Travelling By This Train Is One Of The Best Ways To See The Central And Northern Parts Of Zambia

The Central and Northern regions of Zambia have some of the best tourist sites in the country, from the national parks to the waterfalls. To see what the area has to offer, consider taking a train on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which has operated between Zambia and Tanzania since 1975. It covers more than 1,100 miles and is among the most affordable ways to see Central and Northern Zambia.

Affordability

A one-way, first-class ticket on a TAZARA express train from New Kapiri Mposhi station, Central Province, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, costs 333 Zambian Kwacha, approximately $34 USD. The cost of the ticket includes bedding, toiletries, and bottled mineral water. A second-class sleeper ticket is 272 Kwacha, which is approximately $28 USD, and a second-class seat is 252 Kwacha, about $26 USD. For a third-class seat, expect to pay 233 Kwacha, or approximately $24 USD. For the ordinary (non-express) train, tickets are about 15% cheaper.

Sleeper compartments accommodate four people and do not mix sexes, so it is advisable to book a whole compartment if traveling with men and women or as a family. Check the timetable on the website to plan your trip, but travelers should be aware that the trains from New Kapiri Mposhi station to Dar es Salaam often experience delays, sometimes for an entire day. Be sure to bring extra blankets, a change of clothes, extra tissue, wipes and enough food to last the journey (though food may be purchased onboard).

Depending on the season, the view might include lush green bushes on the Zambia side. The Tanzania side offers opportunities to see wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes in the Selous Game Reserve. Other areas rich in wildlife along the route include Udzungwa Mountains National Park and the outskirts of the Mikumi National Park.

Stops Along the Way

TAZARA stops at such towns as Serenje, Mpika, and Kasama, which are filled with tourist sites, including waterfalls, national parks, and national heritage sites. Passengers must purchase a ticket for each stop. As the train doesn’t make frequent stops at each station, plan your stops in advance, or be sure to arrange alternate transport for your return.

Serenje

The town of Serenje is the 11th stop on the route from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam. It is a great place to get off the train and explore.

Kasanka National Park

At Kasanka National Park, visitors might see a variety of animals, including hippos and various antelope species, such as the puku, waterbuck, sitatunga, and reedbuck. If traveling between October and December, spend a few days at the park and witness the annual bat migration. While here, make the journey to The Livingstone Memorial, where the heart of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone was buried after his death in May 1873. International park fees are $8 USD per person per day.

Kasanka National Park

Kundalila Falls

On the edge of the Muchinga Escarpment, the Kaombe River cascades over rocks, creating the Kundalila Falls. Visitors can enjoy swimming in its deep natural pool, which feeds into a botanical garden. The nearby forest offers a chance to see blue monkeys, and the views of the Luangwa Valley are beautiful. There is a nearby campsite with long-drop toilets and shower facilities, as well as a grill. Kundalila Falls is approximately 40 miles (64km) past the Serenje turnoff and about six miles (9.7km) past the turn for Kasanka. Then, it is approximately nine miles on a dirt track to the falls. Entrance is $15 USD per person, as is access to the campsite.

Kundalila Falls

https://www.instagram.com/p/_5r64kt5j0/?tagged=kundalilafalls

Nsalu Caves

The Nsalu Caves are approximately 40 miles (60km) north of Serenje. This area is believed to have been a settlement of the San tribe, but the most unique aspect of the caves is the rock paintings that differ from the stick figures and animals usually associated with the tribe. Here you’ll find abstract patterns, lines and outlines that, in some cases, are believed to be more than 100,000 years old. The entry fee is approximately $15 USD.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfnhk7lHyTE/?tagged=nsalucaves

Mpika

Shiwa Ng’andu

Overlooking the granite hills that form the tail end of the Great Rift Valley in Muchinga province is a manor house called Shiwa Ng’andu. English soldier Sir Stewart Gore-Browne built the manor, completing construction in 1932. Located between Mpika and Chinsali, tours are offered from 9-11am and cost $20 per person. Visitors should also stop by Kapishya hot springs, which are on the same estate.

Shiwa Ng’andu

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbGxM7elLru/?tagged=tazara

Meeting People

Traveling by train for a few days is a great way to meet people, and TAZARA is no exception. With tourists and locals using this form of transport, there are many opportunities to make new friends.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.