| Steam in Zimbabwe and Zambia. 15 to 25 July 2008 |
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. There may also be a chance to see these
locomotives shunting around Bulawayo, hub of central Africa's railway network.
The tour will offer steam travel over the entire line form Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, as well as other routes. Goods train
re-enactments will run at the best photographic locations. This is without question the most comprehensive steam tour to
Zimbabwe this year regardless of whether you prefer riding on the trains or photographing them.
We will charter a Garratt hauled train over the Victoria Falls bridge 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 successful 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 Pre-Tour Botswana programme
This can operate with a minimum of 4 participants.
Saturday 12 July 2008.
Arrive at Bulawayo Airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. If your flight is early enough, visit the station and steam depot this
afternoon. Dinner has been included at the hotel.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Dinner.
Sunday 13 July 2008.
Travel by road today to Selebe Phikwe in Botswana.
Overnight: Selebe Phikwe. Cresta Bosele Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Monday 14 July 2008.
Full day at Selebe Phikwe. We can anticipate a day of action as trains work out to Selebe and Selebe North shafts with empty hoppers, and roar
back to the smelting plant unloading hopper fully loaded. Trains are operated with a fleet of 19th Class 4-8-2 locomotives, with a Class 14A
2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt also available. We will have access to the locomotive depot. Transport will be available all day for line-siding.
Overnight: Selebe Phikwe. Cresta Bosele Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Tuesday 15 July 2008.
After breakfast we will drive to Francistown. Following Immigration formalities, catch the scheduled passenger train to Bulawayo, one of the few
cross border passenger trains running in Africa. This is a Zimbabwean train, hauled by a Botswana Railways diesel electric as far as Plumtree just
inside Zimbabwe, and a National Railways of Zimbabwe diesel electric from there to Bulawayo. The train has a dining car that serves refreshments
and a basic lunch. Transfer to our hotel in Bulawayo in time for an included dinner.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Zimbabwe
Day 1. Tuesday 15 July 2008.
Arrive in Bulawayo today. Transfers from the airport will be arranged. Spend the rest of the day exploring the station, steam depot and railway
museum.
Optional, must be booked in advance. A visit to the Matopos National Park can be arranged for this afternoon if you arrive in Bulawayo early (extra
cost).
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Dinner.
Day 2. Wednesday 16 July 2008.
This morning we will be at the steam depot at sunrise to witness the shunt locomotives going off shed, and to photograph a line-up of all available
locomotives. A chartered steam train will run from Bulawayo to Cement and back with a Class 14A 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt. The train will comprise
freight wagons and a guard's van. Run-pasts will be arranged at a number of popular photographic locations. Refreshments available throughout the
journey.
This afternoon, we will arrange for one locomotive to be available for special photo activities such as the turntable and coaling stage. If possible,
we will include shunt movements around Bulawayo, possibly at the Power Station.
Optional, must be booked in advance. A visit to the Bulawayo NRZ Workshops where overhauls are undertaken on locomotives, coaches and
wagons.
This evening, enjoy one of our famous barbecues at the Bulawayo steam depot with the Garratts as a backdrop. A great chance for night
photography in one of the greatest steam depots in the world today.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 3. Thursday 17 July 2008.
We will take a charter steam train from Bulawayo to Plumtree and back with a Class 16A 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt. We will run as an authentic mixed train,
with goods wagons and two traditionally painted balcony coaches. This train will leave Bulawayo early, making possible outstanding sunrise
photographs at Figtree. If you prefer more time in bed, a road transfer can take you directly to Figtree from the hotel in time for the onward journey
to Plumtree (subject to adequate bookings being received, at extra cost). Runpasts will be included throughout the day. A bar will be available and
a light lunch is available (extra).
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 4. Friday 18 July 2008.
