Name: Slow Train Through Africa
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2015-04-10
Rating: 7.4
Cast: Griff Rhys Jones

Griff does a commendable job as amenable host sampling parts of Africa under the theme of railroads. Travel varies from riding in open ore cars in Namibia (providing his own mattress) to luxury coach to Capetown. Portions of history as well as geography are covered through the use of pleasant narration and splendid photography.

Sidetrips are necessary to see various aspects of contemporary Africa yet only a fraction of the attractions are touched on. For instance in South Africa there is no mention of Vredefort Meteor Crater (worlds largest at 300 km across and two billion years old) nor Insharwalda (where the Zulu defeated the British). I would tave rather seen more of each country and less of the railway connections. It didn't include an episode of the railway through Botswana (Bulawayo to Mafikeng) perhaps account train passenger travel suspended during the filming period. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botswana_Railways

In the early 1980s (some by train) I had been through parts of Egypt, Sudan*, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South West Africa (now Namibia), South Africa and Mozambique*. It was interesting how some things had not changed. However I wondered if requisite bribes to get through borders still went on or that just wasn't shown.

* yes during their civil wars

The travel documentary features individuals or groups as they journey to different locations, regions, or countries. These documentaries provide viewers with a visual and narrative exploration of various destinations, cultures, landscapes, and experiences.

Anthony Bourdain in Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Griff Rhys Jones travels across Africa by rail, savoring the joys and frustrations of exploring a captivating continent via a romantic mode of transport.

Griff Rhys Jones in Slow Train Through Africa (2015)

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Slow Train Through Africa

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