Bushtracks Africa has just announced the launch of The Bushtracks Express - a scheduled Victoria Falls Bridge Run which started on Tuesday 1st March 2016 from Victoria Falls Station, Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe train will run every Tuesday and Friday for pre dinner drinks & canapés to the Victoria Falls Bridge and back. This is in addition to the existing train operation, the well-known Royal Livingstone Express that operates from Livingstone and was recently voted as one of the top "Five most fabulous Train Journeys" in the world on Yahoo Travel.
The train offers discerning guests the ultimate pre-dinner experience - to the time of Steam train travel. The train operates twice a week with a minimum of two guests. For groups up to 80 guests, the Bushtracks Express has the flexibility to design your own route to The Victoria Falls Bridge or Jafuta Siding or even further afield to Dibangombie Siding.
The Bushtracks Express consists of three carriages beautifully restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail and pulled by a 14a Locomotive 512. The train is fully air-conditioned and configured from the front as follows;
Loco 512 is a 14a Class built in 1952 by Beyer Peacock in England and was in service from 24th November 1952 to 1994. Bushtracks is currently restoring the locomotive to full working order.
The Club Car - Carriage No. 14661 otherwise houses the small lounge and bar and also the kitchen. This can be used as a pre-dinner drinks private venue for approximately 10-12 guests.
The Dining Car - Carriage No. 197 is the sister to the famous Wembley Dining Car, built in 1923 and forms part of The Royal Livingstone Express. No. 197 has the original fans and the 7x4 and 8x2 table configuration
The Observation Car - Carriage No 225 houses a bar and veranda viewing deck, Please note smoking is only permitted on the outside deck and not inside any of the carriages.
Planned Itinerary:
Summer / Winter Timings
4:30 / 4:00 pm - Guests will be picked up from their hotels in Luxury Bushtracks Vehicles and given a road transfer to Victoria Falls Station. A safety brief will be given by the Bushtracks guide en-route to the station. Tickets will be issued to all guests that include an indemnity on the reverse.
5:00 / 4:30 pm - (final timing depend on which hotel the guests are staying in) On arrival at the station The Victoria Falls Hotel will offer a welcome drink. A red carpet will lead guests to the train and the locomotive will be 'in steam' thus giving a photographic opportunity to anyone who wishes.
5:30 / 5:00 pm - The train will depart Victoria Falls Station and puff its way through the Victoria Falls Game Park to the border. The train will pause at the border so a 'general declaration' can be given by the train guard to the immigration authorities and then continue to the bridge.
6:15 / 5:45 pm - The train will arrive on the bridge depending on what game has been seen en route. Guests may alight from the train if they wish and tremendous photo opportunities or The Victoria Falls, the train and sunset await. The locomotive may be accessed by guests for photographic opportunities on permission of the driver.
7:00 / 6:30 pm - Departure for the journey back to Victoria Falls Station.
7:30 / 7:00 pm - the train will arrive at Victoria Falls Station and guests will disembark.
Rates, Terms and Conditions: Standard Bridge Run: US$ 120.00 per person
Includes: Transfers from any hotel within Victoria Falls city limits to Victoria Falls Station by Bushtracks Africa; Welcome drink on arrival; Drinks & Canapés by The Victoria Falls Hotel; South African Wines, local beers and soft drinks throughout the trip.; Return Transfers to the hotel.
Not included: Premium spirits or cigars Transfers to lodges or hotels outside of the City Limits
The train offers discerning guests the ultimate pre-dinner experience - to the time of Steam train travel. The train operates twice a week with a minimum of two guests. For groups up to 80 guests, the Bushtracks Express has the flexibility to design your own route to The Victoria Falls Bridge or Jafuta Siding or even further afield to Dibangombie Siding.
The Bushtracks Express consists of three carriages beautifully restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail and pulled by a 14a Locomotive 512. The train is fully air-conditioned and configured from the front as follows;
Loco 512 is a 14a Class built in 1952 by Beyer Peacock in England and was in service from 24th November 1952 to 1994. Bushtracks is currently restoring the locomotive to full working order.
The Club Car - Carriage No. 14661 otherwise houses the small lounge and bar and also the kitchen. This can be used as a pre-dinner drinks private venue for approximately 10-12 guests.
The Dining Car - Carriage No. 197 is the sister to the famous Wembley Dining Car, built in 1923 and forms part of The Royal Livingstone Express. No. 197 has the original fans and the 7x4 and 8x2 table configuration
The Observation Car - Carriage No 225 houses a bar and veranda viewing deck, Please note smoking is only permitted on the outside deck and not inside any of the carriages.
Planned Itinerary:
Summer / Winter Timings
4:30 / 4:00 pm - Guests will be picked up from their hotels in Luxury Bushtracks Vehicles and given a road transfer to Victoria Falls Station. A safety brief will be given by the Bushtracks guide en-route to the station. Tickets will be issued to all guests that include an indemnity on the reverse.
5:00 / 4:30 pm - (final timing depend on which hotel the guests are staying in) On arrival at the station The Victoria Falls Hotel will offer a welcome drink. A red carpet will lead guests to the train and the locomotive will be 'in steam' thus giving a photographic opportunity to anyone who wishes.
5:30 / 5:00 pm - The train will depart Victoria Falls Station and puff its way through the Victoria Falls Game Park to the border. The train will pause at the border so a 'general declaration' can be given by the train guard to the immigration authorities and then continue to the bridge.
6:15 / 5:45 pm - The train will arrive on the bridge depending on what game has been seen en route. Guests may alight from the train if they wish and tremendous photo opportunities or The Victoria Falls, the train and sunset await. The locomotive may be accessed by guests for photographic opportunities on permission of the driver.
7:00 / 6:30 pm - Departure for the journey back to Victoria Falls Station.
7:30 / 7:00 pm - the train will arrive at Victoria Falls Station and guests will disembark.
Rates, Terms and Conditions: Standard Bridge Run: US$ 120.00 per person
Includes: Transfers from any hotel within Victoria Falls city limits to Victoria Falls Station by Bushtracks Africa; Welcome drink on arrival; Drinks & Canapés by The Victoria Falls Hotel; South African Wines, local beers and soft drinks throughout the trip.; Return Transfers to the hotel.
Not included: Premium spirits or cigars Transfers to lodges or hotels outside of the City Limits
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