eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 479 posts, RR: 4 Posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 10867 times:
.Wakfu kwa Watanzania wote nyumbani au mbali .
Karibu/Wilkommen/Welcome
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On the 9th of December, Tanzania and the Islands of Zanzibar celebrates Independence Day gained from Great Britain. For the mainland part, 2011 wears the unique event of the golden jubilee of the birthday leading a year later to the foundation of the United Republic.
Obviously, this report pays tribute to Tanzanian people and others heroes who built up its rich and long history.
.
.Introduction .
A century before, its history linked the territory to a couple of tiny kingdoms in the high jungle mountains on the western border, of German East Africa. Discovered by British explorers though, it was subsequently named Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Natural History Museum – Kigali: where this trip began
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The common future of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania embraces unity through the East African Community project, comprising of five nations. It aims to form a Federation in a long term sharing a single market, a single tourist visa, an international standard passport for its citizens and a single currency (EA shilling?) just to name only few.
Anyway returning to aviation issues, welcome to the last installment covering an East African nation (until the South Sudan joins the community), this one almost exclusively Tanzania:
To conclude the serie, the ideal trip which has been booked, offered one of the shortest 5th freedom right route in Africa (The shortest probably being Brazzaville – Kinshasa: 20 min flight )
An Ethiopian metal supposed to be rostered on this day. Following a first change a month prior, lastminute.com suggested to contact ET office for (pity) alternative choices as flight was cancelled. As synopsis if i had booked straight KQ it would have been a better deal.
Some hope left: ticket after ET's first change.
A new classy lounge, called Pearl Lounge has recently opened at Kigali airport, facilities, lay out and decoration have been improved so much compared to its ancestor the CIP.
I did not visit here for this flight, minimizing the time spent at the airport by passing the second security check five minutes before boarding started.
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To be honest, this thirty minutes leg was event free with nothing offered. Although the seat belt is constantly switch on passengers can move. Kenya Airways has entered into a advertising deal with United Bank for Africa (UBA), the partnership can be particularly seen on the aircraft seat covers (but so far i've seen only inside few Embraer).
Heading off to the south
UBA advertising
. – BURUNDI –.
Knowing that the next minibus would probably leave around midday, a gap allowing me to swallow a light bit and taking more pictures of "Buja" arose after securing a seat and dropping off the bag at the back of the minibus. Crossing Burundi along the lake did not take that long three hour or so, after a horrendous matatu ride inside an overcrowded vehicle up to Nyanza-Lac (stunning view on the tanzania's foothills).
Mausoleum of Prince Louis Rwagasore: Unity, Work, Progress
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The Greek Orthodox church
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Outdated or hopefulness
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The stone monument engraving: Livingstone – Stanley, 25th of November 1871
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At Nyanza-Lac
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British Explorers
The day after followed, again, a shared taxi ride ( to reach the Tanzania border) on a bumpy potholed and untarred sinuous road, with deserted UNHCR's camps along the way.
When you head off to Tanzania, first you must "virtually" exit the country in the Mabanda's town immigration post before being allowed to get the thirty minutes ride in the countryside until the last village (Mugina) out marked by a mere wood shed in the middle of a wild forest representing the official border.
National "road" to Tanzania
Signs of "modernity" appeared straight forward at TZ border as the trail suddenly became tarmac road and travel conditions decent. Forgot the 1989 dodgy Toyota Corolla with cracked windshield. Comfort is back with this Nissan Serena minivan fitted with cd player and electrical windows, but still a load of 10 pax on 8 allowed.
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Karibu sana. Unataka Kununua nini bi/bwana?
€1 = 2300 tzs
£1 = 2650 tzs
(FYI, not at the border )
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– KIGOMA –
An attractively faded resort town situated about 45 miles south of Manyovu border, is the most important tourist centre and largest port on the tanzanian shore of lake Tanganyika. Although that Kigoma's main picture links to dust, refugees, and UNHCR cars, it has always fascinated me somehow, probably for his historical and mystical remoteness. In spite having a great expat community there you are miles away from the real world. The town's atmosphere is pretty laid back and sleepy, and rather unpretentious.
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Kitenges for sale
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Main street
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Picture 2: Train station still opened
Picture 3: at Ujiji
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Time for lunch
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Nothing beats a mishkaki ya nyama ya mbuzi
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Due to a misuse of the camera, pictures of the Livingstone Museum have been disastrously deleted thus those pictures are not the latest but are still great to get an idea:
The departure morning, while looking for a substantial feeding downtown, an unbelievable matatu just arrived at the bus stand. The bus stance was full and lively due to the train from/to Dar. When the matatu fully braked everybody rushed inside, before two police officers came and stopped the movement to inspect the vehicle. Apparently paperworks, messed up, forced the driver and conductor to drive away with only the policemen inside for a flat 20 min, before reappearing whatsoever. Patience cost me, along with a multiple stops ride, 400 tzs only; doubtless a fantastic deal compared to the taxi worthing 6000 tzs.
