Guests relax in the steam locomotive’s lovingly restored Pullman-style coaches. Fulfilling romantic fantasies, The Royal Livingstone Express departs in the late afternoon and trudges towards the Victoria Falls Bridge, while guests toast with sparkling wine or a cocktail accompanied by canapés. The train docks between Zimbabwe and Zambia, on the Victoria Falls Bridge, one of the world’s most spectacular border posts. Guests have a chance to disembark off the train and experience a remarkable sunset besides the world’s largest waterfall, with a chance for breathtaking photo opportunities. Voyaging through Africa’s resplendent landscapes, an impeccable five-course dinner by Anantara chefs is served with wines, beers and soft drinks. For instance, an Amuse Bouche of The Royal Gazpacho features chilled Zambian cucumber soup with Norwegian smoked salmon. Teasing the palate is a Beetroot Carpaccio with goats cheese mousse, rocket and crushed walnut. The tasteful journey continues with a Butternut Crème Brule, rocket pesto, parmesan tulie and pistachio feta salad. For the main affair, a dish of Braised Lamb Shoulder features carrot puree, pomme boulangere, oyster mushroom and pan juices. A sweet ending of Champagne and mixed berry jelly with a white chocolate and yoghurt soup is followed by a selection of fine teas or coffee with petit fours.
A choice of breathtaking routes
There are two possible runs, these are The Victoria Falls Bridge Run and the Mulobezi Run. The Victoria Falls Bridge Run is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, travelling on the Cape to Cairo main line, leaving the outskirts of Livingstone and into The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, where game such as elephant and antelope may be spotted on route to the border post. (Kindly note that guests are required to carry their passports for identification purposes only on this route.) The Mulobezi Line Run runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Travelling through the heart of the Zambezi River Valley, the train sets off through Dambwa Township and continues along the Mulobezi Line, running parallel to the Zambezi River and through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Game Park and on to Sinde Siding, before the return journey to Livingstone. |
