The small town of Mtwara is located on the coast of south-eastern Tanzania, along the rugged patch of coastline that leads to the country’s border with Mozambique. Elevated slightly along the Makonde Plateau, the area is one of the most remote locations in Tanzania. The town has one site of particular interest, St. Paul’s Church, which houses some remarkable murals of Biblical scenes painted by German priests.
Mtwara’s proximity to the Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park means that visitors can experience some of the most isolated dive sites on the coast
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Travel to Mtwara
There are several buses daily from Dar es Salaam which you can take from Ubungo, Temeke or Mbagala bus stations. Average travel time is about 8 hours. During the rainy season parts of the road can get flooded; it’s usually still passable but this can add significantly to the journey time. The companies operating the route change regularly. When picking a bus go for one with four seats in a row, the ones with five can be pretty cramped. Sitting in the back half of the bus can be somewhat traumatic during the non-paved part of the journey.
From Lindi there are buses throughout the morning; in the afternoon you can make the journey by first getting a bus to Mnazi Mmoja (Mingoyo) then catching an onward bus from there (2 hours).
From Masasi there are buses throughout the day the last one leave around mid afternoon (about 4 or 5 hours).
From Newala there is a bus in the morning, after that there are pickups throughout the day (these can be packed and quite painful on the dirt road).
From Mozambique there are pickups that meet the public transport arriving the other side of the border.
Precision Air also fly from Dar es Salaam; their timetable is erratic.
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.
