Louise

Would anyone happen to have any up-to-date input on the train - in particular the Southern Cross trip?

Femi

I'm also hoping to hear more info about this.

Louise

I am bringing this ttt in the hopes someone has information. In particular I am interested in the "Heritage" train. Thanks.

kimssouthafrica

There was a trip report on the trip advisor a while back about the Shongololo Express and if I can recall it was a favourable report.

Femi

I've just completed a tour on the train, and will be flying home tommorrow. I'll be able to post details afterwards.

Louise

Thank you, kimssouthafrica and to Femi I will be looking forward to your report.

LEANNA

me too!!!! I want to book this....but just would like some up to date info on how it all actually was.

Femi

I've started my report, so you can click on my name to navigate to it and ask any questions you may have. I was surprised at how little information I could find about the trip before I left, so I hope I can be helpful to those of you considering going with Shongololo.

Beachnut11

Hi Femi - new to this Forum. Was hoping you would be adding more detail to your report - we are considering train for April 2011. Any chance one can bring a case of wine on board with you for the trip? Can you purchase wine if you Board in Victoria Falls?

Femi

Hi Beachnut,
They did have a pretty decent wine selection on board the train, and they happily stored any leftovers for the next meal.
With the limited availability of supplies in Zimbabwe, I'm not sure where you would go to purchase a case of wine. There would be no problem purchasing a case if you were to board in South Africa. The storage of said case would also be rather inconvenient in the cabin, and I wouldn't count on them storing it elsewhere for you.

Beachnut11

Thanks Femi - Are you continuing to complete your report on your train journey?....your last entries were from October and you indicated you were going to advise on daily intinerary and also give an overall assessment of "would you recommend this trip". Would really love to get your overall assessment of the train option....as you noted it is not cheap - so I would like to know we will be getting value for our money.

Femi

Thanks Beachnut, the feedback helps. It's hard to tell if I'm rambling or if the information is useful.

Femi

Like any other trip, there were a lot of moments on this tour that I savor and enjoy reliving even now, and there were a few moments of frustration.

Of all the trips I've taken, there was probably only one instance where I wished I'd stayed home (one of my very first trips). Seems like these days travel always costs more than I really want to spend.

To sum it up, I'm glad I went, but the trip certainly isn't for everyone.

Beachnut11

Femi - can you give me any idea of what the costs were on board the train - wine with dinner meal? Cocktail or beer in evening? Laundry? Thanks

Femi

I don't drink alcohol, so I'm not sure of those prices.
Non-alcoholic mixed drink was R21.
A can of Sprite was R15.
A can of Lipton's iced tea was R19 (tasted different from the US).
Small water (500ml) was R7.
Large water (1l) was R13

Laundry costs were reasonable, R6 for a pair of socks, something like $3 for a T-shirt or a pair of pants.

Beachnut11

Thanks Femi for the costing info ...now I just need to figure out what a R is worth. I'm an avid water drinker so may need to look at buying a case of water along with my wine!

You indicated this trip is not for everyone ---So who do you feel this trip is for....what type of person/couple??

Femi

1USD is currently about 7.5 Rand. Stocking up on water would definitely be a good idea! I can't remember the last time I was as thirsty as I was on this trip.

I think this tour is for the seasoned traveller who can roll with the punches and has appropriate expectations. This is definitely not a 5 or even 4 star trip.

Beachnut11

Fermi - what was the age range in your group? Must admit as I get older I appreciate more what each "star" is worth.