Journeying by luxury steam train may seem like a dream. An experience available only to the very few, and possibly only those with a time machine. Thankfully, the Royal Livingstone Express is a time machine. Now, embarking on the train from the Victoria Falls Station you will enter a world of ultimate luxury and bygone elegance. You may be forgiven for thinking you’ve spotted Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot in the station. The pampering luxury begins as you arrive at the station where you are welcomed with a refreshing drink. You will be led towards your train along a red carpet to the train which will already be ‘in steam’, creating the perfect atmosphere for fabulous photo-opportunities.  

All aboard now for the journey of a lifetime. With a clank and a tug, the 1953 Garratt 14a Class Locomotive, one of the last of its kind in Africa, pulls away, leading the beautifully restored, fully air-conditioned carriages behind it. There is a kitchen car, an observation car from which to watch the unique landscape revealing itself around you, and 2 dining cars where delicious meals and teas are served. One of these dining cars is the Wembley Dining Car, built in 1924. Because of its beauty and elegance, it was on display at the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. Now, fully restored to its original grace, it forms part of your African colonial-era luxury safari train experience.

From the Victoria Falls Station, the train travels at a stately and unhurried pace through the unspoiled African wilderness, with the possibility of spotting iconic wild animals, towards the 100-year-old Victoria Falls bridge.

When the building of the bridge was contemplated by Cecil John Rhodes, he had a profound travellers’ experience in mind and so instructed the engineers to, “Build a bridge across the Zambezi, where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls.” It was the perfect place to place it, and to fully appreciate this the Royal Livingstone Express stops in the middle over the deep gorge through which thunders the Zambezi River. The gorge is the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here, in this ‘no man’s land’ you can disembark to enjoy the spectacular sight of the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water standing at a combined width of 1708m and 108m high, the raging water of the river as it roars through the gorge and, while being enveloped by the mist, stand awestruck at a spectacular African sunset. With incredible scenery, bygone-era luxury, dedicated and professional staff, fine wining and dining, could anything be more romantic?

The Royal Livingstone Express is the perfect way to have your own ‘Out of Africa’ experience.