I have always felt a twinge of sadness leaving every country i have visited on my Overland Africa trip. Not so Tanzania – and i cross the border with strange sense of relief.
Maybe my expectations of the country were just too high.
Dar-Es Salaam was not unpleasant, Pemba was attractive and quiet, if not the stunning island i had expected, Bagamoyo interesting, and Ngorogoro Crater incredible, but nonetheless disappointment at Zanzibar, the overpriced hotel and tourist services, and the Tanzanian tourist touts all combine to make life hassle-filled and difficult for budget travellers.
It has been explained to me by several Tanzanians. It is commonly believed that Mzungus (Whites) pick money off trees and are stupid. What a contrast to neighbouring Malawi where all people are treated with huge hospitality, sincere warmth and mutual respect!
From the Tanzanian’s perspective, they must stare at wonderment and disbelief at tourists paying US$1000 to climb a mountain or burn through US$300+ per day to look at animals. I can safely say it is the one and only country on this trip where i have no desire to return.
It hasn’t all been harsh however. Where else in the World can you by a 350ml of coke for 30 US cents? I have enjoyed the delights of mishkaki (cubes of beef/goat barbecued on skewers), and had the best financial deal on my Internet connection through Vodacom with their Bomba promotion – Tsh30,000 /month unlimited access.
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interesting I always hated being treated as a purse in Kenya and Senegal, knowing that it was a false image of me and our life here in the west was one reason, I assumed though that misunderstanding was universal in Africa so glad you have had more positive experiences than that. In the past I have heard very good things about Tanzania so a shame to have had that experience. Africans coming back from Europe also face the same problem, and sometimes people who have visited the UK believe the media hype that handouts are easy to get here.
ReplyDeleteGlad the rest is going well.
i was warned that Kenya is even worse! Guess it has been good practise.
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