By A Correspondent- The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is running a steam train from Bulawayo to Figtree on 10 August 2019 following requests from steam train enthusiasts for regular outings on the aged locomotives.

The steam train will stop at Figtree and passengers will disembark for a short walk to Redwood Leisure Centre to enjoy a braai and refreshments.

The train will depart Bulawayo Station at 0930 hours and return at 1700 hours.

The family fun day steam train is not targeted at steam train enthusiasts only but members of the general public wishing to spend a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the city on a train. 

A cash bar and light meals will be available for sale on the train though passengers can bring cooler boxes and their own food.

The fares are pegged at RTGS $65 for adults in compartments/ RTGS $30 for children and for open seating in coaches RTGS $55 for adults and RTGS $25 for children. 

Fares do not include food and drinks.

The NRZ Steam trains are run by NRZ’s Rail Leisure unit which is in a drive to promote domestic tourism and attract international tourists through train excursions.

So far, two steam train excursions have been run this year in Harare and Bulawayo.

The steam train excursions have been well received by members of the public, with steam train enthusiasts travelling from the breadth and length of this world to experience rides on NRZ steam trains as they are among the few still operating in the world.

Besides attracting train enthusiasts from all over the world, the NRZ train excursions are gradually being received by domestic tourists and local corporates in the country.  This is a sign that the NRZ diversification into other areas like tourism is bearing fruit.

Rail Leisure promotes domestic tourism using steam locomotives and museum coaches which have been preserved to ensure quality and affordable rides for passengers.