An adventure through East Africa
I have been wanting to take an adventurous trip to Africa for several years, and I had planned to travel by road from Cairo to Cape Town, crossing 13 countries in 49 days. My plan was to fly to Cairo from Delhi, then drive through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, and then fly back to Delhi from Cape Town. I was planning to depart in April 2020, but I had to modify my plans to leave out Egypt and Sudan and fly to Addis Ababa instead, and return from Cape Town to Delhi. I started preparing for the trip and got a yellow fever vaccination on January 20, but then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and all my plans were put on hold.
The plan was,
A) Addis Ababa to Uganda via Omo valley, Marsabit, Nandi hills, Eldoret, Kampala (2000 km) Kampala to Rwanda* (500 km) and back to Nairobi via Nakuru (1150 km).
Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) 280 km to Serengeti (380 km) to Dares salaam (1000 km), Zanzibar and back by ship.
Dar to Lilongwe, Malawi (1540 km).
Lilongwe (Malawi) to Mozambique to Zimbabwe to Zambia to Botswana to Namibia to South Africa.
Lilongwe to Beira (Mozambique) 942 km
Harare -Beira 560 km
Lusaka -Harare 500 km
B) *Rwanda (Kigali) to Bujumbura -Lusaka (1900 km) (Kigali -Bujumbura 280 km), Lusaka -Botswana-Namibia-Cape town, South Africa (3000 km).
Stuck up at Patna for 5 months in corona phase one and then, after partial reopening, did some inland travel to Himachal, Punjab and then to MP, Chhattisgarh and WB (Kolkata, Sunderban and Vishnupur).
But always keeping an eye on the opening of normal international travel.
Then finally, due to several restrictions still in place for a long multi-country trip, I decided to take a short one to East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) and Burundi, Tanzania , if possible, then Zambia and Malawi.
It was very fast and in mid-June sitting at my desk just glanced through the flights and found that there is a direct Air India flight from Delhi to Nairobi. Without thinking for a second, I booked the return ticket for Delhi-Nairobi- Delhi with Air India.
Then immediately applied for East African e-Visa and it was very fast. I got the visa in two days. I was all set for Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda and the plan was to enter Burundi from Rwanda and then to Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania and back to Nairobi to take return flight.
My flight to Nairobi was on 24th June morning from Delhi. Booked train ticket for Delhi for 19th June.
But in the meantime, Agniveer protests erupted in a big way in Bihar and other states and the railway was worst sufferer. Several trains were cancelled. My train to Delhi was also cancelled. As an alternative, I booked train tickets for 20th and 21st as well, and in an emergency, thought of taking flight to Delhi. The air fare skyrocketed, touching one way fare from Patna to Delhi around 25000 near the fare for Delhi -Nairobi.
I was lucky train service partially restored with rescheduling on 20th. Took a train to Delhi on 20th. I felt quite relieved after reaching Delhi.
After reaching Delhi sent emails to few contacts in Nairobi and Kampala and recapped weather, visa on arrival requirements, common salutations, Nobel laureates of Africa and currency details of countries on the radar.
Hujambo or Jambo (hello) in Swahili, Bush Taxis (public transportation), Karibuni (welcome all). Sijambo (I am well), Karibuni (welcome all) Sasa, Mambo (hello)
I used `Sijambo' frequently since many children, adults used to ask in English, how are you? I replied Sijambo.
I was quite pleased to see a trail of pleasant weather in all East African countries, ranging from low of 14 degrees C to high of 28 degrees C. Nairobi very pleasant. Patna and Delhi were too hot in June.
Kenyan Schilling was around 118 to a USD, Uganda Shilling around 3800 to a USD (weaker), Rwanda Franc around 1045 to a USD, Burundi 2080 Franc to a USD, Zambia 17 Kwacha to a USD, Malawi Kwacha 735 to a USD and Tanzania Shilling 2300 to a USD.
Visa on arrival fee for Burundi was 40 USD, Zambia 50 USD, Malawi 75 USD and Tanzania 50 USD single entry.
Kenya and Tanzania fall in same time zone. +2.50 from India, Uganda, Rwanda +3 hours and Burundi, Zambia, Malawi +2 hours.
Also glanced currencies and VoA fees for other countries on the route from Ethiopia to South Africa.
Ethiopia VOA 20 $, ETB-Birr 25=1 USD Capital Addis Ababa
Djibouti VOA 60 $Francs 177=1USD, Djibouti City
Zimbabwe VoA 50 USD, Harare
Mozambique VoA 66 $ MZM (Meticais) 62= 1USD, Maputo
Ibn Battuta was the first explorer from Morocco, Africa in the 14th. century.
Wole Soyinka from Nigeria got literature Noble in 1986, followed by Wangari Maathai from Kenya winner of 2004. Noble peace.
Few great leaders from Africa who left their marks on the continent and the world are,
Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Congo, Kwane Nkrumah, Ghana, Julius Nyerere, Tanzania.
Great African deserts are the Sahara, Namib in Namibia and Kalahari in South Africa.
In all my previous international travels, I used to have HDFC Multi Forex card and got it filled before leaving India. My HDFC forex card has expired, so I have to apply for a new one. In the meantime, I started looking for alternatives to HDFC cards and decided to try Niyo Global supported by SBM, India. Just on the day of leaving Patna I got Niyo card delivered to Patna's house. My decision was right, Niyo Global is an excellent card for foreign travel. It is very user-friendly and also charges are lower in comparison to HDFC card. There was no bucket list of travel. As usual, I was a light traveller with one suitcase less than 10 kg and one laptop bag less than 5 kg. With all essentials packed the day before, I was ready to leave with absolutely no detailed program. The only final programme was to take AI flight on 24th June morning to Nairobi and back on 19th July. Rest as the trip progresses. No advance hotel bookings and reservations by road and train. Day by day was the motto. I was quite glad that finally able to take my first trip to Africa.
The timing of flight was in early morning, so decided to leave Dwarka around 11 pm for the Delhi airport. The check in and passport control process was smooth and took no time. Took a corner resting chair for a quick nap. Boarding started on time. It was a surprise to see Boeing 787, 9 seats (3x3) in a row on Delhi -Ahmedabad -Nairobi route. Quickly, I settled in to a window seat. The aircraft was new and clean. The first stop was at Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad to Nairobi was non-stop 6-hour flight. The flight was full at Ahmedabad. There were many Gujaratis who migrated to Kenya during British Raj and settled there. Most of them still connected with India and also lot of young people from Gujarat work there on work permits. So, there is a constant flow of people between India and Kenya.
Quite improved service and also quality of food. The entertainment system was OK with some new releases of Bollywood and Hollywood movies.
The flight landed before time at Nairobi on 24th June around 12 pm.
Before passport control counters, there was a counter of health department where one had to show the vaccination details digitally (online). One has to fill all the details on a website provided by Kenyan health authorities and then a pass comes out to show them. After that, it was quick and an East African visa sticker was posted on the one blank page of passport.
The Wi-Fi at airport was free and fast. Jomo Kenyetta International airport is some 11 kms from Nairobi central. Nairobi has another airport called Wilson airport in the south, which mostly caters nationally.
Jomo Kenyetta is like Gandhi of Kenya and currently his son is president.
Uber and local Bolt are two apps working well in Nairobi. Bolt is about 5-10 % economical than Uber.
But I decided to explore and took a walk out of airport and saw lot of taxis parked outside and also local colourful buses called Matatus. Took Matatu to Nairobi Central (80 KES) . It took an hour to reach Nairobi central due to poor traffic conditions in central Nairobi.
