Transport - Tanzania - page 693

lounge. First- and 2nd-class cabins fill up quickly in both directions, so book as soon as
you know your plans. Food is available on board. Note that there's a risk of theft for all
deck and seating passengers.
For information on connections to/from Ukerewe island, Click here .
LAKE TANGANYIKA
For the MV Liemba schedule between Kigoma and Mpulungu (Zambia) via various Tan-
zanian towns en route, Click here .
LAKE NYASA
In theory, the MV Songea departs from Itungi port about noon on Thursday and makes its
way down the coast via Matema, Lupingu, Manda, Lundu, Mango and Liuli to Mbamba
Bay (1st/economy class Tsh23,000/10,000, 18 to 24 hours). It continues to Nkhata Bay in
Malawi, before turning around and doing the return trip, departing Mbamba Bay in theory
on Saturday, and reaching Matema and Itungi port on Sunday.
The smaller MV Iringa, which also services lake-side villages between Itungi and
Manda (about halfway down the Tanzanian lake shore) was not operating at the time of re-
search. When it is, it usually alternates with the Songea .
Schedules for both boats change frequently. For an update, ask in Kyela, or at one of the
Matema hotels.
Bus
Bus travel is an inevitable part of the Tanzania experience for many travellers. Prices are
reasonable for the distances covered, and there's often no other way to reach many destin-
ations.
»On major long-distance routes, there's a choice of express and ordinary buses; price is
usually a good indicator of which is which. Express buses make fewer stops, are less
crowded and depart on schedule. Some have toilets and air-conditioning, and the nicest
ones are called 'luxury' buses. On secondary routes, the only option is ordinary buses,
which are often packed to overflowing, stop often and run to a less rigorous schedule (and
often not to any recognisable schedule at all).
»For popular routes, book in advance. You can sometimes get a place by arriving at the bus
station an hour prior to departure. Each bus line has its own booking office, at or near the
bus station.
»Express buses have a compartment below for luggage. Otherwise, stow your pack under
your seat or at the front of the bus near the driver.
»Prices are basically fixed, although overcharging happens. Most bus stations are chaotic,
and at the ones in Arusha and other tourist areas you'll be incessantly hounded by touts.