In The Tracks of Dr. Livingstone

16 Days
Johannesburg to Dar-Es-Salaam

Shongololo Express proudly introduces their Premier trip into some of the most beautiful and historically rich destinations in Southern Africa. This unique rail journey takes you to see many of the sights that astounded the 19th century explorer, Dr. David Livingstone. The route covers over 4000 kilometres through north eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania with visits to Victoria Falls and some of the most beautiful and important game sanctuaries in Africa. Itinerary Day 1: Johannesburg Should you only arrive at Johannesburg 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. Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African 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.

Day 2: On the rails to Somabhula
We cross Beit Bridge Border into Zimbabwe in the early morning, and spend the rest of the day travelling towards Somabhula. Guests have time to relax and recoup from their long haul flight to South Africa before starting their exploration of the rest of the subcontinent. Lunch (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board. Use the time and the presence of the experienced tourist guides at hand to inform yourself of the wonders of the magnificent continent looming in the distance.

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

Day 3: Somabhula
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 into 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.)

Day 4: On the rails to Victoria Falls
A full day is spent on the rails again as we progress towards Victoria Falls. Lunch (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board.

Day 5: The Victoria Falls
The Falls form the largest single “curtain” of falling water on earth measuring 1708 m wide. On average the curtain is 0.92 m deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 m and can be seen from as far as 70 km 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 roiling 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 bird life is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful 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. Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. 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.

Day 6: On the rails to Lusaka
Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards its capital, Lusaka. You will 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.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: 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 can also be encountered.

In the afternoon you will be flown back to Lusaka. The train will depart for Serenje over night.

Day 9: Serenje - Livingstone Memorial - Kundalila Falls
After breakfast 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 1 500 km (over 11 months) to the coast by his dedicated porters Susi and 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.
Lunch will be enjoyed on the train in the afternoon, en route to the Tanzanian border before the train arrives late the next evening in Makambako.

Day 10: On the rails to Makambako
The day is spent on board as we journey through the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, and move on to Makambako. Lunch will be served on board.

Day 11: Makambako (Tanzania)
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 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.

A Theme Dinner will await you on the train tonight. The night is spent on the stationary train in Makambako, awaiting daybreak for a scenic daylight train ride.

Day 12: Scenic Escarpment Drop
This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight drop off 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 (inclusive on this full day of travel) is served on board.

The train will arrive at Kisaki Station, close to Selous Game Reserve, where you will spend the night on board.

Day 13: 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 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 2 000 species of plants are also found in this reserve.

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 specialised option, will return to the train that afternoon for overnight on board.

Day 14: Selous
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.

The train departs over night for its final destination, Dar es Salaam.

Day 15: Dar Es Salaam
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.

Day 16: Transfer Day
After breakfast you can stay on board till the time of your transfer to Dar es Salaam International Airport (depending on your flight time), or we will transport you to the starting point of your specialised activity, which we will be happy to help you organise.

2008 Departures

Northbound Tour - 28 May

Full Itinerary

Southbound Tour - 18 Jun

Full Itinerary

Cost Per Person
Gold	$9,305
Commodore	$10,635
Emerald	$11,960
Plus Package	included

All prices in Australian Dollars

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