Month: January 2019

I left the hotel at 08.00 which proved way to early as I then had a 2 hour wait for the flight to Mafia Island. The flight was a 12 seater but only 5 of us on board. Just a short 30 minute flight to Mafia.

The island is beautiful. The hotel is set within the marine park and very natural, blending beautifully in to the landscape. A permit is needed so a drop-off at the park entrance to buy one – $23.60 per day. Very reasonable to preserve such a beautiful place.

I was stunned by the view as I entered Kinasi Lodge. Nestled into a hillside and very natural.

My room is way better than anticipated with large bedroom, second day room, large bathroom & verandah.

There was a light rain shower earlier but now relaxing by the pool and it is scorching with no breeze at all.

Lovely relaxing day. Just finished dinner and have booked snorkelling with whale sharks tomorrow. Fingers crossed they turn up! Can’t dive yet as cold still lingering but it has improved dramatically today – fingers crossed I am on the mend. It has to be the ambience of this place! So so chilled, friendly & laid back.

• London Heathrow to Doha – 6 hours
• Doha to Dar Es Salaam – 6 hours
• Julius Nyerere Airport to Dar Southern Sun – 40 minutes

Well that was a remarkably good journey. Absolutely no delays or hiccups and the cheap upgrade to business on the flight from Doha to Dar es Salaam was a definite bonus. It’s the first time I’ve flown with Qatar and I would certainly use them again.

I was rather impressed by the business class transfer bus, from the gate to plane, which had armchairs. Not like any airport bus I have encountered before! The views from the plane were pretty impressive too.

I say there were no delays. The visa queue at Dar Es Salaam Airport was exceptionally long and it was very hot so not the most pleasant way to spend an hour after a long journey.

The drive from the airport in Dar Es Salaam to my overnight accommodation was also interesting. Apparently the traffic jams are not as bad as they used to be – a new bridge was opened over a major junction in September, however progress was still slow – albeit entertaining. Locals walk and cycle with carts between the traffic of a 3 lane highway selling all sorts of goods – ice-creams, peanuts, tarpaulins??!! This was all carried out with no regard to personal safety but miraculously no-one was injured in the course of my journey.

Having arrived at 16.30 after a quick shower I thought sitting with a drink and composing my blog would be a good idea. It has taken me all evening and there is clearly much to learn about blogging….. Anyway the surroundings are pleasant enough, the drinks are cold and I have a newly refurbished room so I shall sleep well.