RWANDA
Puntuale come to the party from Milan Malpensa at 21.45 in the Aereo n. ET703 of the Ethiopian Airlines Competition in Terminal 2 of the International Airport of Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia), with a brief visit to Rome for 1 hour per hour and pass to the rest of the aerobics, (preliminary multiplayer triple from Malpensa to Kigali (Rwanda) and from Blantyre (Malawi) to Malpensa and then to Addis Abeba: Euro 699,51).
Sull’Aeromobile has been successfully serviced by cena.
Arriving at 6.35, on Terminal 2 of the International Airport in Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia). C'è sono 1 hour in fuso orario, rispetto all'Italia.
All of the airport is closed, in the case of transit (in the case of a full-fledged state of the city), and is not necessarily a necessity for me and I am apprehended by the British embassy.
Puntale came to see the part of Terminal 2 of the international airport Addis Abeba Bole in Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) at 11.10 in the Aereo n. ET807 of the Ethiopian Airlines Complex in the International Airport International Kgoanda in Kigali in Rwanda (prefecture of a large multi-tropical component of the Malpensa in Kigali (Rwanda) and in Blantyre (Malawi) in Malpensa with a price in Addis Abeba: Euro 699,51 ).
Sull’Aeromobile has been successfully serviced for a long time.
Arrivo pertanto alle o 12. 12. P.M., all'Aloporto Internazionale Gregoire Kayibanda di Kigali in Rwanda, located in Kanombe circa 10 km a est del centro della Capitale. In the first hour of the year, the coast of Italy.
For example in Rwanda there is a need for the Visto d'ingresso, sia per tourism tourism, la richiedersi presso le Rappresentanze diplomatico / consolari ruandesi competent per l'Italia. The only option available to the "Entry Facility" (which is usually solved in the 5th day; the stamp is the stamp and present at the Rwandan frontier) and then it will be the only official distribution in Rwanda (30% USD; Vacation acceleration other monetary and rest only for the Dollar in the United States), pre-commissioned by the official formula provided through the “Entry Facility” website at www.migration.gov.rw. It is possible to make a visit to the visitation center on the 15th day, the faction rests on the two continents in the Presence of the Immigration Service.
The visitor is always on the Rwandan side, at a certain point, also in Kenya and Uganda.
At the International Airport in Greece Kayibanda in Kigali in Rwanda, it is possible to have an ATM monetary, pressurize the contours (Euro, Dollar or Sterline), and have a base offer of the last few queries to be received at the center in Kigali (in Kigali). 1 Euro = 910 RFR oppure 1 USD = 840 RFR).
Tense in consideration in Rwanda The service of the public and private services in the fine week and of the Danish non-subdivision.
At the International Airport Kgoanda in Kigali in Rwanda, located in Kanombe circa 10 km in the center of the Capitol, to the capital of the capitals, the economic and technical solutions of the terminal, the distribution of the operational and the development of the air traffic control for the whole main street dove is possible to have a motorcycle taxi with a RFR price of 1,000 (contractual fortune) to use the automatic transmission line of the 400 RFR price.
The center of Kigali, under construction and collar, apparel and law enforcement.
The first thing to do in Kigali is to visit the Kigali Memorial Center, which was illustrated in the territories of the original genocide in April 1994, the 100th anniversary of the 1,000,000 people who died in the Tutsi and Hutu moderates. It is not the only thing in the middle of the Central Century, but it is a matter of magnitude to the extent of controlling the gestation period. The proven actor is also a film developer who illustrates the genre of genocide. The Kigali Memorial Center is open to the public at 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is 2 km above the north of the capitals. In addition to the solution to the economic crisis is the result of a taxi ride at the rate of 600 RFR (fortune teller).
The main long-distance bus station is located in Nyabugogo, just 2 km northwest of the capital. To reach it, the fastest and cheapest solution is to take a motorcycle taxi at the price of 500 RFR (bargaining strongly).
The most reliable company to reach Kibuye (Karongi), from Nyabugogo, is the Capital Express which offers several trips a day with comfortable minibuses. The ticket which costs 2,510 RFR must be purchased at the Company's desk, before boarding the bus. The journey takes about 3 hours and 30 '.
In Kibuye I slept at Home Saint Jean, the cheapest accommodation in the city at the price of 6,000 RFR, (without breakfast) per night for a single room. This house of religious hospitality is located, less than 1 km from the bus station and therefore from the city center, in a magnificent position and therefore from it you can enjoy incomparable views of the underlying Lake Kivu.
It can be reached during the day on foot with a pleasant walk in the woods while after sunset it is advisable to take a motorcycle taxi at the price of 500 RFR.