The shuttle
Arrived rather early according to the schedule, (by precaution with this type of transport) we were basically in the middle of nowhere, a kind of football pitch more useful for villager feeding their cattle, and further back the airfield.
1H45 prior to the departure a convoy of seven vehicles approached loudly with horn sounds, the parking became buzzing and full very quickly due to a family......A new birth celebration happened apparently, they shared and showed off their cute destiny to everyone who was around, how cool was it.
Landside terminal tempts any visitor in need of a basic souvenir, or a mum looking for nappies at the unique grocery and two bars if you want to quench you thirst.
As clear as crystal!
Congo Zaire? Omg...
The King of the day: "toddler"
Picture 2: Yes, she is...
Picture 4: "Jailed", from the waiting lounge
I've promptly cleared the security door leading to the C/I desk where the process was a breeze too the ground team tagged the luggage up to DAR, whilst the boarding pass concerned only TKQ – MWZ leg.
Lounge was comfortable enough with those home style couch and armchairs, the only shop provided drinks, snacks, powder milk (Nido) and packed dagaa rather popular among local travellers though, as only two bags left prior the boarding.
Wooden furnitures
Nido, Daaga (packed dry fish), and artificial fruits
Ladies/gents lavatory.
Picture 2: name on the ticket: 5
Picture 4: toddler's fan club
Boarding called late at 12H15, stressed some of the westerner travellers,
. Precision Air fact sheet:
Fleet: 11 aircrafts, 9 ATRs, 2 Boeing 737-300
Destination: Tanzania mainly and Kenya, South Africa and Comores
Hub: Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam
FFP: Flying Blue (AF/KLM) on a KQ ticket, PAA Royal
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Freight compartment at the front door, obliged passengers to step up from the back.
Dedicated to Thomas (Fasty) who flew onboard PWE in August 2011
Before the personal experience, let's have a look at few recent news:
Quote:
By PIUS RUGONZIBWA, 5th July 2011
THE Precision Air will soon start flying from Dar es Salaam to the Comoros and resume its flights to Kigoma.
..............
Mr Kioko said the airline will be flying to Kigoma, Bukoba, Kilimanjaro, Shinyanga, Musoma and Nairobi with more frequencies using the Boeing and ATR planes with in-flight entertainment.
...............
For the Kigoma route he said his company has resumed services for the first time since 2009 due to the improvement of the runaway at the Kigoma Airport which was in bad shape.
...............
“We have been satisfied with the state of the runway following thorough inspections by the concerned authorities and we are set to serve the entire Lake Zone which is now becoming a potential business hub”
...............
And later on, the national flag carrier bounced back:
Quote:
Oct 30, 2011
The Tanzanian national airline that was grounded for months is due to return to the skies over Tanzania on Tuesday this week. After a massive bailout from government – money which should have been spent to buy shares in Precision Air, according to a well placed source in Dar es Salaam – which helped to clear long overdue maintenance bills for the Bombardier Q 300 plane, the airline eventually managed to get their AOC restored and will resume flights tomorrow,
Tabora and Kigoma will be the first destinations. ATCL (Air Tanzania Corporation Limited) will service from Dar es Salaam and their loads will be keenly monitored by aviation analysts, their competitors and this correspondent to determine if at all the company can make a success out of it or not. That all said, Happy Landings nevertheless to ATCL, its single plane and their crews and passengers from here onwards.
...............
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Has anyone tried those seats?
At the door stood a nice stewardess who warmly welcomed all passengers. Instinctively everybody filled the front of the bird first. The cabin seemed brand new and inviting. The colour tones match perfectly. On the right side there was two seats facing backward, which did not appeal me, one revealed being reserved for the flight attendant. The load reached 100%
F/A performing the safety demo
Runway 16 was active and rotation occured at 12h40
Up in the air, the pilot apologized to the passengers whom flight was cancelled two days ago because of a dreadful stormy weather at Mwanza. This detail may explained the perfect load.
Legroom typical to regional props
Kigoma and its airfield
Once the seat belt sign off, the drop down screens featured a commercial for the Tanzania National Parks, and then a "Just For Laugh" video, IIRC, while ago KLM used to entertain us with those shows too. Anyway, on a domestic network and on board a turboprop it was a such great fantasy
My seatmate more interesting, started asking questions when his saw me taking many pictures, actually he reacted surprisingly good. He was working in the planning division of the Minister of tourism, and visited Kigoma on a business trip here following the intention of renovating the Livingstone Museum in the near future.
