Plizio Visual Lab

Kafue Railway Bridge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Kafue Railway Bridge, completed in 1906, is a vital engineering landmark on the rail line connecting the city of Livingstone to the Copperbelt. Spanning the Kafue River, it was at the time of its construction the longest railway bridge in the territory, measuring approximately 427 meters in length. The bridge consists of thirteen steel spans, each thirty meters long, supported by massive concrete piers anchored in the riverbed. It was a key component of Cecil Rhodes’ ambitious 'Cape to Cairo Railway' project, facilitating the transport of copper and other minerals to international markets. The construction of the bridge was a major logistical feat, requiring materials to be transported over great distances through challenging terrain. Even after more than a century of service, the bridge remains in use, testifying to the durability of early 20th-century British industrial engineering.

Location: Zambia
Nearby: Mazabuka (50 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	23	22	20	18	18	20	24	27	27	24
Rain mm	183	133	95	28	3	1	1	0	1	11	74	189

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Kafue Railway Bridge can be viewed from the outside, but walking on the tracks is not allowed. The access road is unpaved and only passable in dry weather, so check conditions before visiting during the rainy season.

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Typical hours

The bridge is accessible around the clock as it is an open railway structure. There are no set opening hours; for safety, plan your visit during daylight hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed from outside the tracks without restrictions. Watch for passing trains and use a telephoto lens to capture the full bridge structure from a safe distance.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how long you spend taking photos. Allow extra time for the unpaved access road.

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Combine with

Combine the bridge with a visit to Kafue National Park, roughly 40 km to the south. The town of Kafue itself has small markets and local eateries.

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Getting there

The bridge is about 10 km north of Kafue Town on the road to Lusaka. It is best reached by rental car or taxi; public transport is infrequent.

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Insider tip

Visit early morning or late afternoon when the light highlights the steel structure. Bring insect repellent as the area is near the river and mosquitoes are common.