As Zimbabwe gears up to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has launched a new Rail Leisure service between Harare and Mutare.
However, what was meant to highlight domestic tourism has instead drawn criticism and ridicule, most notably from outspoken journalist and commentator Hopewell Chin’ono.
Writing on social media, Chin’ono questioned both the safety and the credibility of the refurbished train, which is fitted with domestic-style sofa chairs rather than conventional railway seating. He wrote:
“Many Africans always ask me if the things they read on Zimbabwe are real. Well, here is the ‘new’ Zimbabwean train service between Harare and the eastern border town of Mutare, fitted out with home sofa chairs.”
Chin’ono warned that the use of unsecured furniture posed a serious safety hazard, arguing that in the event of sudden braking or an accident, the sofas could easily topple over and injure passengers. He said:
“This is not only ridiculous, it is also dangerous. Unlike standard train seats, sofas have no restraints, and loose furniture becomes a deadly hazard in the event of a derailment, sudden braking, or collision.”
Beyond the issue of passenger safety, Chin’ono argued that the Rail Leisure train symbolised broader governance shortcomings. He wrote:
“While other nations are investing in modern, high-speed trains with world-class safety standards, Mnangagwa’s regime parades a joke of a train that looks like a moving lounge.”
He went further, sarcastically suggesting the government operates a “Department of Ridiculous and Embarrassment Affairs,” and mocked the train’s interior decor: “Just check out the curtains.”
On Wednesday, the NRZ announced that it had conducted a successful trial run of the Rail Leisure train, which will operate between Harare and Mutare during the upcoming Tourism Expo.
It said the trial run, which included key stakeholders from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, government officials and players in the tourism sector, was carried out from Chegutu to Harare.
However, images from the trial run drew widespread ridicule on social media platforms.
On Monday, the NRZ said the train will have a capacity of 243 passengers, with a one-way fare set at US$60 per trip.
The inaugural luxury train service to Mutare will depart Harare at 7 a.m. on 5 September 2025, with subsequent departures scheduled for 7 September and 9 September.
Return trips from Mutare to Harare are planned for 6 September and 8 September, departing at 7 a.m.
An overnight journey from Mutare to Harare will also take place on 12 September, departing at 8 p.m.
No train services will operate on 10 and 11 September, as these days are reserved for excursions in Mutare.
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