Description
Journey through over 100 years in time, as our guides share the history of this remarkable structure, from its design and initial prefabrication in England, to its construction in Africa. Walk the catwalks below the bridge, an area that is normally closed to the public, and enjoy unique views of the Falls, the Zambezi river and the Batoka Gorge. You might even see someone bungee jump from the platform above you!
This is just a snippet of the history surrounding this bridge and how it was built, so early in the 1900’s. At the time of its construction it was the highest railway bridge in the world.
The Cape to Cairo railway line was the vision of English-born businessman, mining magnate and politician Cecil John Rhodes. The Railway line pushed northwards at incredible speed but the Zambezi Gorge presented a huge natural barrier that they had to overcome if it was to continue on towards Cairo (Egypt).
The Victoria Falls Bridge built 1904-5 was to span this gorge. It was designed by Mr. George Hobson of Sir Douglas Fox and Partners. At the insistence of Rhodes it was to be positioned so that the spray from Victoria Falls would fall on the carriages as they crossed over the bridge.
In May 1903 Rhodesia Railways awarded the contract for the construction of the bridge to The Cleveland Bridge Company of Darlington, England, for a price of £72,000 pounds sterling. The entire bridge was fabricated in Darlington, England and then shipped in parts to the port of Beira, Mozambique and then transported by rail to Victoria Falls.
It is one of the many outstanding achievements – that the bridge, built in England, could be fitted together so perfectly more than 8,000km away in the heart of Africa.
The Historical Bridge Tour unveils the whole history in an unusual and entertaining way
IMPORTANT:
Please remember to bring your passport or ID at the Border. Binoculars, Sunglasses, Sunscreens, Repellants may be essential on the tour.
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