| 22 July to 02 August 2010 |
Zimbabwe and Zambia
If you do not book the Selebe Phikwe trip, your tour will start in Bulawayo today.
Day 1. Saturday. 24 July.
Arrive in Bulawayo today.
Day 2. Sunday. 25 July.
Visit the steam depot this morning to see the sunrise at one of the last great steam depots in the world with a lineup of all available
locomotive types. Our first steam charter will take us from Bulawayo to Cement this morning. A goods train with a Class 14A Garratt will
stage a number of runpasts as we make our way out of town on this double track section. We should return to Bulawayo by lunch, after
which there will be free time to visit the steam depot and railway museum before dinner this evening, a barbecue at the steam shed
hosted by the National Railways of Zimbabwe Catering department.
Day 3. Monday. 26 July.
We will leave Bulawayo early this morning behind a Class 16A Garratt with a typical Rhodesian Railways mixed (goods and passenger
coaches) train to Figtree. This type of train operated right across the railway system. On main lines they were effectively passenger trains
that were able to carry goods wagons with parcels, mail or perishables. On less busy lines they were goods trains with a few coaches
attached to accommodate limited passenger demand. They often operated with a single dining or buffet car. Our train will use 10
wagons, the guards van, a Rhodesia Railways balcony ended dining car and, if necessary, a first class coach to provide extra seating
and toilet. In addition, there will probably be a fitter's and an enginemen's caboose. These are essential for operational reasons, but they
are also entirely authentic as during steam days this line operated with cabooses between Bulawayo and Mafeking in South Africa, a
three day round trip using one locomotive and two crews who rested and worked alternatively. This is how our tour will operate throughout
our visit, it represents a style of train working that operated throughout the steam era. We plan to see sunrise at Figtree Siding where the
locomotive will take water. We will then continue to Plumtree with runpasts en-route before turning and servicing the locomotive and
reversing the train for our return to Bulawayo this afternoon. Trains Working Regulations require that a mixed train be made up with empty
wagons behind the locomotive, followed by loaded wagons, coaches (lower classes to the front and upper classes of accommodation to
the back, and the guards van trailing (because of vacuum braking). Staff cabooses are positioned behind the locomotive and in front of
the goods wagons, this is for convenience and because they are considered part of the traction and not the load. We do, however,
position them with the passenger coaches at the back of the train where it is felt this will improve photographs. On shorter trips cabooses
are not always used.
This evening you will be entertained by Liyana, the internationally renowned KGVI Rehabilitation Centre Band. The KGVI Centre has for
many years done outstanding work supporting physically disabled children in Zimbabwe, and Geoff''s Trains is pleased to be able to
support them during this tour. Geoff's Trains will sponsor at least one child for one year.
Day 4. Tuesday. 27 July.
Our third steam charter out of Bulawayo will take us to Nyamandhlovu this morning with a Class 15A Garratt, 10 wagons, the dining car,
an extra accommodation coach to accommodate the catering crew, security, train manager, etc., and the van. We will leave Bulawayo
early enough to be at Nyamandhlovu soon after sunrise, giving the best photographs on the Tenela Bank before we continue to Dete,
travelling this afternoon through the Hwange Game Reserve where it is common to see a variety of big game from the train.
Day 5. Wednesday. 28 July.
Visit the Hwange Colliery to see their 15th Class Garratts shunting around the colliery and operating trains to the exchange sidings at
Thomson Junction. This is the only industrial steam in Zimbabwe and well worth visiting for steam enthusiasts. The number of workings
to the exchange siding are determined by the availability of wagons for loading and the production capacity of the colliery. Negotiations
are ongoing with the Colliery, traditionally they only finalise arrangements immediately before a tour starts. An alternative is to remain at
the Safari Lodge and enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in Hwange, one of the world’s great game reserves and the largest in
Zimbabwe. These game drives are included in your tour price, but if you prefer the Colliery option the value of the game drives will be
used to offset the colliery charges.
Day 6. Thursday. 29 July.
