Zimbabwe - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

This list is based on services at dates noted in entries, but understood to still be current.

Rovos Rail cruise trains cover various sections of line not traversed by the countries' national passenger rail operators - consult the website. Some less obvious examples are shown herein under the respective countries. Shongololo has now been merged into the Rovos product range.

Report updated: February 2024

Bulawayo avoiding line (Mpopoma - Nketa) ZW1

Rovos Rail cruise trains South Africa ⇔ Dar es Salaam, which use the route via Botswana, use this curve to run between the Plumtree and Victoria Falls lines, to avoid Bulawayo station. Report updated: February 2024

Bulawayo avoiding line (Luveve - Northolt) ZW2

Entry deleted - use of this facility apparently ceased.

Somabhula balloon loop ZW3

Entry deleted - use of this facility apparently ceased

Dabuka (Gweru) northern balloon loop ZW4

Rovos Rail Southern Cross cruise trains South Africa ⇔ Victoria Falls which use the route via Beit Bridge use this loop to turn the train, to avoid reversal. Report updated: February 2024

Bulawayo – Beit Bridge ZW5

Of the Rovos Rail cruise trains South Africa ⇔ Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Journey use the route via West Nicholson and Gwanda, while Southern Cross use the route via Rutenga and Somabhula (including route ZW4). Reported: February 2024

Thomson Junction balloon loop ZW6

Rovos Rail cruise trains from South Africa to Victoria Falls use this loop to turn the train, with the exception of those continuing through Zambia to Lobito or Dar es Salaam. Reported: February 2024

Deletions since last edition

None.