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Just thought I'd post to clarify this as it's a FAQ.
1.Travellers to East Africa can travel between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania on *single * entry visas (one for each country) as many times as they like within 3 months.
2. This means you can exit one of these countries and re-enter it from one of the other two without requiring a multiple entry visa, as the three countries have a special agreement that allows this.
3. However, if you enter a neighbouring country that is not part of this agreement (e.g. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi etc.) and wish to re-enter either Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania you either need a multiple entry visa for the re-entered country, or another single entry visa.
e.g.1 - I arrive in Kenya and go into Uganda, then back through Kenya and then into Tanzania. I only need single entry visas for each of these three countries.
e.g.2 - I arrive in Tanzania and travel into Uganda then Rwanda and back into Uganda. I need a single entry visa for Tanzania (unless I'm returning there in the future part of this trip), a single entry visa for Rwanda (if required for nationals of my country) but a multiple entry visa (or alternatively another single entry one) for Uganda because I've gone outside the countries with the agreement and am coming back in.
Hope people can understand this explanation and examples. If not PM me and I'll try and make some changes :)
Petrol (gas) stations
All petrol stations are full-service. A service attendant will approach you for instructions and do the necessary. You pay the attendant who will return your change. You are not obligated to tip but tips between R2 - R5 (33 - 83 US cents) are customary especially if the attendant did a lot of work like cleaning your windows, checking tyres and oil etc.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Africa with one exception - you can not pay for fuel with a credit card. You must pay cash. Many petrol stations have ATMs in their forecourts.
The petrol price is set by the government for each region / different towns and cities. There is no point in driving around town searching for the cheapest petrol as all fuel prices in a given town will be the same.
Car guards
Car guards have become a ubiquitous aspect of the South African urban landscape. There is no need to be intimidated by them. They don't stand in the sun and rain for long hours each day because it's fun or lucrative. They do it to make a few rands so they and their families can eat. R2 - R5 tips are customary although you are not obligated to pay anything. If you absolutely do not want to pay then simply get into your car upon your return, ignore the car guard and drive off. Personally I recommend tipping R2 except if you've been away from your car for a very short time.
Car security
If you leave nothing visible in your car the likelihood of having it broken into is much reduced. This means that you have to put all your purchases AND the 50 cent piece lying on the dashboard under the seat or in the boot (trunk) of the car.
Highjackings
The majority of highjackings take place in the driveways of residential suburbs. As a visitor you are much more likely to be involved in an accident than of being highjacked. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. It is not necessary to be paranoid.
Maps
Detailed road maps and street level city maps are sold at, amongst others CNA and the South African Automobile Association. CNA is a book / stationary chain with branches in almost all malls and at many airports including Cape Town and Jo'burg airports.
Driving conditions
Most South African roads are good sealed black tops. Although some AB TT posters dispute this, some areas of South Africa are more "wild" than others. Driving at night between Cape Town and Paarl is no problem. However, if you drive at night in for example the Transkei region slow down or you might hit a cow or a pig that strayed onto the road.
In the off chance that you go somewhere where you have to drive on a dirt road - slow down (if you are not experienced with driving on dirt). Dirt roads are worse than ice. On icy roads everything feels fine until your car starts skidding. On dirt roads everything feels fine right up till the moment that you roll your car. If your car starts tail sliding on dirt do not hit the brakes unless you have no other option.
Miscellaneous
Traffic lights are called "robots".
Roundabouts are called "circles".
Johannesburg is almost always referred to as "Jo'burg". Or "Jozi" or "eGoli" if you want to be funky.
Durban is Durban or "Durbs"
Port Elizabeth is "P.E." (or the Friendly City or the Windy City if you're referring to one of its characteristics.)
Bloemfontein is Bloemfontein or "Bloem" (pronounced as "bloom").
Cape Town is sometimes referred to as the Mother City.
Pietermaritzburg is referred to as "Sleepy Hollow". (Only joking.)
If you see a stop sign with the number 4 or 2 underneath it at an intersection it means it's a 4-way or 2-way stop street. This means that if 4 cars stop shortly after each other they get to drive off in the sequence that they stopped with the car that stopped first going first. If 4 cars stop simultaneously you make it up as you go along.
If you approach a traffic circle you have to yield to cars approaching you from your right before entering the circle. In some parts of the country mini-circles function like 4-way stop streets and not like proper circles.
Many drivers move over the yellow line onto the shoulder of the road to let faster cars pass on the open road. (The white line is the dividing line in South Africa). The passing car might flicker its hazard lights to say thank you. If you intend to move over onto the shoulder to let cars pass do not do it if you don't have a clear view of the road ahead - i.e. on a bend / blind rise / at night. If you approach a car from behind and the car moves over onto the shoulder of the road it obviously means that the car in front wants you to overtake.
Anything by Johnny Clegg + Juluka + Savuka is great driving music for South Africa. :)
Soweto.co.za
Iafrica.com | Sleepover in Soweto (2004)
JHB*live | Kulcha unkut - Shebeens (2004)
Ethiopia & Sudan
The only border crossing currently open for foreigners is the one at Metemma/Gallabat.
Coming from Ethiopa, there are now buses every morning from Gonder to Metema for 25 Birr - the ride takes about 4 hours on very good road through spectacular landscapes.
At Metemma kids will latch onto you to guide you through the border crossings - pick one(!) of them to guide you, as the offices aren't all very obvious.
In Ethiopia you first visit immigration (in a mud hut), then customs before walking over the birdge to Sudan. Across the border in Gallabat, the first stop is Sudanese immigration. They will stamp your passport both for entry and registration - the latter will cost 5000 Sudanese Dinars (if you haven't got any yet, your Metemma kid will take you to a moneychanger). Next stop is customs, who look into bags but are easygoing. Finally a third Sudanese stop at the "intelligence", where you just have to sign in.
Once finished, look for a pick-up to Gedaref. They now seem to charge 1000/1500 SD in the back/front for both locals and foreigners. The road to Gedaref is good and can be covered in 3-5 hours. Unfortunately there are many checkpoints along it, where foreigners are expected to show their passport and sign in - if you can escape attention (by hiding on the back of a big truck, for example) your trip will be much faster!
From Gedaref there are plenty of buses to Khartoum on an excellent asphalted road (1700-4000 SD, 8-10 hrs depending o the bus) but coming from Ethiopia you will probably have to overnight in Gedaref where accomodation seems to be in short supply during the peak of the agricultural season.
Crossing from Sudan into Ethiopia you will have to overnight in Metemma as buses from there to Gonder leave at 6 am. There are two VERY basic hotels in Metemma charging 10 Birr.
Eritrea & Sudan
Authorities on both sides agree that the border has been officially closed again since Oct 2002, due to deteriorating relations between the two countries. It is no longer possible to cross here legally, though with the rugged border being long and remote, locals keep crossing it illegally all the time. This is certainly NOT recommended for travellers, as once inside Sudan/Eritrea, there are frequent checkpoints on the roads where documents are checked.
