Railway Museum Livingstone
Explore historic locomotives and Zambia's Jewish heritage at this unique museum, offering a glimpse into the country's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Extended hours offered
Railway Museum Livingstone
Best Time
Extended hours offered
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic locomotives and Zambia's Jewish heritage at this unique museum, offering a glimpse into the country's past.
"A fascinating history, but many trains are in poor condition and require restoration."
💰 Non-Resident Entry Fee
Be aware of the higher entry fee for non-residents. Locals pay significantly less (K8).
🚶♂️ Hire a Tour Guide
Guides are highly knowledgeable and can extend museum hours. Tipping is appreciated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Locomotives
Outdoor exhibit
Explore a collection of old trains, some dating back to the 1900s, offering a glimpse into Zambia's railway past.
Jewish Heritage Museum
Indoor exhibit
Discover the history of the Jewish community in Zambia and their role in the country's development, including the railways.
Train Cabin Experience
Inside select locomotives
Step into the exact train cabins used in the early 1900s for an immersive historical experience.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for the Railway Museum
Combine with Jewish Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Non-Resident Entry Fee
Be aware of the higher entry fee for non-residents. Locals pay significantly less (K8).
🚶♂️ Hire a Tour Guide
Guides are highly knowledgeable and can extend museum hours. Tipping is appreciated.
🧐 Look Beyond the Rust
While many trains are in disrepair, focus on the historical context and the Jewish Heritage Museum.
⏳ Allow 45-60 Minutes
You can see the main exhibits and the Jewish museum within this timeframe, especially with a guide.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Non-Resident Entry Fee
Be aware of the higher entry fee for non-residents. Locals pay significantly less (K8).
🚶♂️ Hire a Tour Guide
Guides are highly knowledgeable and can extend museum hours. Tipping is appreciated.
🧐 Look Beyond the Rust
While many trains are in disrepair, focus on the historical context and the Jewish Heritage Museum.
⏳ Allow 45-60 Minutes
You can see the main exhibits and the Jewish museum within this timeframe, especially with a guide.
⚠️ Safety Concerns
Some visitors report safety issues like rusted trains and poor sanitation. Exercise caution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Railway Museum in Livingstone offers a glimpse into Zambia's past with its collection of historic locomotives, but many visitors note its significant state of disrepair and lack of maintenance. The accompanying Jewish Heritage Museum is generally better maintained and provides valuable historical context, making it a highlight for many. While the trains are a draw for enthusiasts, the overall experience is often tempered by the museum's condition and the entry fee for non-residents.
"The train museum is in a state of complete dilapidation. The majestic old trains are rusting away, most with no signage and certainly no TLC. The entrance is an amazing $15; I am sure the museum hasn't had investment equivalent to one ticket in the last ten years. Several of the engines are mundane late steam built in the 1950s,in three or four are old and / or interesting. I suppose it is kind of a graveyard not just of trains but of colonialism. However that isn't intentional, it's just complete disinterest in the history of the railway in Zambia. The Jewish museum (which is in the same site and included in the ticket; deal... is interesting and quite well maintained. I'll review that separately..."
Jonathan Murphy
"Rusted and broken playground equipment for kids. Dangerously rusted out train cars. Train cars with swarms of bed living inside. Toilets with no running water or seats or soap. Little to no information about the trains. Several of the trains had human excrement in them. Was very pricey for what it was (non-resident).
The Jewish museum was nice."
Ben Adams
"We were at the Railway Museum less than 45 min before it closing time of 4:30. After paying for our tickets the gentleman from the museum told us he could keep the museum open until around 5:00 pm. He would be our tour guide and he was sure we would see everything by then.
He explained in very detailed the history of the museum, took us to see some of the locomotives that were on display. They were not in very good shape. All the locomotives used to be used by a sawmill to transport lumbers. The varieties were quite limited."
Clement Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Railway Museum is located in Livingstone, Zambia. It's often visited as part of a day trip exploring the town's attractions. Taxis are readily available in Livingstone to take you to the museum. 