Early this morning, drive to Thomson Junction. We will take our Class 15A Garratt and train to the horseshoe curves at Zanguja before
returning to Thomson Junction. This afternoon, head out in the opposite direction through the tunnel, around Baobab Hill and past 404
curve to Lukosi Siding in the game reserve for sunset photographs on the Lukosi Bridge. Our coach will meet us there for our return by
road to the Hwange Safari Lodge and the train will return to Thomson Junction with the Garratt running backwards. Both charters will be
goods trains with 15 wagons and participants will use the guards van for accommodation. Runpasts will be arranged in the most popular
locations, and no doubt a few new ones as well.
Day 7. Friday. 30 July.
Early this morning, drive to Thomson Junction for a morning train from Thomson Junction to New Hwange, Old Hwange and back to
Thomson Junction on the old main line past the well known tunnel, Baobab Hill and baobab tree photo locations. This will be followed by
a short visit to the Hwange Colliery steam shed before an afternoon charter to Zanguja to photograph the train on the Zanguja Bank, one
of the best steam photo locations in Zimbabwe. We will again use goods trains with 15 wagons and a van, with different wagons to those
used yesterday being requested. Our coach will meet us at Zanguja Siding for onward travel to Victoria Falls.
Day 8. Saturday. 31 July.
This morning we will ride with locally based Class 14A Garratt number 512 from Victoria Falls Station to the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Photograph the train on the bridge before continuing to Livingstone station in Zambia. The train will be made up with traditionally coloured
period coaches operated, as is the Garratt, by the Victoria Falls Safari Express company. The coaches we have used between Bulawayo
and Thomson Junction will not travel with us beyond Zanguja because at present the difficulty associated with stabling an NRZ steam
train at Victoria Falls outweighs any advantage to be gained. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to visit the Livingstone
railway museum (entry not included). Alternatively, remain at Livingstone Station where we will set up shunting operations using a
Zambian 12th Class 4-8-2 steam locomotive number 204 and the 14A Garratt. Final arrangements will be made later, taking best
advantage of the photographic opportunities that present themselves. Return over the border to Victoria Falls station by train, enjoying the
included drinks (free beer) and snacks, a feature of all the Safari Express journeys today and tomorrow.
Day 9. Sunday. 01 August.
This morning, ride the Victoria Falls Safari Express Class 14A Garratt to Masuie Siding on the line to Bulawayo, using the Victoria Falls
Safari Express coaches and any available wagons. Runpasts will be arranged as we pass the gorges leaving the station, and along the
Masuie River. Arrive back late morning, after which there will be free time to explore the ‘Falls with an opportunity to walk on the Victoria
Falls Bridge (see box on left).
Later this afternoon, gather for a sunset cruise up the Zambezi River. Enjoy an enchanting sunset as you look for elephant, hippo and
crocodiles as well as fascinating bird life on the Zambezi above the Falls. Drinks and snacks are included (more free beer). Dinner
tonight will be at the Bome Restaurant. A traditional meal in pleasant ethnic surroundings with entertainment and an Ndebele story teller.
A fitting African end to your African steam safari.
Day 10. Monday. 02 August.
Your visit to Zimbabwe ends today.
If you do not book the Selebe Phikwe trip, your tour will start in Bulawayo today.
Day 1. Saturday. 24 July.
Arrive in Bulawayo today.
Day 2. Sunday. 25 July.
Visit the steam depot this morning to see the sunrise at one of the last great steam depots in the world with a lineup of all available
locomotive types. Our first steam charter will take us from Bulawayo to Cement this morning. A goods train with a Class 14A Garratt will
stage a number of runpasts as we make our way out of town on this double track section. We should return to Bulawayo by lunch, after
which there will be free time to visit the steam depot and railway museum before dinner this evening, a barbecue at the steam shed
hosted by the National Railways of Zimbabwe Catering department.
Day 3. Monday. 26 July.
