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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Cecil John Rhodes dreamt of a railway from Cape to Cairo, crossing Victoria Falls’ famous bridge. His tracks never made it that far, but you can still relive the glamour of colonial train travel as this historic steam train runs through the Zambian bush.

Carriages are decorated in a plush colonial style, and as the locomotive chuffs through the game-rich Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and across the Sinde River, you’ll have the chance to spot antelope on the hoof. After toasting the sunset on the iconic Victoria Falls bridge, a five-course set-menu dinner is served.

Price from: £150
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 4 hours

Getting there & doing it

The train departs from ‘Kilometre 0’ of the Mulobezi Line. Groups can book the train for a private ‘Victoria Falls Bridge Run’; this includes drinks and snacks on the famous railway bridge across the Batoka Gorge. The dress code for the train is strictly smart-casual, and no shorts are allowed.

When to do it

Trains run all year round, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hotel pick-up is around 5pm (varies by time of year), returning around 9pm.

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Sussi & Chuma

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park , Southern Province, Zambia[2 miles]

Stylish luxury safari lodge offering in a pristine wilderness setting on the Zambezi, with a villa for families and uber-romantic treehouse suites. 20 minutes from Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[6.2 miles]

A five-star hotel with an unrivalled Falls location, luxury rooms and modern facilities… at a price.

Official star rating:

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Zambezi National Park, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[6.9 miles]

A contemporary, luxury lodge in an enviable location on the banks of the Zambezi River, a short way upstream from the Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[7.1 miles]

Cosy boutique hotel with an authentic African feel, right on the doorstep of the Victoria Falls.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Cruise on the Zambezi

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[5.3 miles]

Scenic cruises and game spotting on one of Africa’s greatest rivers, just made for sundowners.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35 | 1+ hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The outside of the David Livingstone Museum
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David Livingstone Museum

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1.7 miles]

There’s not much to recommend the town of Livingstone, but Zambia’s largest and oldest museum is certainly worth a visit for its collection of original David Livingstone artefacts, including tools, journals and maps.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Traditional African wooden masks
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Dambwa Market

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1.7 miles]

Enjoy a taste of local living at the Dambwa market in Livingstone. This is where locals come to shop, and you’ll find everything from fresh produce to wooden carvings. Guided tours are available if you’re unsure about exploring on your own.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Golf course next to the Zambezi river with hippos in the water
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Golf at Elephant Hills

Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[5.6 miles]

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours

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Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
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Sundowners at the Royal Livingstone Hotel

Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[6.3 miles]

With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours

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Round-ups that include this experience