Sitting over a plate of Nyama Choma and chips last night, Marc and I discussed Tanzania. We both agreed it had been the most pleasant country thus far. People were kind, hospitable and eager to help. You never felt unwelcomed.
It was the first country outside South Africa that we had assistance from a corporate company. Vodacom Tanzania Ltd sponsored us airtime and sim cards, when we first made our arrival in Mbeya. There we met Godwin Urassa, a Vodacom employee, who welcomed two strangers into his house, fed them and still made sure they had a basic vocabulary of Swahili to assist them in their travels.
He still gave us contacts of friends and family around the country. We had the Vodacom employees checking up on us while on the road and even being invited to stay with them in various towns. Before we had even reached Dar es Salaam to meet Dylan Lennox, the man who organised Vodacom to assist, we had a strong network of contacts in Tanzania through Vodacom.
To make life even easier they approached the GM of the Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, Adam Fuller, who kindly accommadated us in five star splendour, only asking for a photo of us outside his hotel in return. Dylan and his team also took our spares which were couriered from SA into their hands having dropped off to the Southern Sun while we endulged in luxury.
How could we ever forget our week with friends and family in Zanzibar! Learning the ropes of scuba diving thanks to Cathy van Biljon from Reef Leisure Watersports. We also experienced the beauty of Blue Bay with the help of Tammy Stone and got ourselves lost at will in Stone Town.
Vodacom once again helped us in Moshi, where Emmaneul Carl fetched and carried us, organised our accommadation at the Safari Lodge, making sure we had an experienced guide for Kilimanjaro and also organising a press conference on return from Uhuru Peak.
While in Moshi, we met Dominic Urassa, father of Godwin. He and his lovely wife had us over for dinner twice and each time we enjoyed their company till the early hours.
We missed Godwin on our return to Mbeya. His wife on the other hand made sure the two crazy boys on bikes were well fed and assisted us with getting ready for the unknown road that lies ahead in Zambia.
So here we are 45 kilometers from the Zambian border, reminiscing over the last two fabulous months in Tanzania, and both saying “asante sana” to Vodacom and everyone who has made it such a special place for the both of us. Without a doubt we will be back.