There are flights between Khartoum and Asmara with Regional Air and Yemenia for 110-150 USD OW.
Eritrea & Ethiopia
The border remains firmly closed and is unlikely to reopen any time soon.
To travel overland between the two countries the only way is via Djibouti.
The cheapest "direct" flights between Addis and Asmara are with Yemenia, costing 350 USD OW!
Eritrea & Djibouti
Visas for either country must be obtained in advance - they are not available on the border!
Crossing this border is not difficult, at least if you go on the right day (the day when the large passenger ferry goes from Djibouti City to Obock, that is Wednesday). The Wednesday ferry leaves Djibouti City at 11.00 am and costs 1000 DFr. Once it arrives in Obock, watck out for Toyota pickups to Moulhoule or "Assab" (the latter also go to Moulhoule only).
A ride on these will cost 2000 DFr and they go in the afternoon once the qat has arrived. It takes about 2 hours from Obock to Moulhoule on a dirt track through the desert - watch out for gazelles!
In Moulhoule passports are checked, but not stamped, by the Djiboutian authorities. Not getting a stamp is no problem if heading for Eritrea, but those coming to Djibouti should insist on getting stamped in, or they will face difficulties when leaving Djibouti via another crossing!
In Moulhoule there will be another Toyota pickup that will go to Assab via the Eritrean border post at Rahaita for 150 Nakfa. At Rahaita there is a small Eritrean immigration post where passports are stamped.
Once in Assab, note that you can't take next mornings bus to Asmara, as you will first have to go to the local authorities to get a travel permit, which is issued for free in 10 minutes or so. This permit will be checked all along the road, so don't leave without it!
Flights between Asmara and Djibouti City cost 145 USD on Regional Air.
Ethiopia & Djibouti
The TRAIN is no longer the best way to cross between these two countries! In fact, as the Ethiopian Railway authority is all but bankrupt, services have become erratic and unpredictable. Even on the day it is scheduled to leave (Tu, Th, Sat mornings from Dire Dawa) it is often cancelled, which they will only announce the evening before.
By ROAD there are 2 crossings open!
The first is where the train crosses the border. This is the shorter route if coming from Addis, southern or eastern Ethiopia. There are daily buses on this route between Dire Dawa and Djibouti City. Tickets cost 115 Birr from Ethiopia or 4000 DFr from Djibouti, and involve a change of buses at the border (included in the fare). Buses leave in the early morning from obscure locations, and tickets must be bought the day before as the bus tends to be full. At the border passports are collected from all passengers and stamped on both sides. The trip takes the best part of a day, with the road being a desert track on the Ethiopian side, but an excellent asphalted one in Djibouti.
The second road crossing is at Galafi, and is more practical for those wishing to travel between northern Ethiopia and Djibouti. From Djibouti City buses costing 2000 DFr to Galafi leave after 8 pm, and overnight in Yoboki (sleeping on matrasses in a yard) before proceeding to the Djibouti border in the early morning. After having your passport stamped you must hitch a ride on an Ethiopian truck to the Ethiopian border post, which is 5 kms away. From the Ethiopian immigration post there is no public transport to the first major town, Dichotto, so you will have to ride on a truck again for maybe 20 Birr. From Dichotto there are daily morning buses to Dessie on the northern historical circuit, or else you could keep riding on a truck.
Coming from Ethiopia into Djibouti this way it would be easier (and probably cheaper) to hitch a ride on a truck from Dichotto all the way to Djibouti City, rather than taking the bus from Galafi.
The cheapest way to fly between Ethiopia and Djibouti is with Djibouti Airlines, who charge just 100 USD OW from Addis to Djibouti, or 50 USD OW from Dire Dawa.
Djibouti & Somalia (Somaliland)
There are direct jeeps between Djibouti City and Hargeisa. They cost 20 USD from Hargeisa, where they can be found in front of the Djibouti Cafeteria near the radio tower. They leave Hargeisa around 4 pm, and travel on unmarked desert tracks avoiding the roads and police checkpoints. There is a lot of wildlife along the way, so you might want to tell the driver beforehand that he should stop for photos if you wish!
The jeeps stop around midnight at a few restaurats about 2 hours before the border where passengers sleep out on mats. Next morning they drive to the border at Loyada. At the Somaliland immigration foreigners pay a 10 USD exit tax (official). Then you walk over to Djibouti immigration to get stamped in there (get a Djibouti visa before coming to Somaliland!). It is recommended to carry your luggage with you, as all luggage left in the Somali jeep is opened and searched thoroughly! Once over the border, wait for the jeep to get through (slower) and take you on to Djibouti City.
If coming from Djibouti City, the jeeps to Hargeisa can be found along a road in the south of the African Quarter (take a taxi there) and they may charge more going that way. A Somaliland visa may perhaps be obtained at the Loyada border for just 20 USD, but it would be safer to get one from the Somaliland Liaison Office in Addis (Ethiopia) before coming to Djibouti.
Daallo Airlines fly between Djibouti and Hargeisa for 80/120 USD OW/RT.
Ethiopia & Somalia (Somaliland)
From Jijiga in Ethiopia there are regular buses every day to the border at Togochalela (2 hours) on a desert track. Ethiopian immigration is handled there now.
Once stamped out, you walk over the border to the Somaliland immigration, where your Somaliland visa from Addis is checked and stamped. Officials here said that a Somali visa is NOT available here!
Once over the border in the bustling Somali town of Wajaale, hunt around for a 4WD to Hargeisa. There is no regular transport, but we paid only 250 Birr for a charter, shared between six passengers. The first part of the road is another desert track, but then it joins the decent asphalted road from Borama to Hargeisa, where there will be several checkpoints.
Both Daalllo and Ethiopian Airlines fly between Addis and Hargeisa for about 160/240 USD OW/RT, with Daallo being cheaper.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
Sudan
The situation regarding travel permits is improving.
Permits are no longer required to travel overland anywhere between the Egyptian border in the north and the region south to Sennar or Metemma on the Ethiopian border.
One can also fly anywhere (including the South and West, they say - but don't count on it) without permits.
Permits are still required for overland travel to Port sudan, Kassala and Kadugli. These are now issued at the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs at the eastern end of Sharia Gamhuriyya. The process takes 2 days and costs 25 USD.
Overland travel to the South and West is still not permitted.
Permits to visit the pyramids at Meroe can now be purchased at the site itself for 10 USD.
Note that the National Museum in Khartoum was robbed and has been closed for months, with no reopening in sight. You can still get a permit from the curator (after writing a written application!) to visit the Nubian temples in the garden though.
Khartoum's only remaining open museum is the Republican Palace Musem in the grounds of the Republican Palace itself. Entrance is from the south. This museum is not mentioned in the LP guide but is worth visiting.
