Experience A Unique Safari In Zimbabwe On The Elephant Express
The Elephant Express is a unique safari experience offered by Imvelo Safari Lodges in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Moreover, it offers scenic transfers between safari camps in Bomani and Camelthorn, a relaxed way to travel rather than a lengthy road transfer. However, it is best known for its safari trips in the national park where many game animals can be seen. Read on to find out more about this railcar adventure among African wildlife.
The Elephant Express at Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe
Launched in late 2014, The Elephant Express takes guests of the safari lodges on an exciting adventure into the wilderness. Running between the Dete and Ngamo sidings, the railcar can accommodate 22 passengers.
Meanwhile, guests are comfortably accommodated on individual coach seats, with teak tables in between. Moreover, with its engine and gearbox on the front and rear of the rail car, it can easily move in both directions on the track.
For those transferring between two lodges, there is plenty of room for baggage. Meanwhile, a wide aisle allows guests to freely view wildlife along the way. Moreover, the railcar features a chemical toilet for convenience.
Rail transport or safari activity in Zimbabwe
Guests visiting Imvelo’s Bomani and Camelthorn lodges can take a road transfer to Dete siding, close to the entrance to Hwange National Park. Once there, guests climb aboard the Elephant Express to enjoy a 70-km (43-mi) scenic rail transfer.
During the two-hour journey, guests will see a wide range of game animals including elephants, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, kudus, eland and more. For those who enjoy bird watching, a variety of bird species can also be spotted along the way.
Once guests arrive at Ngamo, a 10 to 15-minute drive in a game vehicle takes them to Camelthorn Lodge or Bomani Tented Lodge. Moreover, the two lodges are located in the southeast corner of Hwange National Park.
Timing for the Elephant Express
To get an idea of when to enjoy a safari experience on the Elephant Express, the railcar departs from Ngamo Siding at around 11 am. It then arrives at Dete Siding at around 1 pm. Its next trip leaves at around 2 pm from Dete, arriving in Ngamo at around 4 pm, just in time for a thrilling afternoon game drive and sundowners. Moreover, drinks and snacks are served in the railcar while traveling.
Speaking of the rail journey, Imvelo Safari Lodges said:
We will endeavor to ensure that all our guests have the option to experience the Elephant Express during their stay through either the transfer activity, a day trip or a short game viewing activity. This of course cannot be guaranteed for guests on short stays.
Safety measures on The Elephant Express
There are no exact departure times due to the need to coordinate traffic on the Hwange rail lines. In fact, the directive for departure times is given by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. However, Imvelo has a point person who coordinates rail journeys between the lodges.
Moreover, the safari railcar is driven by experienced engineers with many years of experience under their belt. According to Imvelo, they are in constant communication with any trains in the vicinity as well as the traffic controllers. This ensures that the trip runs without any incidents. Even better, experienced safari guides travel with guests on the railcar, as it is essentially a game experience.
Meanwhile, the train stops every 10 km (6 mi) to allow traffic to cross the junctions. As can be seen from the photos throughout this article, guests are often treated to a close visit by the local wildlife.
Readers can visit the official website for Imvelo Safari Lodges here for more information about this rail adventure in Zimbabwe. There, you will find more safari experiences on mountain bikes or in canoes.