To reach Gisenyi from Kibuye, it is necessary to take a minibus of the Kivu Belt Company at the price of 3,000 RFR from the Bus Station, located in the city center. There are several departures a day: the first at 7.30, the second at 9.00 and so on until late afternoon. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Tickets can be purchased while boarding the bus.
When you arrive in Gisenyi, you can decide whether to get off in the city center or at the Bus Station, located almost 3 km northwest of the city center.
The best thing to do in Gisenyi is to reach the Rubona Peninsula, located almost 5 km south of the city center (1,000 RFR with a motorcycle taxi), where there are some resorts and where the lake offers glimpses of incomparable beauty.
To reach Musanze from Gisenyi, it is necessary to take one of the many minibuses heading to Kigali, which leaves from the Bus Station but which also collect passengers in the city center. One of the companies that travels this route is called Kigali Safari. There are departures at least every half hour from sunset to sunrise. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The ticket costs 1,200 RFR and can be purchased while boarding the bus.
In Musanze the buses that travel the Gisenyi - Kigali route leave you on 163 Street, near the Pension Plaza, over 1 km from the Bus Station, which can be reached either on foot or by motorbike taxi for the price of 300 RFR.
If you are interested in reaching the most famous park in Rwanda and that is the Volcanoes National Park, where there are the rare Mountain Gorillas and the Golden Monkeys, keep in mind that first you need to reach the Kinigi Village, located about 12 km north of Musanze. There are several minibuses a day that travel this route in less than half an hour, leaving when full from the Musanze Bus Station. The ticket costs 300 RFR and can be purchased while boarding the bus.
Keep in mind that to reach the Park Headquarters, located just 3 km north of Kinigi, you can take a motorbike taxi from the aforementioned Village at the price of 700 RFR (price obtained by negotiating).
Keep in mind that the excursion to the Volcanoes National Park to see the mountain gorillas costs 1,500 USD and must be booked online weeks in advance if you want to find a place. You can only be with the Gorillas for an hour. The situation is different for the excursion to see the Golden Monkeys, which costs 100 USD and can be booked the same day. In both cases, however, on the day designated for the excursion, it is necessary to show up at the Park Headquarters at 7.00 am for registration and then move with your own vehicle for several kilometers in the forest to the point set for the start of the walk. If you do not have a vehicle, you need to rent one or stock a ride to other adventure companions.
To reach Kigali from Musanze, it is necessary to take one of the many minibuses, departing from the Bus Station but which also collect passengers in the city center. One of the companies that travels this route is called Kigali Safari. There are departures at least every half hour from sunset to sunrise. The trip takes about 2 hours. The ticket costs 1,700 RFR and can be purchased while boarding the bus.
As specified above in Kigali all long-distance buses arrive at Nyabugogo Bus Station, scarce 2 km northwest of the capital. To reach the center of Kigali the fastest and cheapest solution is to take a motorcycle taxi at the price of 500 RFR (bargaining heavily).
In Kibuye I slept at Center Saint Paul, one of the cheapest accommodations in the City at the price of 17,000 RFR, (magnificent buffet breakfast included) per night for a double room (there are no singles). This house of religious hospitality is located in the center, one step away from St. Famile Church.
Another important thing to do in the capital is to visit the Camp Kigali Memorial, which illustrates in detail the terrible genocide that started right here in April 1994, with the killing of 10 Belgian soldiers on a peace mission. You don't pay anything to enter, but it is advisable to leave a tip to the attendant who will explain to you what happened that day. Camp Kigali Memorial is open daily from 8.00 to 17.00 and is located in the southern part of the city center. To reach it, the fastest and cheapest solution is to take a motorcycle taxi at the price of 500 RFR (bargaining strongly).
If you want to understand the 1994 Genocide even more readily, you need to go and visit the Churches of Nyamata and Ntarama, where thousands of Tutsis were killed, in a few hours.
And to do this, you need to go outside the Nyabugogo Bus Station, where big buses depart every 15 minutes for the Nyanza Bus Station, located a few kilometers south of the capital. To get on, buy a rechargeable 1,000 RFR card (the ride costs 250 RFR), before getting on the bus. The journey takes less than half an hour.
Then from the Nyanza Bus Station, take one of the many minibuses that run every day in the direction of Nyamata, stopping also in Ntarama (25 km south of Kigali). The journey takes about half an hour. The ticket costs 400 RFR and can be purchased while boarding the bus.
From Ntarama, the church where the Genocide took place is about 2 km from the main road. A motorbike taxi to reach it, via a dirt road, costs 500 RFR.
