| Free inflight magazine | Issue 1
Welcome onboard
Come share the skies with us
IN THIS ISSUE
Tanzania’s greenest hotels Serengeti calendar
24 hours in Arusha Tanzania’s top innovators
Why you should pick Pemba Beach soccer in Dar
Engineering innovation The shortlist for this year’s Africa Prize
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Contents Issue 1
3
FOREWORD
6
THE SERENGETI CALENDAR When to make your date with Tanzania’s wildest adventure
9
FLIGHTLINK NEWS From across the Flightlink network
10 THE LINK
Joining up our destinations
13 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Tanzania’s greenest hotels
17 DODOMA
11 facts you probably don’t know about Tanzania's capital
20 ZANZIBAR SUBMARINE
An underwater adventure
40 COMPETITION
Win a night’s stay at Amans Kilimanjaro Villa
22 DAR DINING
The five hottest restaurants
41 EARN YOUR STRIPES Flightlink quiz
26 BEACH FOOTBALL
Sun, sea, sand…and soccer
28 THE PICK OF PEMBA
Explore the 'Green Island'
31 REMOTE ZANZIBAR
Working as a digital nomad
35 INNOVATIVE TALENT
Meet Africa's top young engineers
38 CALM TECH
42 24 HOURS IN ARUSHA 44 OUR DESTINATIONS
The Flightlink network
45 OUR FLEET 46 ROUTE MAP 47 CONTACT INFORMATION 48 REASONS TO FLY WITH US
www.flightlink.co.tz Mezzanine Floor‚ Oyster Pearl Galleria‚ Chole Rd Masaki‚ PO Box 2858, Dar es Salaam‚ Tanzania. For the latest flights, information and to book online, visit: www.flightlink.co.tz Reservations: dar-reservations@flightlink.co.tz E: customerservice@flightlink.co.tz Marketing: Yokohama Nonaka T: +255 782 35 44 48/49/50 M: +255 787 88 88 51 E: yoko@flightlink.co.tz
Zebra Stripes is published by: Land & Marine Publications (Tanzania) Ltd 4th floor, Josam House, Block A, along Coca Cola Road, Mikocheni Area, Dar es Salaam T: +255 686 118 816 Head Office: Land & Marine Publications Ltd 6 The Square, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3SL, UK T: +44 (0)1206 752902 E: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com
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Editor: Mark Edwards E: markedwards@landmarine.com Advertising sales: Godfrey S. Urassa M: +255 (0) 686 118 816 (WhatsApp) E: godfreyurassa@landmarine.com Printed by Jamana Printers Ltd, Dar es Salaam The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2024 Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
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DRONE TECHNOLOGY
Advertisement feature
How drones are changing our lives Tanzania is embracing drone technology to improve the lives of its citizens and expand economic opportunities. The potential uses are numerous, ranging from humanitarian aid to filmmaking. Hamza S. Johari, Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), gives an insight into the unmanned aerial vehicles' potential and their safety. What are drones, and how do they work? Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft without human pilots onboard. They are controlled remotely by operators on the ground or can fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight paths and GPS. What are the main applications of drones in Tanzania? • Tourism and filmmaking • Agriculture and precision farming • Environmental monitoring and conservation • Surveying and mapping • Security and surveillance • Mining and resource management • Construction and real estate
regulations: Before flying a drone in Tanzania, familiarize yourself with the specific drone regulations and requirements set by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Adhere to these rules to avoid legal issues and ensure safe operations. Register your drone: If required by the authorities, ensure that your drone is properly registered and obtain authorization before flying it in Tanzania. Choose safe flying locations: Select open areas away from crowds, buildings, and busy roadways for drone flights. Avoid flying near airports, government buildings or other sensitive locations.
One of the most important uses of drone technology in Tanzania is in humanitarian aid. Drones can be used to deliver medicines, food, and other essential supplies to remote areas quickly and efficiently.
Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS): Always keep the drone within your line of sight during flight. This allows you to monitor the drone's position and surroundings effectively.
What safety measures should be taken when operating drones in Tanzania? Familiarize yourself with local
Check weather conditions: Strong winds, rain, or fog can impact a drone's stability and flight performance.
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The TCAA team optimising civil aviation in Tanzania
What are the future prospects for drones in Tanzania? • Infrastructure inspection and monitoring. • Disaster response and humanitarian aid. • Environmental monitoring and conservation. • Delivery and logistics. • Surveying and mapping. • Tourism and filmmaking. • Educational and research applications: • Infrastructure development and urban planning. • Healthcare Support.
As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Tanzania’s civil aviation authority TCAA is committed to following its standards and recommended practices to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient development of international civil aviation in the country.