A double headed steam train will run from Bulawayo to Dete with a Class 15A 4-6-4+4-6-4 Garratt and a Class 16A 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt. This will be a
mixed train, comprising a few wagons, staff cabooses and a rake of about 7 historic 1920's passenger coaches, all painted in traditional colours.
The train will leave Bulawayo early, making possible early morning run-pasts at Tenela Bank. A later road transfer can be arranged to
Nyamandhlovu for those wishing to sleep in (subject to adequate bookings being received. Extra charge). Further run-pasts will include the Sawmills
Horseshoe, Gwayi Bridge and through the Hwange Game Reserve as we make our way to Dete.
Overnight: Train at Dete. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 5. Saturday 19 July 2008.
Early this morning our train will leave Dete for the scenic section to Thomson Junction, location of Hwange Colliery and Zimbabwe's only industrial
steam railway.
This afternoon, we will continue up the Victoria Falls line to Zanguja with one of the Garratt locomotives and a goods train, returning to Thomson
Junction for the night. After the Victoria Falls bridge, the Zanguja Bank is probably the favourite photographic location in the country.
After sunset we will return to Thomson Junction. We will spend the night on our coaches close to the locomotive servicing area, and you will be free
to spend as long as you wish taking night photographs. Remember your tripod and flash!
Overnight: On train at Thomson Junction. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 6. Sunday 20 July 2008.
This morning we will take a goods train to Zanguje Siding, stopping at the Zanguja Horseshoe for runpasts. One locomotive will be used.
This afternoon we will take a goods train from Thomson Junction to Lukosi, using the second locomotive.
Overnight: Train at Thomson Jct. Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 7. Monday 21 July 2008.
This morning we plan to visit to Hwange Colliery. It is expected that we will travel behind one of their Class 15A Garratts from Thomson Junction to
the Colliery Depot, riding in our Guard's Van or a local coach. Included will be the colliery locomotive depot and workshop and run-pasts through
the coal grading plant.
This afternoon we will take the goods train and one Garratt to Lukosi, return. There are excellent photographic opportunities en-route, including
Zimbabwe's only tunnel, Baobab Hill, 404 Curve and the Lukosi Bridge.
Overnight: on train at TJ. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 8. Tuesday 22 July 2008.
This morning a goods train with one Garratt will run down the main line to Hwange Station, returning on the old main line past Old Hwange Station
and the famous Baobab trees. This is a seldom used route, offering good photographic opportunities.
This afternoon, our double headed mixed train will run to Victoria Falls. We will stop again at Zanguja for the classic shot, this time double headed.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 9. Wednesday 23 July 2008.
Early this morning we will take one of our Garratts and a goods train to Matetsi, sixty kilometers south of Victoria Falls. Shortly after sunrise we will
return, making run-pasts in the early morning light. This section is normally traversed in the afternoon, and a number of photographic locations
become far more interesting at this time of the day. If the early start does not appeal, you are welcome to spend the morning relaxing at Victoria
Falls. We can arrange game drives, elephant rides, walks with Lions, a hosted visit to the 'Falls, canoeing and rafting, or a Bunji Jump from the
bridge. (All at extra cost).
This afternoon, enjoy an included boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Look for elephants, hippopotamus and crocodiles as you enjoy free drinks and
snacks, waiting for a spectacular sunset.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 10. Thursday 24 July 2008.
This morning we will take one of our Garratts and a goods train to the Victoria Falls Bridge for some outstanding photographs. The train will wait
whilst we position ourselves at the best photographic location in the Zambian National Park, and will then cross the bridge a few times for
photographs. We will then continue to Livingstone, where it may be possible to photograph our Garratt alongside a Zambian steam locomotive.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 11. Friday 25 July 2008.
This morning we will re-enact steam shunting etc in the Victoria Falls Station area.
The tour ends later this morning with a transfer to Victoria Falls airport.
Transfer to airport.
Meals included: Breakfast.
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. There may also be a chance to see these
locomotives shunting around Bulawayo, hub of central Africa's railway network.
