Days one and two in Arusha, Tanzania- adminsitrative void

Flight ticket debacle

When we were checking in at Arlanda the airline started asking us about our outwards journey from Tanzania. They wanted us to sign a personal liability form because we did not have all the documents potentially required for a visa for entry into the country. We had been planning to get our ticket in Tanzania, but we had time at Arlanda so we thought we might as well get the tickets before checking-in. That way we could also avoid any visa issues.

We tried to buy tickets from Arusha-Entebbe through our phones but didnt have our personal banking details. We called mum. She tried to book twice on the Precision Air website as she was getting error messages. She then realised that the money had been drawn from her account for both attemtps!That's eight hundred dollars, thats pretty much our entire travel budget for our stay in Tanzania.

Mum called a number she was given on the screen and they said they would return the money to her. but the money wasn't returned.

Getting visas to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam

With this worry gnawing on our minds, we set off on the flight. We were also suddenly concerned about getting our Visas. However, everything went relatively smoothly in Dar es Salaam. Like everybody else at the dar es Salaam airport, we handed our money and our passports and visa application forms to a cheerful immigration officer who walked off with them without giving us a receipt, and waited nervously. Everything appeared to work just fine though, and after about 45 minutes wait we had our visas.

The Julius Nyere International Airport in Dar es Salaam was very different from the previous once we'd been to. Once we'd left arrivals, we came straight outdoors. Airline offices and little shops were line up beside each other, and then there was an entrance which consisted of security. August said, "So this is like an outdoor airport". It was very unclear to us what we were expected to do, but eventually we managed to get boarding passes for our flight to Kilimanjaro and made our flight in good time.

Getting from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Well in Kilimanjaro airrport, we were expecting a Precision Air shuttle (this is what the Rough Guide said there was). However, it seemed the Precision Air shuttle had already left. uncertain what to do, we said no to all the taxi drivers who approached us and wanted to take us to Moshi, Arusha and other places, and nervously wandered around the rather desolate airport. We were hoping to get that shuttle, but several sources told us it would not come until 3 pm, which we believed to be true as there were no more precision Air flights till then.

Eventually, we accepted the offer of 25 US dollars to Arusha from a taxi driver, and set off. Our heads were spinning with thought of dollars and shillings and what to do once we got to Arusha. I asked the taxi driver to take us to the Arusha Clock Tower, as this is an area I know well. Yet we didn't know exactly what to do once we got there.

Arriving in Arusha and trying to find a place to stay

We were of course, with our massive backpacks, immediately surrounded by people wanting to "help" us. I wanted to take us to the Patisserie, the cafe where we used to go when I was living here,but it turned out it was closed. For renovations, apparently. Instead we went to a new touristy coffe shop that wasn't there last time I was here. We took turns staying in there, and going out for errands. Getting Tanzanian shillings from the cash point, buying phone cards, trying to figure out where to spend the night. Once we had our phone cards we called the Outpost, a guesthouse Ive stayed at and know is nice, but it was fully fully booked. Bummer!

As we needed a quick solution, we went and booked a room at the Arusha Hotel just by the clock tower roundabout. It was massive and very posh, with guards and parking, a pool and big gardens. They wanted to charge 250 dollars for one night, but we said we couldnt pay that much and we ended up paying 160. It was expensive but very nice to have showers, and some peace and quiet after the crazy journey to get there.

Finding out how to climb Mt Meru – through the YMCA and Skyways Expeditions

This morning we started shopping around for someone to go to Mount Meru with. We spoke to a tour company recommended by the Arusha Hotel, who wanted to charge 450 dollars for four night. We thought it was expensive so we said we would think about it.

We took our bags and went to the YMCA hostel, where we decided to spend the next night. It is a very cheap and basic hostel in Central Arusha. While checking in, we spoke to the people from Skyways Expeditions who had their office in the YMCA. After a longer chat they offered to arrange a mount Meru climb for 425 per person. We said we had been planning on not spending more than 400 per person. Then we had a deal. So were setting out tomorrow for Mount Meru if everything goes according to plan.

The day is now almost over. So far most of our time has been spent fixing things. Money, places to stay, arranging trips. Things that would take 5 minutes at home take hours here! But in general we are having a good time. It is good to be back!

Lessons

- Bring travellers checks or more dollars in cash
- Try to book your hotel ahead of time, at least for the first night
- Do not book airline tickets online. Buy them in the country.

Times out! Until next time, folks!

The room in the Arusha Hotel. 160 USD! Came with TV and "housekeeping".

View from the Arusha Hotel

Arusha's famous Clock Tower

The Onyx petrol station opposite the Arusha Hotel

People out and about in Arusha

Room at the YMCA in Arusha