By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has announced that its special Rail Leisure train service between Harare and Mutare will officially commence tomorrow, 5 September 2025, as part of the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The luxury service, which has been refurbished to international standards, will offer passengers a unique travel experience showcasing Zimbabwe’s natural beauty. The train has a capacity of 243 passengers and is designed to provide a smooth, scenic journey along the fully rehabilitated Harare–Mutare railway line.
According to NRZ, the inaugural train will depart Harare at 07:00 hrs on 5 September, with subsequent trips scheduled for the 7th and 9th of September. Return trips from Mutare to Harare will take place on the 6th and 8th , a.with an additional overnight trip departing Mutare on 12 September at 20:00 hrs.
NRZ highlighted that there will be no train runs on -the 10th and 11th of September , as these days are reserved for Mutare excursions, giving visitors and exhibitors an opportunity to explore the region during the expo.
The special Rail Leisure service is being launched under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development – Our Future”, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (MoTHI) and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The fare for each trip has been pegged at US\$60 one way, making the experience accessible to
local and international visitors. Passengers will also enjoy onboard entertainment and refreshments.
“The launch of this service is not only a step towards enriching Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings but also a demonstration of NRZ’s commitment to innovation and partnerships,” the parastatal said in its announcement.
While tailored for the expo, NRZ noted that it will explore possibilities for continuing similar leisure routes beyond the event to boost domestic and regional tourism.