Rare Old Railway Map of East Africa, 1956: Lake Victoria, Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda

The "Railway Map of East Africa" crafted by Saben & Co in 1956 is a captivating testament to the intricate tapestry of colonial-era transportation networks. This map elegantly showcases the strategic railway and air travel routes that connected the East African colonies of Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda. Centered around the picturesque Lake Manyara in Tanzania, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the infrastructure that facilitated movement and trade in the mid-20th century. The meticulous detailing of built and proposed railway lines, alongside air routes by prominent airlines like BOAC and Air France, underscores the importance of these connections in shaping the region's development.

Saben & Co, renowned for their thematic cartographic works, created this map during a period when the colonial powers were heavily investing in transportation infrastructure to bolster economic growth and control. The map not only highlights the railways but also the burgeoning air travel routes, reflecting the increasing significance of air connectivity in the post-war era. This dual focus on rail and air travel routes provides a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape, making it an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike.

The map vividly illustrates the geographical diversity of East Africa, with prominent features such as Lake Victoria and the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro subtly integrated into the design. The colonial borders of Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda are clearly delineated, offering insight into the political landscape of the time. These boundaries, alongside the transportation routes, paint a picture of a region on the cusp of transformation, poised to embrace modernization while still under colonial influence.

Cities and towns such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala are prominently marked, each a hub of activity and growth during this era. The inclusion of smaller towns like Nakuru and Arusha further enriches the map, providing a comprehensive view of the settlements that dotted the landscape. These urban centers were vital nodes in the transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region.

This map is not merely a depiction of transportation routes; it is a historical artifact that captures the essence of a pivotal time in East Africa's history. The careful craftsmanship of Saben & Co ensures that every detail is rendered with precision, making it a cherished piece for collectors and history enthusiasts. It serves as a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on the forces that shaped the development of East Africa in the mid-20th century.

Cities and towns on this map

• Kenya
• Nairobi
• Mombasa
• Nakuru

• Eldoret

• Tanzania (Tanganyika)

• Dar es Salaam
• Mwanza
• Arusha

• Dodoma

• Uganda

• Kampala
• Jinja

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Lake Victoria

• Lake Manyara

• Borders:

• Colonial boundaries of Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda

• Mountains:

• Mount Kilimanjaro (not explicitly labeled but in the area)

• Railway lines:

• Built and proposed routes

• Air travel routes:

• Lines indicating routes by various airlines

Historical and design context

• Focuses on East Africa colonies: Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda
• Shows built and proposed railway routes
• Includes air travel routes by BOAC, Air France, Air India, EAAC, and more
• Date made: 1956
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Saben & Co
• Thematic and functional design, emphasizing transportation routes
• Illustrates colonial transportation planning and infrastructure in East Africa during the 1950s

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.