Entering Nairobi Central was like entering a different planet with a sea of humanity. Traffic jams, matatus parking on both sides of road, roadside vendors selling everything from cell phone covers to socks, matatus fighting to board passengers etc. The near view is clogged with a sea of human heads. There was no order, free for all. Matatus will only start if certain number of seats are filled, otherwise there is no fixed time of departure.
My hotel was not far, so decided to walk down to hotel. It was a different kind of experience. Poverty stricken eyes looking to sell something to buy food for the day for self and family. Hundreds of matatus looking for passengers and voda voda (motorcycle taxi) also looking for passengers to start earning for the day. Mostly young people. One can quickly notice that employment among young people is an issue and also hundreds of wanderers on the road, sleeping in parks, sitting on the roadside looking for something to eat. Asking for change, asking for a cup of tea etc. It was a sight of helplessness where one could do nothing. Some flying thoughts came to mind at that moment that if I had enough money, then I should have given something to each one to have basic food for a day. The CBD of Nairobi is quite dirty, but slowly started settling in the hotel. Now part of the disorder, so seeing order in the chaos of Nairobi central and become part of it for next three days. I visited every nook and corner of Nairobi central, west end, parklands, national park area, and the slums. I became one with the locals. The commoners using all modes of transport; matatus, m / cycle taxis, uber and walking.
The west end of Nairobi is a different world, one can see the drastic inequality. Big houses with big cars, affluent living. Parkland areas full of the Indian diaspora is another well off locality.
Bill boards are everywhere since Kenya going for general elections in August. Like India, political gossip is quite common in Kenya and there is also rivalry between different tribes.
The Hilton is in the heart of Nairobi. An important landmark of city. Jomo Kenyatta international conference centre is another landmark and its roof top is a good place to see the skyline of Nairobi.
Places visited in Nairobi:
1. Parliament, courts, KICC
2. Central Railway station
3. National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, National Park, National Archives
4. Kibera Slums
5. Westland area, Parklands
6. Nairobi New railway Terminal (Nairobi-Mombasa Railway) at Syokimau
7. The old charm, Parkside hotel
8. Crowded city market, Masai market
9. Nairobi Street Kitchen, Mpaka Road, Westend
10.Carnivore restaurant, Near Wilson airport.
11. Charlies Bistro, Kileleshwa, Migori Road Not able to visit Karen area, Kazuri beads fabrication and taste Dawa cocktails.
There were many options outside of Nairobi and some included,
seeing Mount Kenya, the highest peak in Kenya, by visiting Nanyuki from Nairobi some two hours’ drive. Masai Mara the most loved National Park to see big 5 (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos). Mombasa on the sea, Mombasa old town and Diani beach the most celebrated. Mombasa is connected with Nairobi by regular flights, comfortable buses and train. Three daily trains run from Nairobi to Mombasa and return with standard fare of 1000 KES one way.
Lamu island not far from Mombasa (Mombasa to Malindi by bus) to see the traditional living of Swahili people and their civilization. Shell village at Lamu has very long beach. Lamu is also UNESCO world heritage site. Mokowe is on main land and from there by boat to Lamu. Dhow trips from harbour to Lamu run every day.
Kenya has borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda. Nairobi like India is also target of Somalian terrorists and, in the past, Nairobi has witnessed terrorist attacks several times. The west end market was also attacked and there was a memorial at west end. That`s Why I found vigilant police in west end area.
The busy border with Tanzania is at Namanga some 180 Km from Nairobi. Namanga border is also the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Arusha, Serengeti and other national parks in Tanzania. Namanga is also base town for Amboseli National Park through Meshanani gate. On a clear day, one can see Mount Kilimanjaro from Namanga and more clearly from Amboseli park. Amboseli park is in Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Namanga Tanzania is also a small town, but Namanga Kenya is bigger. Arusha is also base of Mount Meru, clearly visible on sunny day. Generally, Tutsis and Watussi tribe in Rwanda and Burundi are taller than 6 feet and more, but saw many taller people in Namanga, some 6 feet 5 ". Pygmies in comparison, are shorter in central Africa, around 4.5 to 5 feet. Finally, with so many options, I decided to take picturesque route of Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Kisumu by road.
Kisumu is town on Victoria Lake in west Kenya and also nearby to Uganda. Lake Victoria is in three countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania but its basin extends to three more countries, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. It is second largest fresh water lake after lake Baikal. 50% of the shoreline is in Tanzania and 40% in Uganda and rest in Kenya. Entebbe port in Uganda near Kampala is biggest port on Lake Victoria. Mwanza is big town in Tanzania on Lake Victoria.
For Kisumu there are three good bus services from Nairobi Easy Coach, Crown and Guardian. Apart from these, there were several services, but these have timing in place. There is a weekly train from Nairobi to Kisumu through rift valley but my dates have not matched with it. It is part of old British line from Mombasa -Nairobi-Kisumu port but currently operational from Nairobi to Kisumu called the Rift valley line. Nairobi -Mombasa converted to standard gauge. It passes through most picturesque setting of rift valley and Masai area.
My first leg was Nairobi-Kisumu by guardian coach 1200 KES (340 km) and then Kisumu to Busia border 500 KES (105km) to enter Uganda and then to Kampala 800 KES (190 km).
Both easy travel and guardian having stand near central railway station. I decided to take Guardian and booked for 10.15 am, a good Toyota coaster. Got front seat. Getting front seat was my only choice and, fortunately, for most of the trip I got it. Naivasha is one hour drive from Nairobi through the Rift valley and passing through beautiful Naivasha hills gate national park, very popular with Nairobi residents for weekend picnics. Zebras can be spotted everywhere.
Then the lake town of Nakuru which is also foot of rift valley. The lake was full of flamingos and the nearby forest had a good number of black Rhino. The Nakuru national park is another attraction. Nakuru is also entry point towards Masai Mara. However, there is another route bypassing Nakuru is Nairobi-Narok -Sekenani -Masai Mara (225 km). However, this route is mostly used by private and safari vehicles. But one can come by public transportation also by taking shared taxi from Nairobi to Narok from river road and then from Narok to Sekenani (eastern side of Masai) by local Matatus from Narok coffee house. There is Mara explorer camp near Sekenani gate.
Nairobi -Naivasha -Gilgil - Kikopey - Nakuru took 2.15 hours nonstop from Nairobi highway A8 with stop of 30 minutes at line hotel before Nakuru town. Started at 1 pm from Nakuru the base of rift valley and reached Mau summit over change at 2.10 pm. Excellent picturesque drive through heart of the Rift valley. From Mau took left for Kisumu (140 km). A straight road goes to Eldoret town.
Crossing tea capital of Kenya, Mau to Kericho, beautiful green valley, tea garden on both sides.
Beautiful tea town Kericho reached at 3 pm then Ahera 4 pm and Kisumu 4.30 pm.
Kisumu is on the bank of Lake Victoria and old town in Kenya. I stayed for a night in Kisumu and next morning left for Uganda. took a long walk in Kisumu along shore of Lake Victoria.
Met some Indian immigrants who migrated to Kenya in 1960s by paying 30 schilling fees for citizenship. Kisumu still has more than 2000 Indians. Hindu temples, Arya Samaj mandir and Gurdwaras were a common sight in town. Met Kisumu Hindu union president at Arya samaj Mandir which runs several charity programs for local people. Kisumu also has an airport on the bank of Lake Victoria and a beautiful Golf club. During British period it was an important port for carrying materials to Kampala and other land locked countries through Lake Victoria.