Foreword
Excellence is our mission It is my great pleasure to welcome you on your Flightlink journey today and while you are sharing the skies with us, allow me to also share with you our vision for being an airline of distinction and excellence. This year, we celebrate our 20th birthday. With our fleet of Cessna single engine turbo prop aircraft we distinguished ourselves from the start by getting large and small groups of passengers safely and quickly to some of Tanzania’s remotest – and most rewarding – destinations, such as Seronera and Iringa on the mainland and Pemba in the Zanzibar archipelago. We have pushed our ambitions further of late with the arrival of two 72-seater ATR72-500 aircraft – the first in March 2022, the second last July. The addition of these bigger‚ newer‚ safer‚ more comfortable‚ more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft has allowed us to expand our network beyond Tanzania’s borders. Kenya’s second city, Mombasa, became our first international destination with three weekly flights from our hub in Dar es Salaam, and we are set to follow that up with regular flights to the capital, Nairobi, beginning in June.
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Foreword
As operations have expanded, we have maintained rigorous safety standards at the heart of all we do. Our Safety Management System (SMS) is guided by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and approved by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). In addition‚ we are training a team of engineers with the aim of launching an internally managed maintenance facility to carry out periodic work to ensure our fleet runs smoothly and significantly reduce costs. It is all part of our mission to scale up operations while offering safe‚ punctual‚ comfortable and affordable air travel. Thank you for flying with us and being part of our 20-year journey that is only just beginning.
Capt Munawer Pyarali Dhirani CPL, IR–US/Tanzania Managing Director
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Book online
THE SERENGETI
The Serengeti calendar: when to make your date with Tanzania’s wildest adventure Serengeti is considered Africa’s best national park and where the Big Five thrive. Flightlink offers daily flights to the Seronera airstrip (and to Fort Ikoma) in the heart of the reserve, but when is the best time of year to go? Well, there’s good wildlife viewing all-year round, but if you’ve got your sights set on something special, here’s some dates for your diary.
January-March: Calving season on the Ndutu plains Between January and March, the mega herd of wildebeest, zebra and antelope – with the animals forming huge columns of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in length – collects at the vast expanse of grassland of the Ndutu plains in the south of the Serengeti for the onset of calving season. Nature can be cruel, and the vulnerable newborns attract the attention of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. The short grass in this area allows
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for unimpeded views of the millions-strong herds and is well known place to spot cheetah. With so many predators and prey coming together, this time of year offers good chances of seeing a hunt.
April-July: River crossings in the Western Corridor and game spotting in Seronera The advent of the dry season means the mega herd starts to break up with some heading
north and others west in search of water sources. The open savanna, woodlands, floodplains and riverine forest of the Western Corridor of the Serengeti are home to a great diversity of year-round wildlife, but this time of year sees the first of the en-masse crossings of the Grumeti River during the migration. Those that head north reach Seronera, an area in the middle of the Serengeti with reliable water sources that also attract a healthy population of resident big cats – lions, leopards, cheetah – as well as a diverse variety of gazelles and antelopes. Wildlife spotting galore!
Left to right, top to bottom: Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor Game spotting in Seronera Calving season on the Ndutu plains River crossings in Kogatende, North Serengeti Seronera, Central Serengeti
August-September: River crossings in Kogatende, North Serengeti At the tail-end of the dry season the migration continues northwards to the higher ground and greener pastures of the Tanzanian and Kenyan borders. Kogatende, in the north Serengeti on the banks of the Mara River, is a great place to see the most dramatic and spectacular part of this perennial odyssey. The herds plunge single file into the fast-flowing river, risking death by drowning or
ending up the next meal of one of the thousands of crocodiles who lie in wait for this wildebeest buffet. Those that cross the river and make it up the steep bank onto dry land are then often exhausted prey for the ever-present lions and leopards. At this stage in the migration cycle, the herds are still split into different clusters, allowing multiple opportunities to view the crossings.
A cheetah on the hunt
October-December: Seronera, Central Serengeti The return of the rains entice the wildebeest to return southwards into the Serengeti where new green grass once again populates the plains. The grazing grounds of the Seronera area in central Serengeti with its several perennial water sources are a popular choice. As ever, a resident population of large predators keep vigil. Towards the end of December, the heard moves south once again, returning to the Ndutu plains as the never-ending loop of life continues in the Serengeti.
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Flightlink News
From across the flightlink network
Next stop, the Green City in the Sun
In June, Flightlink will add the second international destination to its network with the launch of flights to Nairobi. The Kenyan capital – also known as the Green City in the Sun for its urban development surrounded by natural forests and rivers – is one of Africa’s most important cities with plenty to attract both leisure and business travellers. The fast-paced city is a global centre of activity in culture and commerce.