Then the service, a choice of little chicken wrap (tasty) or cake and a local beer for me.
Snack given
Most of the way clouds prevented from seeing the ground apart around the other lake Victoria, apart when approaching our destination.
Industrial area at Mwanza
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Picture 2: what is "Balimi"?
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Time was flying litteraly, while linking the Great Lakes indeed touchdown occured at 13H35, one hour or so in the air, then the cockpit team parked up the bird next to a fleet of Precision Air metal.
Disembarking was quiet unsual, actually they've never switched off the seat belt sign, they called people in connection to leave the aircraft. A priority was given to those heading off to Kilimanjaro. ....... Connections are rather tight as planes supposedly depart to JRO at 13H45 and DAR at 14h.
I was called the first and the ground agent handed over MWZ – JRO pass and directed me to the bus before explaining him that i would definitely refused going to Kilimanjaro.
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 479 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 10869 times:
Precisions is turning Mwanza into its mini-hub as it seeks to capitalise on the number of fleet to beat competitors and serve the rising demand of passengers.
They are stationing at least one aircraft here which will be serving the entire Lake Zone. It flies to Shinyanga, Musoma and Bukoba as well as to Kigoma.
.Flight 3: Mwanza – Dar Es Salaam .
While at home the original plan has been booked up to JRO, thanks to the fellow A.netter MigAir54 (Miguel), plan changed towards the capital, luckily the price difference was modest comparing to just one way up to Mwanza or continuing to JRO.
The two distinct booking references presented a little twist for the ground agents puzzled, but pro-active though. We ran up to the terminal to issue the ticket at the back office, passed through the security and Precision Air bus drove us back to the aircraft. The whole process took us twelve minutes only.
Quote:
By PIUS RUGONZIBWA, 5th July 2011
Mr Kioko also announced the arrival of the new aircraft, a Boeing 737-300 with capacity of 116 passengers, which is expected in on July 24.
....
He also announced plans for the airline to resume Dar-Johannesburg operations with strategies on the mark to make sure customers get best services at an affordable fare.
....
For Dar- Mwanza route, he said, customers will now be enjoying a Boeing bi class services three times a day plus ATR two times a day making the route generally operate five times a day.
....
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I was welcomed on board by a well groomed team, the steward would look after the premium cabin while his female colleagues took care of the rear section. Due to the connection ordeal most of the passengers were already settled down and it was not possible to get the designated seat 1F. Plenty other options were pointed out available.
Along with a pillow, seat 2A offered a scratched window, not really good for landscape pictures but once my rucksack was stowed in the overhead bin i was able to relax. I was given a choice of complimentary newspapers, the dailynews or the Citizen.
The cabin was occupied by four paying passengers on the front rows, an Asian and two local men, and 3 crews suspected to be the same team ( at least the F/A) who brought us from Kigoma.
Business class on this B737-300 is configured across rows one to four in a 2-2 layout (A-C, D-F), with cradle style seats. The cabin showed its age and was worn-out, how do you get a spotless regional aircraft with "IFE" on a second zone route, and its opposite on a "busy" route with a bigger aircraft fitted with a shabby interior?
Scratched vision of the terminal
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Before taxiing our flight attendant asked what i wanted to drink, on what was replied by a glass of white wine. The plane taxied to the runway 12 at 14h15 and meanwhile the safety demonstration was given in english only. Engines came to life three minutes later.
Once airborne, the lunch service began. Due to the short duration (one hour fifteen minutes), crew were keen to distribute the meals and drinks to business passengers quickly and efficiently.
Each tray consisted of one dish including a prepacked nut, a single option course of beef pieces with roasted vegetables and spicy veggie samosa in a sickly sweet sauce. It was well presented on white chinaware and the ingredients looked fresh, but there was no little sweet or equivalent afterward.
The attentive FA made sure that the wine glass never remained empty so he payed to me and the Asian man upfront two more visits... i had to stop him at some point.
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Beef was really tender
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A spicy samosa
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branded glassware too!
The seat, enough comfortable, has a decent legroom and a great recline for a domestic ride.
I could not find any power ports nor PTV that would come out from the middle armrest, despite having a built in remote on it.
Not bad at all
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Is it an old Philippines Airlines logo?
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Adjustment for relaxation
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Still correct
Seats 1A & 1C have better legroom in the absence of bulkhead. Missing curtains give you a nice view onto the galley operations but lead to a lack of privacy too: so advantage or drawback?
