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PRE-TOURS
Please enquire with us; we will be happy to help you organize any of the specialized activities listed below (to be completed before the start of our journey).

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Zanzibar
2. Kilimanjaro
3. Serengeti

PRE-DAY - DAR ES SALAAM (Tuesday 17 June 2008)
You will be met upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport and transferred to the train. Having a pre-day means that one is able to acclimatize and unpack prior to the first day of touring.
A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.
The train remains stationary in Dar es Salaam for the night.
(Transfer from the airport to the train: ± 30 km)

We 18 June 2008 - DAR ES SALAAM / BAGAMOYO
Should you only arrive at Dar es Salaam International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to participate in the day’s excursion.

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 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 their business as if there were no cargo ships looming over them.

                             LAND EXCURSION
Bagamayo
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. The meaning of the name is twofold, 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. Once a centre of trade in East Africa, it is now a shadow of its former glory. An interesting historical site is Bomani (the German Colonial Administration Headquarters). Unfortunately only sparse parts of the building remain. One can also visit 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) as well as the German Graveyard. The first church on the East Coast of Africa also stands here, as well as 15 mosques. Of particular interest are buildings with carved wooden doors of old Arabic and Indian origin - once marks of status and wealth.  They are, however, scarce and mostly in very bad condition now.  (Full day +- 144kms)

The Train departs overnight to Kisaki Station, close to Selous Game Reserve.

Th 19 June 2008 - SELOUS

                                              LAND EXCURSION

Selous Game Reserve                                                                                      Selous, covering an area of roughly 50,000km, 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 sq km, roughly the size of Luxembourg.   Selous is famous for Elephant, Hippopotamus and Rhino.   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, various snakes and lizards as well as 2000 species of plants are also found in this reserve.                               (Full day:  +-120kms)

Clients depart the train in the early morning to tour the National Park.  Lunch will be provided in the park.   Guests who didn't select the specialized option, will return to the train that afternoon for overnight on board.

                                          SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES

1.  Walking Safaris

2.  Overnight in a Lodge inside Selous National park

The train remains stationary at Kisaki Station.

Fr 20 June 2008 - SELOUS

                                              LAND EXCURSION

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 Kisaki Station.  (Full day:  +-120kms)

A Theme Dinner will await you on the Train tonight.  Get into the spirit for the rest of the journey and get to know your fellow travelers at the same time.  The train will remain stationary at Kisaki Station overnight, awaiting daybreak for a scenic daylight train ride.

Sa 21 June 2008 - SCENIC ESCARPMENT CLIMB                                          This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight climb up the escarpment and through the Selous Game Reserve.  Apart from the breathtaking views of the awe-inspiring landscape, the train ride through the reserve will also afford some game-viewing opportunities.  Lunch (included today) is served on board.

The night is spent on the stationary train in Makambako.

Su 22 June 2008 - MAKAMBAKO

                                              LAND EXCURSION

Stone Age Site and Visit to 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 20kms south of Iringa, on the main road to Mbeya, some of the richest finds of Stone Age tools were discovered in 1951.   Many fossilized 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 an afternoon in the town of Iringa.   The town dates back to 1896.  During the colonial era it was a centre for the German and British settlers, who took up land and started farming.   Visit a thriving market usually well-stocked 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 +-250kms)

The night is spent on the stationary train in Makambako.

Mo 23 June 2008 - ON THE RAILS TO SERENJE                                            The day is spent on board as we journey through the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and cross the border into Zambia.   Lunch will be served on board.

Tu 24 June 2008 -                                                                                       SERENJE / LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL / KUNDALILA FALLS

                                              LAND EXCURSION

Livingstone Memorial and Kundalila Falls                                               After a late brunch on board, our journey continues to the place where Dr. Livingstone died on May 4, 1873.   The drive from Serenje passes Kasanka National Park en route to Livingstone Memorial.  Along the way you will see the 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 1500kms (over 11 months) to the coast by his dedicated porters Sussi & 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 70m here, breaking into thin veils of spray.  (Half day:  +-250kms)

The train will journey to the Zambian capital, Lusaka, over night.

We 25 June 2008 - 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.

                                              LAND EXCURSION

South Luangwa National Park                                                                    Clients will be split up into different lodges for the night (varying in standards of accommodation) depending on the booked category on board the Train (Gold, Commodore or Emerald).  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 amongst the most intense in Africa.   The Luangwa River, the most intact major river system in Africa, is the lifeblood of the park's 9050 sq.kms.  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: +- 200kms, to Lusaka Airport: +_ 50kms).

The train remains empty in Lusaka, while clients spend the night in South Luangwa National Park.

Th 26 June 2008 - SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

                                              LAND EXCURSION

A second morning is spent in the 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 can also be encountered.   (Half day: +-120kms)

In the afternoon, you will be flown back to Lusaka.  The train will depart for Livingstone late at night and travel most of the following day.

Fr 27 June 2008 - ON THE RAILS TO LIVINGSTONE

Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards Livingstone.  You will be able to see rural Africa as it passes by - miles and miles of flat landscape dotted with green Mopani trees.   Lunch (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board.

Evening Activity:  A special bush dinner will await you as a welcome to Livingstone.

After arrival, the train will remain stationary in Livingstone over night.

Sa 28 June 2008 - VICTORIA FALLS AND LIVINGSTONE

                                              LAND EXCURSION

The Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe)                                                We will first stop on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named after 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 tribespeople.  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.  If time allows, we will take a walk through the Maramba market after visiting the Livingstone Museum.  Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge into Zimbabwe.   The Falls form the largest single curtain of falling water on earth measuring 1708m wide.   On average the curtain is 0.92m deep.   The spray plume can rise to 500m and can be seen from as far as 70km away.  In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink.   Because the Falls are so wide, there are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the Falls and the rolling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the rain Forest.   The forest is an attraction on its own.   The trees include Fig, Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony.   The birdlife is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colorful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill.   The sound of the water can be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted 'thunder' becomes a roar.  (Full day:  +-60kms)

                                                                                                                                         SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES

Lunchtime Boat Cruise  -  This spectacular lunchtime boat cruise on the Zambezi includes a buffet lunch and drinks.

