The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has announced the launch of a Rail Leisure train service between Harare and Mutare in a move to promote domestic tourism and luxury rail travel.
The service comes ahead of the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, set for Mutare, running under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development-Our Future.”
The initiative is a partnership between the NRZ, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The train currently undergoing refurbishment in NRZ’s Bulawayo mechanical workshop has a capacity of 243 passengers with Harare-Mutare rail line having been fully rehabilitated to ensure a smooth ride with stunning views of Zimbabwe’s landscape.
The inaugural service will depart from Harare at 0700 hours on September 5, with subsequent departures on September 7 and 9.
Return trips from Mutare to Harare are scheduled for September 6 and 8, also departing at 0700 hours.
An additional overnight service from Mutare will run on September 12, departing at 2000 hours.
No trains will operate on September 10 and 11, as these days are reserved for excursions in Mutare.
The NRZ aims to offer exhibitors, buyers, media, and the general public an affordable and unique travel experience, with onboard entertainment and refreshments provided.
Tickets are priced at $60 for a one-way trip.
The NRZ has indicated that while the service is initially tailored for the tourism expo, it will explore further collaborations to sustain and expand luxury rail travel in Zimbabwe following the event.