I found the galley a bit noisy
Free reading, including KQ duty free magazine (?)
A seat move appeared compulsory to get better pictures at the final stage of the flight. Once the staff tidied up the cabin, it took twelve minutes before plane's wheels touched down runway 5.
Business class passengers were disembarked quickly and efficiently before being bussed to the corridor arriving inside the terminal where a red notice surprised me, concerning a number to call in case of greedy request from any local official. The luggage delivery was efficiently fast.
Then time to buy the ticket for the next leg Zanzibar-Arusha. The sale representative, Abdallah, welcomed me at the "old terminal" now dedicated to some of the domestic flights but he couldn't issue the ticket whatsoever, so we agreed for the day after. Traffic in Dar es Salaam was smooth and it took twenty five minutes drive to the centre.
– DAR ES SALAAM –
The night has been spent in Kariakoo area, at the Rikki hotel, for 2 reasons:
- Its location seemed at walking distance or nearby few attractions.
- Since an EAC tourism agreement allows EACitizens to benefit a resident fare in any of the member's state, in domain such like transport, tourism, museums and others related leisure activities. The opportunity came to take my chance and test how Tanzania abides by this law made for its fellow neighbours.
Indeed, rack rate was currently around $40 on bed and breakfast basis, but Rikki hotel staff, well informed and aware granted a room for $18 net instead (no kidding!!)... so thank you for the nice welcome and big thumbs up guys. Correct me if i'm wrong but the Protea or Holiday Inn ( initially 1st and 2nd option)do not care about this relatively new policy.
Rikki Hotel at Kariakoo
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An $18 room self contained
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nice contrast
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Mnazi moja park: This is near Jamhuri and Uhuru Streets. On one side is seen the Uhuru Torch Monument erected to symbolise the Freedom Torch placed at the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro upon Tanzania's attainment of independence. On the other side of the park is the Republic Fountain which commemorated the foundation of the republic in 1962.
MDGC invites everyone to Celebrate 50 years of Tanzania Mainland Independence at the Mnazi Mmoja
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Fair/stallholders held in the Park (very quiet in the morning)
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Historic Symbol: Uhuru Torch Monument – 9th of December, 1961
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Early morning, Abdallah rang me confirm the ticket purchase. Yes was the only option on my side, and despite not having much time left before heading off to Zanzibar he suggested to meet at the hotel around 5 in Swahili time ( 11 am).
Effectively, ten minutes after vacating the room, a simple car stopped at the front of the hotel and he joined me at the bar opposite to the building. Regional Air Service and Abdallah worked marvels, or wonderful could qualify the exceptional high level of service and of course the bill paid was linked to the EAC transport agreement too.
.Ferry: Dar Es Salaam – Zanzibar .
At this moment, the Indian ocean call was imminent, so a taxi drove me to the seaport terminal. This place is infested of touts, probably a "hell" in Dar es Salaam, you know how they tried very hard to convince you...; indeed one of them promoted the Flying Horse with an immediate departure all inclusive...
Knowing that a disaster happened a month ago prior this day when a ferry sunk, killing all the passengers, the safest choice directed me to the Kilimandjaro III departing soon.
The economy cabin showed a great condition such as recline seat, air conditioning and plasma TV for only 35 usd. I did not regret the choice of Kilimanjaro III as the flying horse, departed 30 min ago, was overtaken half way through...
Buy on board bar sells a limited range of juices and snacks
At the front deck, sunbathing was included
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Discovering a new hobby: ships spotting
E.R. Bremen (Germany)
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Hansa Liberty (Germany)
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Willi Rickmers (Marshall Island)
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Gulf Muttrah (Bahamas)
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Pictures 1&2: Chumbe Island
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Looks like an Ethiopian 737 on final
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Disembarking
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The ferry docked up and then a savage scrum and total mess up concerning the luggage collection, finally the compulsory stamp on the passport relieved temporarly from wilderness.
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Currently closed
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Forgot the name, but so tasty and sticky
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Is it a scooter at the top right?
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A classic
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Paradise? Almost there... how many livestock can you spot?
Real paradise! around Nungwi
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[Edited 2011-12-08 04:56:19]
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 479 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 10817 times:
.Flight 4: Zanzibar – Arusha .
Regional Air Services operates to/from destinations in the Northern Circuit and Zanzibar, for the reason stated above, this airline would carry me up to Arusha. Forgive my ignorance as i thought that IATA code was compulsory for every airline.