Eritrea
Travel permits are now required to go everywhere besides Asmara, Keren and Massawa. They are issued at the new tourist information office in Asmara free of charge. Currently tourists are not permitted to travel to Nakfa, Filfil or Debre Libanos, or anywhere in the Sudanese border region outside Tesseney.
If you wish to visit Debre Bizan monastery near Nefasit, it is worth knowing that even after having obtained a 70 Nfa permit from the Orthodox Headquarters in Asmara you will not be allowed inside any of the churches or shown the ancient treasures they have - all you can do there is walk around the buildings, which is still nice, but disappointing.
Women are still banned altogether.
Ethiopia
Reaching Omo National Park has now become quite difficult. There are no longer flights to Tum, and even the road from Maji to the park has become neglected and dangerous due to attacks by Surma bandits. It might be easier to reach from Jinka once again - if the ferry service has restarted.
Djibouti
If you wish to travel by boat from Djibouti City to Tadjoura or Obock, you are strongly recommended to try and catch the large Al-Hussein passenger ferry, which goes to both towns twice weekly. It leaves from the pier marked "New Fishery" on the Djibouti City map in the 2004 edition of LP Africa on a Shoestring, not from the pier marked "Ferries to Tadjoura & Obock"! The boat leaves around 11 am but you must be there earlier to book a seat. Tickets cost 1000 DFr now.
Unless you are desperate, don't count on taking what are wishfully described as "dhows taking qat" from Djibouti City to these towns! I found these qat boats were actually not dhows but tiny outboard dinghies where you are guaranteed to get soaked and baked (at the very least), and they now charge foreigners 3000-5000 DFr for a passage - without luggage!
For Tadjoura a better option are the daily buses from Djibouti City that also cost around 1000 DFr.
If you need "cheap" accomodation in Djibouti City, the simple but clean and friendly Hotel Banadir near the Central Market is cheaper and better located than anything the LP guide at 3000/5000 DFr for a fan single / AC double with shared bathroom.
Somalia (Somaliland)
Since foreign aid workes were killed in 3 separate incidents in Somaliland in the past year, pretty much all foreign NGO and UN staff seem to have left the country. We saw no other Westerners in Somaliland.
While we still felt very safe there, the downside of this is that police now require that foreigners travelling outside Hargeisa take armed policemen with them as bodyguards. While there is no charge for this as such, you must pay their fares and expenses, which can be considerable. Without such escorts, you will be turned back at checkpoints on the main roads leading out of Hargeisa. Fortunately jeeps to Djibouti use desert tracks without checkpoints so you don't need escort to take them.
Shared taxis from Hargeisa to Berbera cost ca. 5 USD.
The current exchange rate of the Somaliland Shilling is around 6600 SSh for 1 USD. However the largest note is 500 SSh, so just changing 10 USd will leave you with 130 shilling bills. It is advisable to carry many small dollar bills and change small amounts at a time.
Moneychangers are everywhere, and most prices are in fact quoted and paid in shillings.Costs in Somaliland are pretty low (apart from police escort). In Hargeisa a good budget hotel is the Bilal Hotel (2.5/4 USD for single/double with shared showers) or a nice, new mid-range one is the Paradise Hotel which has air-con rooms with bath from 10 USD.
Note that many hotels don't take women, others require that couples sharing a room show proof of being married.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
For West Africa (particularly Nigeria) where you need to carry passport ID yet actually flashing the maroon (for brits) freedom ticket can be very dangerous, get a photocopy done (of visa pages too) ideally at 50% reduction, then get these credit card sized pieces of paper laminated at your local copy shop for a quid or so. You can keep these in your back pocket and keep your actual passport tucked away.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
These five West African countries have an all in one visa called the visa touristique de l'entente (VTE). The visa costs CFA 25000, and allows you unlimed travel within the five countries for a period of up to 60 days.
It is difficult to obtain the visa, some embassies will deny the existence of the visa. Some guidebooks will say the same. However, it still exists (october 2004).
Below are confirmed points of sale:
the Togo embassy in Paris
the Benin embassy in Paris
the Togo embassy in Accra
the Cote d'Ivoire embassy in Ouagadougou
A number of visa services on the internet that can deliver the Entente visa. More info here
L=Original text]http://www.bj.refer.org/benin_ct/med/jo/jo15/mcatdec2.htm[/L] of the visa treaty
Edited by: Zabba
Where to start:
Read through the guidelines and tips on the Stellenbosch wine route website.
The best way to experience the winelands, is to self-drive. Although this would mean appointing a designated driver, who should spit out the wine after tasting! There are also tours available, and information on these can be obtained by contacting the tourist information office in the region you wish to visit or in Cape Town.
Regions:
Visit the websites listed below for more information on the wine farms in the region, maps etc:
Franschhoek
Paarl
For more information and links to other wine regions in South Africa (eg. Robertson, Tulbach etc.), visit the Wines of South Africa website. This site also gives an overview of the wine industry in South Africa.
John Platter wine guide:
If you a serious wine taster, buy a John Platter wine guide. This pocket book is updated every year and can be bought in any book shop. It gives you information and quality ratings on wines, wineries, regions, restaurants, places to stay in the winelands etc. You can also register on the John Platter website for a minimal fee. Then you would be able to access all the information, as printed in the guidebook. Very handy if you want to pre-plan your trip, before you come to SA.
Veritas awards:
The most prestigious wine award in South Africa and quality guideline, is the Veritas wine awards. Veritas winners usually have a sticker on the bottle, above the label. Gradings: double gold, gold, silver and bronze. Visit the website for more information on the winners.
Pinotage:
Make sure to taste Pinotage. This wine is unique to South Africa, and a local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage). More information: The Pinotage Association.
Cape Wine Academy:
If you are in SA for a longer period and very interested in wine, you can do an introductory wine course through the Cape Wine Academy.
More information:
Cyber Cellar
Enjoy :)
Edited by: Zabba
You need permits to go to any place but Asmara, Massawa (including Green Island) and Karen. The travel permit you (like a tourist) will get easy in the Tourist office opposite Cathedral. For free. BUT - you will be issued only ONE permit per stay. State in your application absolutely all places in Eritrea and state there ALL modes of transport (car, bus, plane) you plan to use.
To visit a monastery you should get permit from Orthodox church. To get permit for Debre Bizen - it’s 70 Nkf (but you will only go around the buildings - not in). You do not need permit from Tourist Office. To visit Debre Libanons you need to have it stated in travel permit from Tourist office and you need a copy for the Orthodox Church. With this copy you get a permit from Orthodox Church for 70 Nkf in 25 minutes.The Orthodox church is open only from 9 till 11 and then on some days - not all - from 2 to 4 Only Monday to Friday.
