Earlier this month, Charlotte was invited to Zimbabwe to take a trip aboard Bushtracks Express. This luxury steam train is a new experience for visitors to Victoria Falls, and one which she highly recommends.
“You arrive at Victoria Falls Station to a red carpet welcome and glass of Pimms, a civilised start to a magical train ride. The old locomotive is ‘in steam’, so get there with enough time for a few photos and a closer look before hopping aboard.
“Bushtracks Express pulls three carriages – a club car, dining car and observation carriage – all beautifully restored with the help of Rohan Vos (owner of Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world). Inside, the carriages have a luxurious old-world feel with warm wood panelling, soft lighting, comfortable armchairs and cut crystal glasses.”
“At around 5pm the locomotive chugged out of the station, steaming its way through Victoria Falls Game Park as we sipped sauvignon blanc and snacked on canapés. Both the service and food was excellent with tasty treats such as smoked salmon blinis, prawn tempura and mini Yorkshire puddings.
“The highlight of the journey was crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge just as the sun was setting. The train drew to a halt, and everyone got out to take in the view. It was incredible looking back at thundering Victoria Falls with the Zambezi River flowing far below.”
Travel Notes:
– Bushtracks Express arrives back at Victoria Falls Station at around 7pm, in good time for dinner.
– Since the train crosses into Zambia you will be asked for your passport number, although you don’t have to carry your actual passport on the trip.