Regional Air fact sheet
Year of foundation: 1997
Parent Company: Air Kenya
Fleet: 5, mostly De Havilland DHC6 &8
Destinations: 12, including its hub Arusha
Arrived 1h15 prior departure, Abeid Amani Karume International departure hall was buzzing.
Whether traveller leave the country or not, no security controls restricted the access to the check-in desks. If international airlines counters were clearly visible, domestic and local ones were harder to find and mixed up. So even without weighting the bag, i've been offered the BP by the Zanzibari agent and walked through to the departure area in no time.
Rather chaotic
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Laminated and reusable boarding pass
The airport though small had the fresh feel of yesteryears relaxed airports, walking to departing area ushered by ground staff, No soulless air bridges and automatic sliding doors leading to lightly crowded spaces!! The whole ambiance was relaxed, security was quick and efficient, The charm of this airport is that it is not like the other mega airports, small and convenient.
Time is counted though for this cute place as a Chinese company builds up the new fresh and modern terminal. To get and idea on how it will look like check out there:
Waiting room was loaded of duty free shops that sell souvenirs, T-shirts, electric's and cosmetics. There are food outlets that sell 'western' cuisine and soft drinks but they are overpriced.
General view
Guess what is written there....?
A spotting session could fill the gap until the call:
The was no speaker announcements, but at 14h35, the ground agent called us to board.
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Although the incoming flight probably generated a good profit as full with even a passenger occupying the copilot seat, the ruturn leg cost probably more than what it would earn – a mere 300 000 tzs.
The main advantage directed me just behind the pilot, to live "live" the flight. The other advantage made us departing 15 min behind the schedule.
Boarding completed!
Construction of the new terminal still in progress
Approach then landing happened so closely that no video could have been recorded. This base hosts mainly Cessna C208 caravan and eventually few
On final
Almost there
Registered in UAE
Quick cabin de-pressurization
Welcome to Arusha
Arrived home?
No! to the arrival zone
– Arusha –
The town founded by the German, was named after the local tribe Wa-Arusha, who are known as Larusa by the Maasai. Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. In term of tourism it serves as the departure point of the Northern Safaris and trekkings
A local market
Stylish and modern Nauru Spring hotel
Mount Meru, 4565 m
Majestic mount Kilimanjaro, 5895 m
The heart of the "Federation"
Arusha International Conference Centre
.Flight 4: A trip to the hell .
The plan was to reach the "Scottish" home from Tanzania. Because of a regrettable misunderstanding at the exit point of Kilimanjaro airport on the 19th of October, the stay around Equator had to be extended for 2 more days.
A complusory move nowadays
Basically, just after checking-in the flight KL569 to Amsterdam, the duty immigration team of this evening (including the supervisor and the probably manager) refused to stamp out the passport, with the immediate effect of losing the air ticket back to UK. That was absolutely devastating especially leading to the disatrous consequences.
However, two months after, the painful question still remains :
What was (were) the reason(s) to forbid boarding the plane, based on which specific ground(s) supported by which evidence?
A story always contains different versions, the one they've told me looked a bit far-fetched and on my side i'll resume it to the fact that i believed that it was a wrong treatment or the wrong person unless a tangible better explanation on what was given .
With all the respect they deserve, i truly understand their high qualification and the professionalism of Kilimanjaro immigration team. Safety, security and integrity represent the core of their daily main concerns at this air border. (But my mind thought" how much would you pay them to get out of a situation in which you have a 1 in 12 chance of losing this air ticket and purchasing a new one)
However, i still remain puzzled on the terrific evening, why did they act like this?
Their "kindness" suggested to leave Africa from anywhere but Tanzania. So technically, with no happy end, the expedition continue , thus you are now being offered an unplanned bonus in which i would have not prefered writting.
All way through, the protection of the travel insurance, provided free mind but after this experience the skepticism invaded myself and another questions arose.
Off loaded!!!
After a harsh and hard travel day to nowhere, there was nothing like throwing off your shoes for a pain of enduring some nonsense speech and being turned back
Despite being substancially better value for money, the Nairobi option has been pushed aside, by lack of confidence.
.[b]Flight 5: Arusha (JRO) – Kigali .
Back in Arusha, the morning after the Regional Immigration Office has been visited to get support but with no successful answer though.
So a compulsory purchase ticket back to Kigali, forced me to stay one more night .
Bought at Precision Air office, the ticket entitles an air shuttle to the airport at discounted priced ( 10 000 tzs), but departing only once a day at 13H30.
Rather quiet this time compared to two days ago, despite still being deeply fuming with anger, the officer asked twice the destination before preciously stamping out the passport. One of the officer was working and obviously an innocent question was asked, received by a vaguely answer of tightening the control at the border.