In the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, the terrible genocide that took place inside and outside the Church, where thousands of Tutsis were killed in a few hours, is illustrated in detail. You don't pay anything to enter, but it is advisable to leave a tip to the attendant who will explain to you what happened that day. There are some skulls and some weapons of genocide inside the Church, and in another room the clothes of those who lost their lives, then a school, the Mass Grave Area and a hill suitable for reflection. It is forbidden to take photos inside the premises and the Church. The Ntarama Genocide Memorial is open every day from 8.00 to 16.30. Until 4.00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
From the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, you can take a motorcycle taxi that for the price of 1,000 RFR travels the approximately 6 km that separate it from the Nyamata Genocide Memorial.
In the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, the terrible genocide that took place inside and outside the Church, where 50,000 Tutsis were killed in a few hours, is illustrated in detail. You don't pay anything to enter, but it is advisable to leave a tip to the attendant who will explain to you what happened that day. There are skulls and bones of the dead scattered everywhere while inside the Church and in underground rooms there are dozens and dozens of coffins full of skulls of those who lost their lives. Then there is a memorial to the Italian Antonia Locatelli of Bergamo who was killed on 09/03/1992, as she denounced the government's policy of killing the Tutsis on BBC Radio. It is forbidden to take photos inside the Church, coffins and skulls. The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is open every day from 8.00 to 16.30. Until 4.00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
To return to Nyabugogo, take a motorcycle taxi for the price of 500 RFR and reach the Nyamata Bus Station, which is over 1 km from the Genocide Memorial and about 30 km from Kigali. Then take a minibus that takes you to Nyanza in half an hour (400 RFR) and from there take the usual Big Bus taken on the way that arrives in Nyabugogo in about 5 minutes. (250 RFR, compulsory rechargeable card which costs 1,000 RER).
The most reliable company to reach the City of Nyanza (Nyabisindu), from Nyabugogo, is the Volcano Express which offers many trips a day with comfortable minibuses. The ticket that costs 2,400 RFR must be purchased at the Company's desk, before boarding the bus. The trip takes about 2 hours.
The most interesting attraction to see in Nyanza (Nyabisindu), is the Royal Residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, located on the hill about 3 km from the Bus Station which in turn is located in the city center. A motorcycle taxi to reach it costs 500 RER.
The Royal Residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in Nyanza (Nyabisindu) is open every day from 8.00 to 16.00. Admission costs 6,000 RFR, in addition to Euro 2,000 RFR for the use of the Camera, although in truth the use of the same inside the new building is prohibited. The guide is free and optional, but it makes sense to tip 1,000 RFR.
The most reliable company to reach the City of Huye (Butare), from Nyanza (Nyabisindu), is the Volcano Express which offers many trips a day with comfortable minibuses. The ticket which costs 700 RFR must be purchased at the Company's desk, before boarding the bus. The journey takes about 1 hour.
In Huye (Butare) I slept at the Hotel de Beaux - Arts, the cheapest accommodation in the city at the price of 5,000 RFR, (without breakfast) per night for a double room. The single is not there. This property is located in the center, about 1.5 km from the bus station.
It can be reached on foot or by taking a motorcycle taxi for the price of 300 RFR.
If you want to understand the 1994 Genocide even more readily, it is necessary to go and visit the Murambi Genocide Memorial, where about 40,000 Tutsis were killed, in 8 hours, from 3.00 to 11.00 in the morning.
And to do this, you need to go to the Huye Bus Station (Butare), where minibuses from the Volcano Express Company depart every 30 minutes for the Nyamagabe Bus Station, located in the center. The journey takes a good half hour. The ticket costs 500 RFR and can be purchased while boarding the bus.
From Nyamagabe, keep in mind that the Murambi Genocide Memorial is about 3 km away. A motorbike taxi to reach it, via a dirt road, costs 500 RFR.
In the Murambi Genocide Memorial, the terrible genocide which took place in just 8 hours, in which about 40,000 Tutsis were killed, is illustrated in detail. You don't pay anything to enter, but it is advisable to leave a tip to the attendant who will explain to you what happened that day. There is a small museum, right after the entrance, then the obligatory guide takes you to visit hundreds of bodies preserved in dozens of rooms. It is forbidden to take photos both inside and outside the premises. The Murambi Genocide Memorial is open from 8.00 to 16.00. Closed during Public Holidays.
To return to Nyamagabe, wait for one of the rare taxis that hang out in that area.
The only company that reaches Kayanza Haut, the border with Burundi, from Huye Bus Station (Butare), is the Volcano Express which offers several trips per day (at 7.00, 8.00, 9.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 14.00. 00) with comfortable minibuses. The ticket which costs 1,000 RFR must be purchased at the desk of the Company, before boarding the bus. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
In Kayanza Haut, the border with Burundi, you can obtain the exit stamp from Rwanda at the appropriate desk. Here there is an exchange office where it is possible to obtain Burundian Francs at a rate of 1 Euro = BFR 2,600, as is also the case with the characters who offer you money during and after you have crossed the border with Burundi. Keep in mind that in Bujumbura the exchange rate is very disadvantageous: 1 Euro = 1.910 BFR.