The tour will offer steam travel over the entire line form Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, as well as other routes. Goods train
re-enactments will run at the best photographic locations. This is without question the most comprehensive steam tour to
Zimbabwe this year regardless of whether you prefer riding on the trains or photographing them.
We will charter a Garratt hauled train over the Victoria Falls bridge 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 successful 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 Pre-Tour Botswana programme
This can operate with a minimum of 4 participants.
Saturday 12 July 2008.
Arrive at Bulawayo Airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. If your flight is early enough, visit the station and steam depot this
afternoon. Dinner has been included at the hotel.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Dinner.
Sunday 13 July 2008.
Travel by road today to Selebe Phikwe in Botswana.
Overnight: Selebe Phikwe. Cresta Bosele Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Monday 14 July 2008.
Full day at Selebe Phikwe. We can anticipate a day of action as trains work out to Selebe and Selebe North shafts with empty hoppers, and roar
back to the smelting plant unloading hopper fully loaded. Trains are operated with a fleet of 19th Class 4-8-2 locomotives, with a Class 14A
2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt also available. We will have access to the locomotive depot. Transport will be available all day for line-siding.
Overnight: Selebe Phikwe. Cresta Bosele Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Tuesday 15 July 2008.
After breakfast we will drive to Francistown. Following Immigration formalities, catch the scheduled passenger train to Bulawayo, one of the few
cross border passenger trains running in Africa. This is a Zimbabwean train, hauled by a Botswana Railways diesel electric as far as Plumtree just
inside Zimbabwe, and a National Railways of Zimbabwe diesel electric from there to Bulawayo. The train has a dining car that serves refreshments
and a basic lunch. Transfer to our hotel in Bulawayo in time for an included dinner.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Zimbabwe
Day 1. Tuesday 15 July 2008.
Arrive in Bulawayo today. Transfers from the airport will be arranged. Spend the rest of the day exploring the station, steam depot and railway
museum.
Optional, must be booked in advance. A visit to the Matopos National Park can be arranged for this afternoon if you arrive in Bulawayo early (extra
cost).
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Dinner.
Day 2. Wednesday 16 July 2008.
This morning we will be at the steam depot at sunrise to witness the shunt locomotives going off shed, and to photograph a line-up of all available
locomotives. A chartered steam train will run from Bulawayo to Cement and back with a Class 14A 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt. The train will comprise
freight wagons and a guard's van. Run-pasts will be arranged at a number of popular photographic locations. Refreshments available throughout the
journey.
This afternoon, we will arrange for one locomotive to be available for special photo activities such as the turntable and coaling stage. If possible,
we will include shunt movements around Bulawayo, possibly at the Power Station.
Optional, must be booked in advance. A visit to the Bulawayo NRZ Workshops where overhauls are undertaken on locomotives, coaches and
wagons.
This evening, enjoy one of our famous barbecues at the Bulawayo steam depot with the Garratts as a backdrop. A great chance for night
photography in one of the greatest steam depots in the world today.
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 3. Thursday 17 July 2008.
We will take a charter steam train from Bulawayo to Plumtree and back with a Class 16A 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt. We will run as an authentic mixed train,
with goods wagons and two traditionally painted balcony coaches. This train will leave Bulawayo early, making possible outstanding sunrise
photographs at Figtree. If you prefer more time in bed, a road transfer can take you directly to Figtree from the hotel in time for the onward journey
to Plumtree (subject to adequate bookings being received, at extra cost). Runpasts will be included throughout the day. A bar will be available and
a light lunch is available (extra).
Overnight: Bulawayo. Churchill Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 4. Friday 18 July 2008.
A double headed steam train will run from Bulawayo to Dete with a Class 15A 4-6-4+4-6-4 Garratt and a Class 16A 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt. This will be a
mixed train, comprising a few wagons, staff cabooses and a rake of about 7 historic 1920's passenger coaches, all painted in traditional colours.