Next afternoon left for Uganda via Bushia at 1.30 pm. Kisumu to Kampala via Bushia is 310 km. Kisian ,Maseno ( a university also),Luanda, Ugunza, ugenya, bumala ,busia kenya 4.30 pm.
Walked down to border control and then about 800 mtr straight on Busia Uganda side and got tablet to Kampala at 800 KeS or 24000 Ugandan schilling. It started at 6 pm. Kibimba, namayemba, bugiri, iganga district
3000 kes =21.32 ltr diesel
There are buses (Simba and Modern) also from Kisumu to Kampala but runs in night only.
Reached Kampala at midnight. No pre-booking hotel, so went directly to Hospitality Connect by voda voda but it was full. Stayed for a night in nearby central hotel and next morning moved to Hospitality Connect. Excellent facilities in very good surroundings, plus free laundry at Hospitality connect.
Kampala is a beautiful hilly city and aptly called "Pearl of Africa". It is situated on seven rolling hills and each connected so beautifully with each other. Entebbe is one of the largest lake ports near Kampala on Lake Victoria. Mount Stanley is tallest mountain in Uganda at 5110 metres. Banana beer is new drink in Uganda. Bushpig backpackers’ hostel is located in a very good location near Acacia mall in Kampala.
Places visited in Kampala:
1. Bahai Temple is situated on the outskirts of Kampala on a mountain. It is a very serene and peaceful experience and also a good place to see the skyline of Kampala.
2. Parliament, independent monument, national theatre and govt offices
3. Acacia Mall, Arena mall
4.City square, Nakasero market
5.Golf club
6. Nawab`s Asian Bistro Acacia mall
7. National Mosque
8. Fort Lugard
9. Kabaka Palace Museum (Lubiri) Mengo
10.Kisenyi slums and auto repair cluster
11.Rubaya cathedral
12.Kasumi Tombs
13.Namiembe Cathedral, Namiembe Road
14.Grand Mosque, Bakuli Bus terminal, Volcano/global bus, Hindu temples
1. Parliament, courts, KICC
2. Central Railway station
3. National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, National Park, National Archives
4. Kibera Slums
5. Westland area, Parklands
6. Nairobi New railway Terminal (Nairobi-Mombasa Railway) at Syokimau
7. The old charm, Parkside hotel
8. Crowded city market, Masai market
9. Nairobi Street Kitchen, Mpaka Road, Westend
10.Carnivore restaurant, Near Wilson airport.
11. Charlies Bistro, Kileleshwa, Migori Road Not able to visit Karen area, Kazuri beads fabrication and taste Dawa cocktails.
There were many options outside of Nairobi and some included,
seeing Mount Kenya, the highest peak in Kenya, by visiting Nanyuki from Nairobi some two hours’ drive. Masai Mara the most loved National Park to see big 5 (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos). Mombasa on the sea, Mombasa old town and Diani beach the most celebrated. Mombasa is connected with Nairobi by regular flights, comfortable buses and train. Three daily trains run from Nairobi to Mombasa and return with standard fare of 1000 KES one way.
Lamu island not far from Mombasa (Mombasa to Malindi by bus) to see the traditional living of Swahili people and their civilization. Shell village at Lamu has very long beach. Lamu is also UNESCO world heritage site. Mokowe is on main land and from there by boat to Lamu. Dhow trips from harbour to Lamu run every day.
Kenya has borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda. Nairobi like India is also target of Somalian terrorists and, in the past, Nairobi has witnessed terrorist attacks several times. The west end market was also attacked and there was a memorial at west end. That`s Why I found vigilant police in west end area.
The busy border with Tanzania is at Namanga some 180 Km from Nairobi. Namanga border is also the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Arusha, Serengeti and other national parks in Tanzania. Namanga is also base town for Amboseli National Park through Meshanani gate. On a clear day, one can see Mount Kilimanjaro from Namanga and more clearly from Amboseli park. Amboseli park is in Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Namanga Tanzania is also a small town, but Namanga Kenya is bigger. Arusha is also base of Mount Meru, clearly visible on sunny day. Generally, Tutsis and Watussi tribe in Rwanda and Burundi are taller than 6 feet and more, but saw many taller people in Namanga, some 6 feet 5 ". Pygmies in comparison, are shorter in central Africa, around 4.5 to 5 feet. Finally, with so many options, I decided to take picturesque route of Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Kisumu by road.
Kisumu is town on Victoria Lake in west Kenya and also nearby to Uganda. Lake Victoria is in three countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania but its basin extends to three more countries, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. It is second largest fresh water lake after lake Baikal. 50% of the shoreline is in Tanzania and 40% in Uganda and rest in Kenya. Entebbe port in Uganda near Kampala is biggest port on Lake Victoria. Mwanza is big town in Tanzania on Lake Victoria.
For Kisumu there are three good bus services from Nairobi Easy Coach, Crown and Guardian. Apart from these, there were several services, but these have timing in place. There is a weekly train from Nairobi to Kisumu through rift valley but my dates have not matched with it. It is part of old British line from Mombasa -Nairobi-Kisumu port but currently operational from Nairobi to Kisumu called the Rift valley line. Nairobi -Mombasa converted to standard gauge. It passes through most picturesque setting of rift valley and Masai area.
My first leg was Nairobi-Kisumu by guardian coach 1200 KES (340 km) and then Kisumu to Busia border 500 KES (105km) to enter Uganda and then to Kampala 800 KES (190 km).
Both easy travel and guardian having stand near central railway station. I decided to take Guardian and booked for 10.15 am, a good Toyota coaster. Got front seat. Getting front seat was my only choice and, fortunately, for most of the trip I got it. Naivasha is one hour drive from Nairobi through the Rift valley and passing through beautiful Naivasha hills gate national park, very popular with Nairobi residents for weekend picnics. Zebras can be spotted everywhere.
Then the lake town of Nakuru which is also foot of rift valley. The lake was full of flamingos and the nearby forest had a good number of black Rhino. The Nakuru national park is another attraction. Nakuru is also entry point towards Masai Mara. However, there is another route bypassing Nakuru is Nairobi-Narok -Sekenani -Masai Mara (225 km). However, this route is mostly used by private and safari vehicles. But one can come by public transportation also by taking shared taxi from Nairobi to Narok from river road and then from Narok to Sekenani (eastern side of Masai) by local Matatus from Narok coffee house. There is Mara explorer camp near Sekenani gate.
Nairobi -Naivasha -Gilgil - Kikopey - Nakuru took 2.15 hours nonstop from Nairobi highway A8 with stop of 30 minutes at line hotel before Nakuru town. Started at 1 pm from Nakuru the base of rift valley and reached Mau summit over change at 2.10 pm. Excellent picturesque drive through heart of the Rift valley. From Mau took left for Kisumu (140 km). A straight road goes to Eldoret town.
Crossing tea capital of Kenya, Mau to Kericho, beautiful green valley, tea garden on both sides.
Beautiful tea town Kericho reached at 3 pm then Ahera 4 pm and Kisumu 4.30 pm.
Kisumu is on the bank of Lake Victoria and old town in Kenya. I stayed for a night in Kisumu and next morning left for Uganda. took a long walk in Kisumu along shore of Lake Victoria.
Met some Indian immigrants who migrated to Kenya in 1960s by paying 30 schilling fees for citizenship. Kisumu still has more than 2000 Indians. Hindu temples, Arya Samaj mandir and Gurdwaras were a common sight in town. Met Kisumu Hindu union president at Arya samaj Mandir which runs several charity programs for local people. Kisumu also has an airport on the bank of Lake Victoria and a beautiful Golf club. During British period it was an important port for carrying materials to Kampala and other land locked countries through Lake Victoria.
