Railway Journeys: Exploring the TAZARA Route from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi

Every day, numerous individuals travel between Tanzania and Zambia for various purposes, such as visiting family, trade, tourism, and travel. While flights and intercity buses offer faster means of transportation between these destinations, for those seeking an adventurous and immersive experience, traveling by train presents an exceptional option. This guide outlines the details of the TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railway) route, spanning from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, covering aspects such as booking procedures, schedules, fares, amenities, stopovers, safety measures, and station transfers.

Booking and Ticketing

To embark on the journey via train, it's essential to secure your tickets in advance. Given the popularity of this service, it is advisable to book your tickets at least one week ahead of your planned travel date. Ticket reservations commence one month before the departure date. While online booking is not available, tickets can be purchased at TAZARA offices, main train stations, or via telephone reservations.

Journey Overview and Destinations

The primary train stations for the Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi route are Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. Along the route, the train makes stops at various smaller stations, resulting in an approximate travel time of two days to reach the final destination.

Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train and Mukuba Express Train

This route is served by two distinct trains: the Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train, operated by Tanzanian authorities, and the Mukuba Express Train, managed by their Zambian counterparts. Both trains traverse the 1860 km TAZARA line, a collaborative project between Tanzania and Zambia. Both trains are meticulously maintained and equipped with essential amenities such as restaurants, bars, clean restrooms, comfortable compartments, and bedding facilities.

While the Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train may have slightly older cars, the Mukuba Express Train boasts modern carriages, delivered by China in 2016.

Train Classes and Facilities

Both the Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train and Mukuba Express Train offer similar facilities for passengers:

• First Class: Compartments accommodating four passengers
• Second Class: Compartments accommodating six passengers
• Super Seater: Individual seats
• Third Class Seats: Shared seating arrangements
• Restaurant Car: A dining area and bar lounge
• Other Facilities:
• Electrical sockets in all cars and compartments
• Clean restrooms with shower provisions
• Quality food and beverages, including the renowned Zambian fish
• Spacious corridors serving passenger compartments
• Viewing windows inside and outside the compartments
• Clean and comfortable bunk beds and bedding
• Cooling fans in compartments

TAZARA Train Schedules

Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train:

• Departs Dar es Salaam for New Kapiri Mposhi every Tuesday
• Arrives in New Kapiri Mposhi on Thursday
• Departs New Kapiri Mposhi for Dar es Salaam every Friday
• Arrives in Dar es Salaam on Monday

Mukuba Express Train:

• Departs Dar es Salaam for New Kapiri Mposhi every Friday
• Arrives in New Kapiri Mposhi on Monday
• Departs New Kapiri Mposhi for Dar es Salaam every Tuesday
• Arrives in Dar es Salaam on Thursday

Note that arrival dates are subject to change based on any potential delays along the railway line.

Fare Charts and Reservations

For reference, here are the currency exchange rates and reservation contacts:

• Currency Exchange:

• 1 USD = 2100 Tanzanian Shillings (Tshs)
• 1 USD = 8.6 Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

• Reservations:

• Dar es Salaam Station:
• Salma: +255 713 354 648
• June: +255 715 469 239
• New Kapiri Mposhi Station:
• Mr. Sinkala: +260 966 529 753
• Lusaka Booking Office:
• Ms. Splendour Mweemba: +260 979 484 980

Embarking on the TAZARA railway journey from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi promises an unforgettable adventure, enabling travelers to witness stunning landscapes, interact with diverse cultures, and experience the charm of train travel in Africa. Plan ahead, embrace the journey, and relish every moment of this unique expedition.