The train will leave Bulawayo early, making possible early morning run-pasts at Tenela Bank. A later road transfer can be arranged to
Nyamandhlovu for those wishing to sleep in (subject to adequate bookings being received. Extra charge). Further run-pasts will include the Sawmills
Horseshoe, Gwayi Bridge and through the Hwange Game Reserve as we make our way to Dete.
Overnight: Train at Dete. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 5. Saturday 19 July 2008.
Early this morning our train will leave Dete for the scenic section to Thomson Junction, location of Hwange Colliery and Zimbabwe's only industrial
steam railway.
This afternoon, we will continue up the Victoria Falls line to Zanguja with one of the Garratt locomotives and a goods train, returning to Thomson
Junction for the night. After the Victoria Falls bridge, the Zanguja Bank is probably the favourite photographic location in the country.
After sunset we will return to Thomson Junction. We will spend the night on our coaches close to the locomotive servicing area, and you will be free
to spend as long as you wish taking night photographs. Remember your tripod and flash!
Overnight: On train at Thomson Junction. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 6. Sunday 20 July 2008.
This morning we will take a goods train to Zanguje Siding, stopping at the Zanguja Horseshoe for runpasts. One locomotive will be used.
This afternoon we will take a goods train from Thomson Junction to Lukosi, using the second locomotive.
Overnight: Train at Thomson Jct. Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 7. Monday 21 July 2008.
This morning we plan to visit to Hwange Colliery. It is expected that we will travel behind one of their Class 15A Garratts from Thomson Junction to
the Colliery Depot, riding in our Guard's Van or a local coach. Included will be the colliery locomotive depot and workshop and run-pasts through
the coal grading plant.
This afternoon we will take the goods train and one Garratt to Lukosi, return. There are excellent photographic opportunities en-route, including
Zimbabwe's only tunnel, Baobab Hill, 404 Curve and the Lukosi Bridge.
Overnight: on train at TJ. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 8. Tuesday 22 July 2008.
This morning a goods train with one Garratt will run down the main line to Hwange Station, returning on the old main line past Old Hwange Station
and the famous Baobab trees. This is a seldom used route, offering good photographic opportunities.
This afternoon, our double headed mixed train will run to Victoria Falls. We will stop again at Zanguja for the classic shot, this time double headed.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Day 9. Wednesday 23 July 2008.
Early this morning we will take one of our Garratts and a goods train to Matetsi, sixty kilometers south of Victoria Falls. Shortly after sunrise we will
return, making run-pasts in the early morning light. This section is normally traversed in the afternoon, and a number of photographic locations
become far more interesting at this time of the day. If the early start does not appeal, you are welcome to spend the morning relaxing at Victoria
Falls. We can arrange game drives, elephant rides, walks with Lions, a hosted visit to the 'Falls, canoeing and rafting, or a Bunji Jump from the
bridge. (All at extra cost).
This afternoon, enjoy an included boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Look for elephants, hippopotamus and crocodiles as you enjoy free drinks and
snacks, waiting for a spectacular sunset.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 10. Thursday 24 July 2008.
This morning we will take one of our Garratts and a goods train to the Victoria Falls Bridge for some outstanding photographs. The train will wait
whilst we position ourselves at the best photographic location in the Zambian National Park, and will then cross the bridge a few times for
photographs. We will then continue to Livingstone, where it may be possible to photograph our Garratt alongside a Zambian steam locomotive.
Overnight: Victoria Falls. Rainbow Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 11. Friday 25 July 2008.
This morning we will re-enact steam shunting etc in the Victoria Falls Station area.
The tour ends later this morning with a transfer to Victoria Falls airport.
Transfer to airport.
Meals included: Breakfast.
| All this technology - but the trains can still run late |
| Please note that whilst the organisers will try to maintain this programme as well as possible, all of the services advertised are subject to change. This applies particularly to locomotive availability and timekeeping. |
Tour prices
Starting at Bulawayo Airport on 15 July and ending at Victoria Falls Airport on 25 July 2008
Excludes all flights.