Check out our guide to Nairobi’s best nightclubs in this issue for evidence of the former while the Kenyatta International Convention Centre –the leading facility in the meetings industry in East Africa – attracts delegates from all over the world to discuss ideas and business. Nairobi is also famous, of course, as the only capital city in the world with its own national park. The 177 sq km park is a haven for wildlife,
including lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and antelope aplenty. Seeing the animals roam its green grasslands with the towering Nairobi cityscape in the background is unforgettable.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Nairobi with us. Book your tickets at flightlink.co.tz
Special rate return flights Take advantage of our special offer and book your flight now for discounted fares. The offer is valid until May 2024 and includes thereand-back flights to some of our most popular destinations, such as Serengeti, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam
and Arusha. With prices starting at US$ 75 for a return flight from Dar to Zanzibar for non-Tanzania residents ((TSH 130,000 for residents), what are you waiting for. Visit flightlink.co.tz for more details.
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The link
Connecting places Zebra Stripes takes a flight of fancy to connect the dots between Flightlink destinations
Arusha
Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz, who was born in the Dar neighbourhood of Tandale, became the first African artist to win three MTV European Music Awards when he was named Best African Act at this year’s event in Paris.
Tanzanite is often called Tanzania’s blue diamond. It is not as expensive as diamonds, but it is rarer – only being found in a 20 sq km area surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha is the starting point for adventures to the mountain and is a great place to pick up some Tanzanite jewellery.
Dodoma
Pemba is the perfect island for snorkelling and along with one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean you’ll find underwater caves teeming with marine life to explore.
You can find traditional crafts that go even further back in the Dodoma region. North of the capital you’ll find the Unesco World Heritage Site of Kondoa with rock paintings created by ancient tribes inside a network of caves. The oldest are more than 2,000 years old.
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D. Tamino Boehm | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-4.0
Pemba
Miha Travnik / Shutterstock.com
© Diamond Platnumz
Dar es Salaam
Nairobi
(coming soon)
Second only in height to Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa is Mount Kenya. The highest of its three peaks stands at 5,199 metres and is only a day trip away from the Kenyan capital.
Zanzibar Island (Unguja) Some coconut trees in Zanzibar are used to build dhows, the traditional fishing vessels that pepper the archipelago’s coastline. The building tradition on the island goes back centuries and you can see today’s boat-builders using the skills passed down through generations in Nungwi on the north coast of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja.
Serengeti Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano, but in the Serengeti you’ll find Ol Doinyo Lengai – a sacred mountain to the Maasai that live nearby – where eruptions have been recorded until the 1960s.
Mombasa Ol Doinyo Lengai is an unusual volcano. The lava it emits is black in colour due to its low temperatures – by scorching volcano standards – of between 500 and 600ºC. To enter the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, one of the last remaining patches of primary coast rainforest on the Kenyan coast and just a short drive south from Mombasa, you need to wear a black kaniki (sarong) to appease the spirits. Many of the flora here is more than 600 years old and it is said the ancient trees will take away all your fears and worries if you give them a hug.
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GREENEST HOTELS
TANZANIA’S GREENEST HOTELS Is your New Year's resolution to be a more sustainable traveller? Here, Zebra Stripes helps you select a smarter, greener hotel for your holiday.
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GREENEST HOTELS
Grumeti Hills and Ikoma Hills Ikona Game Reserve, Serengeti If you are after a sustainable safari experience, these two hilltop lodges are leading examples. Both are found on the western edge of the Serengeti in the beautiful Ikona Game Reserve, which
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offers abundant wildlife all-year round and – with the Grumeti River nearby – a front row seat for some of the most spectacular scenes of the world-famous Great Migration. Environmentally minded guests can rest easy in the knowledge that the plastic-free lodges employ the latest technological advancements to minimise their ecological impact and protect
There is also enough solar energy to charge the lodges’ fleet of nine e-powered 4x4s the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Both lodges are completely powered by solar energy with more than 1,000 m² of photovoltaic panels so surreptitiously placed you
hotelverdezanzibar.com
E-powered 4x4s at Grumeti Hills and Ikoma Hills allow guests to get close to the wild animals
won’t know they are there. As well as meeting all the lodges’ electricity needs, the solar infrastructure also allows rainwater to be harvested. There is still enough solar energy left over to charge the lodges’ fleet of nine e-powered 4x4s – the first of their kind to be introduced in East Africa – that provide night and day game drives here. The lodges are owned and operated by
pioneering tour company Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club (MKSC), which launched the e-vehicles in 2017 to bring down fuel pollution in parks. With their sound and scentless electric engines, the vehicles allow guests at the lodges to approach animals in the wild undisturbed. Online: ikoma-hills.com grumeti-hills.com
