The Elephant Express Hwange
The Elephant Express is a unique way to get to Hwange. Now in its third year of operation, it transfers guests to Bomani and Camelthorn Camps which are in a private concession on the south eastern border of the Park.
The Elephant Express makes daily return trips between the Ngamo Siding near Bomani and Camelthorn, and Dete Railway Station near Hwange Main Camp. Guests travelling to Nehimba (northern Hwange) or back to Victoria Falls from Bomani and Camelthorn therefore depart from Ngamo Siding at approximately 11h00 and enjoy a slow ride (approximately 2 hours) up the railway line before arriving at Dete.
The return leg to Ngamo departs Dete at 14h00, and arrives between 16h00 and 16h30. As the Elephant Express has a daily scheduled slot on the national railway the timings are important to note when planning transfers on the Elephant Express.
The Elephant Express seats 22 passengers and the finishes of the Railcar are comfortable and elegant; and include individual coach seating, a chemical toilet, and teak tables. There is ample space for luggage and a large aisle down the Railcar allows you to walk around comfortably and also provides unrestricted game viewing. Drinks and delicious snacks are provided.
The Railcar has every safety feature, and The Elephant Express has been deliberately designed to travel either forwards or backwards, with an independent engine and gearbox at either end of the vehicle. There are sidings every 10 km to allow traffic to pass, and the drivers are experienced railways engineers each with careers spanning over 30 years on this line. They are in constant communication with other trains and traffic control and have 25 km of visibility in both directions on the perfectly straight line. Safari guides are also on board at all times to ensure guest comfort and to help you enjoy the wildlife, scenery and vegetation en route.
The railcar transfer option between Dete and Ngamo is calculated on a one way basis and is subject to a minimum of 2 passengers. Drop off and collection from Dete Railway Station is either by transfer vehicles or game viewing vehicles, depending upon your next or previous stop. At Ngamo Siding, game viewing vehicles take you on the 10 to 15 minute hop to either Bomani or Camelthorn Lodge.
Please note that the Elephant Express runs according to daily scheduling specified by the National Railways of Zimbabwe and as such may be subject to delays and cancellations, which are beyond the control of the operator. Times are set daily and communicated to the incoming and outgoing road transfers.
It is recommended that The Elephant Express not be used for transfers on the same day as flights are planned... it is better to have a night (or more) in Victoria Falls (or potentially Bulawayo) either before or after the Express is used.
The Elephant Express makes daily return trips between the Ngamo Siding near Bomani and Camelthorn, and Dete Railway Station near Hwange Main Camp. Guests travelling to Nehimba (northern Hwange) or back to Victoria Falls from Bomani and Camelthorn therefore depart from Ngamo Siding at approximately 11h00 and enjoy a slow ride (approximately 2 hours) up the railway line before arriving at Dete.
The return leg to Ngamo departs Dete at 14h00, and arrives between 16h00 and 16h30. As the Elephant Express has a daily scheduled slot on the national railway the timings are important to note when planning transfers on the Elephant Express.
The Elephant Express seats 22 passengers and the finishes of the Railcar are comfortable and elegant; and include individual coach seating, a chemical toilet, and teak tables. There is ample space for luggage and a large aisle down the Railcar allows you to walk around comfortably and also provides unrestricted game viewing. Drinks and delicious snacks are provided.
The Railcar has every safety feature, and The Elephant Express has been deliberately designed to travel either forwards or backwards, with an independent engine and gearbox at either end of the vehicle. There are sidings every 10 km to allow traffic to pass, and the drivers are experienced railways engineers each with careers spanning over 30 years on this line. They are in constant communication with other trains and traffic control and have 25 km of visibility in both directions on the perfectly straight line. Safari guides are also on board at all times to ensure guest comfort and to help you enjoy the wildlife, scenery and vegetation en route.
The railcar transfer option between Dete and Ngamo is calculated on a one way basis and is subject to a minimum of 2 passengers. Drop off and collection from Dete Railway Station is either by transfer vehicles or game viewing vehicles, depending upon your next or previous stop. At Ngamo Siding, game viewing vehicles take you on the 10 to 15 minute hop to either Bomani or Camelthorn Lodge.
Please note that the Elephant Express runs according to daily scheduling specified by the National Railways of Zimbabwe and as such may be subject to delays and cancellations, which are beyond the control of the operator. Times are set daily and communicated to the incoming and outgoing road transfers.
It is recommended that The Elephant Express not be used for transfers on the same day as flights are planned... it is better to have a night (or more) in Victoria Falls (or potentially Bulawayo) either before or after the Express is used.