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NRZ to run special Valentine trains
09 Feb 2014 at 10:00hrs | Views
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will next week run special Valentine trains in commemoration of the day dedicated to lovers.
NRZ public relations manager Mr Fanuel Masikati said the Valentine trains would run from Harare to Bulawayo and Bulawayo to Victoria Falls on 13 and 16 this
month as part of the company's programme aimed at promoting tourism and family rail leisure travel.
"For the first time this year, the NRZ is running a Valentine Sashay steam train from Harare to Ruwa in commemoration of this romantic day on 13 February 2014.
"The train is scheduled to depart from Harare at 1600 hours to Ruwa Club for a dinner and is expected back at 2100 hours," Mr Masikati said.
On the same day, another steam train would be giving loved ones a memorable rail travel to Victoria Falls from Bulawayo.
Those intending to catch a ride on these memorable special trains are expected to arrive at the respective departure points at 3pm in Harare and 5pm at Bulawayo Station to facilitate registration, confirmation and booking.
"In Bulawayo, a belated (16 February) Valentine Sashay train will depart from Bulawayo Station at 1600 hours to Figtree, where the loved ones will be treated to a sumptuous dinner upon its return at the Museum at 2100 hours.
"Those intending to board this special train should arrive at the station at 1500 hours to facilitate travel arrangements, such as registration and bookings. Bookings are now open at Harare and Bulawayo stations, weekdays," Mr Masikati said.
The fare for the Valentine Sashay leisure train to Figtree is $75 and to Victoria Falls is $200, while the one from Harare to Ruwa will charge $100 per couple. The fares include a candle-lit dinner and drinks that will be served at the Railway Museum, Ruwa Club as well as on board for the train to Victoria Falls.
He said the Valentine trains offered a romantic experience of a life time not to be missed by leisure lovers and also presented breathtaking scenery along the way to the various destinations.
The special rail leisure trains are hauled by age-defying steam locomotives.
"It is pertinent to mention that the NRZ is geared to provide efficient rail leisure steam safari trains at a reasonable cost in order to cater for all classes of our society, from top business executives, leisure lovers and steam enthusiasts," Mr Masikati said.
The rail leisure steam safari train service, which was also successfully run last year during the Valentine and Father's days, is popular with both local and overseas steam enthusiasts.
"More steam safari trains are earmarked to be run this year as a way of promoting and contributing towards tourism growth in Zimbabwe. It is hoped that the move will indeed boost the tourism industry in the country, since Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the world that still run and operate steam locomotives that are popular with international steam enthusiasts," Mr Masikati said.
NRZ public relations manager Mr Fanuel Masikati said the Valentine trains would run from Harare to Bulawayo and Bulawayo to Victoria Falls on 13 and 16 this
month as part of the company's programme aimed at promoting tourism and family rail leisure travel.
"For the first time this year, the NRZ is running a Valentine Sashay steam train from Harare to Ruwa in commemoration of this romantic day on 13 February 2014.
"The train is scheduled to depart from Harare at 1600 hours to Ruwa Club for a dinner and is expected back at 2100 hours," Mr Masikati said.
On the same day, another steam train would be giving loved ones a memorable rail travel to Victoria Falls from Bulawayo.
Those intending to catch a ride on these memorable special trains are expected to arrive at the respective departure points at 3pm in Harare and 5pm at Bulawayo Station to facilitate registration, confirmation and booking.
"In Bulawayo, a belated (16 February) Valentine Sashay train will depart from Bulawayo Station at 1600 hours to Figtree, where the loved ones will be treated to a sumptuous dinner upon its return at the Museum at 2100 hours.
"Those intending to board this special train should arrive at the station at 1500 hours to facilitate travel arrangements, such as registration and bookings. Bookings are now open at Harare and Bulawayo stations, weekdays," Mr Masikati said.
The fare for the Valentine Sashay leisure train to Figtree is $75 and to Victoria Falls is $200, while the one from Harare to Ruwa will charge $100 per couple. The fares include a candle-lit dinner and drinks that will be served at the Railway Museum, Ruwa Club as well as on board for the train to Victoria Falls.
He said the Valentine trains offered a romantic experience of a life time not to be missed by leisure lovers and also presented breathtaking scenery along the way to the various destinations.
The special rail leisure trains are hauled by age-defying steam locomotives.
"It is pertinent to mention that the NRZ is geared to provide efficient rail leisure steam safari trains at a reasonable cost in order to cater for all classes of our society, from top business executives, leisure lovers and steam enthusiasts," Mr Masikati said.
The rail leisure steam safari train service, which was also successfully run last year during the Valentine and Father's days, is popular with both local and overseas steam enthusiasts.
"More steam safari trains are earmarked to be run this year as a way of promoting and contributing towards tourism growth in Zimbabwe. It is hoped that the move will indeed boost the tourism industry in the country, since Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the world that still run and operate steam locomotives that are popular with international steam enthusiasts," Mr Masikati said.
Source - Sunday News
