Few journeys cut across Africa like the Tazara, a Cold War-era line that rattles from the Indian Ocean coast through the Selous game reserve and up onto the Zambian plateau over two unhurried days.
The great surprise is the wildlife: the train slices through the southern reaches of a vast reserve, and from the dining car you may spot elephant, giraffe and impala between courses.
Travel in a first-class four-berth cabin, befriend the dining-car staff, and accept that the timetable is a suggestion. The point is the slow unspooling of the continent outside the window.
Stock up on snacks and water in Dar, carry small notes for the platform vendors who appear at every halt, and let the rhythm of the rails reset your pace.
Good to know
- Book a first-class four-berth cabin and settle in for two unhurried days.
- Watch for elephant and giraffe where the line crosses the reserve.
- Stock snacks and small notes in Dar for the platform vendors.
