Impressions of Tanzania

Arusha Transportation

Arusha Transportation Arusha is a town of about a million people, most of which live in communities similar to Ilboru. The main roads and most of the main streets in Arusha are paved (this could not be said five years ago). Side streets are mostly unpaved. Most of the traffic is by foot with many of the women carrying loads balanced on their heads (water, firewood, or produce of all sorts). For heavy loads there are two-wheeled carts (using automobile wheels) pushed or pulled by one or more people. These carts carry lumber or goods of all sorts.

Still, there is a considerable amount of automobile traffic, and this presents interesting problems. All traffic is reversed from US, with steering wheel on the right, and driving on the left side of the road. Gears are shifted with the left hand (no automatic transmissions - they don't know how to repair them). Most vehicles are SUV types. There are NO traffic lights in Arusha. Instead, there are traffic circles. If you are in a circle you have the "right of way" (theoretically). Speed limits are not posted well, but they solve that problem with speed bumps, formidable obstacles since they are four feet wide and half a foot high. Most of the speed bumps are well marked, are numerous and strategically placed, but occasionally one can get you unawares. It helps to memorize their locations.

If you are a pedestrian you must remember that autos have the right of way - no exceptions. If you wish to commute about town you can opt to take a "daladala".A daladala looks like a minivan with a high roof and open side doors. It serves as a bus, stopping at assigned stops and traveling a set route. Daladalas are usually packed full of people, with some hanging out the doors. Others may try to jump on or off while it is in motion. It is fun to watch a daladala go over a speed bump. As with many buses there are advertisements plastered on them. Some, like "In God We Trust" and "Run For Your Life", seem appropriate.

Considering the traffic situation in Arusha it is no wonder that Catherine does not drive. Instead they employ a driver who will negotiate the hazards of the road, weaving around push carts, animals and daladalas, and adjusting for the speed bumps and making sure that pedestrians have enough time to avoid the oncoming car.