by onceuponmytravel | Dec 9, 2016 | Africa, Blog, Malawi, Tanzania
Oh boy border crossings in Africa are difficult. Long trips from one country to another are exhausting and Dar Es Salaam to Malawi is no different. There is no easy and cheap way. You can fly but that would leave you $300 short.
I’ve read many different options that people used to travel this route but here is what conclusion I came to.
Taqwa bus Dar to Mbeya leaving Kariakoo 4am or Ubungo terminal at 6am sharp and arriving to Kasumulu border around 2am next day. 40,000Tsh ($18/£14)
You can stay on the bus and sleep or get a room for 20,000Tsh ($9). We stayed on a bus.
Border opens at 8am. Exchange money on Tanzania side, as rates are incredibly good. Get passport stamped to leave the country and walk to Malawi immigration. Visa cost $75 and they take only US dollars, so make sure you have that sorted.
Then get a free ride to Karonga. I ended up chatting with a guy going that way with his car.
From Karonga take a bus wherever you’re planning on going. I went to Mzuzu in order to reach Nkhata Bay. If you going same way use big bus and not mini bus, it’s cheaper and more comfortable (3000Mwk/$4/£3).
From Mzuzu get minibus to Nkhata Bay, they’re leaving often and cost 1500Mwk ($2).
Whole trip cost $24, which is pretty cheap considering the distance.
Whole trip took about 35hours but as I said there is no easy way to do it for cheap.
Update: many bloggers mentioned Scandinavia buses that are quite luxury, however they’re not operating anymore. You can buy Taqwa tickets in their office in town. Or can always ring them on +255716031819.
Hopefully this information is helpful as when I did research there was a great struggle to find a straight answe
by onceuponmytravel | Nov 13, 2016 | Africa, Blog, Tanzania
Of course, the beaches of Zanzibar are stunning, but Stone Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zanzibar City, once the center for the East African slave and ivory trade is now filled with fascinating history and welcoming local people greeting you with ‘Jambo’ on every street.
Stone Town isn’t just any town. It is a sensory experience not to be found anywhere else in the world that offers a unique look into the melting pot of cultures. (more…)
by onceuponmytravel | Nov 13, 2016 | Africa, Blog, Tanzania
Few places in the world can produce images of white powdered sandy beaches, pristine turquoise waters and tropical palm-tree paradise. Zanzibar is one of them. I can safely say, I found my personal slice of paradise there. (more…)
by onceuponmytravel | Nov 13, 2016 | Africa, Blog, Tanzania
If you want to get a real taste of Zanzibar, you must take a trip with local Dala-Dala instead of a taxi. Riding local buses is an experience itself, as you will rarely meet other tourists. It’s not only much cheaper but you also get to know local people better. You would be surprised what locals are traveling with; almost every person is carrying a bucket and every other would load a bicycle or bags of rice on the roof. (more…)
by onceuponmytravel | Nov 7, 2016 | Blog, Health and Beauty
Most of the places I travel (meaning 3rd world countries) only has imported muesli, which means it will cost you around £7 for a small bag and will last approximately up to one week. Get some fruits and milk on top, and you’re looking at luxury priced hotel breakfast. Not ideal if you’re trying to budget. Here is the solution I came up with. (more…)
by onceuponmytravel | Oct 27, 2016 | Blog, Health and Beauty
Travelling can do all sorts of crazy things to your body. Different weather, water, routine, food, add long days in the sun, too much booze and you’re in a risk of getting unwell.
But, there are some simple things that worked for me and we can all do to stay a little healthier and a little happier while traveling. (more…)
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