Landside
FIDS
Check-in hall
Two days ago flow directed straight forward, and today we proceed to the right, they frightened me to re live the same nightmare near the restaurant on the middle between the terminals, but just security checks happened here.
Being skint, no more Shilling were spent here this airport, guaranteed, spotting again could fortify me until a british family asked a more information about Rwanda a place in the countryside to find ATM or so. I felt obliged and was earger to help.
DAR: B737, ZNZ:B757, JRO:767
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Picture 2: coming from India
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G-OOBF again, but only $ 62 995 trip this time
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Ruling the free seating, i've rushed the pace to board first. According to Rwandair, control tower and the wind, active runway allowed arrival and landing on the 90°, the timetable and FIDS showed a stop at the capital.
Last row was fine for now. Unfortunately taking off occured runway 27.
Terminal view
Arusha airport : hub of Regional Air Services
Mwanza from 30 000ft
Loads were about 65% for ther premium section while 75% of the seat at the back of the curtain were occupied. Finally plane never flew towards Dar Es Saalam.
No complaint could be made about the legroom, whilst the meal was undoubtedly the best ever eaten on a two hours and less journey. Two beef skewers with pasta and fresh veggies.
Beef option (or Chicken)
The cheapest wine at Nakumatt.
Going down to my memory line on the same aircraft, to Mombasa earlier this year in business class promised a such different treatment. World looks like further complicated that it seems.
Approach and landing on time, my cousin happy and worried to see me back there less than a week was waiting for a proper explanation.
Although having a very rough time at the last minute of the very supposedly last flight, probably due to a miserable misunderstanding the rest of the journey was terribly positive, Burundian are heart opened, Tanzanians enjoyed sharing time and Zanzibaris very helpful.
Precision Air:
Flights were roughly on time, very clean and a nearly brand new ATR42 - one class interior, cosy seats with a drop down mini LCD screens offering a single IFE channel made up for the rest. Impressed by the cabin experience, certainly the best turboprop i have ever flown from ages as a customer point of view.
In Business class, PW lacks of some basics to compete to the International gateways. Although not having the full international story [price, lounge, IFE] the state of the plane, especially being the latest delivered, leave baffled. Trying out the lounge at Dar would have provide an objective insight, unfortunately J class must be improved to really compete on the continental market
The cabin crew polite, efficient and informative offering a snack/drinks service.
Regional Air Services :
It was a pure bet, carefully selected among those offering East African/Residents fares of courses. so for a stunning price – as a westerner, a "home delivery" service ticket , and an "almost" private singleprop (very ugly though but my overall favorite), there is absolutely nothing to complain about it.
Rwandair :
Clean aircraft, very smooth flight, professional and very friendly crew. the fare was somehow high end, even for an one way, Rwandair satisfied the taste buds with an excellent meal for a such short trip. Recommended for convenient and safe travel throughout the region.
AIR TANZANIA: Bouncing back?
My wish was to experience this flag carrier. God managed to bring them back to life. As one of the journalist said:
Quote:
Will that change anything considering money is even tighter? This is a case of political patronage, misguided national pride, when there is nothing to be proud about and a mere window dress ahead of the (our) 50 years of Independence.
MaverickM11 From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 15814 posts, RR: 50 Reply 3, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 10466 times:
This might be the best trip report I've ever seen. I'm going to come back to it a few times for reference.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 10386 times:
Hi East African Spotter,
Well, what can I say? What a precious story about the journey along East Africa. Awesome pictures, very well written, it feels like being there with you sharing all of the excitements and emotions. Also your frustration of being denied boarding would make anyone stand up for you. The treatment is totally uncalled for.
Oh dear, hopefully not because some officials demanded you to delete the photo.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): ......A new birth celebration happened apparently, they shared and showed off their cute destiny to everyone who was around, how cool was it.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Once the seat belt sign off, the drop down screens featured a commercial for the Tanzania National Parks, and then a "Just For Laugh" video,
IFE on board of ATR42? Wow, I have never seen something like this elsewhere.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 1): The whole process took us twelve minutes only.
Impossible at any European airport nowadays.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 1): Is it an old Philippines Airlines logo?
No, it is the logo of now defunct Aloha Airlines.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 1): a room for $18 net instead (no kidding!!)...
I believe you. What a steal!
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 1): Forgot the name, but so tasty and sticky
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): until a british family asked a more information about Rwanda a place in the countryside to find ATM or so. I felt obliged and was earger to help.
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 449 posts, RR: 18 Reply 5, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 10216 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi there,
what a nice TR.
These intra african flights are not covered well here in the forum and its very interesting to see the aviation there.
