Steam Train Trips

Travel Back in Time...Revelling in The Romance of The Steam Train Era

Bushtracks Express Steam Train on the Victoria Falls Bridge

Victoria Falls is synonymous with tourism and adventure... with fantastic activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, etc. However, the Bushtracks Express Steam Train "is an indulgent luxury fine dining experience going back in time to the age of romantic steam train travel" (Bushtracks).

Steam Train at the station

What better way to do this than in the comfort of a fully refurbished authentic first class steam train, viewing Africa the way it would have been done over one hundred years ago.

The trip begins

Around the bend

The Steam Train...

A 1952 14a Class Locomotive 512 heads up the Club car, Dining car and Observation car, which have been beautifully restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail. Well-trained staff, dressed in crisp white colonial attire, synonymous with the steam train era are ever attentive to passengers. The cuisine is superb!

We think this Steam Train Trip will appeal to those who want to be spoilt with luxury, revel in nostalgia of a bygone era and see Victoria Falls in a completely unique way.

On the Victoria Falls Bridge

Observation Car

The Dinner Run

The old fashioned sunset steam train journey begins with a trip to the impressive Victoria Falls Bridge, a historical landmark that was completed in 1905 and the second most visited landmark in this area.

You meet at the Victoria Falls Train Station (directly opposite the grand and colonial Victoria Falls Hotel) and board the train via the red carpet, setting the opulent tone, making you feel very important. 

Once everyone is aboard the old steam locomotive fires up and puffs its way along to the Victoria Falls Bridge. Relax in the luxury and comfort of the lounging car taking in the sights and sounds of Africa. Depending on how much game can be seen while in the park, the train should reach the bridge before sunset.

The spray of the Falls seen while on the Bridge

The train stops on the Bridge and if you wish you can disembark and wander along on this historical landmark. If not... just stay on board and enjoy drinks and snacks, while feasting your eyes on the breathtaking vista in front of you.

Cecil Rhodes whose vision it was to build the bridge, insisted that it be positioned so that passengers travelling in the train would feel the spray of the Victoria Falls falling on their faces.

The waterfall is close... you can see and feel it. This is a sunset adventure with a difference.

After the bridge run, you will board the train again for the leg down to Jafuta Siding where you will arrive at 8pm (winter) or 8:30pm (summer). A delectable 3-course meal and more drinks will be served on this part of the trip, before the train takes you back to the Victoria Falls Train Station where you will arrive at 9:30pm (winter) or 10pm (summer).

Dinner Time!

More Details

A selection of light snacks and drinks, are served (local beers, wine, G&T’s, minerals, cordials). Premium beverages are available but are not on the ticket price. A 5-course dinner will be served while at Jafuta Siding.

Depart Victoria Falls Station - 17h00 (winter) or 17h30 (summer) every Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tour duration is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Fine 5-star dining

The Canapé Run

*This trip is only confirmed for group bookings.

On the same locomotive, you can enjoy an afternoon Canapé run for a truly classic and indulgent experience. The train leaves the Victoria Falls Station and takes you around to the Victoria Falls Bridge, where you disembark and take in the depth of the Zambezi River gorge from the Victoria Falls on one side to the distant Victoria Falls Hotel on the other side.

From the bridge, the train takes you into the Jafuta Conservancy, where high tea will be served as you absorb the surroundings, perhaps catching sightings of wildlife along the way and at the siding.

"Sit back, relax and enjoy the romance of the African Bush while you steam through the wilderness"

Details

The Canapé run takes you on a 3 hour trip (departing at 15h00 and returning at 18h00).

There will be a variety of drinks and classic high tea finger foods on offer during this unique safari.

This trip is only confirmed for 44 people.

Watch this short video for a small preview of the steam train dinner run:

What you Need to Know

• Price does includes collection and drop off from your hotel
• Children pay the full adult rate, while children under 2 do not pay. See our Price list for the latest Steam Train Trips price
• Dress code is smart casual - no shorts
• Smoking is only permitted on the outside deck and not inside any of the carriages

Classic train journey

Other Steam Train Trips

On the other side of the bridge, the Royal Livingstone Express steam train experience offers a similar superb trip, taking you to the Victoria Falls Bridge in time for the sunset, and then into the bush for a 5-star meal courtesy of the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Contact us for more information on this trip.

Epic Steam Train Journeys to Victoria Falls

From South Africa, Rovos Rail offers 3 nights in a luxurious 5-star steam train, as well as a much longer 11 day and four country experience on the 3-star Shongololo Express. Get to Victoria Falls by train!



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