The Burundi border can be reached with a short walk of 300 meters. about.
BURUNDI
To enter Burundi, an entry visa is required, for tourism, to be requested at the Embassy of Burundi based in Via Enrico Accinni n. 63, Scala B, internal 10 - 00195 Rome, E-mail: ambabu.roma@yahoo.fr, presenting the following documents:
- original passport (valid for no less than 6 months);
-2 color passport photos taken recently;
- passport photocopy;
- hotel booking;
- Completed and signed entry visa application form;
- copy of the Yellow Fever booklet;
- Bank transfer of Euro 50.00 in favor of the Embassy of Burundi in Rome;
The entry visa is issued in about 1 month if there are no problems and allows entry into the country for 30 days.
For the courier you have to make your own arrangements for both the delivery and the collection of the passport.
With the visa in order, you can get the entry stamp in Burundi at the Kayanza Haut border desk. Then there is a quick baggage check. Subsequently, it is still possible to exchange money at clearly advantageous rates compared to the capital.
There are no time zone hours, compared to Italy.
Bear in mind that there are much more roadblocks in Burundi than in Rwuanda and also the minibus drivers are much more unruly here.
At this stage, be very careful because there is a lot of confusion as everyone offers their own means of transport to reach Bujumbura. The collective taxi costs 12,000 BFR and leaves when full (4 people). It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Gare du Nord, located on the northern edge of the capital.
With 1,000 BFR, the driver took me to the La Tulipe Hotel, located in Bujumbura, 2 km from Gare du Nord. I booked the aforementioned hotel with Booking by paying 40 USD per night for a double including breakfast. It is a very elegant and safe hotel.
It goes without saying that Bujumbura is not a safe city and if during the day, for better or for worse, with caution you can walk through the crowded streets of the center, in the evening it is a must to stay in the hotel or move with a taxi.
To reach the nearby Gare du nord, you can take a minibus in front of the La Tulipe Hotel for 300 BFR. You pay the attendant before descending. A taxi on the other hand costs 3,000 BFR. A motorcycle taxi on the other hand costs 1,500 BFR.
From Gare du nord, in Bujumbura, several minibuses leave when they are full a day in the direction of Gitega, the second largest city in Burundi. The ride costs BFR 5,000 with regular minibuses and BFR 6,000 with the more comfortable Volcano Express Company minibus. You pay before you get off. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The Gitega Bus Station is located on the northern edge of the center.
Gitega is great on foot, but beware of the couple of policemen who hang out near the largest mosque in the city, on the main street, near the president's monument, who do not hesitate 1 second to extort money from unsuspecting tourists as they did with me (everything I had in my pocket and that is 80,000 BFR, allowing me to keep 10,000 BFR to return to the capital), with trivial reasons such as having taken a photo where it is forbidden, but essentially the photo is never interested in them, I do not they didn't even ask for my passport, they were only interested in my money and they made me understand it immediately, taking me to an isolated street, asking me for money and telling me not to tell anyone.
A motorcycle taxi ride to Gitega costs 500 BFR.
The most beautiful tourist attraction in Burundi is Saga Beach, located a few kilometers from the capital on Lake Tanganyka. To reach it from Gare du nord, you need to take a minibus to the Central Market Bus Station (350 BFR), where you need to take one directly to Gatumba which on request also stops after about 15 minutes at Saga Beach (600 BFR).
To return to the La Tulipe Hotel, located in Bujumbura 2 km from Gare du Nord, take any minibus from the Central Market Bus Station to Gare du Nord, which stops on request in front of the aforementioned hotel (350 BFR).
Several taxis stop day and night in front of the La Tulipe Hotel in Bujumbura and therefore it is not difficult to find a taxi before dawn to reach the nearby Gare du Nord. The cost of the ride is BFR 3,000.
Keep in mind that to reach Tanzania from Bujumbura, the cheapest and fastest solution is to take the comfortable minibus of the Volcano Express Company, directed to the town of Kobero. There are departures approximately every hour starting from 6.00 and until the early afternoon. The ride costs BFR 11,000. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The trip takes about 4 hours.
Once in Kobero keep in mind that several guys will approach to change money. Remember that this is the last chance to change the Burundian Francs. Beyond this point, no one in any other state in the world will want to change your Burundi currency.
Keep in mind that the Tanzanian border is about 3 km from Kobero and as if that were not enough with a nice uphill stretch. So it is advisable to take a motorcycle taxi that for the price of TSH 1.000, or the equivalent in BFR, takes you to the sign of Tanzania and no further as the driver of the motorcycle cannot cross the border and therefore it is necessary to take a another moto taxi that at the price of TSH 2.000 takes you to the building where there is both the Burundi and Tanzania Customs, waits for you to carry out all the bureaucratic procedures and then takes you to the nearby town of Kabanga.