While public transport exists in Livingstone, it might not be the most direct route to the museum. Taxis or pre-arranged transport are generally more convenient for tourists.
Many visitors combine the Railway Museum with the Livingstone Museum and Victoria Falls. The museum is mentioned alongside other key Livingstone attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee can be a point of contention. Non-residents pay a higher fee, while locals have a significantly lower rate (K8). Be prepared for the cost.
Yes, your ticket to the Railway Museum also grants access to the Jewish Heritage Museum, which is located on the same site.
The museum typically closes around 4:30 PM. However, guides may be willing to keep it open a bit later if you arrive before closing.
Advance booking is not typically mentioned as a necessity. Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors report that the trains are in a state of disrepair, with significant rusting and lack of maintenance. Some describe them as a 'graveyard of colonialism.'
Information and signage about the trains are often described as minimal or non-existent, making it difficult to learn about their history without a guide.
Some reviews mention rusted and broken playground equipment, suggesting it may not be a child-friendly environment.
Reports indicate that restroom facilities can be poor, with issues like no running water, seats, or soap.
A guided tour is highly recommended. Guides are very knowledgeable, can provide detailed historical context, and may even extend the museum's operating hours for you.
📸 📸 Photography
While the trains are historic, their dilapidated state might not lend itself to aesthetically pleasing photos for everyone. However, the sheer scale of the locomotives can be impressive.
Focus on the vintage locomotives, the train cabins, and any unique architectural details. The Jewish Heritage Museum also offers opportunities for cultural photography.
Generally, yes, you can get quite close to the outdoor locomotives. However, be mindful of safety due to the condition of some of the structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the Jewish Heritage Museum on-site might offer some educational value. If visiting, consider the age of your children and prioritize safety. A guide might be able to point out specific aspects that could engage younger visitors, but overall, it's not a primary family-friendly attraction.
🧐 History Buffs & Train Enthusiasts
However, be prepared for the lack of detailed information and the poor condition of many exhibits. The real value for history buffs might lie in the context provided by a knowledgeable guide and the complementary Jewish Heritage Museum, which sheds light on the people involved in building Zambia's infrastructure.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you are on a tight budget, weigh the cost against the experience. The Jewish Heritage Museum offers good value as it's included in the ticket, providing a more polished experience. Consider if the historical significance of the trains, even in their current state, is worth the admission price for you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The State of the Railway Museum
Despite the condition of the trains, the museum does offer a unique opportunity to see locomotives that were once vital to the country's development. Some of these engines date back to the early 1900s, and visitors can even step inside select train cabins to experience what travel was like in that era. The variety of locomotives might be limited, with some being later steam models, but the historical significance remains.
For those interested in mechanical engineering or railway history, the museum can still hold appeal. However, it's crucial to manage expectations regarding the presentation and condition of the exhibits. The Jewish Heritage Museum, located on the same premises, offers a more well-maintained and informative experience, providing a valuable contrast.
The Jewish Heritage Museum Connection
This exhibit delves into the history of the Jewish community in Zambia and their significant contributions to the nation's development. Notably, it highlights their role as providers of materials and their involvement in the construction and operation of the country's railways. This connection between the Jewish community and the railway infrastructure is a key theme explored within the museum.
Visitors often find the Jewish Heritage Museum to be an interesting and well-maintained addition to their visit. It provides a valuable insight into a less commonly discussed aspect of Zambian history, making the overall experience at the site more enriching and worthwhile, especially given the state of the railway exhibits.
The Value of a Guide
Beyond just providing information, guides can also offer practical benefits. One reviewer mentioned that a guide was able to keep the museum open a bit later than its scheduled closing time, allowing them to see everything. This flexibility can be crucial for visitors on a tight schedule.
While there's no mandatory extra fee for the guide, it is customary and highly recommended to tip them for their service. The insights and extended access provided by a guide can transform a potentially disappointing visit into an informative and memorable one, making it a worthwhile investment.
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