THREE NIGHTS ABOARD AFRICA'S WILD TAZARA RAILWAY! (Zambia to Tanzania "First Class" train review)

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Күн бұрын

"$30 for an 1800 km train trip is too expensive!" - said no one ever.
The TAZARA Railway connects Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - a journey that spans 1800 km (1100 miles!) of East African savannah. For this epic railway journey, I purchased a "First Class" Sleeper ticket for $35 USD and braced myself for one of the most raw experiences of my life. Let's just say First Class in North America and Europe is not quite First Class in Africa.
Though the trip was arduous, I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I travelled for two days and three nights across the African landscape, enjoying the views, beers, and culture along the way. AMAZING EXPERIENCE and one of life's greatest travel bargains! If you ever have a chance to go, DO IT! This is one of Africa's greatest railway journeys.
I will follow-up this video with a Q&A that will cover everything you need to know before you take this same journey! Please check out my channel for that video! If you have any questions about the journey, please COMMENT or DM me on Instagram!
00:00 Intro
00:44 Morning in Lusaka
01:16 Lusaka to New Kapiri Mposhi
02:12 Boarding the TAZARA
02:52 Day One on the TAZARA
09:44 Day Two on the TAZARA
15:08 Day Three on the TAZARA
18:56 Arriving in Dar Es Salaam
20:59 Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam
22:01 Outro
Vlog Number 3 | #Africa | #Zambia #Tanzania #TAZARA | Filmed July 2019
Download the following music used in this episode with a free trial of Epidemic Sound! (www.epidemicsound.com/referra...)
Vegas by Onda Norte
Future Vibes by Qeeo
Afternoon Sun by Sahara Skylight
Busy Feet by Sahara Skylight
Spirit of Cape Town by Sahara Skylight
Still Running by Water Mirrors
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Пікірлер: 92

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

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@theKhumbaguy 3 жыл бұрын

This was an amazing trip, thanks for sharing the video. I've never been on the TAZARA but you were so detailed I have a clear picture of what to expect.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! 😎

@rhrh7779 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the effort of making the video, I appreciate you sharing this experience.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Thank you for watching 🙏🙏

@Sidetracked_in_Macau 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool! ANother good video showing us what this train experience was like! Great job!

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! 😎

@kudzanaikajokoto959 4 жыл бұрын

This is very nice to watch, as a Local (aspiring) explorer, ive learnt a lot from your videos!

@DrifterDave 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! If you find my videos helpful, please share my channel with your friends and contacts as I work hard to build my audience! Happy travels! 😎🌍

@tendayimaronga8436 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Bro ,Tendayi, your Zimbabwean roomey from this very trip. great video bro good to see the vlog is up ,some amazing content.

@DrifterDave 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tendayi! Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found the channel & I have nothing but good memories of our three day journey to Dar es Salaam. Say hello to your wife for me as well. Be blessed, brother 🙏

@diva777 3 жыл бұрын

Back in the 90s my dad would book the whole first class compartment for me that way I'm not with strangers and have the place to myself. Your video brought back memories. You're brave to drift through Africa alone. I'd like to to do it but I would need a travel buddy. Awesome video.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

That's smart and very kind of your Dad! This was my fifth such drifting across Africa and I loved every minute of it (well, apart from Djibouti - bad experience there), and I can't wait to see more of the continent once travel gets back to normal! Thank you for the kind words, Lisa! 😎

@Freddy-ox3rt Жыл бұрын

Am Kenyan, male aged 33. I am also into traveling, adventurous travels. Lets plan.

@faithodhiambo93 3 жыл бұрын

Just came across your channel and I had to subscribe. I like this kind of content. Well done

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! Thank you for the kind words 🙏

@samsonsesera6526 4 жыл бұрын

Tanzania has a rich landscape.... soon as you cross the border you see it

@DrifterDave 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it sure does!👍

@yustamsoffe9838 2 жыл бұрын

Thinking of going to Tanzania from Zimbabwe by bus

@nizasiamehenry Жыл бұрын

Insightful, thanks Man.

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@austinnshopa7189 2 жыл бұрын

I am travelling to tanzania in the next 3wks, thanks to this video atleast it has given me a hint of what to expect and what to do, esp on food i guesse I'll eat supper too when we near dar es salam...

@DrifterDave 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad it helped!

@mshinwamwanyika8469 3 жыл бұрын

Love seeing u first tasted Serengeti, then Safari Lager and later Kilimanjaro on hand...

