The Tanzam Highway is a paved international truck route spanning approximately 2,400 km from Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to Lusaka (Zambia).
The highway passes through the mountainous Kitonga Hills, also known as Mlima Kitonga, in Kilolo District in the Iringa region of Tanzania’s southern highlands. Known for its steep inclines and sharp curves, this road has unfortunately gained a reputation for frequent crashes, leading to fatalities and serious injuries. It features more than 21 sharp corners.
Constructed in stages from 1968 to 1973, the highway was built to provide Zambia access to a seaport and improve transportation options for Zambia, Malawi, and the DRC.
Nuhu Mgodoka, a former cargo truck driver with over 20 years of experience, has driven trucks to destinations such as DR Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, and South Africa. “On my first day passing through Kitonga Hills, I was terrified because of the crime incidents I had heard about before I started driving this route. There were reports of kidnappings, and many drivers would share how frightening the mountain was. In the past, Somali drivers would navigate this area in Fiat lorries, even taking off their shirts as they maneuvered up or down the sharp curves. You could see people in action navigating Kitonga Hills,” Mgodoka recalls.
At the beginning of the Tanzam Road near Kitonga Hills, there is a rapidly developing town called Kitonga. This small but growing town is inhabited mainly by low- and middle-income residents. “I remember the challenges I faced during my time as a driver. I would often hear about kidnappings in Kitonga Hills. Even now, passing an area similar to Kitonga Hills brings back memories. One significant memory was a car crash I witnessed years ago, where I was the first person on the scene and helped pull a trapped victim from the wreckage. It was a sad experience that has stayed with me, affecting me psychologically. Whenever someone close to me drives through Kitonga Hills, I always make dua for their safety due to my difficult memories of that place,” he says.
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Years ago, the road in Kitonga Hills was in terrible condition, like an abandoned area where thugs and kidnappers roamed freely. Vehicles moved at a snail’s pace, carefully navigating the mountain’s sharp curves and large potholes. This narrow road accommodated large lorries and semi-trailer cargo trucks without precautions or guidance features. Today, the Mlima Kitonga road has undergone significant improvements, enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers.
Magubika Israel, a Kitonga resident, notes that the number of car crashes has decreased. “In the past, crashes happened almost daily. This year, we have only witnessed one or two crashes. Safety measures have improved, but the government should widen the road to reduce or eliminate this issue.”
Hamza Time, another resident, mentions that some drivers seem to hallucinate while passing through Kitonga Hills, leading some to believe this could be related to witchcraft. “Research could help determine the cause of crashes here. We urge the government to investigate thoroughly,” he says.
The road crashes have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and damage to infrastructure and vehicles. In 2023, 14 crashes occurred, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. In 2024, there have been 12 crashes, leading to five injuries but no fatalities. These figures represent a significant decrease from a decade ago, according to the Tanzania Police Headquarters – Traffic Department.
Khalid Nyangatuke, a driver who frequently travels through Kitonga Hills, says, “Compared to the past, car crashes have decreased significantly. With ongoing road expansion, travel is now more comfortable. I haven’t encountered superstitious issues; crashes are often due to driver negligence or disregard for traffic rules.”
Venace Kihaka, a motorcyclist with about five years of experience, agrees: “The current road condition is much better. Previously, the poor road condition caused many vehicles to break down.”
The Tanzanian government, through the Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS), has introduced a two-pronged solution for the Kitonga Mountain area, involving the expansion of sharp-cornered sections and installing safety mirrors along the road. Local contractor Mtwivila Traders and Construction Limited is implementing the project at a cost of 6.4 billion Tanzanian shillings, with completion expected in 2024.
Traffic Police Commander Ramadhan Ng’anzi says, “The improvements in this area will reduce traffic jams and car crashes. Once the Kitonga project is complete, the government aims to eliminate crashes in this region, ensuring that freight carriers and travelers reach their destinations without delay.”
Yudas Msangi, TANROADS manager for the Iringa region, adds that road safety mirrors will be installed on all sharp corners, and five corners will be widened to allow safer passage for vehicles. “We will make these improvements as funds become available, and after completion, there will be three lanes.”
While some residents attribute the frequent crashes to superstitions, official reports highlight the main causes as negligent driving, speeding, driver intoxication, passenger distractions, stray animals, poorly maintained vehicles, pedestrian carelessness, and motorcycle rider negligence.
The Tanzam Highway is essential not only for landlocked countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Congo to access sea transportation but also for the export of agricultural products and cash crops from key agricultural regions such as Iringa and Mbeya in Tanzania’s southern highlands.