Per person sharing a twin room: £1,559
Single person supplement: £201
The Botswana Pre-Tour visit:
Starting at Bulawayo on 12 July 2008 and ending at Bulawayo on 15 July 2008.
Per person sharing a twin room: £285
Single person supplement: £85
Starting at Bulawayo Airport on 15 July and ending at Victoria Falls Airport on 25 July 2008
Excludes all flights.
Per person sharing a twin room: £1,559
Single person supplement: £201
The Botswana Pre-Tour visit:
Starting at Bulawayo on 12 July 2008 and ending at Bulawayo on 15 July 2008.
Per person sharing a twin room: £285
Single person supplement: £85
The Tour Price covers the following services:
The Tour Price does NOT include:
Immigration rules:
All participants need a passport which is still valid at least 6 months after the travel date and needs to have at least 2 free
pages, preferably facing each other. The Zimbabwean visa is granted at the border. Please check the immigration rules for your
nationality to avoid surprises.
Climate and Clothes:
Winter is in full swing during July in the southern hemisphere: at night it can cool down to 0 degrees Celsius, during the day
temperatures rise to around 20 degrees. It rarely rains and you should enjoy a blue sky with scattered white clouds. A warm
pullover, a long trousers and long sleeve shirt will protect you against cold nights and mosquitoes. A hat and sun-block will
protect you against the African sun. Please do not forget to consult your doctor on how to prepare against Malaria, Victoria Falls
is in a malarial area, but we will be there in the dry season when mosquitoes are not normally a big problem.
Tour Manager:
Geoff Cooke. Geoff has arranged and hosted more than 400 tours in Zimbabwe, as well as in South Africa, Botswana and
Zambia.
Bookings: Click here for a booking form.
Minimum number to confirm the Zimbabwe tour: 20.
Minimum number to confirm the Botswana pre-tour: 4
Maximum number on the tour: 40.
Maximum number on the Botswana Pre-Tour: 7
Click here for the Zimbabwe tour Questions and Answers page. You are strongly advised to read this information
- All steam charters as described in the programme, with as many run-pasts as is possible given operational,
geographical and timing constraints. - Four nights accommodation on the train (4 berth compartments and 2 berth coupes. Every effort will be made to avoid
more then 2 per compartment and 1 per coupe, but this depends on available equipment and cannot be guaranteed). - Accommodation on all other nights according to the program, in double rooms with private facilities or single rooms with
a supplement. Wherever possible, hotels will be to three star standard. All hotels listed in the programme are subject to
change. - Meals as advertised in the programme, some may be packed.
- Transfers, train and bus journeys, visits according to the program including most entry-fees.
- The services of an experienced tour manager and local guides.
The Tour Price does NOT include:
- Flights.
- Entry into the Zambian Victoria Falls National Park (Currently US$10, but subject to change) .
- Personal expenditure (telephone calls, laundry, drinks, gifts, etc),
- Tips and gratuities.
- Visa and airport departure fees. Please check the immigration rules and costs for your nationality.
Immigration rules:
All participants need a passport which is still valid at least 6 months after the travel date and needs to have at least 2 free
pages, preferably facing each other. The Zimbabwean visa is granted at the border. Please check the immigration rules for your
nationality to avoid surprises.
Climate and Clothes:
Winter is in full swing during July in the southern hemisphere: at night it can cool down to 0 degrees Celsius, during the day
temperatures rise to around 20 degrees. It rarely rains and you should enjoy a blue sky with scattered white clouds. A warm
pullover, a long trousers and long sleeve shirt will protect you against cold nights and mosquitoes. A hat and sun-block will
protect you against the African sun. Please do not forget to consult your doctor on how to prepare against Malaria, Victoria Falls
is in a malarial area, but we will be there in the dry season when mosquitoes are not normally a big problem.