At the Burundi Customs they measure your fever, ask you for the original yellow fever certificate, check your backpack and finally stamp you out of the country, after carefully checking the validity of the visa. Then you go to the Tanzanian border, where you will be stamped to enter the country, after checking the validity of the tourist visa.
TANZANIA
To enter Tanzania it is necessary to have an entry visa, for tourism, to be requested at the Embassy of Tanzania in Rome or the Consulate in Milan (consult the website to see the opening hours). :
- original passport (valid for no less than 6 months);
-2 color passport photos taken recently;
- Completed and signed entry visa application form;
- Euro 65.00 in cash or credit card;
The entry visa is issued on the spot and allows entry into the country for 90 days.
In Tanzania, about 50% of the population is Muslim.
Keep in mind that in Tanzania there are no night buses and therefore you are forced to always travel during the day.
There is a time zone forward, with respect to Burundi and therefore also with respect to Italy.
Bear in mind that there are a lot of roadblocks in Tanzania.
From the center of Kabanga, Tanzania, a few minibuses leave daily to Kahama. The ride costs 15,000 TSH. You pay after you get on the bus. The journey takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes. The first 4 hours of travel take place on a very bad road with gigantic holes.
If you can't find a minibus in Kabanga, you have to go to Ngara, 28 km away, by taxi or minibus. In Ngara there is a bank to change money. From this city there are several hotels and also buses leave more frequently to Kahama and one bus a day to Mwanza, at 6 in the morning.
In Kahama, I slept at the Royal Palace Lodge at the price of 20,000 TSH per night, located on the outskirts, but which offers free transportation to and from the city center, where there is the Bus Station, included in the price.
From Kahama, there are several buses a day to the capital Dodoma. The first leaves at 6.00 in the morning. The ride with the Prince Ahmed Company costs 30,000 TSH. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
In Dodoma, keep in mind that banks and exchange offices close before 5.00 pm.
Dodoma, you can easily get around on foot. Be careful not to photograph public offices. It's forbidden.
From Dodoma, there are several buses a day to Arusha. The first leaves at 6.00 in the morning, the last at 20.00. The ride costs TSH 25,000, with the Arusha Express Company. You pay at the desk and get the ticket even the day before if you want. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
From the Arusha Bus Station, a motor taxi ride costs 2,000 TSH, during the day and 3,000 TSH, at night.
In Arusha I slept at Kitundu Guesthouse, not far from the Bus Station, at the price of 25,000 TSH per night for a double room (there is no single), including breakfast.
Arusha is safe during the day a little less after sunset.
Arusha is the Safari Capital and is therefore the best place to organize a safari by joining a group if you are alone.
There are hundreds of agencies in the city that organize safaris for all budgets. To find the right one but low cost, I entrusted the Kitundu Guesthouse, which made me come to the hotel the manager of the agency Wanyama African Safari Co. Ltd. based in Arusha, Tel + 255757580417 / + 255787337875, E_mail: info@wanyamaafricansafari.com, Web: www.wanyamaafricansafari.com. This agency offers 2, 3 and 4 day safaris to the following parks:
2 days: Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater;
3 days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater;
4 days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti;
The cost is USD 170 per day for 2 and 3 day safaris and USD 165 per day for 4 day safaris. The fee includes everything: 3 meals a day, bottled water at will, accommodation in tented camps or lodges, usually outside the parks to save money, park entrances, driver, guide, Off-road with raised roof. The only thing excluded is the tip (5 USD per day) to the driver and the guide who are often a unique person who plays both roles.
I booked the Safari at 8.00 in the morning with departure at 9.00 on the same day.
Once the Safari is complete, they will take you back to Arusha to the Hotel of your choice for free. For the occasion I chose the Arusha Backpackers Hotel, located in the center of Sokoine Road, just 400 meters away. from the Bus Station. Cost per night 25,400 TSH. They also accept Dollars.
If you want to go on an excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro mt. 5,896, the highest mountain in Africa, or if you just want to see it you need to go to the City of Moshi. Keep in mind that an excursion to the Summit takes about 5 days and a lot of effort as well as an expense of approximately USD 1,500 per person including, permits, accommodation, over USD 300 tip for porters.
From the Bus Station of Arusha, when they are full, from 6.00 to 21.00 with excellent frequency, Minibus for Moschi. The ticket costs 3,000 TSH and is purchased after getting on. The ride takes about 2 hours.
Moschi turns very well on foot.