To go to any archeological site you need permit from National Museum. To get it, you should have a permit from Tourist office. Permits from National Museum now cost 50 Nkf for any number of places stated in application. They are there usually from 9 (or 10) am. If you start early then you can get all permits till noon, but you should go in this order: Tourist Office, then Orthodox Church and then National Museum. Usually it takes 1 day. To visit Dahlak archipelago (except Green Island) you need another permit from Massawa from Eritrean Shiping lines.
Now Eritrean Airlines fly to Assab and to one military airport near Tesenay. To buy ticket you should get firstly permit from Tourist office and then special permit from Immigration Office (it is to the north from Governors palace near the old unused cinema). With this permit you can buy your ticket.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
There's now an ATM in Zanzibar's Stonetown that takes Visa, and a Barclays Bank outside town that takes Mastercard.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
The following was posted by LtWharf on one of the Asian branches. It is easily transferable to Africa, something to keep in mind for responsabel tourism:
From Tanzania, if you want to go to Uganda, you have direct buses via Nairobi from either Dar es Salaam or Arusha through a good road. The most expensive company is Scandinavia, and the cheapest is Akamba, which i took from Arusha for 21000 tsh(17 hours). The bus was ok.
How do I get from Uganda to Tanzania?
Same journey as above or if you want to go back to Tanzania through a different way you can do as follows, but it will take time: From Kampala, take a bus to Mutukula for 10000 ush (2-3 hours), it will let you off at the border. Once the formalities are done, take a dala dala from the Tanzanian side to Bukoba for 2000 tsh (1 and a half hour). Once in Bukoba, you can take a boat to Mwanza (by bus it would be very long and tiredsome). It leaves on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (returning from Mwanza the next day) in the night (arriving the next day around 7 or 8) and costs around 17000 in 1st class, 14000 in 2nd class sleeper, 11000 in 2nd class seat and 7000 in 3rd class.
Then what?
Go to the harbour by bicycle taxi for 300 (it was far so i gave a tip since i am not a slave driver but it's up to you). In Mwanza, the buses for Dodoma will have left by the time you will have arrived, so you can sleep in the deluxe hotel. It's cheap at 4000 for a single self contained room and it's ok. The area around Mwanza is nice, you could hike around if it's your thing. Buses for dodoma leave around 6 am (book one day in advance)and cost 23000. The road is rough and it takes 25 hours, so be prepared...Once in dodoma you can get buses to Iringa for 9000, to Mbeya for 13000 and if they have already left you can go to Morogoro for 4000 and from there catch an onward bus to either Iringa (6000) or Mbeya(13-14000).
How do I get from Tanzania to Malawi?
From Iringa:
In Iringa you will be greeted by pickpockets so be aware as they are rather hard working!!! They operate in duo, one pushes you and the other one who has his arm hidden below a jacket dives into your pockets...For keen hikers the area around Ilulu is nice and worth a stop to my opinion if you have time. From Mbeya take a Kyela-bound bus for 2000, it will drop you at the border. As soon as you will get off you will be surrounded by heaps of money changers who will try to criss cross you, so if you want to change money pick up one and tell the others to go in order to make your business quietly. But you should know that on the Malawi side there is an official money changer who has good rates for USD. I can't remember if he changes Tanzanian money though, but no worries, you can do it easily in Mzuzu or even in Nkhata Bay and there you have less risk of being conned.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
This seems to be one of those great unknowns. This info was sent to me on 17th Jan 2005 from the Mozambique embassy in Stockholm Sweden. I hope it is correct.
HOW TO GET A MOZAMBICAN VISA AT THE BORDER
It is now easier to enter Mozambique as the Border Visa is now in place at ALL border posts.
How does it work:
• Valid for one single entry for a period of stay of thirty days but it may be extended for sixty days. The visa can be extended at any emigration office in the country.
• May be granted to a foreign citizen coming from countries where there are no Mozambican Embassies or Consular Representations.
• Shall be granted to a foreign citizen coming from countries where there are Mozambican Embassies or Consular Representations, upon an additional fee of 25 % over the normal cost.
• The fee is fixed at (may be changed without prior notice):
FEE 240.000,00 MT
ADDITIONAL FEE 60.000,00 MT
TOTAL FEE 300.000,00 MT
• The fee to extend the Border Visa is fixed at:
FEE 120.000,00 MT
ADDITIONAL FEE 30.000,00 MT
TOTAL FEE 150.000,00 MT
Edited by: Irene_Adler
Africa traveller tales:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/TravelGuide-Africa.html
http://www.hottraveltips.com/safari/
http://www.africatravelresource.com/index.asp
East Africa:
http://www.bootsnall.com/africatravelguides/eastafrica/
Wildebeest Migration:
http://www.ultimateafrica.com/Wildebeest_migration.html
Tanzania Safari Notes:
- You can pay for everything in either US dollars or Tanzania shillings. If you exchange to local currency, you get a better rate for larger bills ($US50 or 100)
- Pimbi public campsite in Seronera really has one of the smelliest squat toilets I ever used. If you can't take it, ask your driver to stop at the nearby visitor's centre. On the other had Panorama campsite in Lake Manyara had hot showers, sit down toilet, and a pool table!
- In Serengeti short grass plains between Naabi Gate and Ngorongoro, you can drive off road and you never know what you might run into, from sleeping lions to an ostrich egg.
- You can enjoy a walking safari in Arusha National Park. The animal life in the park can't compare with the big parks but it was nice to have nothing between you and the wildlife.
- For shopping in Arusha, try the arts & crafts market on Fire Street.
- Finally don't be in a hurry, enjoy the experience.
Added by ClimbHighSleepLow:
Most complete information about Kilimanjaro - routes, choosing outfitters, safety, health, accommodation, costs
go-kilimanjaro Information for budget climbers (such as lodging) is being added...
Edited by: Zabba
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16
East African VisasJust thought I'd post to clarify this as it's a FAQ.
1.Travellers to East Africa can travel between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania on *single * entry visas (one for each country) as many times as they like within 3 months.
2. This means you can exit one of these countries and re-enter it from one of the other two without requiring a multiple entry visa, as the three countries have a special agreement that allows this.
3. However, if you enter a neighbouring country that is not part of this agreement (e.g. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi etc.) and wish to re-enter either Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania you either need a multiple entry visa for the re-entered country, or another single entry visa.
e.g.1 - I arrive in Kenya and go into Uganda, then back through Kenya and then into Tanzania. I only need single entry visas for each of these three countries.
e.g.2 - I arrive in Tanzania and travel into Uganda then Rwanda and back into Uganda. I need a single entry visa for Tanzania (unless I'm returning there in the future part of this trip), a single entry visa for Rwanda (if required for nationals of my country) but a multiple entry visa (or alternatively another single entry one) for Uganda because I've gone outside the countries with the agreement and am coming back in.
