The Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone

12 days - from $

This 12 day journey takes us in the footsteps of the infamous Dr. Livingstone. From the interior wilds of Southern Africa to the breezy coast of Tanzania, journey through the seldom visited regions of Zambia and Tanzania and see why we call it ‘Africa in Style!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Victoria Falls - CHOBE NP A 70-kilometre road trip brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe NP. There is a great array of wildlife including Chobe elephants and many hippos which can be seen in large numbers basking in the river.

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.

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.

Day 4: -SOUTH LUANGWA After breakfast you will be transferred to Lusaka Airport for a flight to Mfuwe International Airport inside the South Luangwa NP. Two days, including an overnight, will be spent in 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.

Days 5: SOUTH LUANGWA NP 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 conservation efforts ensure that they can still be found.

Day 6: SERENJE / 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 NP. 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.

Day 7: 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 to Tanzania.

Day 8: CROSS BORDER / MAKAM-BAKO 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.

Day 9: SELOUS GAME RESERVE Selous, covering an area of roughly 50 000 square km, 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.

Day 10: SELOUS / OVERNIGHT TO DAR-ES-SALAAM 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 SALAA M / BAGA-MOYO 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.

Day 12: Transfer Day 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 one of many specialised optional activities (arranged locally), which we’ll be happy to help you organize.

Duration: 12 days
Transport: Fully serviced hotel train & Mercedes Sprinters
Accommodations: Ivory cabin; shared facilities (please note that you may upgrade your cabin at an additional cost)
Meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 dinners
Inclusions: Airport/hotel transfers, meals and accommodation as indicated and choice of daily activities as specified.
Exclusions: International airfare, optional activities, beverages, gratuities, visas, insurance and items of a personal nature.

Trip Reference: TADL