Next afternoon left for Uganda via Bushia at 1.30 pm. Kisumu to Kampala via Bushia is 310 km. Kisian ,Maseno ( a university also),Luanda, Ugunza, ugenya, bumala ,busia kenya 4.30 pm.
Walked down to border control and then about 800 mtr straight on Busia Uganda side and got tablet to Kampala at 800 KeS or 24000 Ugandan schilling. It started at 6 pm. Kibimba, namayemba, bugiri, iganga district
3000 kes =21.32 ltr diesel
There are buses (Simba and Modern) also from Kisumu to Kampala but runs in night only.
Reached Kampala at midnight. No pre-booking hotel, so went directly to Hospitality Connect by voda voda but it was full. Stayed for a night in nearby central hotel and next morning moved to Hospitality Connect. Excellent facilities in very good surroundings, plus free laundry at Hospitality connect.
Kampala is a beautiful hilly city and aptly called "Pearl of Africa". It is situated on seven rolling hills and each connected so beautifully with each other. Entebbe is one of the largest lake ports near Kampala on Lake Victoria. Mount Stanley is tallest mountain in Uganda at 5110 metres. Banana beer is new drink in Uganda. Bushpig backpackers’ hostel is located in a very good location near Acacia mall in Kampala.
Places visited in Kampala:
1. Bahai Temple is situated on the outskirts of Kampala on a mountain. It is a very serene and peaceful experience and also a good place to see the skyline of Kampala.
2. Parliament, independent monument, national theatre and govt offices
3. Acacia Mall, Arena mall
4.City square, Nakasero market
5.Golf club
6. Nawab`s Asian Bistro Acacia mall
7. National Mosque
8. Fort Lugard
9. Kabaka Palace Museum (Lubiri) Mengo
10.Kisenyi slums and auto repair cluster
11.Rubaya cathedral
12.Kasumi Tombs
13.Namiembe Cathedral, Namiembe Road
14.Grand Mosque, Bakuli Bus terminal, Volcano/global bus, Hindu temples
Uganda was a fun. Left for Kigali, Rwanda by night bus run by Volcano. Excellent service and they have separate stands near Gaddafi Mosque, Kampala. They booked my ticket for a 9 pm bus on Wapp a day before. I paid them on the day of journey. Good facilities, good people.
The bus started at 9 pm and reached Rwanda border in the morning. The road from Kampala to Rwanda was not very good in the beginning and there were lot of police checks at shorter intervals.
The border crossing between Kampala and Rwanda took some time since there were issues at luggage scanning machine on Rwandan side. All luggage was taken off of the bus and passed through this machine before departing from border.
After entering Rwanda, it was a different experience, less population, a different type of calmness was in the air. Things looked deserted in the beginning, but slowly a much better order was seen. It was a French colony before independence, so the left-hand drive was there and also very little understanding of English. I was wondering how swiftly the bus driver changed to left hand drive after entering Rwanda.
I knew about the gruesome Rwanda genocide but not aware of its magnitude. There were 235 genocide locations throughout Rwanda and on average 1,00,000 people killed on each site. Almost all genocide sites have been made memorials, but there are six national memorial sites where the death toll was in excess of 2,00,000 people. Geno-Cide is made of Geno -Greek and Cide -Latin, meaning race or tribe killing. It may be the reason for the calmness. Rwanda is a small country called the Land of the thousand Hills. The biggest national memorial was at Gisozi in Kigali. There is another memorial of the Belgian peacekeepers near city centre. Another national memorial was at Nyamata church Genocide memorial, where more than 50000 buried. Nyanza genocide memorial also on the outskirts.
Reached Nyabugogo bus station in down town and took voda voda for the hotel. It was far from the bus station and also difficult to find since the road and street numbers in Kigali was completely different. It was like KG meaning Kigali and Gasabo (district name) 28. The whole city was arranged in avenues, roads and streets.
However finally reached my destination. The guesthouse was located in a beautiful upcoming location on the downward slope of hill on one side of Kigali. It was a huge bungalow and all rooms were vacant. It was a good stay at the guest house. The attendant Bonny of Hotel Adriel was very helpful and spoke English. The hotel address was House 30, KG 48 A, Near KG 48 B, Maria Radio, Kisagubaga around. The owner of the hotel was from Nigeria. I guess it was his income from Nigerian oil and gas business invested in Kigali.
I think Rwanda as a whole is the cleanest and Kigali one of the best in Africa. Everything was in order, neat and clean.
The bus started at 9 pm and reached Rwanda border in the morning. The road from Kampala to Rwanda was not very good in the beginning and there were lot of police checks at shorter intervals.
The border crossing between Kampala and Rwanda took some time since there were issues at luggage scanning machine on Rwandan side. All luggage was taken off of the bus and passed through this machine before departing from border.
After entering Rwanda, it was a different experience, less population, a different type of calmness was in the air. Things looked deserted in the beginning, but slowly a much better order was seen. It was a French colony before independence, so the left-hand drive was there and also very little understanding of English. I was wondering how swiftly the bus driver changed to left hand drive after entering Rwanda.
I knew about the gruesome Rwanda genocide but not aware of its magnitude. There were 235 genocide locations throughout Rwanda and on average 1,00,000 people killed on each site. Almost all genocide sites have been made memorials, but there are six national memorial sites where the death toll was in excess of 2,00,000 people. Geno-Cide is made of Geno -Greek and Cide -Latin, meaning race or tribe killing. It may be the reason for the calmness. Rwanda is a small country called the Land of the thousand Hills. The biggest national memorial was at Gisozi in Kigali. There is another memorial of the Belgian peacekeepers near city centre. Another national memorial was at Nyamata church Genocide memorial, where more than 50000 buried. Nyanza genocide memorial also on the outskirts.
Reached Nyabugogo bus station in down town and took voda voda for the hotel. It was far from the bus station and also difficult to find since the road and street numbers in Kigali was completely different. It was like KG meaning Kigali and Gasabo (district name) 28. The whole city was arranged in avenues, roads and streets.
However finally reached my destination. The guesthouse was located in a beautiful upcoming location on the downward slope of hill on one side of Kigali. It was a huge bungalow and all rooms were vacant. It was a good stay at the guest house. The attendant Bonny of Hotel Adriel was very helpful and spoke English. The hotel address was House 30, KG 48 A, Near KG 48 B, Maria Radio, Kisagubaga around. The owner of the hotel was from Nigeria. I guess it was his income from Nigerian oil and gas business invested in Kigali.
I think Rwanda as a whole is the cleanest and Kigali one of the best in Africa. Everything was in order, neat and clean.
Places visited:
1. 1000 hill distillery on the outskirts of Kigali in Nyanza area. Beautiful place to unwind.
2. Art Museum in Kanombe KK 106 street. Buses from Remera bus stop which go to airport also.
3.Rwanda bean distillery, Nyanza
4. City centre with wide pedestrian walking pathway
5. Kimronko market was near my hotel and also a bus stand for taking buses to main bus station.
6. Embassy of Burundi in Minagri ,KG 7 Avenue
7. Many big Indian restaurants, like Curry Kingdom, Khana Khazana
8. Tanzania Embassy, Gishushu KG 9 Avenue
1. 1000 hill distillery on the outskirts of Kigali in Nyanza area. Beautiful place to unwind.