Hope people can understand this explanation and examples. If not PM me and I'll try and make some changes :)
17
Tips for self-driving, South AfricaPetrol (gas) stations
All petrol stations are full-service. A service attendant will approach you for instructions and do the necessary. You pay the attendant who will return your change. You are not obligated to tip but tips between R2 - R5 (33 - 83 US cents) are customary especially if the attendant did a lot of work like cleaning your windows, checking tyres and oil etc.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Africa with one exception - you can not pay for fuel with a credit card. You must pay cash. Many petrol stations have ATMs in their forecourts.
The petrol price is set by the government for each region / different towns and cities. There is no point in driving around town searching for the cheapest petrol as all fuel prices in a given town will be the same.
Car guards
Car guards have become a ubiquitous aspect of the South African urban landscape. There is no need to be intimidated by them. They don't stand in the sun and rain for long hours each day because it's fun or lucrative. They do it to make a few rands so they and their families can eat. R2 - R5 tips are customary although you are not obligated to pay anything. If you absolutely do not want to pay then simply get into your car upon your return, ignore the car guard and drive off. Personally I recommend tipping R2 except if you've been away from your car for a very short time.
Car security
If you leave nothing visible in your car the likelihood of having it broken into is much reduced. This means that you have to put all your purchases AND the 50 cent piece lying on the dashboard under the seat or in the boot (trunk) of the car.
Highjackings
The majority of highjackings take place in the driveways of residential suburbs. As a visitor you are much more likely to be involved in an accident than of being highjacked. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. It is not necessary to be paranoid.
Maps
Detailed road maps and street level city maps are sold at, amongst others CNA and the South African Automobile Association. CNA is a book / stationary chain with branches in almost all malls and at many airports including Cape Town and Jo'burg airports.
Driving conditions
Most South African roads are good sealed black tops. Although some AB TT posters dispute this, some areas of South Africa are more "wild" than others. Driving at night between Cape Town and Paarl is no problem. However, if you drive at night in for example the Transkei region slow down or you might hit a cow or a pig that strayed onto the road.
In the off chance that you go somewhere where you have to drive on a dirt road - slow down (if you are not experienced with driving on dirt). Dirt roads are worse than ice. On icy roads everything feels fine until your car starts skidding. On dirt roads everything feels fine right up till the moment that you roll your car. If your car starts tail sliding on dirt do not hit the brakes unless you have no other option.
Miscellaneous
Traffic lights are called "robots".
Roundabouts are called "circles".
Johannesburg is almost always referred to as "Jo'burg". Or "Jozi" or "eGoli" if you want to be funky.
Durban is Durban or "Durbs"
Port Elizabeth is "P.E." (or the Friendly City or the Windy City if you're referring to one of its characteristics.)
Bloemfontein is Bloemfontein or "Bloem" (pronounced as "bloom").
Cape Town is sometimes referred to as the Mother City.
Pietermaritzburg is referred to as "Sleepy Hollow". (Only joking.)
If you see a stop sign with the number 4 or 2 underneath it at an intersection it means it's a 4-way or 2-way stop street. This means that if 4 cars stop shortly after each other they get to drive off in the sequence that they stopped with the car that stopped first going first. If 4 cars stop simultaneously you make it up as you go along.
If you approach a traffic circle you have to yield to cars approaching you from your right before entering the circle. In some parts of the country mini-circles function like 4-way stop streets and not like proper circles.
Many drivers move over the yellow line onto the shoulder of the road to let faster cars pass on the open road. (The white line is the dividing line in South Africa). The passing car might flicker its hazard lights to say thank you. If you intend to move over onto the shoulder to let cars pass do not do it if you don't have a clear view of the road ahead - i.e. on a bend / blind rise / at night. If you approach a car from behind and the car moves over onto the shoulder of the road it obviously means that the car in front wants you to overtake.
Anything by Johnny Clegg + Juluka + Savuka is great driving music for South Africa. :)
18
What about Soweto? Can I do a tour?Soweto.co.za
Iafrica.com | Sleepover in Soweto (2004)
JHB*live | Kulcha unkut - Shebeens (2004)
19
Border Crossings in North East AfricaEthiopia & Sudan
The only border crossing currently open for foreigners is the one at Metemma/Gallabat.
Coming from Ethiopa, there are now buses every morning from Gonder to Metema for 25 Birr - the ride takes about 4 hours on very good road through spectacular landscapes.
At Metemma kids will latch onto you to guide you through the border crossings - pick one(!) of them to guide you, as the offices aren't all very obvious.
In Ethiopia you first visit immigration (in a mud hut), then customs before walking over the birdge to Sudan. Across the border in Gallabat, the first stop is Sudanese immigration. They will stamp your passport both for entry and registration - the latter will cost 5000 Sudanese Dinars (if you haven't got any yet, your Metemma kid will take you to a moneychanger). Next stop is customs, who look into bags but are easygoing. Finally a third Sudanese stop at the "intelligence", where you just have to sign in.
Once finished, look for a pick-up to Gedaref. They now seem to charge 1000/1500 SD in the back/front for both locals and foreigners. The road to Gedaref is good and can be covered in 3-5 hours. Unfortunately there are many checkpoints along it, where foreigners are expected to show their passport and sign in - if you can escape attention (by hiding on the back of a big truck, for example) your trip will be much faster!
From Gedaref there are plenty of buses to Khartoum on an excellent asphalted road (1700-4000 SD, 8-10 hrs depending o the bus) but coming from Ethiopia you will probably have to overnight in Gedaref where accomodation seems to be in short supply during the peak of the agricultural season.
Crossing from Sudan into Ethiopia you will have to overnight in Metemma as buses from there to Gonder leave at 6 am. There are two VERY basic hotels in Metemma charging 10 Birr.
Eritrea & Sudan
Authorities on both sides agree that the border has been officially closed again since Oct 2002, due to deteriorating relations between the two countries. It is no longer possible to cross here legally, though with the rugged border being long and remote, locals keep crossing it illegally all the time. This is certainly NOT recommended for travellers, as once inside Sudan/Eritrea, there are frequent checkpoints on the roads where documents are checked.
There are flights between Khartoum and Asmara with Regional Air and Yemenia for 110-150 USD OW.
Eritrea & Ethiopia
The border remains firmly closed and is unlikely to reopen any time soon.
To travel overland between the two countries the only way is via Djibouti.
The cheapest "direct" flights between Addis and Asmara are with Yemenia, costing 350 USD OW!
Eritrea & Djibouti
Visas for either country must be obtained in advance - they are not available on the border!
Crossing this border is not difficult, at least if you go on the right day (the day when the large passenger ferry goes from Djibouti City to Obock, that is Wednesday). The Wednesday ferry leaves Djibouti City at 11.00 am and costs 1000 DFr. Once it arrives in Obock, watck out for Toyota pickups to Moulhoule or "Assab" (the latter also go to Moulhoule only).
A ride on these will cost 2000 DFr and they go in the afternoon once the qat has arrived. It takes about 2 hours from Obock to Moulhoule on a dirt track through the desert - watch out for gazelles!
