Bushtracks
Steam Safaris
The Bushtracks Express and the Royal Livingstone Express are two luxurious steam trains encapsulated in an air of romance and beauty of a bygone era, harmoniously paired with modern comfort and cuisine. The splendid steam trains are unsurpassed with unrivalled service and serenity, as they take their passengers on a journey that uncovers some of the most beautiful components of Africa.
This exclusive adventure reveals exquisite insights into a pristine wilderness that excites and exhilarates. There is something to delight every sense, from a lavish menu, to the scent of the spray, to the sight of the setting sun.
The Bushtracks Express and the Royal Livingstone Express are two luxurious steam trains encapsulated in an air of romance and beauty of a bygone era, harmoniously paired with modern comfort and cuisine. The splendid steam trains are unsurpassed with unrivalled service and serenity, as they take their passengers on a journey that uncovers some of the most beautiful components of Africa. This exclusive adventure reveals exquisite insights into a pristine wilderness that excites and exhilarates. There is something to delight every sense, from a lavish menu, to the scent of the spray, to the sight of the setting sun.
Departing from 2 countries, our Royal Livingstone Express leaves from the Bushtracks Station in Livingstone, whereas the Bushtracks Express pulls out from the Victoria Falls Station. Both, however, visit the iconic Victoria Falls bridge revealing the world-famous Victoria Falls at sunset. The cavernous gorge has a rough wild beauty that, when bathed in the golden glow of a descending sun, is truly enchanting. The cloud of mist from the waterfall looms large on the horizon and the gentle roar of the cascading Zambezi creates ideal ambience. Every season brings with it a unique treasure. The dry, golden brown hues of the rock face in winter is as picturesque as the vibrant green foliage that flows from landscape in the summer. Every season, a mirage of birds paint patterns across the sky as they dip and dive through the tress. The steam trains are a haven of old world charm and stylish splendour
The Bushtracks Express the journeys to the Jafuta conservancy siding in Zimbabwe, while the Royal Livingstone Express transports guests to the Palm Grove siding in Zambia. Each is a space of unspoiled natural wilderness, bordered by a backdrop of indigenous trees. The trip is designed to accentuate the raw beauty of our fascinating earth, while guests experience a fine-dining experience in some of Africa’s most breath-taking locations. Divine food, fine wines and exquisite plating- each dish is an art form complemented by a natural canvas that emphasise the delicate flavours making this trip a sublime sensory adventure.
KEY OPERATIONAL DIFFERENCES
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Royal Livingstone Express Standard Run: Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays
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Bushtracks Express Standard Run: Tuesdays & Fridays
For groups of 30 PAX or more, either service will run on a non-scheduled day if required (according to availability).
PICKUP TIMES: Winter / Summer:
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W 4:30pm / S 5:00pm Pick up from the hotels
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W 5:00pm / S 5:30pm Train departs station
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W 9:00pm / S 9:30pm Return to the hotels
(Summer: 1st November – 30th of April / Winter:1st May – 31st October. Times are approximate)
General information:
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DRESS CODE: Smart Casual
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SMOKING: Only permitted on the outside balcony of the observation car.
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DISABLED FACILTIES: The carriages date back to the 1930s and therefore cannot accommodate a wheelchair. .
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MINIMUM NUMBERS: 2 PAX
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CANCELLATION: Groups: (15 guests and greater) 24 hours
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FITS: 12 hours
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BOOKING CUT OFF TIME: 15:00 same day for guests in house
CHILD POLICY:
Children pay full rate, not advisable for children under the age of 12
Excursion Includes:
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Welcome drink on arrival
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5 Course gourmet dinner
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South African Wines, beers and soft drinks before and during dinner (Spirits, champagne and cigars are excluded)
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Return Transfers to hotels within the region (Please enquire with our team beforehand)
Drinks & Canapes Run
Includes:-Transfers from any hotel within Victoria Falls city limits to Victoria Falls Station by Bushtracks Africa.
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Drinks and canapés menu by The Victoria Falls Hotel
- A two-hour experience on the Bushtracks Express, going on to the Victoria Falls Bridge at sun-set
- South African Wines, local beers and soft drinks throughout the trip.
- Return Transfers to the hotel.
High Tea Run
(only offered to exclusive hire groups (min 50 pax) on request).Bushtracks Express also offers a High Tea Steam Safari in the afternoon. . There will be a variety of drinks and classic high tea finger foods on offer during this unique safari, courtesy of the Victoria Falls Hotel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the romance of the African Bush while you steam through the wilderness.
Sunset Bridge Run
Includes:- Transfers from any hotel within Livingstone city limits including the Royal Livingstone & Avani Victoria Falls Resort to the Bushtracks Station by Bushtracks Africa
- Return Transfers to the hotel
Bridge Run & Mulobezi Line
- Private charter only- Transfers from any hotel within Livingstone city limits including the Royal Livingstone & Avani Victoria Falls Resort to the Bushtracks Station by Bushtracks Africa
- Return Transfers to the hotel.
Alternative Runs for Private Hire
zimbabwe
zimbabwe
zambia
zambia
Standard Run in Zambia & Zimbabwe
CONFIGURATION:
Locomotive, Kitchen Car, Dining Car & Observation Car
Promotional videos
Bushtracks Express
victoria falls, zimbabwe
royal Livingstone Express
livingstone, zambia
Kitchen Car
First carriage joined to the locomotive, is where the Royal Livingstone Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel chefs prepare the five course dinner enjoyed by the guests aboard the train. This ensures the dinner is of the highest quality and presentation.Dining Car
Zambia: The Wembley Dining Car - Carriage No. 211 built in 1923 and famous for its Empire Exhibition duties in Wembley, London hence its name; seats 44 guests for dinner in the following configuration; 7 x 4 tables / 8 x 2 tables Total: 44Zimbabwe: Carriage No. 197 is the sister to the famous Wembley Dining Car, built in 1923 and forms part of The Royal Livingstone Express. No. 197 has the original fans and the
7 x 4 / 8 x 2 table configuration
Observation Car
Carriage No 4933 & Carriage No 225 houses a bar and veranda-viewing deck, Please note smoking is permitted.Loco 156
Loco 156 is a 10th Class built in 1922 belonging to the largest Private railway network in the World, Zambezi Sawmills Limited. It was used on the Mulobezi Line to pull logging carriages from the forests in Mulobezi to the railhead in Livingstone. David Shepherd, the renowned wildlife artist, rescued the locomotive and totally renovated it, to its former glory. He then donated it to National Heritage. Bushtracks has subsequently restored the locomotive to full working order.Loco 512
Loco 512 is a 14a Class built in 1952 by Beyer Peacock in England and was in service from 24th November 1952 to 1994.Loco 204
Loco 204 is a 12th Class locomotive built in 1924.The loco was fully refurbished by Bushtracks Africa in 2008 and currently pulls the train alternatively with Locomotive 156.