2. Art Museum in Kanombe KK 106 street. Buses from Remera bus stop which go to airport also.
3.Rwanda bean distillery, Nyanza
4. City centre with wide pedestrian walking pathway
5. Kimronko market was near my hotel and also a bus stand for taking buses to main bus station.
6. Embassy of Burundi in Minagri ,KG 7 Avenue
7. Many big Indian restaurants, like Curry Kingdom, Khana Khazana
8. Tanzania Embassy, Gishushu KG 9 Avenue
Wi-Fi was free at several bus shelters in Gasabo district. Local city buses were neat and clean and ran on time.
India has upgraded its presence by having a full-fledged embassy in Rwanda. Indian Association of Rwanda is an active association in Rwanda at Kigali Plot 50, KG 548 street. Not like Kenya and Uganda but a small Indian community resides here in Kigali.
I heard in Kigali that Burundi has closed the road border to foreign nationals recently due to some disturbances. My next destination was Burundi. So, I decided to visit Burundi embassy in Kigali to find out. Yes, it was true. I met embassy official at Burundi embassy. Now I have to make new plan. My plan to visit Burundi then try to ship to Mpulungu Zambia from Bujumbura through Lake Tangyrika is now not possible.
My plan to explore Bujumbura to Mpulungu (Zambia,) by ship through Tanganyika Lake or to Kigoma Tanzania by bus went for a toss.
Also wanted to touch base with Eric who lives in Kirundo , Burundi and runs home stay air BNB , 100 km from Kigali. The route from Rwanda was through Kigali 192 Nemba -Huye 152 Bujumbura.
Kobero (Burundi) -Kabanga (Tanzania) border.
Volcano express runs buses from Kigali to Bujumbura but currently closed.
Rwanda has border with Tanzania also So I decided to enter Tanzania from Rwanda but wanted to make sure that this land border allows Indians to enter and gives visa on arrival. I went to Tanzania embassy in Kigali but it was closed on Saturday and also closed on Monday due to some Tanzanian holiday. Got number of one embassy officer online and fortunate that he was on WhatsApp. I started communicating with him and requested to provide information about visa on arrival at Rusumo border. He said that most likely you would get it.
After that I started planning to go to Rusumo . There were not many buses to Dodoma and Dar es salaam from Kigali but found Taqwa classic bus service which operates buses to almost all destinations in Africa from Kigali. But the timing was early morning, 3.30 am. The number of Taqwa classic is 0786899287 (WAPP also). Fare was 37000 KF. Rembo of Trinity was very helpful with good English. His number is 738311113 (wapp). After Corona traffic is still not stabilized and less travel between two countries. Complete absence of tourist. I decided to look for Kigali to Rusumo and then, after crossing the border Rusumo to Dodoma.
Matunga bus service from Kigali to Rusumo was avaialble at 10.30 am. Talked to Adam 784026689 (wapp). Fare was 3500 RF.
On 4thJuly started from Kigali -160 km-rusumo-290 -kahama -310 singida-240 km -Dodoma.
Started for Rusumo by bus @10.30 am on Matunga express @3500 RFranc Remera bus stop 11, departed 11.15, kabuga hill side estates,ruhunda 12, Rwamagana district ,muhazi lake ,kayonza district , wonderful drive through country side , maize and bananas everywhere. . neat and clean, kabarondo, kigarama, gatore, kirehe East gate hotel
Reached Rusume Rwanda at 3.30 pm
Beautiful countryside, neat and clean with less density of population. Even in villages, there was an order, bus stops marked, market places planned but at places long wait for drinking water. One area where all African nations have to work hard to provide safe potable piped water to villages households.
Long walk to Tanzania side one post border. I think I was the only person ( Muzungu) walking to border side. Took rapid antigen test for covid paid 10000 RFranc at Tanzania border. Smooth visa deposited 50 USD for single entry.
Withdrawn 4 lacs Tanzanian schilling from the ATM at border control office.
Came out on Rusume Tanzania side @ 5.15 pm. It is a very small place, mostly trucks carrying essential items from Dar es Salaam port to Rwanda.
No bus for kahama/Dodoma. Took a chance by boda boda to nearest town of Bianca @10k. No buses in Bianca also. Next bus tomorrow 12 noon. It was a very small place. However, there was a lodge in front of me. I thought of staying there and starting tomorrow. But traveller inside me wanted to explore other options and then I decided to look for lift from any vehicle going towards Kahama. The moment people saw me waving hands at vehicles, a small group of young people joined me and helped to stop vehicles going towards Kahama. My boda boda person was also there.
Finally, after 5-6 attempts, one truck stopped and the driver wanted to see me. He recognised me while crossing the border an hour before. He agreed to take me to Kahama. He was a nice person with communicable English. We talked whole way.
We started at 6 and reached Kahama @11 pm. His name was Robert driving a new big truck. The seats inside the truck were very comfortable.
He arranged one boda boda @2k to drop me to Kahama bus stand.
Crossed three big national parks, including Burig national park and a long 20 km deep forest before reaching Kahama. Next bus to Dodoma @6 am. Booked in frester roadways @40k.
Lot of effort to cancel and take money back of 5k advance given to another operator since that bus was not uptomark. Having salad for dinner and then waiting at Frester office on a big chair.
Khasamu coffee is quite popular in this region.
Started at 6.15 am from Kahama, reached 11.35 singida Lake town, major junction for North to Moshi, tabora south, Dodoma east, Kahama west.
Dodoma was a small village before becoming capital of Tanzania. It is in central Tanzania, so makes sense to make it the capital. However, Dar is still the financial and administrative capital. Dodoma growing at a slow speed. The hotel was not far from the new big bus station in Dodoma. Took Bajaji three-wheeler from bus station to the hotel. settled down quickly in the hotel and then left for main city square.
Saw lot of Bajaj RE and TVS King auto on the road.
Tanzania is big in area and has Dar es salaam the main city on Indian ocean but Mbeya in south, Mwanza in north, Zanzibar, Arusha as important towns.
Tanzania and Zanzibar were merged to form Tanzania. Before it was called Tangyrika. Tanzania has borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The highest peak in Africa is also in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro at 5895 Mts.
It is covered with three lakes, Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa with navigation system.
Banter with more than 100 sub tribes are prominent community in Tanzania. Swahili is official language. Zanzibar is mostly Muslim and a fusion of cultures from middle East, India, Europe and Africa, with Stone town as World Heritage city. Dar is busiest port and Zanzibar has its own port as well.
Name of borders:
Mutukula with Uganda, Rusumo with Rwanda, Kabanga with Burundi (new),Sirari (Mara) with Isebania , Kenya,Namanga with Kenya , Holili -Kilmanjaro Kenya,Horohoro-Kenya, Tunduma station with Zambia,Kasumulu with Malawi.
From Bujumbura, Burundi to Tanzania can also travel through crossing Manyovu border to Kigoma town in Tanzania. Also, by cargo ship and there is a daily bus from Bujumbura at 7 am.
Mwanza is on Lake Victoria. There is a ferry also from Mawanja to Entebbe (kampala). Mawanja is also connected to Dar with Train.
Mbeya links Tanzania with Malawi through Tukuyu-Karonga (Malawi)-Lilongwe (new capital)-Zomba (old Capital). Mwanja also conencted to Arusha.
Dar es salaam to Zanzibar has regular ferry service and also a 30-minute flight. Azam ferry service runs regular ferries from Dar to Zanzibar and back.
Dar to Moshi-Arusha-Serengeti-Tonga (Tanzania) to Mombasa ( Lunga lunga ) is another travel circuit.
India has upgraded its presence by having a full-fledged embassy in Rwanda. Indian Association of Rwanda is an active association in Rwanda at Kigali Plot 50, KG 548 street. Not like Kenya and Uganda but a small Indian community resides here in Kigali.