In Moulhoule passports are checked, but not stamped, by the Djiboutian authorities. Not getting a stamp is no problem if heading for Eritrea, but those coming to Djibouti should insist on getting stamped in, or they will face difficulties when leaving Djibouti via another crossing!
In Moulhoule there will be another Toyota pickup that will go to Assab via the Eritrean border post at Rahaita for 150 Nakfa. At Rahaita there is a small Eritrean immigration post where passports are stamped.
Once in Assab, note that you can't take next mornings bus to Asmara, as you will first have to go to the local authorities to get a travel permit, which is issued for free in 10 minutes or so. This permit will be checked all along the road, so don't leave without it!
Flights between Asmara and Djibouti City cost 145 USD on Regional Air.
Ethiopia & Djibouti
The TRAIN is no longer the best way to cross between these two countries! In fact, as the Ethiopian Railway authority is all but bankrupt, services have become erratic and unpredictable. Even on the day it is scheduled to leave (Tu, Th, Sat mornings from Dire Dawa) it is often cancelled, which they will only announce the evening before.
By ROAD there are 2 crossings open!
The first is where the train crosses the border. This is the shorter route if coming from Addis, southern or eastern Ethiopia. There are daily buses on this route between Dire Dawa and Djibouti City. Tickets cost 115 Birr from Ethiopia or 4000 DFr from Djibouti, and involve a change of buses at the border (included in the fare). Buses leave in the early morning from obscure locations, and tickets must be bought the day before as the bus tends to be full. At the border passports are collected from all passengers and stamped on both sides. The trip takes the best part of a day, with the road being a desert track on the Ethiopian side, but an excellent asphalted one in Djibouti.
The second road crossing is at Galafi, and is more practical for those wishing to travel between northern Ethiopia and Djibouti. From Djibouti City buses costing 2000 DFr to Galafi leave after 8 pm, and overnight in Yoboki (sleeping on matrasses in a yard) before proceeding to the Djibouti border in the early morning. After having your passport stamped you must hitch a ride on an Ethiopian truck to the Ethiopian border post, which is 5 kms away. From the Ethiopian immigration post there is no public transport to the first major town, Dichotto, so you will have to ride on a truck again for maybe 20 Birr. From Dichotto there are daily morning buses to Dessie on the northern historical circuit, or else you could keep riding on a truck.
Coming from Ethiopia into Djibouti this way it would be easier (and probably cheaper) to hitch a ride on a truck from Dichotto all the way to Djibouti City, rather than taking the bus from Galafi.
The cheapest way to fly between Ethiopia and Djibouti is with Djibouti Airlines, who charge just 100 USD OW from Addis to Djibouti, or 50 USD OW from Dire Dawa.
Djibouti & Somalia (Somaliland)
There are direct jeeps between Djibouti City and Hargeisa. They cost 20 USD from Hargeisa, where they can be found in front of the Djibouti Cafeteria near the radio tower. They leave Hargeisa around 4 pm, and travel on unmarked desert tracks avoiding the roads and police checkpoints. There is a lot of wildlife along the way, so you might want to tell the driver beforehand that he should stop for photos if you wish!
The jeeps stop around midnight at a few restaurats about 2 hours before the border where passengers sleep out on mats. Next morning they drive to the border at Loyada. At the Somaliland immigration foreigners pay a 10 USD exit tax (official). Then you walk over to Djibouti immigration to get stamped in there (get a Djibouti visa before coming to Somaliland!). It is recommended to carry your luggage with you, as all luggage left in the Somali jeep is opened and searched thoroughly! Once over the border, wait for the jeep to get through (slower) and take you on to Djibouti City.
If coming from Djibouti City, the jeeps to Hargeisa can be found along a road in the south of the African Quarter (take a taxi there) and they may charge more going that way. A Somaliland visa may perhaps be obtained at the Loyada border for just 20 USD, but it would be safer to get one from the Somaliland Liaison Office in Addis (Ethiopia) before coming to Djibouti.
Daallo Airlines fly between Djibouti and Hargeisa for 80/120 USD OW/RT.
Ethiopia & Somalia (Somaliland)
From Jijiga in Ethiopia there are regular buses every day to the border at Togochalela (2 hours) on a desert track. Ethiopian immigration is handled there now.
Once stamped out, you walk over the border to the Somaliland immigration, where your Somaliland visa from Addis is checked and stamped. Officials here said that a Somali visa is NOT available here!
Once over the border in the bustling Somali town of Wajaale, hunt around for a 4WD to Hargeisa. There is no regular transport, but we paid only 250 Birr for a charter, shared between six passengers. The first part of the road is another desert track, but then it joins the decent asphalted road from Borama to Hargeisa, where there will be several checkpoints.
Both Daalllo and Ethiopian Airlines fly between Addis and Hargeisa for about 160/240 USD OW/RT, with Daallo being cheaper.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
20
More on the above countriesSudan
The situation regarding travel permits is improving.
Permits are no longer required to travel overland anywhere between the Egyptian border in the north and the region south to Sennar or Metemma on the Ethiopian border.
One can also fly anywhere (including the South and West, they say - but don't count on it) without permits.
Permits are still required for overland travel to Port sudan, Kassala and Kadugli. These are now issued at the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs at the eastern end of Sharia Gamhuriyya. The process takes 2 days and costs 25 USD.
Overland travel to the South and West is still not permitted.
Permits to visit the pyramids at Meroe can now be purchased at the site itself for 10 USD.
Note that the National Museum in Khartoum was robbed and has been closed for months, with no reopening in sight. You can still get a permit from the curator (after writing a written application!) to visit the Nubian temples in the garden though.
Khartoum's only remaining open museum is the Republican Palace Musem in the grounds of the Republican Palace itself. Entrance is from the south. This museum is not mentioned in the LP guide but is worth visiting.
Eritrea
Travel permits are now required to go everywhere besides Asmara, Keren and Massawa. They are issued at the new tourist information office in Asmara free of charge. Currently tourists are not permitted to travel to Nakfa, Filfil or Debre Libanos, or anywhere in the Sudanese border region outside Tesseney.
If you wish to visit Debre Bizan monastery near Nefasit, it is worth knowing that even after having obtained a 70 Nfa permit from the Orthodox Headquarters in Asmara you will not be allowed inside any of the churches or shown the ancient treasures they have - all you can do there is walk around the buildings, which is still nice, but disappointing.
Women are still banned altogether.
Ethiopia
Reaching Omo National Park has now become quite difficult. There are no longer flights to Tum, and even the road from Maji to the park has become neglected and dangerous due to attacks by Surma bandits. It might be easier to reach from Jinka once again - if the ferry service has restarted.
