Bulawayo Railway Museum
History Of The Bulawayo Railway Museum
The Bulawayo Railway Museum was opened on November 4, 1972. This was 75 years after the opening of the line from Vryburg through Botswana to Bulawayo. The museum was opened to showcase the history of the railways.
Bulawayo Railway Museum Exhibits
As you walk into the Railway Museum, you walk through the original Shamva station. This building was brought to Bulawayo in 1972 to show what our station buildings looked like in the early 1900’s. The station building was originally in Kildonan and was moved to Shamva in 1931.
Rhodesia No 1
This engine came into the service in 1929 as a shunt locomotive.
Engine No 43
This is a straight engine which was brought to service in 1903.
Engine No 600
This engine is called a Garrate engine which was built by Beyer peacock in England, and came to service in 1929.
Charplin’s Coach
The travelling Charplin service started in this country in 1902 with the last run in 1980.
Rhodes Coach
The Rhodes Couch was built in 1896 by Pullman and his Company in America and was sent to Salt River in South Africa in kitform and put together there. It is also the same couch that brought his body back in 1902 for burial in Matopos.
Jack Tar
This engine was manufactured in 1889 and was brought by Pauling in 1896. This is the same engine that helped build the Victoria Falls Bridge from Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and it helped build the line going northwards going to the Congo.
It was also the first engine to cross the Victoria Falls Bridge.
There are many more exhibits to be seen including a variety of diesel electric locomotives.
Bulawayo Railway Museum Tours
We offer tours free of charge.
Where Is The Bulawayo Railway Museum?
We are situated on Prospect Avenue, Raylton, Bulawayo (behind Ok Mart)
Railway Museum Information
Contact Details
Landline: +263-29-236 2452
Gordon Murray: 0776 406 833
Blessed Ndhlovu: 0786 562 644
Opening Hours
09:00 to 16:00
7 days a week
We are only closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day
Bulawayo Railway Museum Admission Fees
US$2 for adults
US$1 for children
Schools
US$2 per teacher
US$1 per child
