The Sunday Mail
Emmanuel Kafe
Railway romance begins with coal trimming, firing, ash-pan cleaning, lubrication and a wheel tapper at work.
Billowing clouds of steam and a shrill whistle precede the chug-chug of the train inching its way out of the station.
It is at this precise moment that you fall in love with the good old steam engine.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe, through its leisure unit, organised a Valentine’s Day flounce steam train to give people a special treat from Harare to Somerby – about 25km from the capital – last week.
An invitation was extended to The Sunday Mail Society to join the ride.
More than 350 people hopped aboard – mostly from Zimbabwe’s white community, which NRZ public relations manager Nyasha Maravanyika said could be because they had a more sentimental view of steam engines.
The steam locomotive fleet is a collection of authentic rail beauties.
“To make the most of the train experience, we recommend you to sit back, relax, and turn your phone onto airplane mode (or can we call it steam train mode?). And take in the sights and sounds of animals of the nearby Lion and Cheetah Park,” a steward said as we pulled off.
A steam train ride takes visitors on a nostalgic journey back through time, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city to the stark beauty of the countryside.
Reen van Clerk, one of the passengers, said steam trains spoke to luxury.
“Revel in nostalgia of a bygone era and see the countryside in a completely unique way,” he said.
When the train ground to a halt, the passengers were taken to Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary.
Kuimba Shiri has a variety of activities to choose from and this is an ideal family outing environment. Along with bird viewing, one can also indulge in boat cruises, swimming and fishing on Lake Chivero.
Activity fees were included in the train fare, and in this instance kids paid US$15 and adults paid US$35 for a return ticket.
The Valentine’s Day ride is becoming an annual tradition, with a similar run having been done successfully last year in Bulawayo.
“Rail leisure promotes domestic tourism using steam locos and museum coaches, which have been preserved to ensure quality and comfortable rides for passengers. Steam locos runs are special because very few remain in running condition across the world and riding on one is an experience of a lifetime not only for rail enthusiasts, but for people who enjoy doing things differently,” said Maravanyika.
Next on the calendar is the Mother’s Day celebration in May.
Maravanyika said the NRZ steam locos attract tourists from overseas every year, with some even hiring the rides for special events like weddings and photographic safaris.
On these rides, lunch is optional and costs between US$4 and US$25, with passengers allowed to prepare their own meals. A cash bar is also available on the train.
For those who feel like taking a nap, the coaches have beds.