Djibouti
If you wish to travel by boat from Djibouti City to Tadjoura or Obock, you are strongly recommended to try and catch the large Al-Hussein passenger ferry, which goes to both towns twice weekly. It leaves from the pier marked "New Fishery" on the Djibouti City map in the 2004 edition of LP Africa on a Shoestring, not from the pier marked "Ferries to Tadjoura & Obock"! The boat leaves around 11 am but you must be there earlier to book a seat. Tickets cost 1000 DFr now.
Unless you are desperate, don't count on taking what are wishfully described as "dhows taking qat" from Djibouti City to these towns! I found these qat boats were actually not dhows but tiny outboard dinghies where you are guaranteed to get soaked and baked (at the very least), and they now charge foreigners 3000-5000 DFr for a passage - without luggage!
For Tadjoura a better option are the daily buses from Djibouti City that also cost around 1000 DFr.
If you need "cheap" accomodation in Djibouti City, the simple but clean and friendly Hotel Banadir near the Central Market is cheaper and better located than anything the LP guide at 3000/5000 DFr for a fan single / AC double with shared bathroom.
Somalia (Somaliland)
Since foreign aid workes were killed in 3 separate incidents in Somaliland in the past year, pretty much all foreign NGO and UN staff seem to have left the country. We saw no other Westerners in Somaliland.
While we still felt very safe there, the downside of this is that police now require that foreigners travelling outside Hargeisa take armed policemen with them as bodyguards. While there is no charge for this as such, you must pay their fares and expenses, which can be considerable. Without such escorts, you will be turned back at checkpoints on the main roads leading out of Hargeisa. Fortunately jeeps to Djibouti use desert tracks without checkpoints so you don't need escort to take them.
Shared taxis from Hargeisa to Berbera cost ca. 5 USD.
The current exchange rate of the Somaliland Shilling is around 6600 SSh for 1 USD. However the largest note is 500 SSh, so just changing 10 USd will leave you with 130 shilling bills. It is advisable to carry many small dollar bills and change small amounts at a time.
Moneychangers are everywhere, and most prices are in fact quoted and paid in shillings.Costs in Somaliland are pretty low (apart from police escort). In Hargeisa a good budget hotel is the Bilal Hotel (2.5/4 USD for single/double with shared showers) or a nice, new mid-range one is the Paradise Hotel which has air-con rooms with bath from 10 USD.
Note that many hotels don't take women, others require that couples sharing a room show proof of being married.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
21
I'm worried about keeping my passport safe. What should I do?For West Africa (particularly Nigeria) where you need to carry passport ID yet actually flashing the maroon (for brits) freedom ticket can be very dangerous, get a photocopy done (of visa pages too) ideally at 50% reduction, then get these credit card sized pieces of paper laminated at your local copy shop for a quid or so. You can keep these in your back pocket and keep your actual passport tucked away.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
22
Visa for Niger, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and BeninThese five West African countries have an all in one visa called the visa touristique de l'entente (VTE). The visa costs CFA 25000, and allows you unlimed travel within the five countries for a period of up to 60 days.
It is difficult to obtain the visa, some embassies will deny the existence of the visa. Some guidebooks will say the same. However, it still exists (october 2004).
Below are confirmed points of sale:
the Togo embassy in Paris
the Benin embassy in Paris
the Togo embassy in Accra
the Cote d'Ivoire embassy in Ouagadougou
A number of visa services on the internet that can deliver the Entente visa. More info here
L=Original text]http://www.bj.refer.org/benin_ct/med/jo/jo15/mcatdec2.htm[/L] of the visa treaty
Edited by: Zabba
23
Winelands – Western Cape regions, South AfricaWhere to start:
Read through the guidelines and tips on the Stellenbosch wine route website.
The best way to experience the winelands, is to self-drive. Although this would mean appointing a designated driver, who should spit out the wine after tasting! There are also tours available, and information on these can be obtained by contacting the tourist information office in the region you wish to visit or in Cape Town.
Regions:
Visit the websites listed below for more information on the wine farms in the region, maps etc:
Franschhoek
Paarl
For more information and links to other wine regions in South Africa (eg. Robertson, Tulbach etc.), visit the Wines of South Africa website. This site also gives an overview of the wine industry in South Africa.
John Platter wine guide:
If you a serious wine taster, buy a John Platter wine guide. This pocket book is updated every year and can be bought in any book shop. It gives you information and quality ratings on wines, wineries, regions, restaurants, places to stay in the winelands etc. You can also register on the John Platter website for a minimal fee. Then you would be able to access all the information, as printed in the guidebook. Very handy if you want to pre-plan your trip, before you come to SA.
Veritas awards:
The most prestigious wine award in South Africa and quality guideline, is the Veritas wine awards. Veritas winners usually have a sticker on the bottle, above the label. Gradings: double gold, gold, silver and bronze. Visit the website for more information on the winners.
Pinotage:
Make sure to taste Pinotage. This wine is unique to South Africa, and a local cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage). More information: The Pinotage Association.
Cape Wine Academy:
If you are in SA for a longer period and very interested in wine, you can do an introductory wine course through the Cape Wine Academy.
More information:
Cyber Cellar
Enjoy :)
Edited by: Zabba
24
What do I need to know about Travel Permits in Eritrea?You need permits to go to any place but Asmara, Massawa (including Green Island) and Karen. The travel permit you (like a tourist) will get easy in the Tourist office opposite Cathedral. For free. BUT - you will be issued only ONE permit per stay. State in your application absolutely all places in Eritrea and state there ALL modes of transport (car, bus, plane) you plan to use.
To visit a monastery you should get permit from Orthodox church. To get permit for Debre Bizen - it’s 70 Nkf (but you will only go around the buildings - not in). You do not need permit from Tourist Office. To visit Debre Libanons you need to have it stated in travel permit from Tourist office and you need a copy for the Orthodox Church. With this copy you get a permit from Orthodox Church for 70 Nkf in 25 minutes.The Orthodox church is open only from 9 till 11 and then on some days - not all - from 2 to 4 Only Monday to Friday.
To go to any archeological site you need permit from National Museum. To get it, you should have a permit from Tourist office. Permits from National Museum now cost 50 Nkf for any number of places stated in application. They are there usually from 9 (or 10) am. If you start early then you can get all permits till noon, but you should go in this order: Tourist Office, then Orthodox Church and then National Museum. Usually it takes 1 day. To visit Dahlak archipelago (except Green Island) you need another permit from Massawa from Eritrean Shiping lines.
Now Eritrean Airlines fly to Assab and to one military airport near Tesenay. To buy ticket you should get firstly permit from Tourist office and then special permit from Immigration Office (it is to the north from Governors palace near the old unused cinema). With this permit you can buy your ticket.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
25
Where are the ATMs in Zanzibar?There's now an ATM in Zanzibar's Stonetown that takes Visa, and a Barclays Bank outside town that takes Mastercard.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
26
How to be an ethical travelerThe following was posted by LtWharf on one of the Asian branches. It is easily transferable to Africa, something to keep in mind for responsabel tourism:
Quote
from the christian science monitor (an independent newspaper online)
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1222/p15s02-trgn.html
pasted from
www.ethicaltraveler.com/guidelines.php
How to be an ethical traveler
• BE AWARE OF WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING, and patronize locally owned inns, restaurants, and shops. Try to keep your dollars (or baht, or pesos) within the local economy.
