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Arrival in Tanzania
Kilwa Masoko is located on a peninsula approx 7-8 hour drive south of Dar Es Salaam. Much of the journey is on tarmac roads but approx 3 hours is spent rocking and rolling trying to get through a180km stretch of mud which during the wet season can become impossible to get through; we passed many stuck vehicles digging themselves out. Those with a weak stomach should be warned, though at 10,000tsh (5GBP) it makes for an experience not to be missed especially on a local bus.
With seating for approx 20 people and with as many packed in as possible standing along with all the luggage and a few chickens, it makes for a cosy journey. The chickens were pretty quiet once the journey started which was more than could be said for the driver’s music which was blasted out on repeat for the whole journey! No chance of drifting off into your own world with your IPOD.
Arriving in Tanzania in December - expect hot and humid; it was reaching almost 40c most days. There wasn’t much relief to be gained from the room fans as they circulated warm air but I took what I could from it as a hairdryer was better than an oven!
Kilwa has a small market place, an ‘airport’, port, post office, government building, bank, a beach and a couple of holiday lodges. Worth noting – the bank will only serve you if you have an African bank account or cash. The ATM does not accept any other card apart from their own and nowhere in town accepts card including the holiday lodges. The nearest place to get cash is in Lindi – 2.5 hour drive away and as far as I know not on a direct bus route.
The Tanzanian people are generally very friendly and very inquisitive – often met with ‘jambo’ followed up with ‘where are you off to?’ before cycling off on their journey. I did definitely get more inquisition when I was on my own as opposed to when I was with Steve.
The Mpingo office is located near the port and a 5 minute walk from Steve’s house. In Dec 09 there were 4 full time staff members but with the recent approval of a large grant from the Norwegian government this is expected to double in early 2010. One of the conditions of this grant was to implement a more robust accounting system and also to recruit a part time accountant. An accountant has been recruited and is due to start in Jan 10 working one day a week.
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