Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Air
Safari Airlink
(
www.flysal.com
;
US$775 one way from Dar es Salaam) and
Zantas Air
(
www.zantasair.com
;
US$825/995 one way/return from Arusha) fly twice a week to Ikuu
Airstrip and the lodges will often let nonguests fly on their planes if space is available. All
lodges provide free pick-up there for their guests. If you aren't staying at a lodge, arrange
a vehicle or a ranger for walking
before
you arrive. Katavi is a logical combination with
Mahale Mountains National Park for fly-in visitors.
Bus
Buses and trucks between Mpanda and Sumbawanga can pick you up and drop you off in
Sitalike or at park headquarters. Transport is pretty frequent in the mornings, but after lunch
you may have to wait several hours for a vehicle to pass. Two dalla-dallas depart Sitalike
for Mpanda (Tsh3000, 45 minutes) at dawn and return at noon and 4pm. If you're driving,
the only petrol stations are in Mpanda and Sumbawanga.
Sumbawanga
While there's little reason to make the peppy and pleasant capital of the Rukwa region a
destination in itself, anyone travelling through the west is likely to pass through; and most
who do enjoy their time here. And it's the last stocking-up spot for those headed north to
Katavi National Park. There are two ATMs on the main road and some internet cafes.
The surrounding Ufipa Plateau, which lies at 2000m, is home to an ecologically im-
portant mixture of forest and montane grassland with many endemic plants. It's also been
declared an Important Bird Area. Anyone looking to explore the area, including trips to
the bird-rich
Mbizi Forest Reserve
, a couple hours' walk from Sumbawanga should stop
by to get advice or hire guides from the enthusiastic Charles at the
Bethlehem Tourism
Information Centre
(
0784-704343; charlesnkuba450@hotmail.com; Mpanda Rd;
7am-10pm).
Down below the Mbizi Escarpment is the vast, shallow
Lake Rukwa
(
Click here
)
,
which can be accessed from many villages near its meandering shoreline. Ilanga, served by
frequent 4WDs (Tsh5000, two hours) throughout the day, is probably the easiest.
SLEEPING & EATING
Most of Sumbawanga's guesthouses are in the fun and lively neighbourhood around the
bus station. It's full of simple bars and restaurants.
