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International Travel News |
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| number 21: daresalam and zanzibar |
Posted on: Sunday 6th November, 2011 |
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| Our next door neighbours are famed for their hospitality and we sought to see if it would be true.Getting thereBefore you board make sure you have your Yellow fever vaccine!!!I found out too late and was held up at the airport for some time.Depends on where you are from, for most international visitors flying is the option and the Julius Nyerere airport is served by many carriers. From Kenya the journey is about 45 minutes flight (jet) a bit longer if on turbo prop. There are several budget carriers but Tanzania's flagship Precision air has the cheapest tickets.The flight has a beautiful view of the snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro and the descent offers a glimpse of the beautiful deep blue waters and pristine beaches. The heat on landing is however vexing. If you aren’t used to it, it really annoys.Where to stayThe drive to the city centre is about 45 minutes and there are numerous hotels. I had a gracious Tanzania host couple that I couch surfed with. I think this is better than staying in a hotel. It gives you a real feel of the people. For those staying in hotels, pick carefully because you may be overcharged if a foreigner. The city itself is similar to Mombasa and comprises of modern day architecture standing side by side with old Arabic inspired buildings. The contrast is quite refreshing and the palm trees along the streets make.If you are headed to Zanzibar you have to connect a flight from Daresalam or fly directly there by chartered planes. Smaller sized operators also fly directly. You can also go by sea which is more scenic if you don’t get sea sick. The fast boats are comfortable and quick. The fare isn’t too high also (about 20 USD). Activities in Daresalam.Sight seeing A good two days to wrap up the entire cities attractions- Museum-rich Arabic and sultanate rule history, Zanzibar’s Stone town is one amazing area that I definitely recommend. In particular as regards east Africa’s history. (However you need to be aware that Zanzibaris are extremely independent and there exist two separate states. as such you will need your passport.Avoid going to Zanzibar during the month of Ramadan, most locals are fasting, fussy and opening and closing times for shops etc are changed. Sadly while there Zanzibar was experiencing some times with 12 bars razed in two months :-(, no dancing at night etc.What to do; 1. Hang out at night in Daresalam, The energy in the clubs is amazing! I had the awesomest rave in my life there in all the cities I have visited. Only Hamburg comes close to that. CLUB BILCANAS is hugely popular and it doesn’t disappoint. Sadly you have to pay an entrance fee! So if you are used to not paying or in a large group be informed.Club bilcanasMbalamwezi- right next to the ocean also well done and on a good night if the crowd is willing lotsa fun hanging there.2. Eating outIn the CBD TANROSE Restaurant near The University of Daresalam offers traditional sea food at good rates. Otherwise lots of fast food joints exist. In the suburbs of Daresalam a neighborhood called Milimani City has another good place. SAMAKI SAMAKI is the name and the food is well served and a good ambience.In Zanzibar I found a roadside kiosk with an excellent Burger and fries at cheap price. Otherwise there are numerous boutique restaurants offering different cuisines. All sadly are also highly overpriced!!!!! So I avoided them the daily night gathering of the caterers outside the stone town Museum offers access to a variety of samplings at reasonable rates. It’s also an opportunity to meet up with people from other areas and plan dhow excursions etc.3. Swimming, Diving and Kite surfingLotsa boats all expensive again, but with good bargain skills you can get a fair ride. To get a good place for sea sports you may have to move further from the old stone town where the beaches are cleaner and calmer waters.If you are lucky you will catch a "mermaid" :-) or be caught by one. With spare time and Money take the TAZARA RAILWAY that links TZ with Zambia.Anyways it was a wonderful time and definitely to be put on the TO DO LIST. On our ADVENTURE METER? The trip scored 8/10.
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Last Updated
on: 2011-11-06 06:18:53 |
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