Train from Maputo to Zimbabwe border

I have taken that train, however, I am not sure if my experience is similar what it would be nowadays since it was many years ago. Somehow, I have an impression they might have improved the line? When i made the trip, the timetable was very indicative, it was not question of hours but days. If a locomotive broke down (very usual), it could take days before getting a replacement. Just to get out of Maputo it took ages.

In any case, I doubt you could get a visa at the border, but i don't know for sure. There was no border traffic, since on the other side there is only wilderness. You can walk across the border, but i am not sure if there is a village or any transport on the other side??? Have you checked it?

Chicualacuala exists only because it is considered of strategic importance as a border post for Mozambique, not because there is any traffic or anything interesting in Chicualacuala. Chicuacuala is the driest place i have been to, and it is very hot.There is no water or the water table is very deep, they used to bring water to Chicualacuala in tank wagons. The madness of the colonial Portuguese administration you can realise, when you see empty swimming pools there.

Thanks for the quick reply Fulana
Just came back from Maputo Railway Station, the train runs once a week leaving Maputo wednesdays at 1PM and arrives in the early morning in Chicualacuala on the border, told me the ticket officer
The price is 500 Meticais for 1st class sleeper AC, around 300 Mets for 2nd class and 180 for economy class
As for the Zimbabwen side of the border I've found that there is a train to Rutenga (http://allafrica.com/stories/200807210346.html)
I'll definitely do this trip

Hi, I'm looking for the same train - Maputo to Chicualacuala. Any idea if it's still running?
We're backpacking & trying to get to from Maputo to Vic Falls, then to Mutare. Any land transportation between Mozambique & Zim seems quite tricky!
I'd really appreciate any help/advice!
Thanks
Lau

Yes it is running on Wednesdays to the border and there is a connecting train on Thursdays to Bulawayo. There is an overnight train every day from Bulawayo to Vic Falls.

I travelled Harare - Bulawayo - Victoria Falls by train last year. See trip report here

I am now interested to travel Maputo - Chicualacuala/Sango - Bulawayo - Victoria Falls by train. Does anyone know if it is possible to obtain a Zimbabwe visa on the border at Sango? (I am in 'Category B' of the Zimbabwe visa regime list, so I know I can obtain a visa on arrival at airports and major land border crossings - I just don't know if this facility is available at Sango).

Any other updates on the Maputo - Chicualacuala/Sango - Bulawayo train route would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,

IHM