B & B with a Difference
Hi! Thanks for reading this and we hope you have enjoyed our website? Thanks, too, to all of you who have booked and stayed with us at the Outpost – we love having you as our guests and appreciate all the feedback you give us. We hope Tanzania gave you an experience of a lifetime.
We wish our neighbours in Kenya, all the best and a peaceful future, with their new government.
Your comments about our menu have been much appreciated. We are pleased that you like it, especially the pizzas and the ‘nyama choma’ grill! Please keep your ideas and suggestions flowing – good and bad – we really need your input to know your likes and dislikes.
Ibrahim and his team are working flat out constructing Outpost’s sister lodge which is being built 40 kilometers north of the historic sisal City of Tanga - an absolutely idyllic spot on our gorgeous East African coast and fronting onto the Indian Ocean.
Doesn’t that beach look inviting? – And will all look even more gorgeous after your long slog up Mt Kilimanjaro! We plan to open our doors in June this year.
For further information, please contact us at out2explore@gmail.com or via the Outpost, outpost@bol.co.tz. We look forward to hearing from you.
Here goes with our few practical suggestions when planning your trip:
1. CASH!
We often hear complaints about the ATM machines which are, apparently, more often out-of-order than not! We suggest that you travel with ‘emergency payment modes’ – the good old-fashioned travelers’ cheques? That way, you are not entirely reliant on temperamental card-guzzling machines….
And, whilst I am on the subject of money - Many international travelers are surprised when changing their cash bank notes in Tanzania (and, actually, most of East Africa) for local currency since the banks and bureaus are fussy about the notes you hand over :-
(a) will only exchange new crisp notes (USD with a ‘small head’ are an absolute no- no),
&
(b) Give a lower rate of exchange for smaller notes.
We agree – this is JUST NOT FAIR but is a result of too many fakes being passed on. What a terrible shame! So, we advise you bring larger denominations to exchange for local cash, and bring the latest, most crisp notes possible.
2. SECURITY
Unfortunately (but a fact of life these days) – the question of ‘security’ always arises. Basically, the advice we give is: “Treat Arusha like any other city…”: There are the ‘safer’areas, and the ‘not so safe’ areas, find out which is where. Walk in company. Avoid walking at night! When walking during the day – don’t show your handbag (which may contain money, passports, etc) and tuck your camera away (perhaps under your shirt?) - the old adage…’out of sight, out of mind’. Better still, try not to carry your valuables with you.
3. SHUTTLE BUSES
A frequent question we are asked by international travelers concerns transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to The Outpost. There are a number of shuttle buses which run between KIA to Arusha town. They offer a very reasonable and invaluable service. This is especially comforting to know when your arrival is to be during the evening or nighttime hours. When you board the shuttle, be sure to tell the driver you want to be dropped at The Outpost – and you will be delivered onto our doorstep! For those who prefer, taxis are also readily available, but can prove to be quite pricey. The shuttle buses from Nairobi also offer a great service and will often also drop you on our doorstep – just ask when you make your booking.
From “Us All At The Outpost” - we wish you a wonderful day and a wonderful month.
PS If there are any tips/hints which you think I should include and may assist other travelers, please let me know. Thanks and regards, Cathy.
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