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I love Tanzanian beer! 🇹🇿

@checolingarcia9219 4 жыл бұрын

Long long long trip, great !!!

@DrifterDave 4 жыл бұрын

I truly enjoyed it! 👍

@amirhussain4558 3 жыл бұрын

liked the video . Thanks .

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe 🙏

@FBA-Renaissance Жыл бұрын

I'm definitely flying now ✈️

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

I actually heard that they have a new train running on this line that might be a bit better! Look into it before you decide :)

@tonymaguire9498 Ай бұрын

Thanks dude

@DrifterDave Ай бұрын

No problem!

@vssportsservices7459 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Dave, I am so happy i saw your video! Can you kindly tell me if they have any plug points 🔌 in the train and in your train room ??

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

No, there was no power except for inside the dining car. As long as you keep purchasing food and drink, they are happy to allow you to stay to charge your devices.

@anthonysinikala5821 4 жыл бұрын

The toilets are dirty the management need to work on this one,but so far so good i remember using this train from kapiri to Nakonde september 2019 i was in first class it was good .

@DrifterDave 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, from my understanding there are two trains - one is very modern and comfortable, and the other one is a very old and uncomfortable Chinese train (the one you see in the video). I enjoyed my experience - the common areas of the train were comfortable. The compartments were a bit rough!

@winniem1331 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to try it out! Wonder how conditions are now in 2020

@ben4182 3 жыл бұрын

This brings back some good memories! I took it the other direction back in 2017. Posted a video on my channel if you wanted to see.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I'll check it out! 👍

@nolavout9094 3 жыл бұрын

Just subscribed, born Zambia 1953 now back in UK, rail travel not altered much by the looks of it, always wanted to go Zanzibar, were booked but sister fell ill. Have been Zimbabwe and SA

@nolavout9094 3 жыл бұрын

Meant 54!!!!!!

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think the rail carriages on this older train probably dated back to the 1970s or so! Zanzibar is beautiful - I can't wait to return there. I hope you get the chance to visit someday soon 🙏 Thanks for watching & subscribing!

@nolavout9094 3 жыл бұрын

No probs Dave but doubt if I will get there any time soon, my hubby is terrified of flying!!l!!

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

@@nolavout9094 Cruise ship?!

@twasymutaka9526 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very informative. What hotel was that in dar esalaam and do you mind sharing how much you paid per night? My friends and I are planning a trip there by train.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there! It was the Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Center - I paid $60 USD per night. It is incredibly clean and comfortable, with great rooftop views over the city. Highly recommended! www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/dar-es-salaam/desas/hoteldetail

@c0r0y 3 жыл бұрын

Just watched the arte documentation of the most dangerous train tracks TAZARA here on yt. They said the train is super bad as well as the train track. 😄

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Crazy! I truly did enjoy the trip, though - it was long and difficult, but so worth it.

@meshachshakes 4 жыл бұрын

When moving, is it as noisy as it sounds in this video or is the mic exaggerating the noise?

@DrifterDave 4 жыл бұрын

It is incredibly noisy! One of the loudest trains I’ve ever rode - probably amplified because all of the windows are open! But - with no air conditioning it’s absolutely necessary

@niteshpandey3358 3 жыл бұрын

Is this route is safe,what about immigration on train ,were they corrupt.please reply

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Immigration officers were very professional with no corruption. I paid the standard visa fee for Canadians and the whole process took only a few minutes. The route is very safe, but you may hear people forcing their way onto the train once it gets closer to Dar (for free transport, not robbery or anything like that). Keep your compartment and window locked and you will have no problems.

@ksbesq8597 Жыл бұрын

I love ❤️ train travel! I would love to do this; is it safe?

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

100% safe! One of the best travel experiences in Africa 👍

@uoftdrone Жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a great video! I was learning that this was the first major Chinese investment in all of Africa, and this sure brought it to life. China provided a $400million loan with 0% interest which I believe is paid back now... so your $35 only has to cover operating costs. It is too small for pillow replacements! ;)

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

I'm happy to pay more for the ticket for more clean and comfortable compartment. They should consider selling a premium product to enhance a tourist's experience.

@amandahambayi5993 5 ай бұрын

What.....SQUAT LOO....????? Im actually Zambian and decided i need to do this trip...but changed my mind...3 days and a squat loo....???? Do the chinese have to enforce their way on us??? And what about wildlife? I heard there was a great view of game on the Tanzanian side...is that a fairy tale?

