The Drive to Dar
It was chilly when we started out this morning, and we bundled up as we moaned and groaned our way through breakfast. We were on the road on time, and unlike previous days, this day’s driving was long and boring. We did stop once at the Tanzanian equivalent of a truck stop and were able to stock up on cold drinks and snacks, but that was exciting as it got.
At the truck stop
As we got closer to the coast, it steadily became hotter. By the time we’d reached Dar, it was sweltering. It got even hotter as we entered town, navigating the narrow streets and horrible traffic in our monstrosity of a truck. We had a brief respite when the breeze picked up close to shore, but I’m not sure it was worth it, because it definitely smelled like the shore, and by that I mean dead fish. We took a brief ferry ride across to another part of Dar, and then another drive to our campsite - our most beautiful campsite, right on the beach. The water is turquoise blue, and the sand so light it’s almost white.
Tracey and I started to set up our tents, sweating and miserable, until Laine stopped us, “It’s only $15 to upgrade, here.” And we were sold. I took down the partially constructed tent while Tracey went to get us a room. It’s our smallest and least fancy room yet, really just a hut, with mats on the sand for flooring, and a small light and fan on a table next to the two beds equipped with mosquito netting. The bathrooms are a little bit of a walk away, but it’s not a tent, and for that I’m grateful!
Once we’d stashed our stuff we put on swimsuits and went for what we thought was going to be a cool swim, but were surprised to discover the water was as warm as bathwater! It still felt good to be cooler. After our swims and slightly cooler showers, we met at the bar for sundowners, and then dinner. Patrick wasn’t cooking tonight, so we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, a barbeque that was perhaps some of the best food we’ve had so far this trip.
11/21 - Arriving in Nairobi
11/22 - The Elephant Orphanage
11/23 - Nairobi to Arusha
11/24 - Camel Rides and Culture
11/25 - Safari in the Serengeti
11/26 - Thanksgiving in the Serengeti
11/27 - Ngorogoro Crater
11/28 - Arusha Market and on to Marangu
11/29 - Schools, Children and a Waterfall
11/30 - Usambara Mountains
12/2 - Stone Town
12/3 - Stone Town and Spice Tour
12/4 - Snorkel Day
12/5 - The End of the Trip
At the truck stop
As we got closer to the coast, it steadily became hotter. By the time we’d reached Dar, it was sweltering. It got even hotter as we entered town, navigating the narrow streets and horrible traffic in our monstrosity of a truck. We had a brief respite when the breeze picked up close to shore, but I’m not sure it was worth it, because it definitely smelled like the shore, and by that I mean dead fish. We took a brief ferry ride across to another part of Dar, and then another drive to our campsite - our most beautiful campsite, right on the beach. The water is turquoise blue, and the sand so light it’s almost white.
Tracey and I started to set up our tents, sweating and miserable, until Laine stopped us, “It’s only $15 to upgrade, here.” And we were sold. I took down the partially constructed tent while Tracey went to get us a room. It’s our smallest and least fancy room yet, really just a hut, with mats on the sand for flooring, and a small light and fan on a table next to the two beds equipped with mosquito netting. The bathrooms are a little bit of a walk away, but it’s not a tent, and for that I’m grateful!
Once we’d stashed our stuff we put on swimsuits and went for what we thought was going to be a cool swim, but were surprised to discover the water was as warm as bathwater! It still felt good to be cooler. After our swims and slightly cooler showers, we met at the bar for sundowners, and then dinner. Patrick wasn’t cooking tonight, so we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, a barbeque that was perhaps some of the best food we’ve had so far this trip.
11/21 - Arriving in Nairobi
11/22 - The Elephant Orphanage
11/23 - Nairobi to Arusha
11/24 - Camel Rides and Culture
11/25 - Safari in the Serengeti
11/26 - Thanksgiving in the Serengeti
11/27 - Ngorogoro Crater
11/28 - Arusha Market and on to Marangu
11/29 - Schools, Children and a Waterfall
11/30 - Usambara Mountains
12/2 - Stone Town
12/3 - Stone Town and Spice Tour
12/4 - Snorkel Day
12/5 - The End of the Trip