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Royal Livingstone Express
ROYAL LIVINGSTONE STEAM EXPRESS
ZAMBIA EXPRESS TRAIN
The Royal Livingstone Express offers the discerning guests an ultimate fine dining experience going back in time to the age of Steam train travel.
This unique steam train dining experience is offered by using the historic Mulobezi Railway line, formerly one of the largest private railway networks in the world.
The Train
The Royal Livingstone Express consists of five carriages restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail and pulled by either Locomotive 156 or Locomotive 204. The train is fully air-conditioned and configured from the front as follows:
- Locomotive 156 or 204
- Carriage No.6049 Club Car / Kitchen Car
- Carriage 4821 Chesterfield Dinning Car
- Carriage 211 Wembley Dinning Car
- Carriage 4101 Lounge Car
- Carriage 4933 Observation Car
  
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Loco 156 is a 10th Class built in 1922/4 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 204 is a 12th Class locomotive built in 1928 and owned by Zambia Railways Ltd and is presently undergoing renovation by Bushtracks.
Carriage No. 6049 also knows as the Club Car, houses the small lounge and bar and also the kitchen. This can be used as a pre-dinner drinks private venue for approximately 10-12 guests.
Carriage No. 4821 is a Chesterfield Dining Car that seats a total of 48 guests in the following configuration:
- 6 x 4 Seat tables
- 9 x 2 Seat tables
- 2 x 3 Seat tables
Carriage No. 211 Wembley Dining Car seats 44 guests for dinner in the following configuration:
7 x 4 tables
8 x 2 tables
Carriage No. 4101 is a Lounge Car and is serviced from the Observation Car bar by waiters.
Carriage No 4933 is the Observation Car which houses a bar and veranda viewing deck, Please note smoking is only permitted on the outside deck and not inside any of the carriages.
Days of Operation:
While the second locomotive is being restored the train will initially operate from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive, every week. For Groups and Private Hire of the train, the train will operate any day of the week, if available.
When Locomotive 204 is restored the train will have the capacity to operate 7 days a week. This will be subject to demand and the operating environment.
Approximate Itinerary which is subject to change and serves as a rough outline only:
5:00 pm - Guests will be picked up from the Royal Livingstone Hotel in luxury vehicles and given a short road transfer to the Bushtracks Siding, formerly the Old Mulobezi Railway Offices or otherwise known as Kilometre '0' of the Mulobezi Line. A safety brief will be given by the guide en-route to the station. Tickets will be issued to all guests that include an indemnity on the reverse. On arrival the train will be stationed at the siding with the locomotive 'in Steam' thus giving a photographic opportunity to anyone who wishes. Guests will board the train through the Lounge Car where drinks and snacks will be offered.
5:30 pm Winter / 5:45 Summer - The train will depart and move directly onto the Mulobezi Line, travelling through a high density suburb of Livingstone called Dambwa and onto the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while the sun begins to set. (Please note children are fascinated by the train however they should not under any circumstances be encouraged from approaching too near to the train as it is a moving vehicle and can be dangerous!)
Mosi-o-Tunya Game Park - The train will pause at the entrance to the game park. There is the possibility of viewing some of the game in the park being; Elephant, White Rhino, Buffalo as well as Giraffe, Zebra, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Impala, Warthogs, Baboons and Monkeys.
At approximately 7:00pm, the train manager will announce dinner and lead guests through to the dinning carriages, where a five course meal, lovingly prepared and served by Sun International's Royal Livingstone team, awaits. During dinner and rail depending, the train will cross the Sinde Bridge and the locomotive will 'run around' using the Sinde Siding. This means the locomotive will disengage from the kitchen car and attach itself to the Observation Car in preparation for the journey home.
9:00 pm - The train will draw into the Bushtracks Siding. A guide will be waiting to transfer guests back to the hotel.
Pick Up Times which are subject to change:
Summer: September to March
- 5:00 pm: Pick up from the hotels
- 5:45 pm: Train departs siding
- 9:00 pm: Return to the hotels
Winter: April to August
- 5:00 pm: Pick up from the hotels
- 5:30 pm: Train departs siding
- 9:15 pm: Return to the hotels
Maximum Numbers for Dinner
The Royal Livingstone Express Train accommodates up to 92 guests for dinner.
Private Hire and Groups
The Royal Livingstone Express is available for private hire for groups and incentives and special occasions. The routes and rates will vary according to the tailor made needs. Maximum numbers will vary according to the request of the group, e.g. if only drinks and snacks are required the train can accommodate 160 guests using all five carriages.
Dress Code:
Smart Casual, no shorts.
Smoking:
Smoking is permitted on the outside balcony of the Observation Car. Smoking is not permitted in any of the carriages.
Paraplegic facilities
The carriages date back to the 1930's and therefore a wheelchair cannot fit through the entrances. The lavatories are also not big enough for wheel chair access.
The station does not include a ramp at this stage.
Sample Dinner Menu:
- Andulusian Gazpacho with Basil and Blue Poppy Seed Straw
- Grilled Vegetable Roulade with Drunken Peccorino Cheese, Salad Bouqutere and Balsamic Reduction
- Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Risotto with Fresh Parmesan and Truffle Cream
- Braised Beef with Crisp Fondant Potato, Fresh Garden Pea Puree, Onion Marmalade, Bordelaise Jus and Sweet Potato Crisps
- Assiette Gourmand - Selection of the Pastry Chefs special Desserts
- Tea / Coffee and Petit Fours
Train Configuration:
- Steam Locomotive 156 or No. 204 in front
- 5 coaches- all air-conditioned in the following order;
- 1 x Club Car / Kitchen Car with bar- non smoking
- 1 x Chesterfield Dinning Car - non smoking
- 1 x Wembley Dinning Car - non smoking
- 1 Lounge Car - Non smoking
- 1 Observation car with bar-with enlarged window and open balcony (smoking permitted on balcony only)
Seating Capacity
- 92 pax
- 17 - tables of 2
- 13 - tables of 4
- 2 - tables of 3
- All tables fixed so cannot join to make bigger group tables
Price
- available upon request
- Group Net rate: Depends on the route and menu. Please enquire.
Inclusions which are subject to change:
- Transport to and from the Train station.
- Train ride·
- 5 course meal (set menu)·
- KWV wines, local beer and soft drinks only.
- 17.5% VAT·
- 10% service fee
Exclusivity
- Yes, can be booked exclusively for group
- Must have minimum numbers of 72 pax - 80%
Minimum Numbers
- Minimum numbers 30 for train to depart for evening.
- This will be assessed by Royal Livingstone F & B department every day.
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