@DrifterDave 5 ай бұрын

Hello! I completed most of the Tanzanian side in the dark, so didn’t see any wildlife. I did hear that there is a more modern train in one direction - if you’re lucky to get it. You either get the good train, or the train in this video. Inquire in advance if you decide to go and plan accordingly! And I’m no fan of the squat loo! Thankfully, I managed to avoid eating at all costs so I only had to worry about #1’s on board 😂

@seank4568 Жыл бұрын

Oh no sorry about the free loaders

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

It didn’t bother me any! It was just a lot of commotion and I wasn’t sure what was happening 😂

@c0r0y 3 жыл бұрын

Awwwwwe, you did not even show the toilets once. Why? 😜

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I might have got demonetized 😂

@stanleyramosebudi3857 3 жыл бұрын

One engine pulling how many cars?

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe about twelve?

@stanleyramosebudi3857 3 жыл бұрын

@@DrifterDave you are not sure,thanks.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I did some research online for you, and most sources say 20 cars plus one locomotive

@stanleyramosebudi3857 3 жыл бұрын

@@DrifterDave 20 cars and 1 engine,which country made that engine?thanks

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I believe they are using Chinese rolling stock & locomotives.

@krunaljogia5085 3 жыл бұрын

We used to see a Chinese ghost during evenings .....must be an ex contractor....used to carry plate full of chicken noodles . Friendly ghost ...we were regular passengers from Dsm to KP.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

Creepy!

@c0r0y 3 жыл бұрын

Lol, for $ 35 I get here in Germany around 80 km far on train. 😂

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

It was definitely an incredible value, but not for the faint of heart! 😂

@brianmark3088 3 жыл бұрын

It seems like you liked TARAZA better in this video, than your follow-up summary the train. It doesn't look very scenic. Is it easy to get food poisoning in Africa? Is the music in this video African?

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

HI Brian! I think it's a matter of personal opinion - I think the savannah is beautiful! The train passes near the Selous Game Reserve, so if you're there in the right season, you can see wild game from the train. The newer Chinese trains are more comfortable, and for the price you can't get a much better experience (just $30 USD for a 2,000 km ride, including the berth). Air travel in Africa can be prohibitively expensive, so I'd definitely recommend the train if you have the time and want to get up close and personal with the locals. It's definitely not a touristy train by any measure, and is very authentically African. Food poisoning? I've only caught it once (in Rwanda) from eating bad meat. I usually travel with Azithromycin tablets, which cure food poisoning symptoms within 30 minutes (also called Z-Pac). Generally speaking, I've always found food preparation standards to be perfectly acceptable in Africa (just avoid anything where flies or other insects have access to the food, such as street carts). The music on the video is from Epidemic Sound, which is a service used by most KZfaqrs as it provides royalty-free music that doesn't impact revenue. I believe they are all Swedish composers. Happy travels & thanks for checking out my channel! 😎🙏

@zcanine 2 ай бұрын

No one still pronounces Kapiri Mposhi correctly like you do. The Mu has been lost

@DrifterDave 2 ай бұрын

Do you prefer it with the Mu or without?

@zcanine 2 ай бұрын

@@DrifterDave with Mu. It turns a preposition that connects Kapiri(hill) and poshi(road I think, or was it junction?)

@DrifterDave 2 ай бұрын

Interesting!!

@andrewsikaonga9946 Жыл бұрын

Zambia ku Chalo

@DrifterDave Жыл бұрын

One of the best African countries!

@chipashasabi6210 2 жыл бұрын

The Mukuba Express is much better

@DrifterDave 2 жыл бұрын

I'll definitely take the Mukuba next time! I've heard it is much, much better.

@joe_lubinda 3 жыл бұрын

Embarrassing to watch as a Zambian cause I know damn well the staff got those jobs through nepotism.

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

That's so unfortunate!

@stanleyramosebudi3857 3 жыл бұрын

you are butchering the African names,you said Kapiri maposhi instead of Kapiri Mposhi and mabeya instead Mbeya,why you did that?

@DrifterDave 3 жыл бұрын

I hadn't heard them pronounced, so understandably resorted to phonetics. I have since been corrected, though, and now understand the correct pronunciation 🙏.

@zcanine 2 ай бұрын

Mposhi is actually pronounced Muposhi originally, anglicized mposhi