History of rail transport in Zanzibar

In 1905 the American Company Arnold Cheyney built a seven-mile line from Zanzibar Town to the village of Bububu.

It was notorious for its ability to set fire to property and the surrounding countryside but it ran for twenty-five years until it closed in 1930.

A special first-class coach was run for the benefit of those passengers from steamers who wish to obtain a glimpse of the island.

The railway traversed some of the narrowest streets of the city, and it was a constant source of wonderment how passers-by escaped being run over.

Today much of the old track bed has been built on however some of the railway’s bridges and embankments remain close to the main road to Bububu.