|
PRE-DAY - VICTORIA FALLS
Having a "pre-day" means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Optional Extras that could be undertaken (should vehicles be available to take you) are:
(Transfer from airport 20 km)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. Flight of Angels
2. White Water River Rafting
3. Elephant Riding
4. Bungee Jumping from Livingstone Bridge
The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night
DAY 1 - CHOBE NATIONALPARK (BOTSWANA)
A 70-kilometre road trip brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe National Park. There is a great array of wildlife and the Chobe elephants are well respected, as are the many hippos which can be seen in large numbers basking in the river. Highlights include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise on the Chobe River. Lunch (guests' own account) will be taken at a waterfront lodge where there is a swimming pool. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km).
The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night
DAY 2 - VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIAN SIDE
Forming the largest single "curtain" of falling water on earth (on average the curtain is 92 m deep) The Victoria Falls' 500m plume of spray can be seen from as far as 70 km away. The sound of the water can also be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted 'thunder' becomes a roar. In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. The vast width of the Falls, extending 1 708 m, allows for many safe vantage points from where you will be able to get different views of the rolling water as it crashes into the gorge and whose constant spray maintains the Rain Forest. The forest is an attraction on its own with many of the trees marked to help identification. These include fig, mahogany, date palm, milkwood and ebony. The bird life is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful sunbird and large trumpeter hornbill. Craft and curio shops abound with enough variety for everyone to find something to take home as a souvenir. Guests will have an early lunch on the Zimbabwean side, depart after lunch to the Falls on the Zambian side. Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. We will first stop at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named for David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary, who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. The existence of the Falls had of course been known to local tribes people. Livingstone, upon hearing stories about "Mosi oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On November 16, 1855 he came to the northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to the edge of the precipice and beheld the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time.
Guests will meet the train back in Livingstone from where it will depart to Lusaka in the late evening.
DAY 3 - ON THE RAILS TO LUSAKA
Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards its capital, Lusaka. You'll be able to see rural Africa as it passes by - miles and miles of flat landscape dotted with green Mopani trees. The exciting prospect of deeper, darker Africa looming… Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board.
After arrival, the train will remain stationary in Lusaka over night.
Vehicles stay on train.
DAY 04 - LUSAKA - SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will be transferred to Lusaka Airport for a flight to Mfuwe International Airport inside the South Luangwa National Park.
South Luangwa National Park
Two days, including an overnight, will be spent in this, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The Luangwa River, the most intact major river system in Africa, is the lifeblood of the park's 9 050 km². There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species, the only notable exception being the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. You will spend the night inside the park, allowing you to be part of a wildlife experience like few others. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km).
Airport transfer (Lusaka and pick up from Mfuwe to the Lodge.)
The train remains empty in Lusaka, while clients spend the night in South Luangwa National Park.
DAY 05 - SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
South Luangwa National Park
A second morning is spent in this park, framed by the Muchinga escarpment and the mighty Luangwa River. Just some of the many species that you are likely to encounter here include: Hyena, Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Buffalo, Hippo, Zebra, Giraffe, Bushbuck, Common Duiker, Eland, Impala, Puku, Kudu, Reedbuck, Roan, Sable and Crowned Cranes. Elephant herds are depleted, but still ample. Walking safaris originated in this park, and are one of the most exciting ways to see the African fauna at close range. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 120 km).
Transfer to Mfuwe Airport and Lusaka Airport to the Train.
In the afternoon you will be flown back to Lusaka. The train will depart for Serenje over night.
DAY 06 - SERENJE / LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL / KUNDALILA FALLS
Livingstone Memorial & Kundalila Falls
After breakfast our journey on the tracks of Dr Livingstone continues to the place where he died on May 4, 1873. It's a very pleasant drive from Serenje, passing the Kasanka National Park. Along the way you will see the creatively decorated houses of the Bemba people. The memorial itself is simply a plaque placed on the former site of a 'mupundu' wild fruit tree under which Dr. Livingstone's heart was buried. His body was then wrapped and carried for 1 500 km (over 11 months) to the coast by his dedicated porters Sushi ad Chuma, from where it was shipped back to England. Before returning to the train, we will visit the Kundalila Falls (meaning "Crying Dove"). The Kaombe River falls 70 m here, breaking into thin veils of spray. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 250 km).
Train departs in the evening for Kasama.
DAY 07 - SCENIC ESCARPMENT DROP
This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight drop off the escarpment. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board. Please note that we will be crossing the Border at Tunduma toTanzania.
