renowned for their
friendliness and hospitality. Although people living in urban areas have
adopted a westernised lifestyle, in the country areas many African
traditions have been preserved. English is the official language with the
other widely spoken languages being Chishona and Sindebele.
Harare - The sunshine city
Harare derives its name from the Shona word Harare, meaning 'one
who does not sleep'. Zimbabwe's capital and home to nearly 2 million
people, this vibrant city is a cosmopolitan blend of modern architecture
and colonial buildings.
Bulawayo and the Matopos
Sunny and spacious, Bulawayo is the country's second largest city. Its
high veld climate, and broad tree lined streets wide enough to turn an ox
wagon, the attractive mix of architecture give Bulawayo her special
appeal.
Bulawayo is historically very important for its locale was chosen by the
Ndebele king, Lobengula, to commemorate the military achievements of
his people. He named his town Bulawayo - the place of killing.
Bulawayo boasts a Museum of Natural History, the largest of its kind in
the southern hemisphere. There is also an art gallery, and of course, the
Railway Museum.
Just 40 kilometres from the city centre lies the Matopos National Park,
where the ancient Matopo Hills are located. The granite outcrops form
a dramatic landscape. The extraordinary granite formations are a result
of violent geomorphologic actions, which created an eerie panorama so
brooding and mysterious that it enchanted Bushmen, Ndebele kings and
colonial settlers alike. Cecil Rhodes was so impressed by this areas that
he requested that 43,200 acres be turned into National Park and asked
to be buried there, at a place known as 'World's View'. Close to this
monument are cave paintings, painted by Bushmen thousands of years
ago. The fenced, western sector of the park is a reserve for small game
where most animals except elephant and big cats can be seen.
Hwange
The largest National Park in Zimbabwe is Hwange, which covers an are
of more than 14,000 square kilometres. The park has about 90 species
of animals, 413 species of birds and approximately 1,000 species of
trees and shrubs. The vegetation ranges from savanna grassland and
acacia scrub to grassy vleis and mopani woodlands. Viewing platforms
have been erected close to water holes and safari operators offer
morning, afternoon or full day trips.
The railway between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls forms the eastern
boundary of the game reserve for 150 kilometres, with Dete Station
being located close to the centre of this section, and within easy reach of
the Main Camp game reserve entrance.
Hwange Town and Thomson Junction
Hwange is a coal mining town, located to the north of the National
Park of the same name. From here, roads continue to Deka on the
Zambezi River, and to Victoria Falls. The town has little to attract the
tourist, but the adjacent colliery operates its own railway that transfers
coal from the grading plant to Thomson Junction, its connection with
the National Railways of Zimbabwe that is located a few kilometres
from the town centre.
Victoria Falls - a magnificent train destination
The Victoria Falls is undoubtedly Zimbabwe's best-known tourist
attraction and well as one of the world's premier train holiday
destinations. The Falls are a truly magnificent sight, where millions of
gallons of water plunge over a 1,7 kilometre wide cliff into a narrow
gorge below. In November 1855 David Livingstone became the first
European to record having viewed their awesome splendour and, out of
loyalty to his Queen, named them after her. Victoria Falls has dozens of
view points that emerge from paths through the rain forest, which grows
in the area of the spray. The rain forest, with its huge mahogany, wild
fig and sausage trees, is home to numerous birds, butterflies and small
animals.
The Falls themselves are not the only attraction. The Bridge that spans
the Zambezi River a short way down river is a masterpiece of
engineering. Opened in 1905 for railway traffic, it was modified in 1929
to accept road traffic as well, and continues to be the only working
railway bridge spanning the Zambezi River.
A number of activities can be enjoyed. A variety of river cruises are
available, the best known being the sunset cruise where you can enjoy
the wildlife along the banks and a stunning sunset complemented by
chilled drinks and snacks. For the more active, whitewater rafting and
canoing are offered. You can also body board down the gorge, bungee
jump off the bridge into it or slide down a steel wire across it.
Other attractions in the area include Elephant back Safaris, Walking
with Lions, Horseback Riding, Game Drives, Cultural Tours, Village
Tours, Birding Safaris, Fishing and Golf.
tourists and railfans. The country is blessed with a landscape of
extraordinary beauty, rich and diverse tropical wildlife and, of course,
the last working Garratts in the world.
Situated on a high plateau in southern Africa, between the Zambezi and
the Limpopo Rivers, Zimbabwe is landlocked, bounded by Zambia,
Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Zimbabwe covers an area
equal to the state of California. Most parts lie more than 300 metres
above sea level.
The climate is warm without being oppressive, with a daily sunshine
average of 7 hours all year round. Generally, days are bright and sunny
and nights clear and cool. Temperatures and rainfall are directly
influenced by altitude. The high veld and eastern highlands are cooler
and the low veld and the Zambezi Valley hotter, with summer
temperatures often soaring over 35 degrees C, well above the high veld
average of 28 degrees C. November to April are the rainy summer
months, with the dry winter running from May to July, when daytime
winter temperatures range from 13 degrees to 20 degrees C but can fall
to minus 5 degrees C at night. The August to October period is
particularly dry.
Equally warm are the Zimbabwean people, renowned for their
friendliness and hospitality. Although people living in urban areas have
adopted a westernised lifestyle, in the country areas many African
traditions have been preserved. English is the official language with the
other widely spoken languages being Chishona and Sindebele.
Harare - The sunshine city
Harare derives its name from the Shona word Harare, meaning 'one
who does not sleep'. Zimbabwe's capital and home to nearly 2 million
people, this vibrant city is a cosmopolitan blend of modern architecture
and colonial buildings.