Tour Manager:
Geoff Cooke. Geoff has arranged and hosted more than 400 tours in Zimbabwe, as well as in South Africa, Botswana and
Zambia.
Bookings: Click here for a booking form.
Minimum number to confirm the Zimbabwe tour: 20.
Minimum number to confirm the Botswana pre-tour: 4
Maximum number on the tour: 40.
Maximum number on the Botswana Pre-Tour: 7
Click here for the Zimbabwe tour Questions and Answers page. You are strongly advised to read this information
| This tour will run primarily for railway enthusiasts and photographers Participants should be able to board and leave trains, and walk some distance, without assistance. Accommodation on the train will be in museum coaches which do not have all modern amenities. Whilst every effort will be made to ensure your comfort, lighting and plumbing may fail and there will be very limited shower facilities. Hotels should offer reasonable en-suite facilities and will be to three star standards wherever possible. We use professional ground tour operators, but their vehicles may be older and less comfortable than those we would expect in Europe. Please contact us if you are unsure if this tour will be suitable for you. |
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| This year or next year? The National Railways of Zimbabwe have advised that they will continue to maintain their steam fleet, and undertake general repairs and retubing. If fireboxes are damaged, the locomotive will be scrapped. Do not assume that we can continue running tours this comprehensive - book whilst it is still possible. |
| Phone + 44 (0)1562 632000 69 Pitt Street, Kidderminster Worcestershire, DY10 2UN, England |
| Southern African Steam Garratts to victoria falls |
| Whats' different? Responding to comments made during the 2007 tour, discussions with service suppliers and a wish to always offer the best possible programme, the 2008 tour differs from that run in 2007. The main differences are: A half day visit to the National Railways of Zimbabwe Workshops in Bulawayo. A half day visit to the Matopos National Park to see the magnificent scenery, Cecil Rhodes grave, ancient rock art and animals. Daylight travel between Sawmills and Dete over the Dete Straight, through the game reserve. An included visit to Hwange Colliery. Only two nights on the train at Thomson Junction with extra hotel nights at Dete and Victoria Falls Extra included meals at Victoria Falls |
| The Zimbabwe 2007 Photographic Competition To see the entries, click here. |
| Presentations Geoff Cooke can offer a PowerPoint presentation on Zimbabwe's steam railways and future tours to clubs and other interested groups. If you would like to discuss a presentation for your group, please let Geoff know. |
| The BCL Fleet comprises a number of ex - South African Class 19D and Zimbabwean 19th Class locomotives. They also own two ex Zimbabwean Class 14A Garratts, but these are used less regularly. |
| Eighteen of this class were built by Beyer Peacock in 1953/54. Some remain in use in Bulawayo, we also plan to use # 512 at Victoria Falls. |
| Seventy four of these fine locomotives were built between 1940 and 1952. A few remain in services in Bulawayo and we expect to use at least two different locomotives of this class on the tour. |
| Thirty of these locomotives were built by Beyer Peacock between 1952 and 1953. We plan to use one of them on our train to Heany Junction and beyond. |
| The Locomotives |
| In Botswana Selebe Phikwe |
| In Zimbabwe Class 14A 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt |
| Class 15A 4-6-4+4-6-4 Garratt |
| Class 16A 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt |
| Page updated on: 24 May 2008 |
| Click here for Geoff Cooke's Fotopic website |
| The present political situation in Zimbabwe has created circumstances where there is too great a risk that this tour will not be able to maintain an acceptable standard of safety and performance. Furthermore, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to advise against all but essential travel to Zimbabwe. We have as a consequence cancelled the tour, preferring to concern ourselves with planning for when the situation improves, hopefully in 2009. We wish Zimbabwe and the NRZ good fortune as they navigate through these difficult times. Thank you for your understanding. Geoff Cooke. 24 May 2008. |