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-- Log 4 A --
Tanzania
15th April 2002 entered Tanzania
We were concerned about this crossing as we did not have a carnet, and
would require a TIP (Temporary Import Permit). We had received
conflicting reports with regards to whether this would be possible, and
what the cost implication would be.
We are pleased to report that the Tanzania authorities do indeed issue
both visas and temporary import permits at this time at the Songwe River
border post. The cost were as follows:
Road Toll US$ 5
Foreign Vehicle Importation US$20
3rd Party Insurance US$26
3 month multi entry visa US$50 – only ones available
Temporary Import Permit Valid for 1 month, if you have a carnet the visa
for the vehicle and passport would be the same at no extra cost.
The moneychanger’s rate was TS97 000 for 100 US$. Without a doubt this
was the best border crossing we have encountered to date. The
authorities were brilliant and extremely helpful and obliging. Thanks to
you all!
We had decided to aim at night stopping in Iringa. Having missed the
turn-off – don’t ask! We went through the usual traffic check post, and
ask the officer about a campsite. He suggested a place called Riverside
Camp a few kms from where we were. As it turned out the campsite was a
terrific find. The staff were most accommodating and the service was
fantastic – even received an evening fire to keep us warm! The showers
had HOT water – it was great! The site is well maintained, and the
birding is very good. We enjoyed our stay – thanks guys.
Riverside Campsite – GPS S07.47.857 E035.47.782 and 5138 feet
Riverside Campsite on the Little Ruaha River – exceptionally well
maintained
On signing the guest book we found that Henri and Jenny were just ahead
of us. We will catch up with them again I’m sure.
Next morning it was a toss up whether to stay and do the dreaded washing
or to head for Dar es Salaam. Finally we decided to make our way back to
the coast.
Although the distance is quite acceptable we found that the time taken
has doubled due to the road conditions. The speed limit is 80 kph on the
open road, and 50 kph in the towns, of which there are many along the
road. To add to this there were detours, which took the speed to 10 kms,
and then at EVERY bridge we encountered the meanest row of small bumps
and then some LARGE humps and the same on the other side. They were all
right across the road and there was no alternative but to drive VERY
slowly, unlike the buses, which did not seem to even notice that they
existed! The logo on the back of a certain Company bus says ‘In God we
trust’! You better believe it!
We went through a stunning valley called – Baobab Valley. It was
amazing, absolutely brilliant! We then entered the Mikumi National Park,
which has speed bumps every 2 kms – they were just a mean as the bridge
bumps, enough to take the undercarriage off a standard car, but which
the buses took as a 140 kph challenge! Well on the bright side we did
get to see some game, giraffe, elephant, and buck.
We arrived in Dar at 18.00 (SA time – actually 19.00 Tanzania time) and
hit the rush hour traffic going home! Wow! We had broken every rule we
had made with regards to late afternoon driving! Being in a strange city
at night trying to find our way around is not the most enviable
situation to be in. On top of that, the campsite recommended to us was
on South Beach, and could only be reached by ferry!
Having been committed we just had to get on with it. We found our way to
the ferry, and made the departure by the skin of our teeth. It was dark
and all we could see was the lights of the city as we departed! We
reached to other side and followed the narrow road for 6.5 kms until we
came across the sign to the campsite! On arrival good friends Henri and
Jenny greeted us!
Next morning we were able to see our surroundings! We really do get to
see some great places:
It is hard to believe that this beach is so close to Dar es Salaam. |
Kipepeo Campsite – GPS
S06.51.093 E039.21.702
– 4 feet AMSL |
Mr W taking in the sun and sand – next to her is an ex-fire engine from
Germany built in 1960, who is making her way to Lesotho, Southern Africa
for New Year 2003.
In total we spent more than a week in Dar es Salaam as we were waiting
for our Carnet from South Africa. The first Carnet arrived without a
hitch, thanks to our daughter. Unfortunately it was dated for 2001 – a
slip up on AA South Africa’s behalf. To rectify it, they had to send us
another one, which took 6 days to arrive, and much frustration and lots
of visits to all the courier companies in Dar es Salaam. We became old
hands at catching the ‘dala dala’ (local mini bus taxi) and we also have
shares in the ferry.
Whilst waiting there was not much else to do but to relax, sit back and
take it easy!
Here are some of the sights to cross our path:
Daily camel train |
Cows on the beach! |
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