Kigoma town is situated on the shores of the world’s longest and second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika. Only 10 km from Ujiji where journalist Henry Morton Stanley found the ailing Dr. David Livingstone and greeted him with the immortal words “ Dr. Livingstone, I Presume “, Kigoma town is the main gateway to the remote Gombe Stream and the Mahale Mountains National Parks in western Tanzania.
Are you searching for information about Tanzania Kigoma Town Location? Are you traveling to this area in Tanzania? There are many ways of reaching Kigoma Port if you are going there for the first time.
Road connections for Kigoma are poor however. A gravel road links the town northeast to the national road network, and earth tracks link north to Burundi and southeast to Sumbawanga.
Travel to Kigoma
Kigoma-Dar es Salaam Railway
The Central Line of the Tanzania Railways Corporation runs from Kigoma to the port of Dar-es-Salaam on the Indian Ocean coast via Tabora and Dodoma.
To get to this area in particular, you have to start from Dar es Salaam , which is the hub of public transport. It is often easier to go to one region and then return to Dar es Salaam to find transportation to another area, or access to the only International airport near Kigoma.
However depending on what part of the country you are in, there are some local hubs you can travel to get to another city in that same region.
Remember the majority of Tanzanians do not own cars. Therefore, public transportation is quite good and you can get buses to almost any part of the country.
Remote or small towns may be served by only one bus a day, but you can get there.
Keep in mind that even though these buses may seem to run on a relaxed schedule they do leave on time to the minute and they will leave you behind even if you bought a ticket in advance.
Tanzania Car rental is popular because a car can get you places you can’t get to by public transportation.
Tanzania Car Rental
Tanzania Car rental is popular because a car can get you places you can’t get to by public transportation. It also gives you the freedom to travel when you want and to stop wherever you like. Because buses to remote areas are not very frequent, you can cover more ground in a shorter time with a car.
The other alternative is flying. This is a great time saver if you have the extra money and don’t necessarily need a car to this area. Some of the internal carriers do offer packages where you can have unlimited flights for one or two weeks for one flat price.
There are many airstrips that these airlines fly to and traveling to a remote part of the area and it is much better to fly than to drive or endure the 8 – 12 hour bus ride. Depending on where you are staying you can arrange for a private chartered flight to other more remote airstrips, check with the lodge you are going to stay at for more info.
Self Drive in Tanzania
Tanzania has an extensive network of roads, mostly sealed and passable throughout the year. You may have problems on unsealed roads, particular in the game reserves, during the rains if you don’t have 4 wheel drive.
Driving is on the left hand side and although not required it is convenient for you to have an International Driving Licence. You can drive on your own valid licence but you need to get it endorsed at the Road Transport Office in Dar es Salaam.
As well as all the major international car hire firms, there are numerous local ones as well and it is worth shopping around for the best deal.
Always compare the inclusive insurance. Most companies require renters to be over 18 years of age and under 70 and must have held a licence for at least 2 years
Personal Safety in Tanzania
Tanzania is generally a peaceful country.
However, just like in any other country visitors are advised to be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick pockets. Exercise caution by keeping your vehicle locked, never leaving valuables when parking in towns.
Cameras, electrical equipment, tickets, passports and excess cash can be left in the safe at your hotel when you are out sight seeing.
Climate
The climate of Tanzania is as varied as its physical structure. Climatic conditions vary from the tropical humidity of the coast, through the dry heat of the hinterland and northern plains, to the cool air of the plateau and mountains.
Despite Tanzania’s equatorial position, Mt. Kilimanjaro is perpetually snow-capped.