If you want to reach Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, keep in mind that there are departures from 6.00 in the morning until 11.00 in the morning. You can opt for the buses that depart from the Bus Station, which cost less, but the comfort is less and the journey is much longer because they make a myriad of stops unlike the Kilimanjaro Express, Dar Express and Mtei Express companies, which depart all near Boma Road, all cost about 30,000 TSH and take a scant 11 hours to reach their destination.
In Dar es Salaam, the Buses coming from Moshi finish the race at the Ubundo Bus Station (or in dedicated stations not far away for Kilimanjaro Express for example), located about 8 km northwest of the city center, which can be reached with a Regular bus, minibus, taxi or motorbike taxi. The latter I paid 8,000 TSH, bargaining heavily.
The cheapest accommodations in the center of Dar es Salaam are the YWCA hostel, which offers a bed in a dormitory, including breakfast for 12,000 TSH per night, while for a single without bathroom you have to spend 20,000 TSH, and the YMCA hostel which offers a bed in dormitory including breakfast for TSH 15,000 per night, while TSH 30,000 for a single room without bathroom. Both are located on Azikiwe Street, near St Alban's Church, 50m away. away from each other and both are now and gladly sold out, at least for the accommodation in the dormitory.
Dar es Salaam, is a very large city and appears quite safe at least during the day while after sunset it is highly advisable to move by taxi (4,000 TSH for a short ride to the center).
If you want to reach Kilwa Masoko, located on the southern coast of Tanzania, the most convenient solution is to go, with a minibus (450 TSH) departing from the New post stop in Azikiwe Street Dar es Salaam, or with a motorcycle taxi ( 10.000 TSH), at the Bus Station of Mbagala Rangi Tatu, located 10 km, approximately south of the capital, where 2 buses of the Mashaallah Company depart every day for Kilwa Masoko, one early in the morning and the other at 11.30. Tickets (13,000 TSH) can be purchased at the desk before boarding. The bus makes numerous stops, including the last one in Kilwa Kivinje and the ride takes about 5 hours.
Another solution is to go to the Ubundo Bus Station and take one of the many Buds headed to Mtwara and get off at the Nangurukuru intersection, where you can take a local transport to Kilwa Masoko (TSH 2500, 35 Km).
Kilwa Masoko bus station, is about 1.5 km from Kilwa Bandari Lodge which is the most beautiful accommodation in the city and is located on the main road at 200 meters. about from the Port. It can be reached on foot or by motorcycle taxi (1,000 TSH). The cost per night for a single room is 49,000 TSH or 25 USD, including breakfast.
If you are interested in visiting the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani Island, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, keep in mind that it is necessary to communicate your decision to Kilwa Bandari Lodge and in a few minutes a Local Guide (mandatory) will arrive at the Hotel. will offer to get you the obligatory permit (for this purpose he will have to make a photocopy of the passport), to get you a boat to reach the island and to accompany you on the visit of the ruins which lasts about 3 hours, at a cost of 25 USD (if you are at least in 3 if not if you are alone 40 USD). To this it is necessary to add 27,000 TSH, for entry to the site. I asked him for a discount and paid a total of 70,000 TSH (I joined a young Dutch couple). Keep in mind that if there is low tide it is necessary to put your feet in the water when getting on and off the boat and that you need to walk for about 3 km to visit all the sites of Kilwa Kisiwani.
The excursion usually starts at 8.00 and ends before noon and therefore there is a high probability of taking the last bus of the Mashaallah Company, which leaves every day at 12.30 P.M., for Dar es Salaam. The first one leaves at 6 am (13,000 TSH, 5 hours).
If you want to reach Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, keep in mind that 4 Azam catamarans operated by “Kilimanjaro” depart every day from the ferry terminal: at 7.00, 9.30, 12.30 and 15.30. The times are the same also for catamarans departing from Zanzibar. Keep in mind that for foreigners the ticket costs twice as much as for residents and precisely 35 USD, one way in economy class and 50 USD in VIP class or equivalent in TSH. Consider the fact that at certain times of the year, economy class tickets sell out early and therefore it is advisable to buy them the day before. The trip takes about 2 hours and if the sea is rough it can be troubled. Before boarding, they check your luggage with the scanner.
Please note that there are several daily flights connecting Dar es Salaam WITH Zanzibar at a cost of USD 70, one way.
Once in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, it is necessary to fill out an entry form, show the yellow fever certificate if required and obtain the entry stamp to Zanzibar even if it is still Tanzania.
The population of Zanzibar is 95% Muslim and therefore respectful behavior must be maintained.
Stone Town is a beautiful city full of alleys and it is not for nothing that it has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
In Creek Road in Stone Town, there are direct minibuses to all parts of the island and they leave when they are full even if the route in which the frequency of the same is highest is that for Nungwi, a town, located on the northern tip. The ride costs 2,000 TSH and takes approximately 1 hour and a half. You pay after getting on.