We will leave Bulawayo early this morning behind a Class 16A Garratt with a typical Rhodesian Railways mixed (goods and passenger
coaches) train to Figtree. This type of train operated right across the railway system. On main lines they were effectively passenger trains
that were able to carry goods wagons with parcels, mail or perishables. On less busy lines they were goods trains with a few coaches
attached to accommodate limited passenger demand. They often operated with a single dining or buffet car. Our train will use 10
wagons, the guards van, a Rhodesia Railways balcony ended dining car and, if necessary, a first class coach to provide extra seating
and toilet. In addition, there will probably be a fitter's and an enginemen's caboose. These are essential for operational reasons, but they
are also entirely authentic as during steam days this line operated with cabooses between Bulawayo and Mafeking in South Africa, a
three day round trip using one locomotive and two crews who rested and worked alternatively. This is how our tour will operate throughout
our visit, it represents a style of train working that operated throughout the steam era. We plan to see sunrise at Figtree Siding where the
locomotive will take water. We will then continue to Plumtree with runpasts en-route before turning and servicing the locomotive and
reversing the train for our return to Bulawayo this afternoon. Trains Working Regulations require that a mixed train be made up with empty
wagons behind the locomotive, followed by loaded wagons, coaches (lower classes to the front and upper classes of accommodation to
the back, and the guards van trailing (because of vacuum braking). Staff cabooses are positioned behind the locomotive and in front of
the goods wagons, this is for convenience and because they are considered part of the traction and not the load. We do, however,
position them with the passenger coaches at the back of the train where it is felt this will improve photographs. On shorter trips cabooses
are not always used.
This evening you will be entertained by Liyana, the internationally renowned KGVI Rehabilitation Centre Band. The KGVI Centre has for
many years done outstanding work supporting physically disabled children in Zimbabwe, and Geoff''s Trains is pleased to be able to
support them during this tour. Geoff's Trains will sponsor at least one child for one year.
Day 4. Tuesday. 27 July.
Our third steam charter out of Bulawayo will take us to Nyamandhlovu this morning with a Class 15A Garratt, 10 wagons, the dining car,
an extra accommodation coach to accommodate the catering crew, security, train manager, etc., and the van. We will leave Bulawayo
early enough to be at Nyamandhlovu soon after sunrise, giving the best photographs on the Tenela Bank before we continue to Dete,
travelling this afternoon through the Hwange Game Reserve where it is common to see a variety of big game from the train.
Day 5. Wednesday. 28 July.
Visit the Hwange Colliery to see their 15th Class Garratts shunting around the colliery and operating trains to the exchange sidings at
Thomson Junction. This is the only industrial steam in Zimbabwe and well worth visiting for steam enthusiasts. The number of workings
to the exchange siding are determined by the availability of wagons for loading and the production capacity of the colliery. Negotiations
are ongoing with the Colliery, traditionally they only finalise arrangements immediately before a tour starts. An alternative is to remain at
the Safari Lodge and enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in Hwange, one of the world’s great game reserves and the largest in
Zimbabwe. These game drives are included in your tour price, but if you prefer the Colliery option the value of the game drives will be
used to offset the colliery charges.
Day 6. Thursday. 29 July.
Early this morning, drive to Thomson Junction. We will take our Class 15A Garratt and train to the horseshoe curves at Zanguja before
returning to Thomson Junction. This afternoon, head out in the opposite direction through the tunnel, around Baobab Hill and past 404
curve to Lukosi Siding in the game reserve for sunset photographs on the Lukosi Bridge. Our coach will meet us there for our return by
road to the Hwange Safari Lodge and the train will return to Thomson Junction with the Garratt running backwards. Both charters will be
goods trains with 15 wagons and participants will use the guards van for accommodation. Runpasts will be arranged in the most popular
locations, and no doubt a few new ones as well.
Day 7. Friday. 30 July.
Early this morning, drive to Thomson Junction for a morning train from Thomson Junction to New Hwange, Old Hwange and back to
Thomson Junction on the old main line past the well known tunnel, Baobab Hill and baobab tree photo locations. This will be followed by
a short visit to the Hwange Colliery steam shed before an afternoon charter to Zanguja to photograph the train on the Zanguja Bank, one
of the best steam photo locations in Zimbabwe. We will again use goods trains with 15 wagons and a van, with different wagons to those
used yesterday being requested. Our coach will meet us at Zanguja Siding for onward travel to Victoria Falls.
Day 8. Saturday. 31 July.
