Train in Zim

24 August 2011, 18:41

Dall85

I did it twice in the mid 90's and it was good the first time but had deteriorated the second time. I would not do it today, but the very first time it was a great experience. Sadly Zim infrastructure and society is in turmoil. Not everything is bad, but a good deal of what was once a wonderful place is now lost. When/if Zim gets a true democratic leader this will be a great place again, but don't hold your breath.

25 August 2011, 14:26

Sam Wise

Hi there,

I took the train from Vic Falls to Bulawayo last year. It's certainly an experience but well worth it. The train itself was an old Rolls Royce which had seen better days.

It took around 12 hours from memory while it could be done in a car in around 5 or less. The train was continuously breaking down.

I was in first class seating which you will laugh at when you see. $5 if my memory serves.

One highlight was during a breakdown just outside of Hwange town. I saw a lioness walk into an old abandoned rail building at the side of the tracks with a cub in her mouth. Shows you just how much infrastructure has receded.

You can get sudza and gravy on board for a buck.

It's an exercise in nostalgia if nothing else.

25 August 2011, 18:16

holzer375

Go by car!

25 August 2011, 19:09

conifer

quote:
Originally posted by Sam Wise:
Hi there,

I took the train from Vic Falls to Bulawayo last year. It's certainly an experience but well worth it. The train itself was an old Rolls Royce which had seen better days.

It took around 12 hours from memory while it could be done in a car in around 5 or less. The train was continuously breaking down.

I was in first class seating which you will laugh at when you see. $5 if my memory serves.

One highlight was during a breakdown just outside of Hwange town. I saw a lioness walk into an old abandoned rail building at the side of the tracks with a cub in her mouth. Shows you just how much infrastructure has receded.

You can get sudza and gravy on board for a buck.

It's an exercise in nostalgia if nothing else.

Whatsa "sudza"??

25 August 2011, 19:53

David Hulme

Sadza is stiff maize meal porridge, the staple diet here...As good as the relish it is served with...

I traveled by train from Mutare to Harare a couple months ago, just for the experience which I certainly had. No worries, no problems but like everyone else says just so run down now. I can't actually see how these Zim trains are staying on the tracks...

25 August 2011, 21:01

bcolyer

I just LONG to take the train in VICTORIA FALLS with SANDRO again !!! Forget the other one!!
Oh, to leisurely sip a beverage.....visit with that sophsicated Italian.....visit with the other guests......and finally - DINE, SITTING OVER THE VIC FALL BRIDGE WITH THE VIEW UP OR DOWN STREAM. COME ON MAN......I AM KILLIN' MYSELF JUST THINKING ABOUT IT.

Tell Sandro I'm coming......and bringing my girls also. That should make his new and improved ticker jump! Tell him I want to sip expresso with an old friend once again.

Thanks, Brennan