Hakuna Matata from Tanzania
Trip Start
Mar 30, 2008
1
138
144
Trip End
Mar 31, 2009
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday 7th March - Day 17 Chitimba to Iringa, Kisolanza Farmhouse (500km) Crossing into Tanzania
We woke up to rain again, but to add variety it was just a constant drizzle this time instead of torrential downpour. It was a long long drive during which we climbed over 1000m. Our campsite was nestled in a cool forested area which made a lovely change. After putting up tents and airing damp stuff, the rain had now stopped, we went for a run with Megan and Max after which we did as session on abs. We were all surprised how hard it was which must have been due to the altitude.
Meanwhile Zak, our driver was doing his best to recover from some sort of flu, thankfully not malaria, he thought. It was my turn on cooking so I helped Amy prepare a huge chicken and pasta dish that filled many an empty stomach
11
. Although Clare had already sampled these shortly after arriving, the highlight at this camp is their home made brownies. I had one for pudding and have to admit they are good!As we entered a very welcoming cool evening we made our way to the bar. They had wood burners inside on which they heated water for the other speciality, Amarula Hot Chocolate, delicious. The talk wandered into ghost story territory and we made our excuses. Not long before there had been much talk about what to do when faced with a speeding fine or in the event of a serious accident on Africa's roads. Amy was quick to warn that if you stop the village justice of an eye for an eye can be quickly taken so probably best to drive to next Police station. We had no idea how relevant this was going to be.
Sunday 8th March - Day 18 Iringa to Dar es Salaam, Kipepeo Beach Village (550km) Indian Ocean Coast
Another long drive and after an early start in the dark, due to losing an hour as we entered Tanzania. It wasan eventful trip to the Indian Ocean Coast. To make a change however it wasnt raining today. We had lunch in a layby, but shortly after things took a turn. Firstly Amy was pulled over by the Tanzanian Police for breaking the speed limit
12
. For her 57kmh in a 50kmh limit, as for those who are caught doing 100kmh in the same area, the punishment is a $30 on the spot bribe, sorry fine!We were soon on our way again though, until we were stopped in our tracks again by the Police. A Police landrover was speeding towards us on the wrong side of the road, the officer in the back gesticulating wildly for us to pull over. On our inside was a cyclist, it wasnt possible to leave the road. The Police didnt comprehend this and kept on coming, Zak had to brake hard and the Police landrover just squeezed through the gap. Moments later there was a loud bang as a beige Landcruiser hit us from behind at speed and left the road slamming headlong into the cyclist!
The local villagers who had this started converging on the scene instantly. This didnt look good. The cyclist appeared to be alive, but the occupants of the cruiser probably very wiser left the scene as the crowd stole the cyclists wares! Unable to get any sense from another Police officer who had arrived Zak decided that as the damage to us was minimal we should just leave the scene while we can.
We rushed to be in time for a buffet lunch at a road side cafe. As we neared Dar the populus became increasingly Muslim and our food reflected this due to it's Indian style with deep fried fish and Pilau rice.
Arriving on the outskirts of Dar it was becomingly very busy and dirty, already it reminded us of India. We had to drive the whole way through the city to come to the ferry ticket office to book our tickets to Zanzibar. As it was taking a while Amy was dropped off and I joined Zak in the cab for the four hour drive around the bay to the campsite. We were both surprised as the traffic was light and it only took us 50 minutes. After a short run and swim and a welcome dinner we all had an early night. We had also had to pack a smaller bag for our trip across to Zanzibar.
