Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The road between Masasi and Mtwara is mostly paved and in generally good condition.
Buses travel between the two towns approximately hourly between 6am and 2pm daily
(Tsh4500, five hours).
To Newala (Tsh4000, 1½ hours, transport leaves several times daily).
For information on travel between Masasi and Tunduru, see the Tunduru Getting There &
Away section (
Click here
)
. For information on travel to/from Mozambique,
Click here
.
NDANDA
Ndanda, about 40km northeast of Masasi off the edge of the Makonde plateau, is dominated
by a large Benedictine monastery founded by German missionaries in 1906. Adjoining is a
hospital, which serves as the major health clinic for the entire surrounding region.
Apart from the monastery guesthouse (reserved for monastery guests only), the only ac-
commodation is in a few unappealing budget guesthouses along the main road at the bus
stand, and diagonally opposite the hospital.
Buses run daily between Masasi and Ndanda, and any vehicle along the main road will
drop you.
LUKWIKA-LUMESULE & MSANGESI GAME RESERVES
These tiny game reserves are hidden away in the hinterlands southwest and west of Masasi.
They're officially off limits during the July to December hunting season, and unofficially
off limits during much of the rest of the year due to the rains. Late June is the best time to
visit.
Lukwika-Lumesule is the more interesting of the two. It's separated from Mozambique's
Niassa Reserve by the Ruvuma River, and animals frequently wade across the border. With
luck you'll see elephants, sable antelopes, elands, greater kudus, crocodiles and hippos.
The main challenge, apart from getting around the reserve, is spotting the animals through
the often dense vegetation.
Because Msangesi Game Reserve has no permanent water source, wildlife concentra-
tions are often low. It's rumoured to have buffaloes, elands, zebras, sable antelopes and
duikers, though it's unlikely you'll spot many.
Before visiting, it's essential to stop by the
reserve warden's office
( 023-251 0364,
0784-634972, 0713-311129) in Masasi to get a letter of permission. There's a US$30 per
person per day entry fee for each reserve.
Sleeping & Eating
Camping is permitted with your own tent; there's currently no charge. Bring everything
with you, including drinking water. Water for bathing is normally available at Lukwika-
Lumesule, but not at Msangesi.