Bulawayo and the Matopos
Sunny and spacious, Bulawayo is the country's second largest city. Its
high veld climate, and broad tree lined streets wide enough to turn an ox
wagon, the attractive mix of architecture give Bulawayo her special
appeal.
Bulawayo is historically very important for its locale was chosen by the
Ndebele king, Lobengula, to commemorate the military achievements of
his people. He named his town Bulawayo - the place of killing.
Bulawayo boasts a Museum of Natural History, the largest of its kind in
the southern hemisphere. There is also an art gallery, and of course, the
Railway Museum.
Just 40 kilometres from the city centre lies the Matopos National Park,
where the ancient Matopo Hills are located. The granite outcrops form
a dramatic landscape. The extraordinary granite formations are a result
of violent geomorphologic actions, which created an eerie panorama so
brooding and mysterious that it enchanted Bushmen, Ndebele kings and
colonial settlers alike. Cecil Rhodes was so impressed by this areas that
he requested that 43,200 acres be turned into National Park and asked
to be buried there, at a place known as 'World's View'. Close to this
monument are cave paintings, painted by Bushmen thousands of years
ago. The fenced, western sector of the park is a reserve for small game
where most animals except elephant and big cats can be seen.
Hwange
The largest National Park in Zimbabwe is Hwange, which covers an are
of more than 14,000 square kilometres. The park has about 90 species
of animals, 413 species of birds and approximately 1,000 species of
trees and shrubs. The vegetation ranges from savanna grassland and
acacia scrub to grassy vleis and mopani woodlands. Viewing platforms
have been erected close to water holes and safari operators offer
morning, afternoon or full day trips.
The railway between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls forms the eastern
boundary of the game reserve for 150 kilometres, with Dete Station
being located close to the centre of this section, and within easy reach of
the Main Camp game reserve entrance.
Hwange Town and Thomson Junction
Hwange is a coal mining town, located to the north of the National
Park of the same name. From here, roads continue to Deka on the
Zambezi River, and to Victoria Falls. The town has little to attract the
tourist, but the adjacent colliery operates its own railway that transfers
coal from the grading plant to Thomson Junction, its connection with
the National Railways of Zimbabwe that is located a few kilometres
from the town centre.
Victoria Falls - a magnificent train destination
The Victoria Falls is undoubtedly Zimbabwe's best-known tourist
attraction and well as one of the world's premier train holiday
destinations. The Falls are a truly magnificent sight, where millions of
gallons of water plunge over a 1,7 kilometre wide cliff into a narrow
gorge below. In November 1855 David Livingstone became the first
European to record having viewed their awesome splendour and, out of
loyalty to his Queen, named them after her. Victoria Falls has dozens of
view points that emerge from paths through the rain forest, which grows
in the area of the spray. The rain forest, with its huge mahogany, wild
fig and sausage trees, is home to numerous birds, butterflies and small
animals.
The Falls themselves are not the only attraction. The Bridge that spans
the Zambezi River a short way down river is a masterpiece of
engineering. Opened in 1905 for railway traffic, it was modified in 1929
to accept road traffic as well, and continues to be the only working
railway bridge spanning the Zambezi River.
A number of activities can be enjoyed. A variety of river cruises are
available, the best known being the sunset cruise where you can enjoy
the wildlife along the banks and a stunning sunset complemented by
chilled drinks and snacks. For the more active, whitewater rafting and
canoing are offered. You can also body board down the gorge, bungee
jump off the bridge into it or slide down a steel wire across it.
Other attractions in the area include Elephant back Safaris, Walking
with Lions, Horseback Riding, Game Drives, Cultural Tours, Village
Tours, Birding Safaris, Fishing and Golf.
| The Bulawayo Park Railway |
| The Round Table and Rotary Clubs of Bulawayo have joined hands to refurbish Bulawayo's miniature steam railway that has run since the 1970's in Centenary Park |
| The Victoria Falls Bridge Over 100 years of history |
| Opened in 1905, the Victoria Falls Bridge continues to provide a vital rail and road link between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The famous bridge is portrayed here in old photographs and postcards |
| Zimbabwe |
| Tour Reports |
| Tours to Zimbabwe hosted by Geoff Cooke July 2005 Globe Steam August 2005 FarRails Tours August 2006 Globe Steam July 2007 Geoff's Trains |
| Phone + 44 (0)1562 632000 69 Pitt Street, Kidderminster Worcestershire, DY10 2UN, England |
| Southern Africa Steam 2008 Garratts to Victoria Falls (and lots more) 10 to 25 July 2008 |
| Our tour starts in South Africa with Friends of the Rail. Botswana is next, with industrial 4-8-2's working on the mine at Selebe Phikwe, rare industrial steam in the heart of the African bush. Zimbabwe is unique. Necessity, availability and forward thinking have come together to create an amazing spectacle. Garratt locomotives from the National Railways of Zimbabwe revenue fleet, serviced in the steam depot that has been their home since new, will operate chartered passenger, mixed and freight trains especially for you. There may also be a chance to see the railway using these locomotives on trip working and shunting around Bulawayo, hub of central Africa's railway network. We will charter a Garratt hauled train to Livingstone, one time capital of Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. Visit their railway museum located in the old depot of the Zambezi Sawmills logging Railway. Geoff Cooke has run steam photographic tours to the region since 1986. Join him on an outstanding tour to one of the last bastions of revenue steam. Don't miss this opportunity, Zimbabwe's Garratts may not last much longer! |
| The Zimbabwe 2007 Photographic Competition To see the entries, click here. |
| Click here for Geoff Cooke's Fotopic website |