I heard in Kigali that Burundi has closed the road border to foreign nationals recently due to some disturbances. My next destination was Burundi. So, I decided to visit Burundi embassy in Kigali to find out. Yes, it was true. I met embassy official at Burundi embassy. Now I have to make new plan. My plan to visit Burundi then try to ship to Mpulungu Zambia from Bujumbura through Lake Tangyrika is now not possible.
My plan to explore Bujumbura to Mpulungu (Zambia,) by ship through Tanganyika Lake or to Kigoma Tanzania by bus went for a toss.
Also wanted to touch base with Eric who lives in Kirundo , Burundi and runs home stay air BNB , 100 km from Kigali. The route from Rwanda was through Kigali 192 Nemba -Huye 152 Bujumbura.
Kobero (Burundi) -Kabanga (Tanzania) border.
Volcano express runs buses from Kigali to Bujumbura but currently closed.
Rwanda has border with Tanzania also So I decided to enter Tanzania from Rwanda but wanted to make sure that this land border allows Indians to enter and gives visa on arrival. I went to Tanzania embassy in Kigali but it was closed on Saturday and also closed on Monday due to some Tanzanian holiday. Got number of one embassy officer online and fortunate that he was on WhatsApp. I started communicating with him and requested to provide information about visa on arrival at Rusumo border. He said that most likely you would get it.
After that I started planning to go to Rusumo . There were not many buses to Dodoma and Dar es salaam from Kigali but found Taqwa classic bus service which operates buses to almost all destinations in Africa from Kigali. But the timing was early morning, 3.30 am. The number of Taqwa classic is 0786899287 (WAPP also). Fare was 37000 KF. Rembo of Trinity was very helpful with good English. His number is 738311113 (wapp). After Corona traffic is still not stabilized and less travel between two countries. Complete absence of tourist. I decided to look for Kigali to Rusumo and then, after crossing the border Rusumo to Dodoma.
Matunga bus service from Kigali to Rusumo was avaialble at 10.30 am. Talked to Adam 784026689 (wapp). Fare was 3500 RF.
On 4thJuly started from Kigali -160 km-rusumo-290 -kahama -310 singida-240 km -Dodoma.
Started for Rusumo by bus @10.30 am on Matunga express @3500 RFranc Remera bus stop 11, departed 11.15, kabuga hill side estates,ruhunda 12, Rwamagana district ,muhazi lake ,kayonza district , wonderful drive through country side , maize and bananas everywhere. . neat and clean, kabarondo, kigarama, gatore, kirehe East gate hotel
Reached Rusume Rwanda at 3.30 pm
Beautiful countryside, neat and clean with less density of population. Even in villages, there was an order, bus stops marked, market places planned but at places long wait for drinking water. One area where all African nations have to work hard to provide safe potable piped water to villages households.
Long walk to Tanzania side one post border. I think I was the only person ( Muzungu) walking to border side. Took rapid antigen test for covid paid 10000 RFranc at Tanzania border. Smooth visa deposited 50 USD for single entry.
Withdrawn 4 lacs Tanzanian schilling from the ATM at border control office.
Came out on Rusume Tanzania side @ 5.15 pm. It is a very small place, mostly trucks carrying essential items from Dar es Salaam port to Rwanda.
No bus for kahama/Dodoma. Took a chance by boda boda to nearest town of Bianca @10k. No buses in Bianca also. Next bus tomorrow 12 noon. It was a very small place. However, there was a lodge in front of me. I thought of staying there and starting tomorrow. But traveller inside me wanted to explore other options and then I decided to look for lift from any vehicle going towards Kahama. The moment people saw me waving hands at vehicles, a small group of young people joined me and helped to stop vehicles going towards Kahama. My boda boda person was also there.
Finally, after 5-6 attempts, one truck stopped and the driver wanted to see me. He recognised me while crossing the border an hour before. He agreed to take me to Kahama. He was a nice person with communicable English. We talked whole way.
We started at 6 and reached Kahama @11 pm. His name was Robert driving a new big truck. The seats inside the truck were very comfortable.
He arranged one boda boda @2k to drop me to Kahama bus stand.
Crossed three big national parks, including Burig national park and a long 20 km deep forest before reaching Kahama. Next bus to Dodoma @6 am. Booked in frester roadways @40k.
Lot of effort to cancel and take money back of 5k advance given to another operator since that bus was not uptomark. Having salad for dinner and then waiting at Frester office on a big chair.
Khasamu coffee is quite popular in this region.
Started at 6.15 am from Kahama, reached 11.35 singida Lake town, major junction for North to Moshi, tabora south, Dodoma east, Kahama west.
Dodoma was a small village before becoming capital of Tanzania. It is in central Tanzania, so makes sense to make it the capital. However, Dar is still the financial and administrative capital. Dodoma growing at a slow speed. The hotel was not far from the new big bus station in Dodoma. Took Bajaji three-wheeler from bus station to the hotel. settled down quickly in the hotel and then left for main city square.
Saw lot of Bajaj RE and TVS King auto on the road.
Tanzania is big in area and has Dar es salaam the main city on Indian ocean but Mbeya in south, Mwanza in north, Zanzibar, Arusha as important towns.
Tanzania and Zanzibar were merged to form Tanzania. Before it was called Tangyrika. Tanzania has borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The highest peak in Africa is also in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro at 5895 Mts.
It is covered with three lakes, Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa with navigation system.
Banter with more than 100 sub tribes are prominent community in Tanzania. Swahili is official language. Zanzibar is mostly Muslim and a fusion of cultures from middle East, India, Europe and Africa, with Stone town as World Heritage city. Dar is busiest port and Zanzibar has its own port as well.
Name of borders:
Mutukula with Uganda, Rusumo with Rwanda, Kabanga with Burundi (new),Sirari (Mara) with Isebania , Kenya,Namanga with Kenya , Holili -Kilmanjaro Kenya,Horohoro-Kenya, Tunduma station with Zambia,Kasumulu with Malawi.
From Bujumbura, Burundi to Tanzania can also travel through crossing Manyovu border to Kigoma town in Tanzania. Also, by cargo ship and there is a daily bus from Bujumbura at 7 am.
Mwanza is on Lake Victoria. There is a ferry also from Mawanja to Entebbe (kampala). Mawanja is also connected to Dar with Train.
Mbeya links Tanzania with Malawi through Tukuyu-Karonga (Malawi)-Lilongwe (new capital)-Zomba (old Capital). Mwanja also conencted to Arusha.
Dar es salaam to Zanzibar has regular ferry service and also a 30-minute flight. Azam ferry service runs regular ferries from Dar to Zanzibar and back.
Dar to Moshi-Arusha-Serengeti-Tonga (Tanzania) to Mombasa ( Lunga lunga ) is another travel circuit.
Places visited in Dodoma:
1. Bunge (parliament)
2. The Anglican Cathedral
3. Gaddafi Mosque: Gaddafi is no more. but Gaddafi's mosques and streets in his name have kept him alive in Kampala and Dodoma.
4.Nyerere Square
5. Simba Hills
6. Railway station
7. Kisasa pub area, New Sina bar
8.New bus stand, New Dodoma hotel opposite the railway station. 120 years old.
