Zambia

[capeklr]

In 2013 I had the opportunity to do a five countries bike trip with a fellow rider from the States.
While we where in Livingstone we saw an advert for a Sunset steam train ride onto the Victoria Falls Bridge with a 5 course dinner included on the train.
We booked in an instant.
They collected us from the backpackers and took us to the train.
Even a red carpet laid out.
All old beautifully restored coaches from the 1920's and 30's.
Welcome drink, snacks and a brief introduction to the crew and we where off.
 

[capeklr]

Restored coach interior.

[capeklr]

Best place in the train to be while it was reversing slowly towards the famous bridge was in the observation platform in the last coach.
They are busy building a second line towards the bridge as can be seen by the sleepers.

[capeklr]

Rolling onto the bridge.

[capeklr]

The train stops one meter short of the border to Zimbabwe. you can get off, walk around, be illegaly in Zimbabwe and enjoy the sunset.

[capeklr]

I walked up to the engine and had a chat with the driver.

[capeklr]

After the sun had set we left the bridge and stopped somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Dinner time.
Dinner table with light, was very classy, can only imagine what train travel must have been like in the first half of the last century.

[capeklr]

Last 2 pics, the menu and the loco number plate.
If you are ever in Livingstone, this is highly recommended. Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

[BigEd]

Wow! Nice!