• NEVER GIVE GIFTS TO CHILDREN, only to their parents or teachers.
• REMEMBER THE ECONOMIC REALITIES OF YOUR NEW CURRENCY. A few rupees one way or another is not going to ruin you. Don't get all bent out of shape over the fact that a visitor who earns 100 times a local's salary might be expected to pay a few cents more for a ferry ride, a museum entrance, or an egg.
• BARGAIN FAIRLY, and with respect for the seller. Again, remember the economic realities of where you are. The final transaction should leave both buyer and seller satisfied and pleased. Haggling for a taxi or carpet is part of many cultures; but it's not a bargain if either person feels exploited, diminished, or ripped off.
• LEARN AND RESPECT THE TRADITIONS AND TABOOS OF YOUR HOST COUNTRY. Each culture has its own mores, and they're often taken very seriously. Never, for example, pat a Thai child on the head, enter a traditional Brahmin's kitchen, or open an umbrella in a Nepali home.
• CURB YOUR ANGER, AND CULTIVATE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. Anger is a real issue for Westerners - even the Dalai Lama remarks on this. It's perversely satisfying, but it never earns the respect of locals or defuses a bad situation. A light touch - and a sense of cosmic perspective - are infinitely more useful.
• LEAVE YOUR MEDIA-BASED PRECONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE WORLD AT HOME. The inhabitants of planet Earth will continually amaze you with their generosity, hospitality and wisdom. Be open to their friendship, and aware of our common humanity, delights, and hardships.
27
How do I get from Tanzania to Uganda?From Tanzania, if you want to go to Uganda, you have direct buses via Nairobi from either Dar es Salaam or Arusha through a good road. The most expensive company is Scandinavia, and the cheapest is Akamba, which i took from Arusha for 21000 tsh(17 hours). The bus was ok.
How do I get from Uganda to Tanzania?
Same journey as above or if you want to go back to Tanzania through a different way you can do as follows, but it will take time: From Kampala, take a bus to Mutukula for 10000 ush (2-3 hours), it will let you off at the border. Once the formalities are done, take a dala dala from the Tanzanian side to Bukoba for 2000 tsh (1 and a half hour). Once in Bukoba, you can take a boat to Mwanza (by bus it would be very long and tiredsome). It leaves on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (returning from Mwanza the next day) in the night (arriving the next day around 7 or 8) and costs around 17000 in 1st class, 14000 in 2nd class sleeper, 11000 in 2nd class seat and 7000 in 3rd class.
Then what?
Go to the harbour by bicycle taxi for 300 (it was far so i gave a tip since i am not a slave driver but it's up to you). In Mwanza, the buses for Dodoma will have left by the time you will have arrived, so you can sleep in the deluxe hotel. It's cheap at 4000 for a single self contained room and it's ok. The area around Mwanza is nice, you could hike around if it's your thing. Buses for dodoma leave around 6 am (book one day in advance)and cost 23000. The road is rough and it takes 25 hours, so be prepared...Once in dodoma you can get buses to Iringa for 9000, to Mbeya for 13000 and if they have already left you can go to Morogoro for 4000 and from there catch an onward bus to either Iringa (6000) or Mbeya(13-14000).
How do I get from Tanzania to Malawi?
From Iringa:
In Iringa you will be greeted by pickpockets so be aware as they are rather hard working!!! They operate in duo, one pushes you and the other one who has his arm hidden below a jacket dives into your pockets...For keen hikers the area around Ilulu is nice and worth a stop to my opinion if you have time. From Mbeya take a Kyela-bound bus for 2000, it will drop you at the border. As soon as you will get off you will be surrounded by heaps of money changers who will try to criss cross you, so if you want to change money pick up one and tell the others to go in order to make your business quietly. But you should know that on the Malawi side there is an official money changer who has good rates for USD. I can't remember if he changes Tanzanian money though, but no worries, you can do it easily in Mzuzu or even in Nkhata Bay and there you have less risk of being conned.
Edited by: Irene_Adler
28
How do I get a visa for Mozambique?This seems to be one of those great unknowns. This info was sent to me on 17th Jan 2005 from the Mozambique embassy in Stockholm Sweden. I hope it is correct.
HOW TO GET A MOZAMBICAN VISA AT THE BORDER
It is now easier to enter Mozambique as the Border Visa is now in place at ALL border posts.
How does it work:
• Valid for one single entry for a period of stay of thirty days but it may be extended for sixty days. The visa can be extended at any emigration office in the country.
• May be granted to a foreign citizen coming from countries where there are no Mozambican Embassies or Consular Representations.
• Shall be granted to a foreign citizen coming from countries where there are Mozambican Embassies or Consular Representations, upon an additional fee of 25 % over the normal cost.
• The fee is fixed at (may be changed without prior notice):
FEE 240.000,00 MT
ADDITIONAL FEE 60.000,00 MT
TOTAL FEE 300.000,00 MT
• The fee to extend the Border Visa is fixed at:
FEE 120.000,00 MT
ADDITIONAL FEE 30.000,00 MT
TOTAL FEE 150.000,00 MT
Edited by: Irene_Adler
29
I want to go to Tanzania. Where do I start?Africa traveller tales:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/TravelGuide-Africa.html
http://www.hottraveltips.com/safari/
http://www.africatravelresource.com/index.asp
East Africa:
http://www.bootsnall.com/africatravelguides/eastafrica/
Wildebeest Migration:
http://www.ultimateafrica.com/Wildebeest_migration.html
Tanzania Safari Notes:
- You can pay for everything in either US dollars or Tanzania shillings. If you exchange to local currency, you get a better rate for larger bills ($US50 or 100)
- Pimbi public campsite in Seronera really has one of the smelliest squat toilets I ever used. If you can't take it, ask your driver to stop at the nearby visitor's centre. On the other had Panorama campsite in Lake Manyara had hot showers, sit down toilet, and a pool table!
- In Serengeti short grass plains between Naabi Gate and Ngorongoro, you can drive off road and you never know what you might run into, from sleeping lions to an ostrich egg.
- You can enjoy a walking safari in Arusha National Park. The animal life in the park can't compare with the big parks but it was nice to have nothing between you and the wildlife.
- For shopping in Arusha, try the arts & crafts market on Fire Street.
- Finally don't be in a hurry, enjoy the experience.
Added by ClimbHighSleepLow:
Most complete information about Kilimanjaro - routes, choosing outfitters, safety, health, accommodation, costs
go-kilimanjaro Information for budget climbers (such as lodging) is being added...
Edited by: Zabba
