Elephant Express Zimbabwe Unique Safari

At African Star Tours, we’re always on the lookout for extraordinary ways to experience Africa’s wild beauty—and the Elephant Express Zimbabwe delivers just that. Operated by Imvelo Safari Lodges, this open-sided railcar journey through Hwange National Park offers a luxurious and unforgettable safari experience.

🚂 What Is the Elephant Express Zimbabwe?

The Elephant Express is a custom-built railcar that travels along a historic 70–80 km stretch of track between Dete Railway Station and Ngamo Siding, near Bomani and Camelthorn Lodges. Operating from April through October, it provides a scenic and relaxed transfer to the Impel Camelthorn and Bomani camps, offering an alternative to the lengthy and arduous road transfer.

Designed with safari-goers in mind, the railcar features open sides for unobstructed wildlife viewing, individual coach seating at teak tables, a chemical toilet, and a spacious aisle allowing you to move around comfortably. It accommodates up to 22 passengers and includes engines at both ends, enabling it to travel in either direction.

Onboard, you are treated to soft drinks, beers, wines, and snacks, with lunch served while the railcar is stationary before the return trip.

🌿 Our Green Season Adventure

Our journey to Hwange National Park began with high hopes of experiencing the famous Elephant Express. We had timed our visit for March, the tail end of the green season, knowing the landscape would be lush, vibrant, and teeming with life. However, this did mean that the Elephant Express wasn’t available for our transfer as it only operates from April to October. Naturally, we were initially disappointed. The unique thrill of gliding through the wilderness on that restored railcar had been on my to-do list for a few years! However. Imvelo Safari Lodges quickly turned our disappointment into pure magic. In true Imvelo style—where nothing is too much trouble—they arranged an exclusive sunset train journey for us during our stay at the wonderful Bomani Lodge. It was an unexpected treat and would soon become one of the most memorable travel moments of the year! As we boarded the train, the anticipation of what we might see built. We gently rumbled out into the bush, the warm African air mingling with the smell of the rains that had passed only hours earlier. For around 90 minutes, we cruised slowly through the safari paradise that is Hwange at sunset. The colours deepened with every passing minute, shifting from soft amber to a fiery burst of orange and red as the sun began its descent. We were treated to a truly spellbinding African sunset—so vivid and rich it felt almost surreal. Cameras clicked, but nothing could fully capture the sheer majesty of that view. It was pure safari magic.

Just when we thought the experience had peaked, nature decided to add a dramatic twist to the journey. Our train came to an unexpected halt. We were all looking around to see what the issue might be, but were not expecting the answer we found: lions on the track. Emerging from the bush—a regal lioness, accompanied by her playful cubs, who were casually strolling down the rails as if they owned them. The cubs tumbled and pounced on each other, seemingly oblivious to the human spectators in awe just metres away.

Then, as if scripted for a Hollywood finale, the king himself appeared. A majestic male lion with a thick, golden and black mane that caught the last rays of sunlight. With deliberate swagger, he sauntered onto the track, stretched luxuriously, and proceeded to plop down directly in front of us. We were held captive by his sheer presence – beautiful yet fierce. Even when, in my excitement, I accidentally leant on the train horn (a sharp, loud blast that echoed across the plains), he didn’t so much as flick an ear. Talk about unshakeable confidence! Nothing bothers the king of the savannah. We had about 30 minutes with the pride and the encounter left us speechless and buzzing with excitement. It’s rare enough to see lions this close, but to have them block your train and calmly claim the tracks as their own? That’s the magic of Hwange—and the wild unpredictability that keeps drawing me back to Zimbabwe.

If this sighting wasn’t enough, I got to live out a childhood fantasy: I drove the train! The experienced crew, who had already impressed us with their knowledge and effortless handling of the train, were incredibly helpful. With a quick but thorough briefing and a few pointers—delivered with the calm reassurance that only years of bush railway experience can bring—they handed me the controls. To my surprise, it was remarkably simple and just like driving a manual car (something many of us Brits know well). Easing it into gear and feeling the gentle power of the engine respond was an unforgettable thrill. Honestly, how many people can say they’ve driven a safari train through the Zimbabwean bush? I loved every minute.

Back as a passenger, it was time to toast the adventure. We were served a perfectly chilled gin and tonic (strictly after driving duties were done—no drink driving in the bush!) along with a selection of delicious snacks prepared by the talented lodge team. As we sipped our drinks and shared knowing smiles, we knew we’d just experienced something utterly unique. This wasn’t just a safari; it was a story we’d be telling for a lifetime.

🌍 Why We Love Zimbabwe and Hwange

Experiences like the Elephant Express are the perfect embodiment of what makes Zimbabwe—and Hwange National Park in particular—so utterly captivating. There’s an energy here that simply can’t be replicated. From the moment you arrive, the wild landscapes stretch out endlessly in every direction: golden grasslands dotted with ancient camelthorn trees, vast teak forests whispering in the breeze, and wide open pans that lure wildlife in from miles around.

Hwange is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and the chance to see these gentle giants up close is reason enough to visit. But it’s not just about the elephants. This is a place where every game drive, walking safari, or even train journey holds the possibility of witnessing lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and dazzling flocks of birds painting the sky. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s nature at its very finest.

But what truly sets Zimbabwe apart is the people. The warmth, kindness, and genuine passion of the guides, lodge teams, and local communities elevate every experience to something truly special. The exceptional hospitality at Imvelo Safari Lodges, for example, transforms a simple sunset ride into a lifelong memory.

Whether you’re visiting in peak dry season, when wildlife gathers in dramatic numbers around dwindling waterholes, or in the lush green season when the bush bursts with life and colour, Zimbabwe offers adventures for every type of traveller. It’s this unique blend of natural wonder, wildlife spectacle, and heartfelt human connection that keeps us coming back time and time again. We absolutely love Zimbabwe, and we love Hwange. Once you visit, we’re pretty sure you will too.