Is it recomended (Standard,Service,Safety etc.) to travel by train to the Selous from Dar to save the charter ?!

Seloushunter

If you have time, and the schedules match, a train is a nice way to travel in Africa,even though it is much slower, because you get to see a lot of country side on the way, not to mention cheaper! Good luck on your Selous hunt!

The train only runs through the northern part of the Selous. So if you are hunting in a block in the middle or southern part of the Selous, it will be a long drive to come pick you and return to camp. Not certain many outfitters want to spend that much time coming to pick you up and return. There are no major roads through the Selous, so it could be a long trip to and from camp.

Regards,

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by mboga biga bwana:
Is it recomended (Standard,Service,Safety etc.) to travel by train to the Selous from Dar to save the charter ?!

Seloushunter

Taking the train to the Selous was a great addition to my Safari. Seeing the "suburbs" leaving Dar is a real eye opener.

As to the Standard, the train is a relic. Even with a compartment, there are no amenities. As to service, there was none. I believe Ray made it clear to avoid the restrooms. I travelled with a tracker from another outfitter who knew the drill and found us a few beers. Going up the first hill, the diesel sounded rather sick, but things cleared up the made the grade. The brakes seemed to work better than the engine

Keep in mind the train is geared to transportation for the the navive population. As such, the cost to the Selous was $14±. I recall someone said the fare for a regular car was $3.00. While the cost may have increased, the cost quoted by some outfitters needs to be questioned.

I had to try it once on the $1.50 ticket...Rode with the locals an sat on the chicken crates, it was maybe 130 degrees or hotter or so it seemed..It was an experience, of which I never intend to try again, but I am glad I did it, something I can tell you folks about and my grandkids for years to come...Near died of thirst, hunger, heat stroke, but the locals were great fun...they decided I was very poor to make such a trip and back then I was!

Those that would like to take the train should know.

I have had a good number of clients take the train also.

If you take the train you should be prepared for delays. The train is not always on time (8 hr. or more delayed) or it breaks down.

Clients have missed flights and lost hunting days.

IF the train is on time and IF there are no break downs, it is a great cost saver and can be quite interesting.

Just be aware.

Best,
Phil

Sometimes a train can be real fun.

Only sub-saharan train I have taken was the Nairobi to Mombassa train.

In Egypt I took several. Some were good, the express trains. But then took a "local" train. Should have waited several hours for the express as they arrived the same time. The "local" train sometimes was so fast, the pedastrians walking beside it were faster. I do not joke. It also used to stop anywhere to let passengers on or off.

Phil,
If the train is on time or close how long a ride is it to you?