Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Local Transport
DALLA-DALLA
Local routes are serviced by dalla-dallas and, in rural areas, pick-up trucks or old 4WDs.
Prices are fixed and inexpensive (Tsh100 to Tsh300 for town runs). The vehicles make
many stops and are extremely crowded. Accidents are frequent, particularly in minibuses.
Many accidents are caused when the drivers race each other to an upcoming station in order
to collect new passengers. Destinations are either posted on a board in the front window, or
called out by the driver's assistant, who also collects fares. If you have a large backpack,
think twice about getting on a dalla-dalla, especially at rush hour, when it will make the
already crowded conditions even more uncomfortable for the other passengers.
TAXI
Taxis, which have white plates on the mainland and a
'gari la abiria'
(passenger vehicle)
sign on Zanzibar, can be hired in all major towns. None have meters, so agree on the
fare with the driver before getting in. Fares for short town trips start at Tsh2000. In major
centres, many drivers have an 'official' price list, although rates shown on it (often cal-
culated on the basis of Tsh1000 per 1km) are generally significantly higher than what is
normally paid. If you're unsure of the price, ask locals what it should be and then use this
as a base for negotiations. For longer trips away from town, negotiate the fare based on dis-
tance, petrol costs and road conditions, plus a fair profit for the driver. Only use taxis from
reliable hotels or established taxi stands. Avoid hailing taxis cruising the streets, and never
get in a taxi that has a 'friend' of the driver or anyone else already in it.
Train
For those with plenty of time, train travel offers a good view of the countryside and
local life. There are two lines:
Tazara
( 022-286 5137/2406, 022-286 0340/2033,
0713-225292;
www.tazarasite.com
; cnr Nyerere & Nelson Mandela Rds, Dar es Salaam) ,
linking Dar es Salaam with Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia via Mbeya and Tunduma; and Tan-
zanian Railway Corporation's run-down
Central Line
( 022-211 7833; cnr Railway St
& Sokoine Dr, Dar es Salaam) , linking Dar es Salaam with Tabora and Kigoma. Central
Line branches also link Tabora with Mpanda, and Dodoma with Singida. Central Line ser-
vice to/from Mwanza has been suspended.
Tazara is considerably more comfortable and efficient, but on both lines, breakdowns
and long delays (up to 24 hours or more) are common. If you want to try the train, consider
shorter stretches, eg from Dar es Salaam into the Selous, or between Tabora and Kigoma.
Food is available on both lines.
