Harare- In a landmark initiative to revitalize domestic tourism and promote luxury rail travel, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has unveiled a special Rail Leisure train service connecting the capital, Harare, to the eastern city of Mutare.

The launch is strategically timed to coincide with the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, running under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development-Our Future.” The project is a collaborative effort between the NRZ, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MoTHI), and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

Passengers can expect a comfortable and picturesque journey aboard a newly refurbished train with a capacity of 243 passengers. The coaches, currently being finalised at the NRZ’s Bulawayo mechanical workshops, will traverse a fully rehabilitated Harare-Mutare rail line, promising a smooth ride with breathtaking views of the Eastern Highlands and the country’s scenic landscape.

“The introduction of this service is a significant step towards offering an alternative, affordable, and unique travel experience,” said an NRZ spokesperson. “It aligns perfectly with the expo’s goals and showcases the potential of rail in Zimbabwe’s tourism ecosystem.”

The scheduled services are as follows:

• From Harare to Mutare: Departures at 0700 hours on September 5, 7, and 9.
• From Mutare to Harare: Return trips at 0700 hours on September 6 and 8.
• Overnight Service: An additional overnight trip from Mutare will depart at 2000 hours on September 12.

To allow passengers to explore Mutare’s attractions, no trains will operate on September 10 and 11.

The experience will be enhanced with onboard entertainment and refreshments. Tickets are priced at $60 for a one-way trip, offering exhibitors, buyers, media, and the general public a novel way to travel to the premier tourism event.

While initially launched for the expo, the NRZ has confirmed that it will explore further collaborations to sustain and expand luxury rail travel across Zimbabwe, signaling a new chapter for the country’s transport and tourism industries.