In Nungwi, to reach the beach it is necessary to walk from the bus stop for about 1 km, along a dirt road heading north west.
However, keep in mind that the most beautiful beaches are on the east coast of Zanzibar, which is also the one where there is less rainfall.
If from Dar es Salaam you want to reach Malawi by land, you need to know that from the Ubundu Bus Station (you pay 300 TSH to access it) every morning between 6.00 and 7.00 numerous buses leave for Mbeya. I took the one from the BN Safari company, paying the 48 TSH ticket, purchased 10 minutes before leaving. The ride lasts approximately 15 hours (approximately 830 km).
In Mbeya, the Buses coming from Dar es Salaam end their journey at the Bus Station, located in the south-east area of the city. Around it there are several cheap guesthouses that cost between 15,000 and 20,000 TSH, including the New Millennium Inn, but often they are often fully booked. I slept in the only hotel available in the area, namely the Nkwenzulu Motel, paying for a double room (there are no singles), without breakfast 25,000 TSH.
If you want to reach Kasumulu, the city on the border with Malawi, the fastest solution is to take, from the Bus Station, a local bus direct to the x minibus stand located east of Mbeya (15 minutes - 600 TSH). From here, take a direct minibus to Kasumulu Bus Station (located in the city center), which makes numerous stops including the one in Tutuyu City. The ride costs 5,000 TSH and lasts 3 abundant. You pay after getting on.
From Kasumulu Bus Station, to reach the border post with Malawi, you have to walk for about 1 km. On this stretch of the road there will be many people who will propose to change money. It is also possible to take a motorcycle taxi.
Once at the border, go to the Desk to obtain the exit stamp from Tanzania. Then it is necessary to walk for 300 meters. approximately, crossing the Songwe River Bridge and thus reaching the Malawi border point. On this stretch of the road there will be many people who will offer you to change money (1 Euro = 840 MK). There is also an exchange office and a bank that change money but offer significantly more disadvantageous rates (1 Euro = 840 MK). Even in the city it is inappropriate to exchange money in a bank or exchange office.
MALAWI
To enter Malawi for Italian citizens it is necessary to obtain an Entry Visa. For more information: http://www.immigration.gov.mw/
The visa must be requested at the Malawi Embassy in Brussels (Belgium):
Address: Avenue Herrmann-Debroux 46 - B-1160 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32 (0) 22310980
Fax: +32 (0) 22311066
Email: embassy.malawi@skynet.be
Website: http://www.embassymalawi.be/
For those who enter the country by crossing the land borders, it is possible to obtain an entry visa for Malawi directly at the border, in scarce half an hour, by filling out 2 forms and paying 75 USD (to me the employee also asked for a 5 USD tip) . Those who reach Malawi by air will have to check with the chosen airline (only some allow you to travel without a visa, thus allowing you to pick it up on arrival).
Below are the paths to access the explanatory pages of the Embassy of Malawi in Belgium and the contacts of the Honorary Consul of Malawi in Italy:
http://www.embassymalawi.be/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=30&Itemid=89
http://www.embassymalawi.be/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=87&Itemid=102
In Tanzania, the vast majority of the population is Christian.
There is an hour of time zone behind, compared to Tanzania and therefore none compared to Italy.
Bear in mind that there are a lot of roadblocks in Malawi.
Once you have obtained your visa and Malawi entry stamp, you can take a minibus to Mzuzu for the price of 5,000 MK, (a generous 5 hours). Instead, I asked for a lift to a private car which, at a price of 12,000 MK, took me to Salima in 13 hours, allowing me to make stops in Karonga, Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay.
In Salima, near the bus stop located on the main road connecting Lilongwe and Mua, there are several cheap guesthouses that cost between 4,000 and 10,000 MK, including the Chikungu Lodge, which costs 5,000 MK for a double room (there are single), without breakfast.
To reach the center of Salima I use a bike with a biker paying 200 MK even if the correct cost for a club is 100 MK.
From the Bus Station of Salima, located in the city center, Big Bus and Minibus for Senga Bay depart very frequently from 5.00 am until after sunset. The trip takes less than half an hour and costs 400 MK. You pay after getting on.
The best way to get around Sandy Bay is by motorcycle taxi. One ride costs 500 MK.
From the Bus Station of Salima, located in the center, minibuses leave, when full, for the capital of the Malati Lilongwe. Beware that this is a little traveled route and you are unlucky you have to wait even 3 hours before the minibus fills up and then you can leave. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs 2,000 MK. You pay after getting on.
All buses and minibuses from Salima arrive in Lilongwe at the Bus Station located in Malangalanga Road, near the Main Market.
