Where can we cross the border to Tanzania?

Pemba – 02 Jan 2009

Our original plan was to either cross at Mtwara, on the coast, or in the Niassa Park somewhere if it was possible. It sounds like we arrived at the wrong season: the North of the country is already under water. We are told that driving through the Niassa Park will be impossible.

Crossing the border at Mtwara on the coast would depend on the Ruvuma River which might already be in flood. We also discovered that the ferry sank 6 months ago. Apparently to cross the river you now have to put your vehicle on dhows lashed together… It sounds a bit risky! And expensive…we are told that it can cost between 500 USD and 2000 USD.

Fortunately, last night a Swiss couple arrived at our campsite. They came from Tanzania and had tried 4 different crossings before they finally discovered a way. The route they tell us about doesn’t show on any of our maps! But they have saved the GPS coordinates and will share them with us! This route will take us all the way across to Lichinga, on Lake Niassa, and then up North to the Ruvuma river, to where a new bridge has been built and opened for traffic just 2 months ago. We will cross the border there and have our passports stamped in Tanzania at Songea before we carry on up to Arusha.

We are hoping to arrive in Arusha around the 17th of January and meet up with the honeymooners Bruno and Zia. (Guys, we will be thinking of you on the 09th!)