With around 54 countries, 2000 languages and covering about 6% of the earth’s surface, Africa is pretty big; so to get a glimpse of it in a short two week break is a tricky one. However, precisely because of its size and diversity is it possible to turn up and experience it first hand on a budget and far from the package tours. A great place to do this is Tanzania.

Relaxing in Tanzania

Before You Go

If there is one thing you need to know about a holiday in Tanzania it is the importance of pleasantries. Do not underestimate the need for the obligatory list of ‘how are you’s’. If you go to ask for directions from a man on the street, never just jump into ‘excuse me, where is….’. First ask the man how his home is, his day, his week, his family, even the goat he is leading by rope and then, if you remember, you can ask him to point you in the direction of whatever it was you were looking for. Once you have mastered this, preferably in Ki-Swahili, then you will find Tanzania one of the friendliest and most enchanting places you will ever visit.

Day 1

Flights to Dar es Salaam, meaning House of Peace, are significantly cheaper than those to Arusha or Kilimanjaro. Called the bongo, brains/wits, by its 2.5 million inhabitants’, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Dar is key to understanding Tanzania. It’s best to spend a night here, both to gather your own wits and because all buses to the northern safari circuit leave early in the morning.

Day 2

Head to Ubungo central bus station and prepare yourself for what may be your first real taste of Tanzania. Touts will descend upon you promising the comfiest ride, food, entertainment and much more to entice you to take their bus. If you haven’t had your coffee then this slap to the face will certainly wake you up. One small tip is don’t loose your cool, pretend you have done this a thousand times before, smile, laugh and say poa, cool, whenever you think necessary.

You will hear and read many stories about which bus company to take and which to avoid, however it’s fair to say that they are all pretty scary, bumpy, painful and will leave you feeling like you have gone a round with big Mike once you finally arrive. However the 8 hour journey from Dar to Moshi is exceptional as it takes you right across the country, giving time to bond with fellow passengers, sample local foods through the open windows and enjoy the wonderful scenery passing by.

The majority of tourists head to Arusha to start their safari or Kilimanjaro trek. Quite frankly there really is no reason as Moshi just down the road is cheaper, more relaxed, friendlier and with Killi looming over the town, far more picturesque. On arrival at the main bus stop, you can walk undisturbed a short distance into the town centre where you will find the Kindoroko, Buffalo and Leopard hotels.

Moshi is replete with tour operators and you are bound to find one able to take you the next day on a safari. One recommendation would be R2R Adventure who are new to the scene and eager to make a name for themselves. » Read more: Two Weeks in Tanzania