©Finn Campbell Notman / Folio Art
Hark back to the golden age of train travel on board a restored steam train locomotive over the Victoria Falls in Zambia. The Royal Livingstone Express train carriages exude old-school glamour: Think 1920s-era Pullman-style coaches with green leather seats and polished teak trim.
The steam train has five carriages — a lounge car, observation car, kitchen car and two dining cars — which are pulled by steam locomotives built in the 1920s. Board the train in your finest attire (flapper dress optional) for an unforgettable evening as you set off from the The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara.
You’ll snake through the Zambian landscape and cross the Victoria Falls bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the falls tumbling 350 ft into the Batoka Gorge below. The train stops right on the bridge, where you will disembark and toast the sunset with the most spectacular views.
En route, keep an eye out for the Big Five, zebras, giraffes and antelopes as you tuck in to a succulent five-course dinner: Menu highlights include beet carpaccio with goat-cheese mousse, arugula and crushed walnuts; butternut crème brûlée with arugula, pesto, parmesan tuile and pistachio; and braised lamb shoulder with carrot purée, pommes boulangère, oyster mushroom and pan juices. The dinner is accompanied by specially curated South African wines, naturally.
Presidential Suite from $1,315 per night; Royal Livingstone Express from $190 per person. Contact Laurie Burr, general manager, royallivingstone@anantara.com, +260 213 321 122, anantara.com
The post All Aboard the Royal Livingstone Express appeared first on Elite Traveler.