In November, the man considered by many to be the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will recreate part of the journey that Dr Livingstone made exactly 150 years before.

Over four days, accompanied by local dignitaries and four Zambian dug-out canoers, Fiennes will travel some 180km along the Zambezi, from Mwandi (the original village of Shesheke that Livingstone witnessed in his journals) to the lip of the falls. The group plans to recreate the original journey as faithfully as possible, walking in places and camping at night on the river banks. On reaching Livingstone Island, Sir Ranulph, like us and thousands of others before, will get his very first glimpse of Victoria Falls. He’ll then unveil a commemorative plaque in honour of the pioneering man who introduced the “smoke that thunders” to the wider world.

http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/story/0,7451,1511347,00.html

Publishes the following article after a visit to the Islands of Siankaba, a luxurious retreat on the Zambezi river, managed by expedition founder Simon Wilde. The islands of Siankaba will act as a base and communication centre for the expedition. Dug out canoes and support vehicles will also be provided by the lodge.

‘’Maybe Livingstone’s example has informed Wilde’s approach at the Islands of Siankaba. Certainly he speaks with the passion of a Livingstone aficionado. He and a friend (Ian Bannister) devised the 150th anniversary celebration in November, the re-creation of Livingstone’s journey to Victoria Falls, and have persuaded Sir Ranulph Fiennes to join them.
It’s an adventure with the reward of ending up at a natural phenomenon that still evokes an awestruck wonder that must have inspired Livingstone in the 19th century. Drenched in spray, gazing into the gorge below, you can see why the falls had religious significance, not just to Africans, but to a cool Scottish rationalist.’’

Read the full article here

Due to the significance of this historic occasion there has been a great deal of interest from the media, both print and TV (courtesy of Indigo Public Relations in the UK). It is in keeping with our spirit of partnership with the Zambian Tourist Board that we would happily entertain any parties who are interested in assisting us to publicize this event.  Please contact : the team on press@vicfallsexpedition.com

The following articles were published on the 8th June 2005

CNN
‘’ In November, the man considered by the Guinness Book of Records the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will recreate part of the journey that Livingstone made exactly 150 years before. ‘Victoria falls are truly one of the most amazing natural phenomena,’ says Simon Wilde, the proprietor of the Islands of Siankaba, a luxury lodge resort on the Zambeze, who masterminded the trip and will accompany Fiennes. ‘The man that introduced them to the world certainly deserves to be honoured and remembered.’’
http://www.cnntraveller.com/2005/may_june/livingstone/

Guardian
‘’The Zambian tourist board is marking the anniversaries of both Livingstone the man and the town with a series of events throughout the year culminating with Sir Ranulph Fiennes retracing Livingstone’s route down the Zambezi to the falls.’’
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/story/0,7451,1460581,00.html

Sunday Times
‘’This year he (Sir Ranulph Fiennes) will go up the Zambezi on foot and by canoe to commemorate Livingstone’s discovery of Victoria Falls 150 years ago’’
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1645146,00.html