Bukoba -> Mwanza Ferry, transit visa q, other...

Hi guys,
It seems there is conflicting info about whether the ferry from Bukoba to Mwanza is up and running? Has anyone taken it recently? What's the price?

Also, at the moment, my plan is -
-fly into Nairobi
-bus to Kampala
-bus to Bukoba
-ferry to Mwanza
-bus to Arusha via Nairobi
-bus from Arusha to Nairobi (after climbing Kili) and then fly home

What visas should I get...multi entry for Tanzania (because I will be there the longest) and transit for the others?

If you have any other comments/recommendations about this itinerary, let me know. It's still up in the air - for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that I haven't heard back from the person I want to see in Bukoba...so, I might end up scrapping that portion of the trip and doing something else...I dunno what. Maybe finding a safari of some sort once I've arrived? Or something!

Thanks so much!

Hi There,

You can go by boat from Bukoba to Mwanza - on board MV Serengeti.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and on Saturday - departure Bukoba 6:30 PM and arrival Mwanza 7:00 AM (next day).

Fares: 1st class 30,000/= TSH, 2nd class 17,000/= TSH and 3rd class 15,000/= TSH. 1st class is recommended.

Exchange rates: US$ 1 is about 1,000 Tanzania Shilling.

Please note, that the direct bus from Mwanza to Arusha via Nairobi (Scandinavia Express) is out of business.

A normal tourist visa for Tanzania valid for three months is what you need for Tanzania. It is issued without problems at the border. Visa fee is US$ 50 (US citizens US$ 100). You don't need a photo - only US$ 50 in cash and a passport valid for more than six months.

Enjoy your trip

Hans Kristoffersen
Editor
Mwanza Guide 'online'

Thank you very much! Can you recommend a route from Mwanza to Arusha?

Also, the day I would want to take the boat is Dec 26...I wonder if that is a very bad time because of the holidays....

Hi Yumegokoro,

I will recommend flying Precision Air from Mwanza to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The rate is 161,500/= THS (one way). Take a look at the Precision Air time table here.

The intercity bus option: AKAMBA bus from Mwanza to Nairobi - rate: US$ 25. Daily at 11 AM from Mwanza. Duration 12 - 14 hours +/- something. No pre-booking option accessible, it is first in - first served.
From Nairobi to Arusha - serveral options. Take a night stop in Nairobi - and find out. Mail: Nairobi Guide 'online' for further information, where to stay and bus info.

I don't think the 26th of December (Christmas Day) will have any effect on the time table, but IF - I will mail you.

Regards

Hans Kristoffersen
Editor
Mwanza Guide 'online'

Your normal single entry visas for each of the three countries will be good for re-entry if you travel only between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, by special agreement between them. No multiple entry visa needed.