Guests will meet the Train back in Victoria Falls from where it will depart to Somabhula in the late evening.                        

Su 29 June 2008 - ON THE RAILS TO SOMABHULA                                         A full day is spent on the rails again as we progress towards Somabhula.   Lunch (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board.                         

The Train arrives at Somabhula in the early evening and stays there for the night.

Mo 30 June 2008 - SOMABHULA

                                              LAND EXCURSION

Antelope Park & Nalatale Ruins                                                                    There are two highlights in today's activities:  a walk with Lions in Antelope Park and a visit to Nalatale Ruins.   (Please note that the total group will be split in two.  The first group will walk with Lions, then relax in the park followed by a visit to the ruins, before heading back to the train.  The second group will do the ruins first followed by some relaxing time in the park, before the walk with Lions).

Walk with Lions in the Wild:  This activity takes approximately one and a half hours and offers an amazing photo opportunity.  The long-term project here aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the wild.  The lions accompanying you on walks average between 3 and 15 months of age.   No leashes, no collars - the lions roam free with you through the African bush.   You may even be fortunate enough to experience a stalk on some of the wildlife species, which abound in Antelope Park.

Nalatale Ruins:  These ruins boast among some of the best rock paintings in Zimbabwe and are situated close to Somabhula and Antelope Park.   They are a striking example of the country's Iron Age sites and are dated the same period as Great Zimbabwe.  (Full day:  +-200kms)                       

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES

1.  Canoeing

2.  Game drives

3.  Horseback Game-viewing

4.  Elephant Riding

After the return to the train in the early evening, we will depart for South Africa.

Tu 01 July 2008 - ON THE RAILS TO JOHANNESBURG                                We cross Beit Bridge Border into South Africa, and spend the rest of the day traveling towards Johannesburg.  Guests have time to relax and recoup from their African Adventure before arriving in the financial capital of the subcontinent.   Lunch (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board.   Use the time to reflect on the wonders of Africa that you've had the good fortune to experience.  

After arrival in Johannesburg, the train will remain stationary for the night.

We 02 July 2008 - JOHANNESBURG                                                             Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern Africa region and home to some of Africa's greatest cities.   the name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning "Place of Gold", which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.

                                       LAND EXCURSION

Johannesburg:  Newtown and Constitution Hill                                          We visit Newtown in downtown Johannesburg, identified to be developed into a Cultural Precinct.   Here guests will learn more about Blue IQ, a multi-billion Rand initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government to develop economic infrastructure for specific major projects in smart industries, high value-added manufacturing and tourism.   We cross the ultra-modern Nelson Mandela Bridge and head towards the Old Fort Prison, now forming part of the Constitution Hill development, which today houses the country's highest court.  From outside, this old prison just looks like a hill in the heart of a bustling city suburb.  Its history as a prison however, dates back as far as the days of the old Transvaal Republic.   As a natural hill, it used to be the highest point in the then new-born city of Johannesburg, so it started its life as a fort, but was soon converted into a notorious prison - the "Robben Island of Johannesburg".  The Fort is the only prison to have had confined within its walls both Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela, the world's major icons of liberation.  Having the seat of the Constitution Court built here - using stones from the old prison - this precinct has become the symbol for turning around the past and creating a just and equal society.   (Half day:  +-75kms)

The train remains stationary in Johannesburg for the night.

Th 03 July 2008 - TRANSFER DAY                                                                 After breakfast, your train journey is officially over.  You can stay on board the Train until you need to be transferred to Johannesburg's Oliver R. Thambo International Airport, or optional touring is available at an additional cost as follows:

1.  The Cradle of Humankind: Maropeng & Sterkfontein Caves

2.  Lesedi Cultural Village

3.  Sandton City shopping mall

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PER PERSON RATES FOR 2008:

Gold Class                 -     US $7440.                                                                Commodore Class   -     US $8500.                                                                     Emerald Class          -     US $9570.

Single use of a double cabin - 50% supplement.

Gold Class - Twin beds with en suite toilet, shower & hand basin, A/C, heating and safe.

Commodore Class - Twin beds with en suite toilet, shower & hand basin, A/C, heating and safe.

Emerald Class - Double or twin beds with en suite toilet, shower & hand basin, A/C, heating, safe and a small lounge area.

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IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS AND THINGS TO NOTE

* US citizens require visas for Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe - all obtainable upon arrival into those respective countries.  South Africa requires TWO BLANK PASSPORT PAGES AND A SIX-MONTH VALIDITY.

* Malaria precautions need be taken and YELLOW FEVER shots are required.

* Warm clothing to be packed for cold winter nights and mornings.

*  Raincoats are to be packed as well.

* Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended.

* Fancy Dress Clothing for a Theme Dinner on board

* Pre-day arrival highly recommended to be ready to start touring on Day 1

* It is highly recommended to have Medical Evacuation Policy to be handed to your tour operator at time of booking or to the Train Manager on arrival.

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Anything you desire can be added to this itinerary.   Zanzibar is the most popular option.

We would require a good faith deposit of 10%  per person to secure these accommodations and the balance will become due and payable 60 days before date of travel.  We accept all major credit cards in this office as well as cheques.

Subject to availability.

                       IN THE U.S. AND CANADA CALL:

1 - 800 - 358-8530