Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Self-caterers can get some basics at
Mr. Wiseman
(Mrombo Rd) , diagonal from Ka-
hembe's, and
Pick 'n' Pay
(Arusha-Dodoma Rd) , across from the bus stand exit.
INFORMATION
There are internet connections at
Manyara Internet Café
(Mandela Rd; per hr Tsh2000;
7.30am-7pm Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm Sun) and
Rainbow Communication
(Mandela Rd;
per hr Tsh2000; 8am-6.30pm Mon-Sat) , two roads south of the bus stand.
NBC
(Arusha-Dodoma Rd) bank nearby changes cash and travellers cheques and has an ATM.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Buses to/from Arusha (Tsh6000, three hours) are frequent. The first depart in both direc-
tions at 5.30am and the last leave at 4pm, though dalla-dallas go until 6pm. If you're head-
ing to Mto wa Mbu, you can stop at Makuyuni and catch a connection. Going west the last
vehicles out of Babati (which begin in Arusha) leave about 10am for Katesh (Tsh5000, 2½
hours), Singida (Tsh7000, four hours) and Mwanza (Tsh25,000 to Tsh30,000, 10 hours).
Though you'll be sold a single ticket to Dodoma (Tsh14,000), there's no direct bus. You'll
be shifted to another bus at Kondoa (Tsh7000, 3½ hours).
Mt Hanang
The volcanic Mt Hanang (3417m) rises steeply above the surrounding plains. It's Tan-
zania's fourth-highest mountain, with a satisfying trek to the summit during which you'll
be the only climber, but few visitors know of its existence. The principal path to the top is
the Jorodom Route, which begins in the town of Katesh on the mountain's southern side
and can be done in one long day (usually 10 hours) with an additional day necessary for
making arrangements; though overnighting at the top is more enjoyable. While a guide isn't
strictly essential, the trail can be hard to follow so it's definitely recommended to hire one.
This is best arranged through Kahembe's Cultural & Wildlife Safaris (
Click here
)
in Babati.
With a group of two, the climb costs US$128 per person, including food, guide, lodging in
Katesh the nights before and after the climb, and the US$30 per person forest reserve fee
and Tsh2800 per person village fee. Transport is extra.
If you're trekking independently, register and pay at the
forest cachement office
(
0784-456590) in room 15 of the Katesh municipality building (Idara ya Mkuu wa Wilaya)
on the hill above Katesh. It's best to call ahead since the staff is sometimes out of the office.
Guides can be hired here for Tsh10,000 per day, but you'll be responsible for your own
food and water. Don't go with any freelancers who hang around Katesh; many of whom
say they're with Kahembe's. Some are legit, but there have been instances of these guides
taking climbers part way up the mountain and then robbing them.
