Southeastern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 570

SLEEPING
Ruvula Sea Safari BUNGALOW $
(camping Tsh10,000, bandas per person Tsh20,000; ) This is the only place to stay, with
tatty beach-front bandas sharing equally tatty facilities, and grilled fish meals with advance
notice. A few basic supplies are available in Msimbati village, but if you're camping, stock
up in Mtwara and bring a torch. The camp's continued existence was in question when we
passed through, so ask around in Mtwara for an update. Local boats can be arranged to
Bird Island, directly opposite, and for exploring nearby mangrove channels. Watch for the
tiny sign marking the turn-off from the Msimbati-Ruvula road. Day visitors are charged
Tsh5000 per person for beach use (the fee is waived if you eat a meal).
INFORMATION
Marine park entry fees are US$20 per day for adults (US$5/free for children from five to
16 years/under five), and are collected at the marine park gate at the entrance to Msimbati
village. For diving, contact ECO2 ( www.eco2tz.com ) in Mikindani.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
There is at least one pick-up daily in each direction between Mtwara and Msimbati
(Tsh2500, two hours), departing Mtwara about 10.30am from the eastern side of the market
near the mosque. Departures from Msimbati are around 5.30am from the police post near
the park gate.
Driving from Mtwara, take the main road from the roundabout south for 4km to the village
of Mangamba, branch left at the signpost onto the Mahurunga road and continue about
18km to Madimba. At Madimba, turn left again and continue for 20km to Msimbati; the
road is unpaved, but in good condition. If you are cycling, the major village en route is Zi-
wani, which has a decent market.
Note that there is no public transport between Msimbati and Ruvula. On weekends, it's
sometimes possible to hitch a lift. Otherwise, arrange a lift on a motorbike (about Tsh5000)
with one of the locals or walk along the beach at low tide (one hour-plus). Although sandy,
the road is in reasonably good condition thanks to maintenance work by the gas com-
pany, and Ruvula Sea Safari can generally be reached in a regular 2WD taxi from Mtwara
(Tsh45,000 to Tsh60,000 round-trip).
Dhows and canoes travel between the Shangani dhow port dock in Mtwara and
Msangamkuu Peninsula throughout the day (Tsh100, about 15 minutes with favourable
winds). A ferry is planned.