DAY 08 - CROSS BORDER / MAKAMBAKO (TANZANIA)
Stone Age Site and Tea Break in the town of Iringa
After arrival at Makambako, we will visit the Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa. East Africa has always been important for the study of human evolution. It has the longest record of fossil hominids, extending back almost 5 million years. It also has a number of sites, which show that the archaeological or cultural record goes back to 2.5 million years ago. About 20 km south of Iringa, on the main road to Mbeya, some of the richest finds of Stone Age tools were discovered in 1951. Many fossilised bones were also found in the area, among them those of a mammal related to the modern giraffe, but having a much shorter neck, as well as an extinct hippopotamus with unusual periscope-like projections. This is followed by a stop in the town of Iringa. The town dates back to 1896 . During the colonial era it was a center for the German and British settlers, who took up land and started farming. To day Iringa is a bustling municipality and regional headquarters. Visit a thriving market usually well stock with fruit, vegetables, flour, rice maize etc. Adjacent to the fresh food section, stalls sell locally made baskets, mats, pots, metal utensils, brooms, brushes and touristy "knickknacks". (Full day; distance traveled: ± 250 km)
The train departs in the evening for Kisaki Station, close by to Selous Game Reserve, where guest will depart for a full day game drive.
DAY 09 – SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Selous, covering an area of roughly 50 000 km², is the largest game reserve in Africa - 4 times the size of the Serengeti, and almost 6% of Tanzania's land surface. It possesses a diverse landscape, ranging from hot volcanic springs to sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Rhaha and Rufiji Rivers. The reserve consists of 43 hunting blocks and 4 photographic zones for tourists in the north. These photographic zones cover around 2 500 km², roughly the size of Luxembourg. Selous is famous for its Elephant, Hippopotamus and Rhino (although depleted). Africa's largest population of Buffalo can also be found here. Other species include Nyasaland and Brindled Gnu, Hartebeest, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Eland, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Zebra, Giraffe and Wildebeest. Predators include Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Hunting Dog. Cheetahs are rare. Over 350 species of bird and reptiles such as crocodiles and various snakes and lizards and 2 000 species of plants are also to be found in this reserve. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 120 km). Vehicles may be used 120 km
Clients will be split up into different lodges for the night (varying in standard of accommodation) depending on the booked category on board the train (Ivory, Gold or Emerald). Upgrades would be possible depending on availability in the various lodges.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. Walking Safaris
DAY 10 - SELOUS / OVERNIGHT TO DAR-ES-SALAAM
Selous Game Reserve
A second full day of game viewing inside the famous Selous Game Reserve is planned, before we return to the waiting train at Matambwe Gate Station or Kisaki Station. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 120 km)
The train departs over night for its final destination, Dar es Salaam.
DAY 11 - DAR ES SALAAM / BAGAMOYO
Dar es Salaam (meaning "Haven of Peace"), has Sultan Majid bin Said, the 1860s sultan of Zanzibar, to thank for its existence. He saw its potential as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the centre of the East African coast. The city is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its colonial past and more recent history. Today it is a hustling and bustling seaport at the crossroads of some of the most important sea routes on the Indian Ocean. A fascinating pastime here is undoubtedly sitting at the water's edge and being witness to the diverse vessels navigating the waters of the port - not least of them being the traditional dhows, going about there business as if there were no huge cruise liners and cargo ships shadowing them.
Bagamoyo
Apart from having once been a slave and ivory port, this closest mainland town to the island of Zanzibar, was once also the terminus for caravans from the interior. Its name has a twofold meaning, with caravan porters first calling it "bwaga moyo" (Swahili for "Throw off Melancholy"). However, as a terminus for the slave trade the words changed to "baga moyo" ("Throw down your Heart") - despair expressed by those captured as slaves, as they faced a long and uncertain future. Interesting historical sites which can be visited include the Bomani (German Colonial Administration Headquarters), the Bagamoyo Museum (which also houses the small chapel where Dr David Livingstone's remains were laid before taken to Zanzibar to be shipped to England) and the German Graveyard. The first church on the East Coast of Africa also stands here, as well as 15 mosques and many exciting Arabic and Indian buildings - of particular interest those with old Suaheli wooden carved doors - once marks of status and wealth, but very scarce and mostly in very bad condition today. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 144 km)
The train remains stationary in Dar es Salaam.
DAY 12 - TRANSFER DAY PLUS POST-TOUR DAYS
After breakfast you can stay on board till the time of your airport transfer (depending on the flight organised by you), or we will transport you to the starting point of your specialised activity, which we'll be happy to help you organise.
We hope that you will have had an unforgettable journey with us, following the traces of Dr Livingstone. We hope to welcome you back aboard the Shongololo Express for another exciting adventure soon.
Transfer to airport 60 km
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. Zanzibar
2. Kilimanjaro
3. Serengeti |
Sichere Verbindung benutzen
Auf den Spuren von Dr. Livingstone