I especially like the decent meals african airlines still offer on rather short flights.
Also funny to see that it still says EINSTEIGEKARTE, the german word for boarding pass.
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2114 posts, RR: 4 Reply 6, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 10188 times:
GREAT and OUTSTANDING TR - well done!
I think I have been there at the same time!
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter):
To conclude the serie, the ideal trip which has been booked, offered one of the shortest 5th freedom right route in Africa (The shortest probably being Brazzaville – Kinshasa: 20 min flight )
An Ethiopian metal supposed to be rostered on this day.
Well, sad to see. But believe, you didn't mist anything special...
Always strange to see ALOHA seats on an a/c that never flew for ALOHA...
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Knowing that a disaster happened a month ago prior this day when a ferry sunk, killing all the passengers, the safest choice directed me to the Kilimandjaro III departing soon.
True. But I am very disappointed! The only way to travel "in style" from DAR to ZNZ is either by flying INDIGO AIR DC3 (unfortunately grounded) or flying ZanAir LET410 (like me on a former Soviet Air Force model)! The other way around would be FLY540 Dash8-100.
Unbelievable, no space left on the apron. During my visit, ET was even comeing with B767-300ER.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): Basically, just after checking-in the flight KL569 to Amsterdam, the duty immigration team of this evening (including the supervisor and the probably manager) refused to stamp out the passport, with the immediate effect of losing the air ticket back to UK.
Strange, what pasport/nationality are you holding?! No support by your embassy?! Well, I heard also horrible stories from DAR immigration... In ZNZ everything was smooth...
volvair From Germany, joined Oct 2011, 167 posts, RR: 9 Reply 7, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 10164 times:
Hi eastafspot,
wow, what a stunning piece! Thanks a lot for sharing! The well-written story makes for a great advertisement for the regions covered in your report. The pictures are also excellent, especially from the approch to Arusha. According to your report it seems that traveling independently does not seem to be too complicated in East Africa. All the more reason for me to go there in the next couple of years!
I am very sorry to hear about your utterly bad experience with immigration at Kilimanjaro airport. I hope the resulting consequences were manageable for you.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter):
On the 9th of December, Tanzania and the Islands of Zanzibar celebrates Independence Day gained from Great Britain. For the mainland part, 2011 wears the unique event of the golden jubilee of the birthday leading a year later to the foundation of the United Republic.
Obviously, this report pays tribute to Tanzanian people and others heroes who built up its rich and long history.
What a nice dedication to the country which is, after all, the cradle of mankind.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Forgot the 1989 dodgy Toyota Corolla with cracked windshield. Comfort is back with this Nissan Serena minivan fitted with cd player and electrical windows, but still a load of 10 pax on 8 allowed.
Funny to see that those Corollas form the backbone of transportation there as well. It is impressive what those cars are able to endure, here in Bolivia I step into one of them at least twice daily. My record on over-occupied cars this year was set in Guatemala with 26 people in a Toyota Hiace which usually only has room for fifteen people at best.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Due to a misuse of the camera, pictures of the Livingstone Museum have been disastrously deleted thus those pictures are not the latest but are still great to get an idea:
Ah, that's too bad. By the way, did you encounter restrictions in taking photos at airports?
Looks surprisingly clean and, look, there is even toilet paper! You should have seen the bathroom I had to use last weekend at Trinidad airport, Bolivia (TDD)!
vio From Canada, joined Feb 2004, 1289 posts, RR: 9 Reply 12, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 9627 times:
Greaet trip report. Wow, that was certainly different. I have never had the pleasure to fly on a 208 Caravan. I bet it must be a lot of fun. One day I must make a plan to visit Africa.
Superior decisions reduce the need for superior skills.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6115 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 9368 times:
Hi Leonard !
Thanks for another great and very entertaining report with nice pictures!
Zanzibar seems very nice and hopefully I can go there sometime for a visit.
What reason did they give you for not allowing you to fly KL to AMS ?
The last pictures could summarize your whole trip; East Africa covered!
Looking forward to your next report.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting The777Man (Reply 13): What reason did they give you for not allowing you to fly KL to AMS ?
They did not see any visa nor working permit inside the passport, which was true indeed. Also they stated that Manyovu (Burundi-Tanzania) border is not recognized as an official border ( ) and there are few other reasons if you want.
[Edited 2011-12-09 01:09:32]
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2256 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 8908 times:
Hi eastAFspot!
Nice trip report, enjoyed the read!
Seems like you had a pretty nice adventure, I love the landscaping pics!
