Showing posts with label Tanzania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tanzania. Show all posts

20 May 2026

TAZARA suspends Mukuba cross-border train services between Tanzania and Zambia

update 01 June 2026

TAZARA's Mukuba Cross-Border Train Services are set tso resume from 02 June 2026.

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Travellers planning an overland rail journey between Tanzania and Zambia will need to adjust their itineraries after the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) confirmed a temporary suspension of its Mukuba Cross-Border Train Services.

The suspension will run from 26 May to 01 June 2026, allowing TAZARA to carry out its annual mechanical maintenance programme, internal inspections, and essential servicing work on rolling stock and operational systems.

According to the railway operator, the temporary shutdown forms part of ongoing efforts to improve operational safety, reliability, and overall service efficiency across one of Southern Africa’s most iconic rail corridors.

What Travellers Need to Know

Passengers intending to travel between Tanzania and Zambia during the affected period are advised to make alternative travel arrangements or reschedule their journeys.

TAZARA says normal services are expected to resume on Tuesday, 02 June 2026, beginning with the Dar es Salaam-bound train.

The Mukuba service is particularly popular with budget-conscious travellers, backpackers, rail enthusiasts, and regional traders seeking an alternative to long-distance bus routes and expensive regional flights.

One of Africa’s most historic rail journeys

The TAZARA railway remains one of Africa’s most significant cross-border rail networks. Jointly owned by the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, the railway was constructed between 1970 and 1976 with support from the People’s Republic of China.

Stretching from the Port of Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, the line serves both freight and passenger traffic while connecting landlocked Zambia to the Indian Ocean.

For travellers, the journey offers a classic African rail experience through remote landscapes, rural communities, wildlife areas, and vast stretches of East and Southern Africa that are rarely seen from the air.

Why this maintenance matters

While temporary suspensions can disrupt travel plans, routine maintenance is essential for keeping long-distance rail services safe and dependable.

Rail infrastructure across Africa often faces operational challenges linked to aging rolling stock, demanding weather conditions, and heavy freight usage. Preventative maintenance programmes such as this help reduce the risk of delays, breakdowns, and service interruptions later in the year.

Travellers planning future TAZARA journeys between Tanzania and Zambia during the peak Southern African travel season are therefore encouraged to monitor schedules closely and book well in advance once services resume.

 

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18 May 2026

Airlink launches first-ever non-stop Cape Town to Zanzibar flights from October 2026

Travellers heading from the Western Cape to the beaches of Zanzibar will soon be able to skip the Johannesburg connection entirely, with Airlink announcing the launch of the first-ever non-stop flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar from October 2026.

Bookings are now officially open for the new weekly service, which will connect Cape Town directly with the popular Indian Ocean island destination of Zanzibar in just over six hours.

The new route further strengthens Airlink’s growing East African network and follows the airline’s upcoming Johannesburg–Zanzibar service, scheduled to commence on 03 June 2026.

For travellers flying from Cape Town, the new direct service removes the need for a Johannesburg connection, making Zanzibar even more accessible for beach holidays, honeymoons, diving adventures and tropical island escapes.

Airlink confirmed that passengers already booked on Cape TownJohannesburgZanzibar itineraries will be able to switch to the new direct flight at no additional cost, regardless of fare class, provided the booking remains within the same cabin category.

Flight Schedule: Cape Town – Zanzibar

The seasonal weekly flights will operate every Saturday from 03 October 2026 according to the following schedule:

The route will be operated using Airlink’s brand-new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, the airline’s flagship jet type. The modern aircraft accommodates 124 passengers in a two-class configuration and features only aisle and window seats — meaning there are no middle seats onboard.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

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06 January 2026

TAZARA resumes Tanzania–Zambia passenger train services in February 2026!

Cross-border passenger train services between Tanzania and Zambia will resume on 10 February 2026, according to the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). The announcement marks the return of a key regional rail link after services were suspended in June 2024 due to technical and operational constraints.
The resumption restores rail connectivity between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi, supporting regional travel, trade, and tourism along the historic TAZARA corridor.

Fewer but more reliable services
As part of a broader passenger service reorganisation, TAZARA will reduce cross-border services from four to two trains per week. The move is aimed at improving reliability while optimising the use of an ageing but gradually rehabilitated fleet.

The focus will be on two core passenger services:

TAZARA says additional passenger coaches and locomotives are planned, which could allow for increased frequencies in the future.

