We were very impressed by Tanzania, some people say the people are reserved but we found them to be open, warm and very friendly. They are quite formal about greetings which is quite charming, in fact it is considered quite rude to just launch into a conversation without asking how someone is first so they is an interchange of Jambo (Hello), Habari (How are you?), Mzuri sana (very good).
We had quite a problem trying to get a ferry from Mwanza (Tanzania’s second city). At the first attempt it was booked up, at the second attempt the vehicle had to be craned on empty which we couldn’t do. At the second port we went to (on a really awful road) the ferry had an engine problem so it was going to be delayed by 7 hours (at least they were apparently waiting for a spare one to arrive!). At the third port the ferry was just leaving and we had run out of time that day anyway but caught the ferry the following morning. Luckily we were the first car to arrive so secured a place. The delay wasn’t so bad as we had an excellent Thai meal (!) in Mwanza for ?15 for two including drinks (an expensive meal).
The road on the other side of Lake Victoia was pretty awful too and it was a long drive. We had our first armed escort with a sub machine gun with two full magazines! There are ex-Rwanda army bandits in the woods here who shoot first before relieving you of money, goods and car. No problems but a strange feeling to have an AK47 stuck out the passenger window!! Fun in Bakoba getting somewhere to stay as so many places had closed down.
The Uganda border took some time with immigration on both sides, Visa, booking in and out with the police and customs formalities for the car. They noted the details of our vehicle (including engine & chassis numbers) about 4 times! The currency touts here take you around and pay for Road Fund Licence etc to get you to change money at a bad rate. They were not impressed that we changed so little!