9. Nanise Lodge
On 7th July started for Dar from Dodoma city bus stand @8 am. Morogoro 12 noon,250 km from Dodoma, daressalaam another 200 km. Morogoro, good wide valley after the town,chalinze Reached Dar around 3 pm. The bus stopped on the outskirts of a newly built bus station ( Mbeji Magufuli) which replaced earlier station at Ubungo and from there, took another city bus to BRT Kimara (starting station for public BRT buses) and from here several routes, including one to Morocco terminal and another one to down town terminating at Kivukoni terminal.
dar es salaam , a vibrant city . The meaning of Dar es salaam is Heaven of Peace. very well-developed BRT corridor.
1. Bunge (parliament)
2. The Anglican Cathedral
3. Gaddafi Mosque: Gaddafi is no more. but Gaddafi's mosques and streets in his name have kept him alive in Kampala and Dodoma.
4.Nyerere Square
5. Simba Hills
6. Railway station
7. Kisasa pub area, New Sina bar
8.New bus stand, New Dodoma hotel opposite the railway station. 120 years old.
9. Nanise Lodge
On 7th July started for Dar from Dodoma city bus stand @8 am. Morogoro 12 noon,250 km from Dodoma, daressalaam another 200 km. Morogoro, good wide valley after the town,chalinze Reached Dar around 3 pm. The bus stopped on the outskirts of a newly built bus station ( Mbeji Magufuli) which replaced earlier station at Ubungo and from there, took another city bus to BRT Kimara (starting station for public BRT buses) and from here several routes, including one to Morocco terminal and another one to down town terminating at Kivukoni terminal.
dar es salaam , a vibrant city . The meaning of Dar es salaam is Heaven of Peace. very well-developed BRT corridor.
Places visited in Dares salaam:
1. St. Joseph cathedral
2. Kivukoni fish Market
3. Coco beach (Masani peninsula, also known as Oyster Bay)
4. Askari Monument
5. National Museum, Village Museum
6. Slipway shopping
7. Kariakoo market
8. Azania front church
9. Majestic state house
10.Old area in central Dar where Indian diaspora lived in 60s and built houses similar to one found in old Karol Bagh area Delhi. Huge gurudwaras, temples. These houses of 50s and 60s still in good shape, but fewer Indian residents.
11.Gymkhana club
12.Nyere convention centre
13.Obama drives like marine drive
14.Indian embassy
15.Golf Club
16. Down town 17. Cape town fish market (pub), also in Zanzibar, in front of old fort
18.Morocco terminal
19.Masaki high end area
20.East Oyster Bay embassy area. surprised to see Indian embassy in a new building. Other embassies are in old /heritage buildings facing sea.
21.Azam marine services runs ships for Zanzibar @35 USD for Non-resident one way and 65 USD return.
22. Central railway station, kamati, Dar to Arusha train at 2 pm on Mon/Friday. sleeping 44800
23.Buses to Arusha goes from Shekilango on Kimara BRT route. Kilimanjaro bus service has its own big stand with excellent waiting lounge and restaurant.
Took precision air flight to Zanzibar from Nyerere international airport. It is a half-hour flight.
1. St. Joseph cathedral
2. Kivukoni fish Market
3. Coco beach (Masani peninsula, also known as Oyster Bay)
4. Askari Monument
5. National Museum, Village Museum
6. Slipway shopping
7. Kariakoo market
8. Azania front church
9. Majestic state house
10.Old area in central Dar where Indian diaspora lived in 60s and built houses similar to one found in old Karol Bagh area Delhi. Huge gurudwaras, temples. These houses of 50s and 60s still in good shape, but fewer Indian residents.
11.Gymkhana club
12.Nyere convention centre
13.Obama drives like marine drive
14.Indian embassy
15.Golf Club
16. Down town 17. Cape town fish market (pub), also in Zanzibar, in front of old fort
18.Morocco terminal
19.Masaki high end area
20.East Oyster Bay embassy area. surprised to see Indian embassy in a new building. Other embassies are in old /heritage buildings facing sea.
21.Azam marine services runs ships for Zanzibar @35 USD for Non-resident one way and 65 USD return.
22. Central railway station, kamati, Dar to Arusha train at 2 pm on Mon/Friday. sleeping 44800
23.Buses to Arusha goes from Shekilango on Kimara BRT route. Kilimanjaro bus service has its own big stand with excellent waiting lounge and restaurant.
Took precision air flight to Zanzibar from Nyerere international airport. It is a half-hour flight.
Places visited in Zanzibar
1. Old fort
2. House of Wonders (under repair)
3. Slave Museum
4.Roof top restaurant
5.Darjani market
6. Forodhani square and street food market
7. Jaws corner
8.Kenyetta Road
9. Palace museum
10.Jambiani beach (east) 50km
11Nungui beach north 58 km
12.Changa island/prison island
13. Tortoise sanctuary
14. Remains of 500-year-old Portuguese arch
1. Old fort
2. House of Wonders (under repair)
3. Slave Museum
4.Roof top restaurant
5.Darjani market
6. Forodhani square and street food market
7. Jaws corner
8.Kenyetta Road
9. Palace museum
10.Jambiani beach (east) 50km
11Nungui beach north 58 km
12.Changa island/prison island
13. Tortoise sanctuary
14. Remains of 500-year-old Portuguese arch
Eating delicacies at Zanzibar.
Coconut bean soup, date nut cake, Biryani, Pilau, Zanzi pizza, Urojo (like chat), Chips Mayali (eggs and potato finger), supaya Ndizi, Mango juice.
For best Swahili food, Lukmaan restaurant.
Pub Cape town fish market and Livingston Cafe
12th July started for Arusha by Kilimanjaro express from Dar at 6 am. 650 km via Moshi. Wonderful picturesque journey.
Arusha 112 km Mto wamu-29 km -Karatu Gate to Ngorongoro conservation area, Ngorongoro crater, Olduvai gorge and further to Serengeti national park.
Mto wamu 56 Engaruka
Engaruka ruins and oldonyo Lengai Mountains very sacred to Masai people. Korogwe 10.30am stopped at Kilimanjaro motor way. Huge motel, lovely scene, very clean. started at 11
340 km Arusha via Same, Moshi. Hedaru 12.30 good hotels, makanya, large scale pine apple farming,
Reached Same 1pm
Beauty quadrupled once left same and rains comes. both sides wide valley with strong winds. Mwanga, all buses must pass through weigh bridges. Too many in routes. Himo junction 2.30 pm, Moshi beautiful town, very picturesque.3 pm. on the base of Kilimanjaro. lot of good pubs, eatery. Heavy traffic from Moshi to Arusha. Many villages on both sides of road. drivers are quite disciplined and follow lane practice. police picket also at major points, smoothing the traffic.
Most buses are Yutong, Chinese company and world major bus supplier, having presence on all six continents. Very comfortable buses.
Entered Arusha region .4 pm
Just before the left, the road goes to Kilimanjaro airport. Kingori, Kilimanjaro golf estate at Majiyat chai
Every village has mini supermarket.
After that, right to Arusha national park.
Then Usariver
1.Tanzanite experience
2. Safari company
Leopold and Rangers, big safari companies in Tanzania
3.Mount Meru from Hostel
4.History museum, Cultural centre: unimaginable
5 Masai market
6.Temples ( Sikh, Arya samaj, Hindu and Swaminarayan)
7. Tanzanite Museum
8. Arusha declaration Museum
Left Arusha for Engaruka via Ambu. Started at 10 am and reached about 12 noon.
Walked around Lake Manyara
Took bus to Engaruka from 3 pm reached 5.15 pm.
16 July Left karatu at 8.15 reached Arusha 11 by coaster. good bus
Left Arusha at 12.30 to Namanga via longido Very good road but dead mountains on both sides. reached 2.15 pm. straight road. Night stay at Namanga. 17th July
Started for Nairobi from Namanga @10.15
Cloudy weather hampers sight of Mount Kilimanjaro. reached Nairobi by 12.30 via kitengela and Athi river.
