The Stimela Star departs Victoria Falls at around 7pm, and winds its way through the night to Hwange, where breakfast is served before your onward transfer to your safari camp of choice. Originally this train was pulled by a steam engine, but today a DE10/11 diesel electric engine is used. The vintage carriages are classics from the post WWII era – the furnishings and fittings are original.
Guests enjoy a three-course dinner in the dining coach followed by a nightcap in the bar, before heading off to bed at your leisure. The train pulls into Dete Station in the early hours and here the carriages are uncoupled and stabled for the rest of the night while the main train continues to Bulawayo.
Along with the overnight sleeper train option, guests can also take a shorter 2.5 hour ride along the eastern boundary of Hwange National Park which was part of Cecil Rhodes’ dream of an empire stretching ‘from Cape to Cairo’ with the railway line as its backbone. The section that is used was opened early in the 20th century and is perfectly flat and straight – the longest straight rail line in the world when built. Freight and passenger traffic still use the line, as well as the custom-built Elephant Express. This is a unique and fun way to travel to your safari lodge in southern Hwange, a refreshing and welcome break from road travel, with game viewing on the way. Unique travel between Vic Falls and Hwange.