Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL PARKS
All parks have campsites, designated as either 'public' ('ordinary') or 'special'. Most parks
also have simple huts or cottages (
'bandas'
)
,
several have basic resthouses and some
northern circuit parks have hostels (for student groups, or for overflow, if the resthouses or
bandas
are full). For park camping and resthouse prices,
Click here
.
Public campsites
These have toilets (usually pit latrines) and, sometimes, a water source,
but plan on being self-sufficient. Most sites are in reasonable condition and some are quite
pleasant. No booking required.
Special campsites
These are smaller, more remote and more expensive than public sites,
with no facilities. The idea is that the area remains as close to pristine as possible. Advance
booking required; once you make a booking, the special campsite is reserved exclusively
for your group.
ELSEWHERE
»There are campsites situated in or near most major towns, near many of the national parks
and in some scenic locations along a few of the main highways (ie Dar es Salaam-Mbeya,
and Tanga-Moshi).
»Prices average from US$5 per person per night to more than double this for campsites
near national parks.
»Camping away from established sites is generally not advisable. In rural areas, seek per-
mission first from the village head or elders before pitching your tent.
»Camping is not permitted on Zanzibar.
»Camping prices quoted in this topic are per person per night except as noted.
GUESTHOUSES
Almost every town has at least one basic guesthouse. At the bottom end of the scale, expect
a cement-block room, often small and poorly ventilated, and not always very clean, with
a foam mattress, shared bathroom facilities (often long-drop toilets and bucket showers),
a mosquito net and sometimes a fan. Rates average Tsh7000 to Tsh10,000 per room per
night.
The next level up gets you a cleaner, decent room, often with a bathroom (although not
always with running or hot water). Prices for a single/double room with bathroom average
from about Tsh15,000/20,000.
Some tips:
»For peace and quiet, guesthouses without bars are the best choice.
»In many towns, water is a problem during the dry season, so don't be surprised if your
only choice at budget places is a bucket bath. Many of the cheaper places don't have hot
