ARD/NDR, 2008, 3×45 min.
A three-part documentary that follows a luxury train through Africa from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.
Once a year, the Victorian train “Pride of Africa” crosses the African continent from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. A journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania.
The adventure takes us across steppes and savannas, past verdant wine-growing regions and craggy mountains, clear lakes and roaring waterfalls, through valleys and famous national parks, covering a distance of over 6,000 kilometres. In order to make this film, a camera crew of the ARD was given special permission – the first time it had ever been granted – to travel on board the train, which resembles a five-star hotel on wheels, with 37 suites, two restaurants, a lounge and panoramic carriage. Africa at your fingertips, and yet from a safe distance.
Written and directed by: Christian Gramstadt und York Pijahn
Camera: Antonello Sarao, Jan Kerhart, Stefan Paul
Editor: Klaus Flemming