Steam in Zimbabwe

Peter Patt has sent me this press release - sounds a great idea:

"Introducing a new exciting concept in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry!

Just a short note to let you know about an exclusive steam rail product that we have introduced into the Victoria Falls.

We have established a daily rail safari service for tourists in the Victoria Falls which will appeal to those who want to see this part of the world for its beauty and history. The Victoria Falls has been synonymous with tourism and adventure until now and it is our aim to provide and promote the historical and romantic aspects of this fascinating time. What better way to capture a legendary era than on a fully refurbished steam train, viewing mystical Africa the way it would have been done over one hundred years ago, in the comfort of a first class section of an authentic steam train?

Our class 10, 1922 and class 12, 1924 Steam Locomotives, with a 1901 First Class coach and two dining cars are completely refurbished to this era and all museum pieces. They are used to take clients on morning tea runs over the Victoria Falls Bridge and into Zambia, gracefully steaming next to the great Zambezi River. Or alternatively we offer a nightly dinner excursion, which leaves as the sunsets and rambles in land, south of the Victoria Falls towards Masuie. We offer an early 1900’s, first class service with co-ordinator, chef, barman, waiters, cleaners and a historical guide. Our trips will cater for an upmarket clientele and the teas, food, wines and service will be on par with the best restaurants around. The staff shall be attired, as they would have been in the early 1900s.

A morning trip, ‘"The Royal Tea Run" departs at 10.00am and returns at 1.30pm, offering a selective range of delectable sandwiches and snacks, complemented by champagne with orange juice, tea or coffee.

For an idyllic, romantic interlude we have an evening run "The Moonlight Dinner Run" which leaves at sunset and returns at 9.30pm. (However, these boarding times are subject to fluctuate at the discretion of the Zimbabwean and Zambian National Railways.) We will serve a superb Buffet with a wide selection of imported drinks and liquors. Our host and waiters will be on hand at all times.

"The Livingstone Luncheon", (available on request) is designed specifically for conference and group excursions. A full luncheon is offered, as well as catering for individual requirements. A further facility, ‘"The Victorian Interlude" is designed for the romantic feature of the train to be fully enhanced. We will assist interested clients to experience a unique adventure, by creating a party of their own choice, whether it is for a wedding or even an anniversary.

The train will sit at the Victoria Falls Hotel siding and be shunted to the Railway Station daily. From there, the clients will be given a red carpet welcome and shown on the train.

Reservations will be taken from our offices in Harare, Victoria Falls or in Johannesburg and will cost approximately U5$110 p/p for the Dinner Run and US$90 for the Royal Tea Run. This price excludes visa costs and the Zimbabwean tourist levy.

I hope that our product will interest the type of clientele your company is currently servicing and look forward to working with you, should you wish to include it in your itineraries. We are very excited about our train and we feel there is a large niche in the market for this kind of specialised product.

Thank you for your attention regarding this matter and should you wish to know more about our service, please do not hesitate to contact us in Harare 727366/7 or in the Falls 113- 4682.

Fax 263-(0)4-705852 or 736709

Philip Steel / Managing Director

Victoria Falls Safari Express (Pvt)Ltd "