Book a dinner on the Victoria Falls Steam Train and experience true colonial splendour. A dinner on the steam train during your stay at Victoria Falls will transform you to a bygone era of luxury steam train travel. Go back in time and embark on a journey in the comfort of stately carriages.
Please note that Steam Train runs from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) on a Tuesday and Friday, and from Livingstone (Zambia) on a Wednesday and Saturday.
A trip on the steam train during your stay at Victoria Falls will transform you to a bygone era of luxury steam train travel. Go back in time and embark on a journey to the Victoria Falls Bridge in the comfort of stately carriages. The Steam Train departs from The Victoria Falls Station which is situated behind the Victoria Falls Hotel. This is a fitting departure point as the Hotel was built in 1904 to accommodate the workers building the Cape to Cairo Railway Line and the Victoria Falls Bridge. The hotel building itself is actually still owned by the Zimbabwe Railways.
This luxurious steam train will travel to the Victoria Falls Bridge and then out to the Jafuta Siding, serving light snacks, followed by a gourmet meal and drinks. The Steam Train has partnered with the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel to provide this unique fine dining, safari experience.
The Steam Train offers the discerning guest the ultimate dinner experience, invoking the glorious age of steam and a view of the world-famous Victoria Falls at sunset. Followed by the rarity of a steam train safari through the African bush to Jafuta siding.
The experience includes a four course gourmet dinner, prepared by the talented chefs of Victoria Falls Hotel. Drinks are included in the ticket price, with the exception of spirits and champagne.
After departure the Steam Train makes its way through the bush and towards the Victoria Falls Bridge. Once on the bridge you will be invited to step off the train and onto the Victoria Falls Bridge. From here you will be able to watch the sun set behind the Victoria falls before you make your way back to the station.
*Please note that the Victoria Falls Steam Train only departs on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Victoria Falls Steam Train Dinner Itinerary
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by road to the Victoria Falls Station. A safety brief will be given by the guide en-route to the station.
On arrival at the station, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink. A red carpet will lead guests to the train and the locomotive will be ‘in steam’: the perfect photographic opportunity. (NB: children are fascinated by the train, but should not be encouraged to approach too near to the train as it is a moving vehicle and can be dangerous!)
The train will depart Victoria Falls Station and chuff its way through the Victoria Falls Game Park to the border. The train will pause at the border so a ‘general declaración can be given by the train guard to the immigration authorities and then continue to the bridge.
The train will arrive on the bridge at about 6pm, depending on the game that has been viewed en route. You may alight from the train once on the bridge for some tremendous photo opportunities of The Victoria Falls, the train, the bridge and the sunset. Permission must be sought from the driver for photographic opportunities of the locomotive.
After sunset the train will depart the bridge for its journey back to Victoria Falls Station where it will refill with water before steaming out to Jafuta Siding.
The train stops at Jafuata Siding for about an hour before making its return journey to Victoria Falls Station Platform.
The Train will arrive at the Victoria Falls Station Platform at approximately 21:45
About The Victoria Falls Steam Train
The Victoria Falls Steam Train consists of three carriages, beautifully restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail and pulled by a 14a Class Locomotive. The carriages are fully air-conditioned and configured from the front as follows:
Steam Locomotive
Loco 512 is a 14a Class built in 1952 by Beyer Peacock in England and was in service from 24th November 1952 to 1994.
Victoria Falls Steam Train Club Car
Carriage No. 14661. This carriage houses the small lounge and bar, as well as the kitchen. This carriage can be used as a pre-dinner drinks venue for about 10 guests.
Victoria Falls Steam Train Dining Car
Carriage No. 197. This carriage is the sister to famous Wembley Dining Car. The carriage was built in 1923. This carriage still has the original fans and the 7×4 and 8×2 table configuration.
Victoria Falls Steam Train Observation Car
Carriage No. 225. This carriage sits at the back of the train and houses a bar and veranda viewing deck.
Warren Elliott –
It was a lovely experience and the staff were fabulous.
Sally Rolfe –
Fantastic! Enjoyed learning about the history. Staff & food were amazing! (Just too much food!) Loved every minute and caters for children.