Mukuba cross-border train schedule
The Mukuba service will operate as a combination of express and ordinary services, depending on passenger demand along different sections of the route:

Express sections will operate on high-demand stretches, while ordinary services will continue to serve intermediate stations, particularly in areas with limited road infrastructure.

Udzungwa local service
The Udzungwa service will continue to run twice weekly between Kidatu and Makambako, maintaining an important transport link for communities in Tanzania's Morogoro and Njombe regions.

What this means for travellers
The return of cross-border passenger trains offers an affordable and scenic travel option between Tanzania and Zambia, particularly appealing to overland travellers, backpackers, and those interested in historic rail journeys across southern Africa.

 

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27 November 2025

Air Tanzania to launch Dar es Salaam – Victoria Falls – Cape Town route in December 2025!

Air Tanzania is set to expand its regional network with a brand-new route connecting Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), and Cape Town from 11 December 2025. The airline will operate two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays, marking Air Tanzania’s first-ever entry into the Cape Town market.

Only the south-bound service from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town will include a stopover in Victoria Falls. The north-bound return flight will operate nonstop, offering travellers a direct connection from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.

The new route will be served by the Airbus A220-300, a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft already used across Air Tanzania’s regional network.

Flight Schedule:

  • Dar es Salaam > Victoria Falls > Cape Town
    • Dar es Salaam 11:50 – 13:50 Victoria Falls – 14:50 – 17:45 Cape Town – 18:55
  • Cape Town > Dar es Salaam (nonstop)
    • Cape Town 18:55 – Dar es Salaam 01:10+1

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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04 November 2025

Air Zimbabwe adds extra weekly flight between Harare and Dar es Salaam!

Air Zimbabwe, the national airline of Zimbabwe, has announced the introduction of an additional weekly frequency on its Harare <> Dar es Salaam route, effective 06 November 2025. The move increases the total number of flights between the two cities to three per week.

The airline currently operates services every Tuesday and Saturday, and will now add a Thursday flight to meet growing travel demand ahead of the busy festive season. This expansion enhances regional connectivity between Zimbabwe and Tanzania, offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travel.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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24 October 2025

Airlink to launch Johannesburg–Zanzibar flights in June 2026!

update (11 May 2026)

The new route between Johannesburg and Zanzibar is scheduled to launch on 03 June 2026 and will operate twice weekly.

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South African regional airline Airlink has announced an exciting new route connecting Johannesburg to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, starting June 2026. The service will feature Airlink’s brand-new Embraer E195-E2 flagship aircraft, designed for comfort and efficiency, with seating for 136 passengers.

Passengers flying Airlink can enjoy complimentary meals and refreshments, spacious legroom, and the airline’s signature no-middle-seat cabin configuration, offering a choice of aisle or window seats. Luggage allowances are: 20kg for discounted economy tickets, 30kg for full-fare economy, plus an additional 15kg sporting equipment allowance - perfect for holidaymakers planning water sports or safaris.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht highlighted the strategic advantage of the route:
Zanzibar's proximity to Johannesburg , our main hub, makes it easily accessible for customers based in Gauteng. Our schedule is designed to connect seamlessly with other Airlink flights across South Africa and the SADC region, and our partnerships with leading global airlines ensure smooth connections to destinations worldwide.”

Flight Schedule (from June 2026):

Founded in 1992, Airlink is Southern Africa’s premier privately-owned regional airline. Its modern fleet of over 65 aircraft connects numerous destinations across Southern Africa, Madagascar, and St Helena, while international travel is facilitated through partnerships with trusted intercontinental airlines, including its FlyNamibia franchise.

Whether for business or leisure, Airlink’s new JohannesburgZanzibar route opens seamless access to one of East Africa’s most iconic island destinations.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

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30 May 2025

Air Tanzania launches new Zanzibar <> Johannesburg service via Dar es Salaam!

Air Tanzania, the national carrier of Tanzania, is expanding its regional network with a new flight service connecting Zanzibar and Johannesburg. Starting 10 June 2025, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights between Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The new route will operate on a triangular schedule, with a stopover at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam on the return leg.
Flights will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Departures from Dar es Salaam are scheduled for 10:45 AM, with arrival in Johannesburg at 13:15. The return journey departs Johannesburg at 14:15, arriving in Zanzibar at 18:45. The final leg of the journey leaves Zanzibar at 19:35, arriving back in Dar es Salaam at 20:05.
This new regional service by Air Tanzania will enhance connectivity between Tanzania's idyllic island of Zanzibar and the vibrant city of Johannesburg, making travel more convenient for both business and leisure travellers.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

20 January 2025

South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) relaunches flights to Dar es Salaam!