This morning we will ride with locally based Class 14A Garratt number 512 from Victoria Falls Station to the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Photograph the train on the bridge before continuing to Livingstone station in Zambia. The train will be made up with traditionally coloured
period coaches operated, as is the Garratt, by the Victoria Falls Safari Express company. The coaches we have used between Bulawayo
and Thomson Junction will not travel with us beyond Zanguja because at present the difficulty associated with stabling an NRZ steam
train at Victoria Falls outweighs any advantage to be gained. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to visit the Livingstone
railway museum (entry not included). Alternatively, remain at Livingstone Station where we will set up shunting operations using a
Zambian 12th Class 4-8-2 steam locomotive number 204 and the 14A Garratt. Final arrangements will be made later, taking best
advantage of the photographic opportunities that present themselves. Return over the border to Victoria Falls station by train, enjoying the
included drinks (free beer) and snacks, a feature of all the Safari Express journeys today and tomorrow.
Day 9. Sunday. 01 August.
This morning, ride the Victoria Falls Safari Express Class 14A Garratt to Masuie Siding on the line to Bulawayo, using the Victoria Falls
Safari Express coaches and any available wagons. Runpasts will be arranged as we pass the gorges leaving the station, and along the
Masuie River. Arrive back late morning, after which there will be free time to explore the ‘Falls with an opportunity to walk on the Victoria
Falls Bridge (see box on left).
Later this afternoon, gather for a sunset cruise up the Zambezi River. Enjoy an enchanting sunset as you look for elephant, hippo and
crocodiles as well as fascinating bird life on the Zambezi above the Falls. Drinks and snacks are included (more free beer). Dinner
tonight will be at the Bome Restaurant. A traditional meal in pleasant ethnic surroundings with entertainment and an Ndebele story teller.
A fitting African end to your African steam safari.
Day 10. Monday. 02 August.
Your visit to Zimbabwe ends today.
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Zimbabwe Steam - Garratts to Victoria Falls
| Click here for Geoff Cooke's Fotopic website |
| This tour has been successfully completed. Find photographs of the tour here Find a Blog report on the tour here Buy a video of the tour from Belhurst Productions here |
| Bulawayo is the start point for our tour, and the headquarters of the Railway. Bulawayo 1872 is a website that features the City with an excellent selection of articles, maps, photographs and much more. |
21 July 2010
Our charter coach will leave the airport at 12h00, noon. It will take us about 30 minutes to reach the Germiston dept of Reefsteamers.
Following a short visit, continue to Capital Park in Pretoria. Visit the Rovos Rail depot to see their immaculate fleet of steam and electric
locomotives, including the impressive Class 25NC 4-8-4's before walking over to the Friends of the Rail base. Leave Capital Park
around sunset, arriving at the hotel at about 18h30.
Our charter coach will leave the airport at 12h00, noon. It will take us about 30 minutes to reach the Germiston dept of Reefsteamers.
Following a short visit, continue to Capital Park in Pretoria. Visit the Rovos Rail depot to see their immaculate fleet of steam and electric
locomotives, including the impressive Class 25NC 4-8-4's before walking over to the Friends of the Rail base. Leave Capital Park
around sunset, arriving at the hotel at about 18h30.
Botswana
22 July 2010.
This morning, motor from Johannesburg Airport to Selebe Phikwe where the BCL Mine continues to use Class 19D 4-8-2 steam
locomotives on their industrial operations, including ore trains on the 14 km railway from the Selebe North Shaft.
23 July.
Visit the steam depot as early as possible this morning and spend the rest of the day in the mine area and chasing trains to the more
remote shafts.
24 July.
Motor to Francistown for the 12h00 National Railways of Zimbabwe passenger train to Bulawayo, arriving this afternoon.
22 July 2010.
This morning, motor from Johannesburg Airport to Selebe Phikwe where the BCL Mine continues to use Class 19D 4-8-2 steam
locomotives on their industrial operations, including ore trains on the 14 km railway from the Selebe North Shaft.
23 July.
Visit the steam depot as early as possible this morning and spend the rest of the day in the mine area and chasing trains to the more
remote shafts.
24 July.
Motor to Francistown for the 12h00 National Railways of Zimbabwe passenger train to Bulawayo, arriving this afternoon.
| Geoff Cooke's BLOG click here |
