Reviews of Stimela Star
Wildlife sightings and reviews
1 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Stimela Star and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"An "experience""
On the downside, the dining coaches were fine but very tired, and certainly did not look like anything you see in the photos on the Stimela Star website - the website could do with a more realistic makeover. In addition, it was clear that customers using the train to travel between Imvelo-owned safari lodges (who just happen to run the Stimela Star) had priority over other passengers. The train had been delayed leaving Victoria Falls and it was clear that Imvelo was not going to help us very much if our connections were messed up.
Finally, as the train leaves and arrives in the dark, there is no chance of any wildlife sightings (other than a lone warthog hanging around Victoria Falls station). All in all I would probably not choose to take the train again, but it was an interesting one-off experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
Furthermore, we have noted the likely delays to this train, and have taken steps to ensure that this doesn't cause the same problems for our future travellers.
Finally, we've revised the comments abut the train on our website to reflect the lovely polished wood and good condition of the sleeper cabins, but also the rather more dated appearance and feel of the dining and lounge cars. We appreciate that the team behind the train have kept the carriages as close to their original condition as possible, and hope that this can be part of their charm for travellers who chose to use the Stimela Star.
"Systems Manager"
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Other lodges in Hwange National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Camp Hwange
Overlooking a waterhole in a remote part of Hwange National Park, Camp Hwange offers great guiding in a pristine wilderness at reasonable prices.
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa is a luxurious, yet remote, safari camp in Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
The Hide
Located in a small, private concession, The Hide is a relaxed and comfortable camp offering submerged hides and great family accommodation.
Hwange Bush Camp
Hwange Bush Camp is a small seasonal camp offering comfortable tents, great food, and superb guiding, and is often used by exclusive groups.
Little Makalolo Camp
Tucked away in Hwange National Park overlooking a waterhole, Little Makalolo Camp combines top guiding with excellent wildlife watching.
Somalisa Expeditions
A simple but stylish camp, Somalisa Expeditions sits in the heart of Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
Davison's Camp
Within the Linkwasha Concession, Davison's Camp offers superb value for money, morning walking safaris and spot-lit drives after dark.
Nehimba Lodge
Nehimba is a comfortable, good-value camp in a remote area of Hwange National Park, teeming with wildlife.
Bomani Tented Lodge
Bomani is a down-to-earth lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Verney's Camp
Verney's Camp is one of the newest offerings in Hwange, located in the wildlife rich, open landscape in the south-eastern section of the park.
Jozibanini Camp
Remote and rugged, Jozibanini is one of the most remote camps in Zimabwe's largest National Park. Stay here for a real wilderness experience.
Khulu Bush Camp
Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu Bush Camp features a waterhole popular with wildlife, especially elephants and offers excellent value for money.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Hwange National Park.
Linkwasha Camp
In its own private concession within Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious surroundings.
Camelthorn
Camelthorn is a stylish lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Ivory Lodge
Just outside Hwange National Park, the small Ivory Lodge is a great place to see large herds of elephant as well as smaller plains game.
Deteema Springs Camp
Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush amp experience.
Daka Camp
One of the more remote camps in Hwange National Park, Deka Camp sits almost on the border with Botswana.
Sable Valley Lodge
Set on the 12km Dete Vlei, the recently upgraded and family-friendly Sable Valley sits in a private reserve within easy reach of Hwange National Park.
Khulu's Retreat
Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu's Retreat is an exclusive private villa and is a great place to spoil yourself on a safari in Zimbabwe.
Elephant's Eye
In a private concession just outside Hwange National Park, the comfortable Elephant's Eye overlooks a pan and waterholes.