Expressway from Athi river to Nairobi 30 km Via Syokimau
The actual trip details:
Day 0: 23.6.22 Reached Delhi Airport around 11 pm.
Day 1: Boarded Delhi -Ahmedabad-Nairobi AI Flight at 5.25 am. Arrived Nairobi 11.45 am local time.
2 & 3: Nairobi
4: Left Nairobi at 10.15 am for Kisumu by Guardian coach (1200 KES), reached Kisumu 4.30 pm
5: Left Kisumu for Kampala at 1.45 PM Reached Kampala at midnight. Hotel Central.
6 & 7: Kampala shifted to Hospitality Connect.
8: 1.7.22 To Kigali, Rwanda by Night bus Volcano (65000 U Schilling) 9 &10: Kigali
11: Kigali-Rusumo by Matunda express (3500 RF) started at 10.15 am, Reached Rusumo 4 pm-Kahama, reached Kahama 10 pm by truck.
12 & 13. Kahama -Dodoma by Fresta bus service reached Dodoma 4 pm
14 & 15: Dodoma to Dares salaam bus started at 8 am reached 4 pm. (25000 TS)
16 & 17: Dar to Zanzibar by precision air Stone Town
18: Zanzibar to Dar by Air departed 9.25 pm reached 10.15 pm Dares salaam
19. 12.7.22: Dar to Arusha by Kilimanjaro express bus service starts at 5.45 am from Sekliango bus station, Dar es salaam
20. Arusha Back Packers hostel
21. Arusha to Engaruka by bus reached Engaruka in the evening. night stay at only guest house in Engaruka.
22.Engaruka to Karatu and Ngorongoro Park entry from Loduare Gate, Karatu. 23.Left Karatu @ 8, reached Arusha 11. Left Arusha at 12.45, reached Namanga 3 pm
24. Namanga to Nairobi stay at Decasa Hotel, River Road, Nairobi.
25: 18.07.2022: AI 13.55 flight to Delhi
Left Nairobi City at 9.30 am, reached airport 10.30 am.by bus.
26: 19.07.22: Arrival Delhi
Reached Delhi very early morning and home at 3 am. End of a great journey where I travelled like a local person. Eye opener about Africa. Shattered several myths and perception about Africa. My total expenses were unbelievably low. And when I look back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing experience and memories by visiting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. I will certainly return to East Africa and continue exploring.
Tuonane Tena!
Coconut bean soup, date nut cake, Biryani, Pilau, Zanzi pizza, Urojo (like chat), Chips Mayali (eggs and potato finger), supaya Ndizi, Mango juice.
For best Swahili food, Lukmaan restaurant.
Pub Cape town fish market and Livingston Cafe
12th July started for Arusha by Kilimanjaro express from Dar at 6 am. 650 km via Moshi. Wonderful picturesque journey.
Arusha 112 km Mto wamu-29 km -Karatu Gate to Ngorongoro conservation area, Ngorongoro crater, Olduvai gorge and further to Serengeti national park.
Mto wamu 56 Engaruka
Engaruka ruins and oldonyo Lengai Mountains very sacred to Masai people. Korogwe 10.30am stopped at Kilimanjaro motor way. Huge motel, lovely scene, very clean. started at 11
340 km Arusha via Same, Moshi. Hedaru 12.30 good hotels, makanya, large scale pine apple farming,
Reached Same 1pm
Beauty quadrupled once left same and rains comes. both sides wide valley with strong winds. Mwanga, all buses must pass through weigh bridges. Too many in routes. Himo junction 2.30 pm, Moshi beautiful town, very picturesque.3 pm. on the base of Kilimanjaro. lot of good pubs, eatery. Heavy traffic from Moshi to Arusha. Many villages on both sides of road. drivers are quite disciplined and follow lane practice. police picket also at major points, smoothing the traffic.
Most buses are Yutong, Chinese company and world major bus supplier, having presence on all six continents. Very comfortable buses.
Entered Arusha region .4 pm
Just before the left, the road goes to Kilimanjaro airport. Kingori, Kilimanjaro golf estate at Majiyat chai
Every village has mini supermarket.
After that, right to Arusha national park.
Then Usariver
1.Tanzanite experience
2. Safari company
Leopold and Rangers, big safari companies in Tanzania
3.Mount Meru from Hostel
4.History museum, Cultural centre: unimaginable
5 Masai market
6.Temples ( Sikh, Arya samaj, Hindu and Swaminarayan)
7. Tanzanite Museum
8. Arusha declaration Museum
Left Arusha for Engaruka via Ambu. Started at 10 am and reached about 12 noon.
Walked around Lake Manyara
Took bus to Engaruka from 3 pm reached 5.15 pm.
16 July Left karatu at 8.15 reached Arusha 11 by coaster. good bus
Left Arusha at 12.30 to Namanga via longido Very good road but dead mountains on both sides. reached 2.15 pm. straight road. Night stay at Namanga. 17th July
Started for Nairobi from Namanga @10.15
Cloudy weather hampers sight of Mount Kilimanjaro. reached Nairobi by 12.30 via kitengela and Athi river.
Expressway from Athi river to Nairobi 30 km Via Syokimau
The actual trip details:
Day 0: 23.6.22 Reached Delhi Airport around 11 pm.
Day 1: Boarded Delhi -Ahmedabad-Nairobi AI Flight at 5.25 am. Arrived Nairobi 11.45 am local time.
2 & 3: Nairobi
4: Left Nairobi at 10.15 am for Kisumu by Guardian coach (1200 KES), reached Kisumu 4.30 pm
5: Left Kisumu for Kampala at 1.45 PM Reached Kampala at midnight. Hotel Central.
6 & 7: Kampala shifted to Hospitality Connect.
8: 1.7.22 To Kigali, Rwanda by Night bus Volcano (65000 U Schilling) 9 &10: Kigali
11: Kigali-Rusumo by Matunda express (3500 RF) started at 10.15 am, Reached Rusumo 4 pm-Kahama, reached Kahama 10 pm by truck.
12 & 13. Kahama -Dodoma by Fresta bus service reached Dodoma 4 pm
14 & 15: Dodoma to Dares salaam bus started at 8 am reached 4 pm. (25000 TS)
16 & 17: Dar to Zanzibar by precision air Stone Town
18: Zanzibar to Dar by Air departed 9.25 pm reached 10.15 pm Dares salaam
19. 12.7.22: Dar to Arusha by Kilimanjaro express bus service starts at 5.45 am from Sekliango bus station, Dar es salaam
20. Arusha Back Packers hostel
21. Arusha to Engaruka by bus reached Engaruka in the evening. night stay at only guest house in Engaruka.
22.Engaruka to Karatu and Ngorongoro Park entry from Loduare Gate, Karatu. 23.Left Karatu @ 8, reached Arusha 11. Left Arusha at 12.45, reached Namanga 3 pm
24. Namanga to Nairobi stay at Decasa Hotel, River Road, Nairobi.
25: 18.07.2022: AI 13.55 flight to Delhi
Left Nairobi City at 9.30 am, reached airport 10.30 am.by bus.
26: 19.07.22: Arrival Delhi
Reached Delhi very early morning and home at 3 am. End of a great journey where I travelled like a local person. Eye opener about Africa. Shattered several myths and perception about Africa. My total expenses were unbelievably low. And when I look back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing experience and memories by visiting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. I will certainly return to East Africa and continue exploring.Tuonane Tena!
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