Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bicycle
For more on cycling in Tanzania
Click here
.
Boat
DHOW
Main routes connect Zanzibar and Pemba with Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Bagamoyo and
Mombasa; Kilwa Kivinje, Lindi, Mikindani, Mtwara and Msimbati with other coastal
towns; and Mafia and the mainland. However, foreigners are officially prohibited on non-
motorised dhows, and on any dhows between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam; captains are
subject to fines if they're caught, and may be unwilling to take you. A better option is to
arrange a charter with a coastal hotel (many have their own dhows) or with Safari Blue
(
Click here
)
.
DHOW TRAVEL
With their billowing sails and graceful forms, dhows have become a symbol of
East Africa for adventure travellers. Yet, despite their romantic reputation, the
realities can be quite different. Before undertaking a longer journey, test things
out with a short sunset or afternoon sail. Coastal hotels are good contacts for ar-
ranging reliable dhow travel. If you decide to give a local dhow a try:
»Be prepared for rough conditions. There are no facilities on board, except pos-
sibly a toilet hanging off the stern. Sailings are wind and tide dependent, and de-
partures are often predawn.
»Journeys often take much longer than anticipated; bring extra water and suffi-
cient food.
»Sun block, a hat and a covering are essential, as is waterproofing for your lug-
gage and a rain jacket.
»Boats capsize and people are killed each year. Avoid overloaded boats and don't
set sail in bad weather.
»Travel with the winds, which blow from south to north from approximately July
to September and north to south from approximately November to late February.
Note that what Westerners refer to as dhows are called either
jahazi
or
mashua
by Tanzanians.
Jahazi
are large, lateen-sailed boats.
Mashua
are smaller, and of-
ten with proportionately wider hulls and a motor. The
dau
has a sloped stem and
stern. On lakes and inland waterways, the
mtumbwi
(dugout canoe) is in com-
mon use. Coastal areas, especially Zanzibar's east-coast beaches, are good
places to see
ngalawa
(outrigger canoes).