South African Airways (SAA) has relaunched flights to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Effective today (20 January 2025), the airline is operating daily return flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNB) in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Flights depart Johannesburg at 22:00 and arrive in Dar es Salaam at 02:30+1. The daily service from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg departs at 05:10 to arrive in Johannesburg at 07:55. Dar es Salaam is one hour ahead of Johannesburg.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

04 December 2024

TAZARA suspends passenger train services in Tanzania for urgent track repairs!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced the temporary suspension of passenger train services between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya in Tanzania, including the Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train and the Udzungwa train, effective 29 November 2024. According to TAZARA, this decision follows multiple track closures caused by a series of more than ten unforseen incidents. These events have necessitated temporary closures of various sections of the railway line to faciltate urgent repairs. TAZARA is expecting to resume normal operations in Tanzania by 12 December 2024. We'll keep you posted!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

28 October 2024

Tanzania: Air Tanzania introduces flights to Johannesburg!

Air Tanzania, the flag carrier airline of Tanzania, has announced the introduction of scheduled flights to Johannesburg in South Africa. The airline will operate five weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The route will be operated with a Boeing 737 aircraft, offering a two-class cabin configuration. Business Class will offer 16 seats while Economy Class will have 165 seats. Air Tanzania's new service to Johannesburg will commence on 30 November 2024.

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02 October 2024

South Africa: Airlink increased flights to two regional destinations!

South African regional carrier Airlink has introduced an additional daily service to Maputo in Mozambique on 01 October 2024. The airline now operates four flights a day from Monday to Saturday between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and two flights on Sundays. The addtional daily flight departs Johannesburg at 08:05 and arrives in Maputo at 09:15. The return flight departs from Maputo at 09:55 and arrives in Johannesburg at 11:00. The new flight is operated by a 98-seat Embraer ERJ 190 AR.
Airlink also introduced and additional flight between Johannesburg and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam on 21 September 2024. The additional flight on Saturdays departs Johannesburg at 09:40 and arrives in Dar es Salaam at 14:10. The return flight departs Dar es Salaam at 14:50 and arrives in Johannesburg at 17:35. The airline now operates the route to Tanzania daily. 

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19 June 2024

Tanzania & Zambia: TAZARA resumes passenger train operations!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced that passenger trains are set to continue to operate within the respective regions between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya in Tanzania, and between Kapiri-Mposhi and Nakonde in Zambia. Interstate cross-border passenger train services between Tanzania and Zambia remain suspended for the time being. This operational plan is subject to further review, in due course, as TAZARA works to fully resolve the existing challenges. Therefore, until further notice, the train services will be available in the respective regions of Tanzania and Zambia, as follows:

The Kilimanjaro Train

  • Departing Dar es Salaam for Mbeya at 13:50 every Tuesday and at 15:50 every Friday, terminating at Mbeya Station.
  • Departing Mbeya for Dar es Salaam at 18:00 every Wednesday and Saturday.

The Mukuba Train

  • Departing Kapiri-Mposhi for Nakonde at 14:00 every Tuesday and at 16:00 every Friday, terminating at Nakonde Station.
  • Departing Nakonde for Kapiri-Mposhi at 18:00 every Wednesday and Saturday.


(c) TAZARA

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

13 June 2024

Tanzania & Zambia: TAZARA announces suspension of passenger train operations until further notice!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced the suspension of passenger train operations between Tanzania and Zambia with effect from 18 June 2024, until further notice. This suspension has been necessitated by various operational challenges that the authority is facing. In the meantime, between now and when the suspension takes effect next week, the trains will operate regionally as follows:

The Kilimanjaro Train

The Mukuba Train

  • Depart Kapiri-Mposhi for Nakonde at 00:05 15 June 2024, and terminate at Nakonde.
  • Depart Nakonde for Kapiri-Mposhi at 10:00 on 16 June 2024

(c) TAZARA

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

21 May 2024

TAZARA: Resumption of normal train operations!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced that the reopening of the mainline, which was temporarily closed on 01 April 2024 due to landslides and formation failures caused by heavy rains in the Mlimba–Makambako area of Tanzania. As a result, normal train operations will resume immediately, with passenger trains planned to run as follows:

  • Kilimanjaro Ordinary Passenger Train: The inaugural journey will depart from Mbeya to Dar es Salaam on 25 May at 18:00.
  • Udzungwa Shuttle Passenger Train: The first journey will depart from Makambako to Kidatu on 25 May 2024 at 19:00
  • Dar es Salaam Commuter Passenger Train: The normal route operations from Dar es Salaam to Mwakanga shall resume on 27 May 2024.
  • Kilimanjaro Ordinary Passenger Train (cross-border): The journey will commence from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri-Mposhi on 28 May 2024 at 13:50
  • Mukuba Express Passenger Train (cross-border): The first cross-border journey will depart from New Kapiri-Mposhi to Dar es Salaam on 28 May 2024 at 16:00
  • All trains will adhere to their regular schedules thereafter

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

14 May 2024

Zambia: Zambia Airways to launch a new regional service to East Africa!

The national airline of the Republic of Zambia, Zambia Airways, has announced the launch of a new regional service to East Africa. Effective 27 June 2024, the airline will operate three return flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. Flights will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

02 February 2024

Zambia: Proflight Zambia & Air Tanzania have signed an interline ticketing agreement!

Zambian scheduled airline Proflight Zambia and the the flag carrier airline of Tanzania, Air Tanzania, have signed an interline ticketing agreement. Under the agreement, a streamlined ticketing process will enable travellers to effortlessly book itineraries across both airlines and to enjoy the benefits and services of the two airlines in a single ticketed journey. The interline agreement between Proflight Zambia (P0/659) and Air Tanzania (TC/197) came into effect on 18 December 2023, allowing Air Tanzania to ticket onto Proflight Zambia’s flights and vice versa.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

06 December 2023

Malawi: Malawi Airlines to commence daily flights to three new regional destinations!

The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has announced that it will launch flights to three new regional destinations. According to the airline's social media, Malawi Airlines is set to commence daily flights to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka in Zambia, RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare in Zimbabwe and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Flights to all three destinations, which will (presumably) be ex Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe, will be introduced from 19 December 2023.  



04 October 2023

TAZARA: Temporary suspension of passenger train services in Zambia! [update]

update (10 October 2023): TAZARA's services in Zambia  are set to resume from today, so that crossborder passenger train services between Zambia and Tanzania are also back to normal.

  • Kapiri-Mposhi to Dar es Salaam,  Tuesday 10 October 2023,  16:00 (On time).
  • Dar es Salaam to Kapiri-Mposhi, Tuesday 10 October 2023, 13:50 (Departure likely to be delayed)

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced that passenger train operations in Zambia have been suspended until further notice. According to the railway's management, this is due to goods train accidents that have recently occurred in the Kapwila-Msanza and Chankalamo-Kabuluma sections. Both accident spots are located in Zambia. TAZARA's passenger train operations in Tanzania are not affected by the accident. The Kilimanjaro Passenger Train will continue to run between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya only, based on the normal train schedules. TAZARA is planing to resume passenger train operations in Zambia next week. We'll keep you posted!


© TAZARA

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

 

12 April 2023

TAZARA: Temporary suspension of passenger train services in Zambia! [update #2]

update (17 April 2023): Bridge no. 299 has been repaired, the line has been reopened and the passenger trains are back on track. Therefore, both the Mukuba and Kilimanjaro Passenger Trains will run as per normal train schedule, departing New Kapiri-Mposhi and Dar es Salaam on Tuesday at 16:00 and 13:50, respectively.

update (14 April 2023): TAZARA is expecting to resume passenger train operations in Zambia on 18 April 2023. We'll keep you posted!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced that passenger train operations in Zambia have been suspended until further notice. This is due to an accident involving a rescue crane, which dislocated bridge No. 299 in Mpika and made the main track impassable. The accident took place on 10 April 2023. Consequently, the section between Mpika and Sabwa is temporarily closed for repairs. 


© TAZARA

TAZARA's passenger train operations in Tanzania are not affected by the accident. The Kilimanjaro Passenger Train will continue to run between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya only, based on the normal train schedules. We'll keep you posted!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).    

14 March 2023

South Africa: FlySafair to launch flights to Zanzibar!

South African low cost airline FlySafair is set to introduce flights to Zanzibar in Tanzania. The flights will be between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar City on the island of Zanzibar. Bookings are now open and flights will commence on 08 April 2023. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 20:15 on Saturdays and arrive on Zanzibar at 00:40 on the following day. The return flight will depart Zanzibar at 01:40 on Sundays and arrive in Johannesburg at 04:25.

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