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| Page updated on: 26 March 2012 |
| Botswana 2012 |
| 30 May to 02 June 2012 |
| Bridging the gap The BCL Mine at Selebi Phikwe in Botswana runs some of the last steam industrials in Africa. Conveniently placed about half way between Johannesburg and Bulawayo, a journey to see them is an ideal way to avoid an extra flight. In the past we have spent one day on the mine railway, but by popular request this has been extended to two days for the 2012 season. This tour is now confirmed The BCL Mine have advised that they will charge a fee of US$20 per person to cover their cost of administering our visit. This charge will be collected during the tour. |
| Day 1. Wednesday, 30 May 2012 To Selebi Phikwe Motor to Selebi Phikwe in Botswana, leaving the Legacy Grand Hotel at 09h45, and OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) at 10h00. We should arrive at Selebe Phikwe around sunset. Overnight: Syringa Lodge, Selebe Phikwe. Please note that meals are not included at Syringa Lodge. The hotel uses an on-site Spur Steakhouse for all meals, and these can be charged to your room and settled with a credit card or cash on checkout. Day 2. Thursday, 31 May Selebe Phikwe After breakfast we will motor to the nearby BCL Mine to visit the locomotive depot. There will be time to inspect and photograph at the mine before we re-join the coach to chase a train out to one of the remote shafts. Activity today will be determined by the operation of ore trains between the two remote shafts and the smelting plant. There is normally a break in train movements around lunchtime, enabling a short return to the hotel. Overnight: Syringa Lodge, Selebe Phikwe. No meals included. Day 3. Friday, 01 June Selebe Phikwe Spend a second day chasing steam trains on the BCL Mine network. Overnight: Syringa Lodge, Selebe Phikwe. No meals included. Day 4. Saturday, 02 June Selebe Phikwe to Francistown Motor to Francistown this morning, in time for the 11h00 train departure to Bulawayo and the start of the Zimbabwe tour. If you are not continuing to Zimbabwe, return to Johannesburg on the coach at no extra cost. |
| This tour is ideal for railway enthusiasts and photographers We will work hard to ensure that a good number of photographic opportunities are offered, but it should be appreciated that the BCL Mine is a working facility that uses the steam locomotives to haul ore from shaft to the smelting plant. Steam action will be determined by mine requirements. Participants should be able to walk some distance without assistance. It is essential to advise us if you have any pre-existing disability of medical condition that may affect your participation. All nights will be spent in hotels that are a minimum 3 star standard offering en-suite facilities. Most meals are included. We use professional and fully insured ground tour operators, but their vehicles may be older than those we would expect in Europe. Please contact us if you are unsure if this tour will be suitable for you. |
Your tour includes:
Accommodation.
Meals as described in the programme.
Coach travel as per itinerary.
The services of Geoff Cooke as your tour manager.
Your tour does not include:
Air travel.
Gratuities.
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, phone calls and laundry.
Administration charge at BCL Mine, Selebe Phikwe. (US$20).
Useful information:
Dress code: Casual dress is appropriate. The temperature should be mild to warm, but there is always a possibility of rain. A light weatherproof
jacket is recommended.
Geoff's Trains reserves the right to change hotels for one of a similar or better standard.
Booking deadline: Geoff's Trains makes every effort to confirm a tour as early as possible, and it is not our policy to cancel a tour already confirmed.
All tours are confirmed at least 60 days prior to departure.
Detailed information will be sent to all participants about two weeks prior to the start date.
This tour is confirmed
To book:
Click here for our booking form
Our booking conditions can be found here.
If you have any questions, please click here.
On receipt of your booking request, an invoice will be sent to you.
A deposit of £100 (US$160) will be requested with the balance being due two months before the tour departs.
Accommodation.
Meals as described in the programme.
Coach travel as per itinerary.
The services of Geoff Cooke as your tour manager.
Your tour does not include:
Air travel.
Gratuities.
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, phone calls and laundry.
Administration charge at BCL Mine, Selebe Phikwe. (US$20).
Useful information:
Dress code: Casual dress is appropriate. The temperature should be mild to warm, but there is always a possibility of rain. A light weatherproof
jacket is recommended.
Geoff's Trains reserves the right to change hotels for one of a similar or better standard.
Booking deadline: Geoff's Trains makes every effort to confirm a tour as early as possible, and it is not our policy to cancel a tour already confirmed.
All tours are confirmed at least 60 days prior to departure.
Detailed information will be sent to all participants about two weeks prior to the start date.
This tour is confirmed
To book:
Click here for our booking form
Our booking conditions can be found here.
If you have any questions, please click here.
On receipt of your booking request, an invoice will be sent to you.
A deposit of £100 (US$160) will be requested with the balance being due two months before the tour departs.
| Click here for more of Geoff's Botswana 2011 photographs on Flickr. |
| IMPORTANT In some countries, you may experience laws and standards that might not be the same as you are used to in the UK. We visit countries with less advanced infrastructure, an open yet cautious mind and a flexible approach can help your enjoyment of the experience. By their nature, industrial steam locomotives are prone to unexpected failure and services are subject to reduction or even cancellation. Geoff's Trains has no control over any delays or cancellations caused by the train operator or the failure of their plant and machinery. No compensation can be offered for such failure or delay. |
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| Tour confirmed Space still available Book soon! |