Victoria Falls: Steam Train Ride with Dinner

Travelers seeking a blend of history, scenery, and fine dining often find themselves drawn to the Victoria Falls Steam Train experience. While it promises a nostalgic journey through Zimbabwe’s lush countryside with a gourmet meal and sunset views, the reality can be a mixed bag. Based on multiple reviews and the detailed itinerary, let’s explore what makes this tour both appealing and sometimes challenging.

What we love about this experience
First, the idea of dining on a vintage steam train evokes a romantic, old-world charm that many travelers find irresistible. The allure of riding past Victoria Falls while enjoying a four-course meal is hard to beat. Second, the spectacular scenery, including wildlife sightings and the chance to see the falls from a unique vantage point on the Victoria Falls Bridge, offers memorable photo opportunities. Third, the friendly guides and staff at the Victoria Falls Hotel add a personal touch, making the whole journey feel special.

A possible consideration is the inconsistency reported in some reviews, particularly regarding the train’s engine type and the length of the trip. While advertised as a steam train experience, some guests found it was a diesel engine, which may disappoint train enthusiasts. Plus, the trip duration appears shorter than advertised—some reviews mention a 4-hour experience instead of 6 hours. This discrepancy can affect expectations, especially for those looking for a longer, more leisurely evening.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value a unique dining experience combined with scenic views and a touch of history. It’s a good fit for couples, special occasion celebrants, or anyone eager to add a luxurious twist to their Victoria Falls visit—just keep in mind that the experience is more about the ambiance and scenery than a full-day adventure.

Key Points

• Vintage ambiance: The experience offers a nostalgic ride reminiscent of a bygone era.
• Scenic views: Travel past Victoria Falls and through the Zimbabwean bush, with chances to see local wildlife.
• Gourmet dining: A four-course meal prepared by Victoria Falls Hotel chefs, with drinks included.
• Sunset highlight: Watching the sunset from the Victoria Falls Bridge makes for a memorable moment.
• Potential inconsistencies: The train may not be a true steam engine and trip length might be shorter than advertised.
• Limited transfer options: Hotel pickup is only included if you’re staying in Zambia, with additional transfer costs from Zimbabwe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Departure and Start Point

The tour begins at Victoria Falls Station, located behind the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. This hotel, built in 1904, adds a touch of colonial grandeur, and its proximity to the station makes for a convenient start. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink—a nice touch that sets a relaxed tone. From here, you’ll see the locomotive in steam, a perfect photo opportunity, even if it turns out to be a diesel engine—as some reviews note, the advertised steam engine isn’t always the case.

The Journey Through the Zimbabwean Countryside

Once aboard, the train makes its way towards the Victoria Falls Bridge, offering sweeping views of the lush landscape and wildlife along the way. As you chug through the bush, keep an eye out for animals—antelope, elephants, and birds—and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the train. The scenic ride is complemented by informative guides, some of whom are praised for their friendly and knowledgeable service, helping to explain the sights or answer questions.

The Bridge and Sunset Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge. Guests are invited to step off the train onto the bridge to witness the stunning sunset behind Victoria Falls. This moment is often described as magical, with the combination of the sunset glow, the roaring falls, and the historic bridge creating a picture-perfect scene. Reviewers mention that the views are worth the trip, and the opportunity to stand on the bridge adds a sense of adventure.

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Gourmet Dinner on Board

Back on the train, guests settle in for a gourmet four-course meal, crafted by the Victoria Falls Hotel’s chefs. The meal includes a selection of light snacks, followed by the full dinner with drinks—excluding spirits and champagne. The food quality is generally praised, with reviews describing it as “fabulous” and more than enough for a fine dining experience in a unique setting. The inclusive drinks package enhances the experience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about additional costs.

Return and Jafuta Siding Stop

After sunset, the train departs the bridge and heads back through the bush, eventually stopping at Jafuta Siding for about an hour. This brief stop allows guests to stretch their legs, take photos, or simply soak in the African night sounds. The train then retraces its route back to Victoria Falls Station, arriving around 9:45 PM. The overall journey, however, may feel shorter than initially advertised—some travelers report a 4-hour duration instead of 6.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While many rave about the romantic ambiance and the quality of food, some travelers mention issues that are worth noting. A few complained that the train is not a true steam engine, which might disappoint train purists. Others experienced last-minute cancellations or last-minute changes, hinting at possible organizational inconsistencies. One reviewer shared that they booked months in advance, only to be told shortly before the trip that the paperwork wasn’t processed, leading to a frustrating experience.

Conversely, those who did enjoy the tour often highlighted the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, especially the guides managing the stops and the dining service. One reviewer described their experience as “unbelievable and the most incredible experience of our lives,” emphasizing the beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and exceptional food.

Practical Tips for Potential Bookers

• Check the engine type: If riding a true steam train is a priority, verify with the provider beforehand, as some guests have found the engine to be diesel.
• Expect a shorter duration: The advertised 6-hour experience may be cut down to around 4 hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• Transportation: Hotel pickup is included only if you’re staying in Zambia. From Zimbabwe, there’s a $20 transfer fee.
• Book early: Given the limited availability and occasional cancellations, booking well in advance is advised—although be aware of the potential for last-minute cancellations.
• Bring your camera: The sunset views and bridge crossing are highly photogenic moments worth capturing.
• Be prepared for weather: Evening can get chilly, so bring layers for comfort.

The Sum Up

This Victoria Falls Steam Train with Dinner offers a charming throwback to a luxurious train era, with scenic views, wildlife encounters, and a memorable sunset. While some aspects, like the engine type and trip length, have caused disappointment for certain travelers, the overall experience remains unique and special, especially for those who appreciate good food and historic settings. It’s most suitable for those seeking a romantic, scenic, and somewhat glamorous evening out, rather than an exhaustive adventure.

If you’re after a relaxed, elegant way to enjoy Victoria Falls and its surroundings, this tour fits the bill. Just keep expectations aligned—be prepared for shorter durations and verify the engine type if that’s a dealbreaker.

FAQ

Is this a true steam train experience?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention that the train is powered by a diesel engine, despite the advertised steam locomotive.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is advertised as 6 hours, but many guests report it lasting about 4 hours, including stops and dinner.

Does the trip include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is included only if you are staying in Zambia. From Zimbabwe, there’s an additional $20 transfer fee.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the train ride, a four-course gourmet meal, drinks (excluding spirits and champagne), and hotel pickup if applicable.

Are drinks unlimited?
No, drinks are included but spirits and champagne are not. You can enjoy a range of beverages during the meal.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving some flexibility if plans change.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is generally adult-focused, especially given the fine dining aspect, but specifics about age restrictions aren’t provided.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate. Evening temperatures can drop, so layers are recommended.

Is the scenery worth it?
Absolutely. The views of Victoria Falls, wildlife, and the sunset from the bridge are often described as breathtaking.

Overall, the Victoria Falls Steam Train with Dinner offers a unique blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and gourmet cuisine—perfect for those who want an elegant, memorable evening. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and verify what’s most important to your experience before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: