The train route stretches over 1,160 miles between two countries and cuts through remote landscapes. (Image: Getty)
A breathtaking train ride through the heart of Africa has been branded one of the most dangerous railway journeys in the world, despite offering views of wildlife, waterfalls and jaw-dropping mountains. The route stretches over 1,160 miles between two countries and cuts through remote landscapes, game reserves and areas with no road access.
Passengers often face hours of delays, unexpected breakdowns, and a rough ride due to ageing equipment and poor infrastructure. Yet it’s still packed with travellers keen to experience the once-in-a-lifetime trip. The railway is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, known as TAZARA, and it runs from Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s eastern coast to Kapiri Mposhi in central Zambia. It takes around 46 hours to complete the journey, when running on time.
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Passengers often face hours of delays, unexpected breakdowns, and a rough ride. (Image: Getty)
It’s one of the few trains in the world where you might spot wild animals from your seat. (Image: Getty)
According to travel experts at Lonely Planet, it’s one of the few trains in the world where you might spot wild animals from your seat, including elephants and giraffes.
The railway passes through rural communities and open savannah, offering a glimpse of everyday life across the two nations.
According to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority, the Mukuba Express runs once a week in each direction, departing Dar es Salaam on Fridays and Kapiri Mposhi on Tuesdays.
It’s named after Zambia’s copper exports and takes about 46 hours. This service includes first and second-class sleeper cabins, a dining car, and parcel vans that can carry up to 15.7 tonnes of cargo.
The Ordinary Passenger Train is slower and stops at every station along the route. It departs from both ends of the line on Tuesdays and Fridays and is designed for local travel.
It also carries cargo and includes seating for those making shorter journeys.
Commuter trains operate daily in Dar es Salaam, covering 30km between the main station and Mwakanga.
Introduced to ease congestion in the city, these services run during peak hours and carry around 9,000 passengers a day, except weekends and holidays.
TAZARA also operates special tourist trains, particularly to the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas.
These services are popular during holidays and include excursions arranged by tour operators.
The railway passes through rural communities and open savannah. (Image: Getty)
Passengers sitting in the restaurant carriage. (Image: Getty)
Luxurious trains like the Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express also occasionally run along the TAZARA route.
The line was built by China between 1970 and 1975 after Tanzania and Zambia struggled to secure support from Western governments.
The TAZARA Authority says China funded the project through a 30-year interest-free loan, and provided the engineers, equipment, and workforce needed to build it.
Construction included 320 bridges, 22 tunnels and over 2,200 culverts, many in steep and remote areas.
Around 89 million cubic metres of earth and rock were moved during the five-year build.
A man selling food to passengers after the train broke down. (Image: Getty)
Many people call it ‘one of the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys’. (Image: Getty)
Over 51,000 workers were involved, including 13,500 from China, and at least 160 people died.
In a statement on their website, the authority described the project as “one of the most awe-inspiring engineering feats ever performed by China in Africa”.
Despite its scale, the line is now known for long delays and safety concerns. A YouTube documentary by Free Documentary, titled World’s Most Dangerous Railway Tracks, revealed regular breakdowns, derailments, and infrastructure failures.
Mechanical issues can leave trains stranded in remote areas for days. There are also uncontrolled crossings and wildlife hazards, particularly in the Selous area, which sometimes lead to collisions.
But even with the challenges, many still call it “one of the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys”.