If you want to reach Liwonde from Lilongwe, you have to go to the Bus Station, where minibuses and big buses leave for Zomba when they are full, which also stop in Liwonde. Prefer minibuses as they are much faster than buses and keep in mind that for the latter the wait before leaving can reach up to three hours. The Big Bus Journey takes only 6 hours and costs 4,000 MK. You pay after getting on.
If in Liwonde, you want to sleep at Shire Camp, located adjacent to the Shire River, keep in mind that you must tell the driver to stop in front of the National Bank (which is the first stop in Liwonde). From there it is necessary to walk about 300 meters. The cost per night for a double in a Bungalow is 14,400 MK, or 20 USD, including breakfast.
Shire Camp organizes boat trips of 2 hours and 30 'in Liwonde National Park, to see a sea of hippos, some crocodiles and with a little luck some elephants. The cost is 20 USD for the entrance to the Park and 40 USD for the rental of the motor boat and for the Guide. You can also pay in MK. Logically, if you are 2, 3 or 4 people the price of 40 USD can be lowered up to 25 USD.
In Liwonde, on the main road connecting Lilongwe and Zomba, minibuses to Mangochi pass every day, from before sunrise to after sunset, with excellent frequency (some continue to Monkey Bay). The trip takes about 1 hour and a half and costs 2,000 MK. You pay after getting on. Collective taxis also travel this route.
In Mangochi, on the main road connecting Liwonde and Monkey Bay, minibuses leave when they are full, every day (including Sundays), from sunrise to sunset, with good frequency, minibuses to Monkey Bay. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs 1,500 MK. You pay after getting on.
The minibuses in Monkey Bay stop first at the junction for Cape Maclear and then (5 km later) at the square located a few hundred meters before the port.
Cape Maclear, can be reached from the aforementioned junction in Monkey Bay, along the 20 km of dirt road. There are Matolas that leave from 6 in the morning onwards, but only when they are full and often this happens after hours. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs about 1,000 MK. You pay after getting on. You can also take a motorcycle taxi for the price of 7,000 MK.
In Monkey Bay, you can get carried around on a bicycle, paying 200 MK for each ride.
In Mangochi, on the main road connecting Monkey Bay and Liwonde, minibuses to Blantayre leave when they are full, every day (Sunday included), from 2 am until 7 pm, with excellent frequency, which logically also stop in Liwonde (1 hour and a half) and Zomba (3 hours abundant). The x Zomba ticket costs 3,000 MK. You pay after getting on.
In Zomba, I slept at the Chichango Guesthouse at the price of 4,000 MK, for a double room (there are no singles), without breakfast and without electrical sockets, located 200 meters away. approximately from the Bus Station.
From Zomba to go to Blantayre, you can take a minibus from the Bus Station, which leaves when full, or a collective taxi on the main road connecting Liwonde and Blantayre. The latter solution is slightly more expensive (1,000 MK), but significantly faster (40 'scarce). In both cases you will most likely finish the race in Limbe, a town located 5km south-east of Blantayre.
To reach Blantayre from Limbe, you can take one of the many minibuses for the price of 200 MK. The same price you pay for a minibus inside Blantayre.
Blantayre Airport is located in Chileka, about 15 km from the city center. The cheapest way to get there is to take a minibus that leaves quite frequently for Chileka from Glyn Jones Road, near the intersection with Laws Road and near St. Paul's Cathedral. The ride takes about half an hour and costs 500 MK. Remember to tell the driver that you intend to get off at the airport.
In the arrival hall of the small Blantayre Airport it is possible to change money.
Punctual as never before from Blantayre (Malawi) at 3.40 pm my plane no. ET877 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company in the direction of Terminal 2 of the International Airport of Addis Ababa Bole (Ethiopia), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Kigali (Rwanda) and from Blantyre (Malawi) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa : Euro 699.51).
Dinner is served on the aforementioned aircraft.
Arrival on time at 8.40 pm, at Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia). There is a 1 hour time zone compared to Italy.
At the aforementioned airport, I stay in the transit area (where there are seats where you can lie down to sleep) and therefore it is not necessary for me to be stamped with the Ethiopian entry stamp.
Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. 2 leaves from Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) at 11.45 pm. ET734 of the Ethiopian Airlines Company in the direction of Bruxcel International Airport, but with a stopover at Malpensa (multi-route ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Kigali (Rwanda) and from Blantyre (Malawi) to Malpensa with a stopover in Addis Ababa: Euro 699 , 51).
Dinner is served on the aforementioned aircraft.
I therefore arrive at 5.20 A.M., at Malpensa International Airport, where my long journey ends.
My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:
http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2018/02/viaggio-in-rwanda-burundi-tanzania-e.html
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