TAZARA Safari Route (Mukuba Express)

TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority)
Tanzania
Zambia
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The Journey

Navigate from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi across a span of 1860km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Nyerere National Park (Wildlife Spotting)
  • Great Ruaha River Gorge
  • Vast Southern Highland Savanna Plains
  • Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks corridor
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    46 hours

  • Distance

    1860 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

GE U30C (3,000 hp diesel-electric, General Electric USA) and CSR SDD20 (3,000 hp diesel-electric, China, delivered 2012)

Locomotive Weight

GE U30C: ~138 tons; SDD20: axle load 20 tons

Track Gauge

1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge

Braking Technology

Air brakes (standard on diesel-electric locomotives)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • 1,860 km cross-border route through remote African terrain

  • Large river gorge crossings including Great Ruaha River

  • Operation through unfenced Nyerere National Park wildlife corridor

  • Mixed rolling stock from USA and China manufacturers

  • Axle load compatibility issues between old and new locomotives

  • Limited maintenance infrastructure across remote sections

Electrification

None (full diesel operation)

Maximum Speed

~90 km/h (passenger service)

Route Character

Cross-border, safari corridor, mixed terrain

Rolling Stock Origin

Original USA (GE), newer Chinese (CSR Qishuyan)

Rehabilitation

Chinese-funded upgrades 2019–2026, new locomotives and coaches delivered 2021

Highest Elevation

~1,800 m (southern Tanzania highlands)

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    46 hours

  • Distance

    1860 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget

Official Booking Provider