TAZARA train 7 - The Sinks Were Metal

In the cabin with me were Edwardo and his uncle Venango, who were going to Dar es Salaam for a holiday, and Yves, an NGO worker from Halle, Germany, on his way to a seminar on the island of Zanzibar. We all got on well — none of us kept the others up at night.

Most of the first-class area was quite nice, like the washroom, which had semi-warm water.

I was surprised the sinks were metal — and remained fairly clean throughout the journey, even though I never saw anyone cleaning them.

Ben Mack (to be continued) 

TAZARA train 6 - More Luxurious

 My cabin was more luxurious than I expected, even though it was small and there were four of us in it.

With Yves, left; Venango, bottom; and Edwardo, top, on day three of our trip. Ben Mack / Insider

The cabin had four bunks, a small table, and storage space above the door and under two of the bunks. Each bunk also had a pillow and bright-colored, thick blanket with "Tazara" emblazoned across it in thick black letters. My lower-right bunk was comfortable to sit on — a good thing, since that's where I would be spending a lot of time for the next few days.

Ben Mack (to be continued) 

TAZARA train - Two-Hour Delay

Boarding the Tazara train for Dar es Salaam, 

 After a delay of two hours that was not explained, we were finally able to board.

There was not much to do at the station. The only restaurant was closed, and there was no WiFi — so the two-hour delay felt even longer. After I showed my ticket, a uniformed man led me through the crowds directly to my cabin. "Enjoy the adventure," he said with a smile.

Ben Mack (to be continued) 

TAZARA train - 300 Zambian Kwacha

 There was no line at the station in Kapiri Mposhi. My first-class ticket cost $20 — and looked like something you'd get at a raffle.

You can reserve tickets by phone in advance, but I was able to walk right up to the window and buy a ticket easily. For about 300 Zambian

kwacha, or about $20, I was able to get a bunk on what I was told was the "best" first-class carriage.

Ben Mack (to be continued)