It keeps fascinating me how they fitted the precision air ATR with LCD-screens
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1215 posts, RR: 29 Reply 17, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 8860 times:
Hi Léonard,
You have outdone yourself once again: beautiful report with plenty of great descriptive pics. Although I have no clue where most of them places are in your report, I feel like I have visited them myself. Bring the next one on, please!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 20, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 8545 times:
Great Léonard, thanks! I'm doing Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania next month, so this was a nice preview!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 21, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 8324 times:
Hi eastafspot,
stunning report with many excellent pictures, well done! You really show us exotic places and rare airlines! Bad to hear about the trouble you had on the return journey.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Then the service, a choice of little chicken wrap (tasty) or cake and a local beer for me.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): No complaint could be made about the legroom, whilst the meal was undoubtedly the best ever eaten on a two hours and less journey. Two beef skewers with pasta and fresh veggies.
Quoting signol (Reply 19): many super pictures of a part of the world that we don't get to see very often.
Thanks you Robin, you are right, the East part as shown is much more popular than the west due to the sun and beaches, how is the seaside around Capetown?
Quoting signol (Reply 19): the South African word "dagga" but apparently you don't smoke this fish
Haha, certainly not, but which language, Afrikaans? isizulu?
Quoting signol (Reply 19): but I've another 2 coming up next week
Are you going to post something?
Quoting signol (Reply 19): A shame, I hope your trip back happened ok later.
Believe me or not, there was no "black" african on this flight guaranteed, this may have contributed to their decision
.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 953 posts, RR: 34 Reply 23, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 8154 times:
Hi Leo.
You continue to impress with your reports... and for me as a window back into Africa ... they are a pleasure to read.
The EAC continues to fascinate me - it is certainly a crossroads for this part of Africa so long as everyone can play nice. The discovery of oil in Uganda for example could easily escalate into something worse. But for now it seems a very progressive initiative that is bringing the common needs and successes of these countries to the fore.
I was very keen to try some of these airlines... but didn't ... so your report is definitely the next best thing. Wonderful views of kigoma... And it was great to see those ancient spots where the explorers made pivotal meetings.
My absolute favorite part was the small shop in the airport. It was wonderfully African and innocent. When we're so used to seeing the plaza's of DXB... this was an altogether different wonder.
The EAC needs a budget airline as soon as possible if it is to strive for that which the southern African countries have.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 479 posts, RR: 4 Reply 24, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 7896 times:
Dear Luke,
You are certainly one of the finest analyst on here, many thanks for you synopsis about this report
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 23): You continue to impress with your reports
Still some improvements must be done though!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 23): The discovery of oil in Uganda for example could easily escalate into something worse.
DRC, again, seems eager to play the "troublemaker" somehow!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 23): It was wonderfully African and innocent. When we're so used to seeing the plaza's of DXB...
Nicely said, that was shocking to find only useful stuff indeed!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 23): The EAC needs a budget airline as soon as possible
There is already Fly540, not serving Rwanda yet but operating (?) in Angola
EAS (Léo)
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
25 The777Man: So you tried to go to AMS with a Rwandan passport and no visa ? I thought you had a European passport also ? The777Man
26 alexeu: Hey, great report and pics! I always wondered why is there so much demand from Kigali / Bujumbura / Entebbe to Arusha airport? I dont think there are
27 eastafspot: Lars, Again thank you for the interest that you express, thus i'll try to be as neutral as possible in the explanation below. Before going further, he
28 The777Man: Hi Leonard ! Thanks for the explanation. It sounds very confusing. It seems to me that the French embassy in Dar Es Salaam should help you and the peo
29 eastafspot: Lars, Despite JRO airport being International it does not offer facilities such as ATM's, Internet, shop with top up phone card. the only shops landsi
30 abrelosojos: Wow. Thank you for such an awesome and detailed report. It truly made my morning. As others have said, you do have east Africa covered! Sorry to hear
31 Marambio: Messieurs Eastafspot et Abrelosojos, I can only agree with you - travelling accross East Africa with an Argentine passport was hell. Most immigration
32 fasty: Hi Léo, Thank you SO MUCH for this brilliant trip report about Tanzania I'm quite impressed by the way you managed to stick to your plans and make it
33 eastafspot: Thank you Alex, Marambio and Thomas for replying, Alex that is much appreciated but come on, you've inspired me too many times! Sorry to not being not
34 signol: Hi again Nice I'm sure, but I didn't visit this time - Durban only You know, I don't know... Maybe Afrikaans, but neither my wife nor SA-based in-laws
35 eastafspot: Hi again it finishes by _AMQ, apparently you did not board this one lately, that was a good one, well done cheers
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