Verdinos are Hotel Verde's in-house currency
Hotel Verde Zanzibar This five-star resort and spa on Unguja, Zanzibar’s main island, has sustainability at its core. Set just outside historic Stone Town, the hotel goes all out to ensure its environmental footprint is feather light from its sophisticated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system to reduce energy consumption through its water recycling to its responsibly sourced, recycled and ecofriendly furniture and products. Even the gym’s cardio equipment generates electricity when used. Guests are encouraged to join in the sustainable ethos and can even earn tokens – called ‘Verdinos – for carrying out eco-friendly tasks such as using the stairs instead of the lift, taking a jog or walking to the marina and back or re-using the towels and linen. These can then be used to pay for on-site treats such as a cup of coffee or go towards your meal bill at the hotels’ Roystonea Restaurant. Online: hotelverdezanzibar.com
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GREENEST HOTELS
Zanzibar’s first design hotel is sequestered within 13-acres of lush gardens that gently slope towards a romantic, sunset facing beach. Guests get to kick back at the al fresco library, water sports pavilion, infinity pool, yoga deck, open-air gym and spa, and they do so knowing their stay is helping sustain this chilled oasis. Since 2016 Zuri has been working with island waste management company Zanrec to provide a healthier environment for the community with waste collection points around the local village and beach clean-ups. The luxuriously appointed villas
Guests get to kick back at the al fresco library, water sports pavilion, infinity pool, yoga deck, open-air gym and spa are built on stilts that not only maximises the ocean views but also protects the flora below. There is an upcycling theme to decorative touches around the hotel with the open-air Peponi Bar lit with hanging lamps made from old glass bottles and much of the wooden furniture comes crafted from dhows no longer deemed seaworthy. Online: zurizanzibar.com
kantabileafrika.com
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel Kendwa, Unguja
Cherero Camp Serengeti, Tanzania
Meditation and yoga space at Zuri
The all-Tanzanian team behind this luxury tented camp in the Musabi Plains of the Serengeti’s western corridor is driven by a love of the land and the communities that live on it. Guests choose this secluded camp for its promise of superb off-thebeaten-track game drives and its earth-friendly practices. The four spacious suites are made from locally sourced teak and canvas with the furniture and furnishings designed by local artisans and sourced from nearby settlements. Solar power provides the electricity and hot water for showers in the private bathrooms. You’re truly back to nature here. The surrounding area is covered in verdant acacia woodlands, whose leaves are an important food source for the large numbers giraffe and elephant that roam here. Smaller visitors include the African lovebirds – cherero in Swahili – that give the camp its name and which provide a resounding natural alarm call each morning. Online: kantabileafrika.com
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Dodoma
Rasheedhrasheed | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-4.0
Facts about Tanzania’s heartland
11 facts you probably don’t know about Dodoma Tanzania’s capital and fourth largest city is positioned slap bang in the centre of the country, yet Dodoma is still something of a secret on the tourism trail. If this cosmopolitan, welcoming and vibrant city is not yet on your travel radar, here’s 11 reasons to fly to Tanzania’s heartland with Flightlink.
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There’s a story behind the name
In Chigogo, the language of the Gogo people that live throughout the Dodoma Region, ‘idodomya’ means ‘it has sunk’ and this what villagers are supposed to have shouted on seeing an elephant become submerged in quicksand around a nearby creek. The name, much like the unfortunate elephant, stuck.
However, in 1907, German troops that came to construct the Tanzania central railway here, shortened the market town’s name to Dodoma.
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It is home to diverse ethnic groups
The Dodoma region is populated by various ethnic groups. As well as the Gogo, indigenous groups include the Rangi – who
A farmer clearing land for a vegetable plantation Gonzalo Bell / Shutterstock.com
farm the rugged and hilly landscape north of the city – and the hunter gatherers of the Sandawe – one of the oldest tribes in the world. Each contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric and traditions of Dodoma.
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It is the wine capital of East Africa
The region’s dry earth, sandy soil and low humidity combine flightlink.co.tz | 17
Dodoma
Facts about Tanzania’s heartland
to make ideal wine growing conditions. At first it was a secret only shared among the early German missionaries that planted vines here, but in 1969 the Tanzanian government set up the Dodoma Wine company and now more than 150 hectares are given over to viticulture. Grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and a variety named after the Dodoma sub-region, Makutupora, are grown here and Tanzania is now second only to South Africa on the continent in wine production. Visitors can visit vineyards for a guided tour and tasting sessions and in November the city hosts the Dodoma Wine Festival.
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Its rock paintings are a unique part of African history North of Dodoma, in natural rock shelters formed by the Great Rift Valley, is housed one of Africa’s most unique and historic art collections. The Kondo-Rock Art Sites are an immense collection of cave paintings with the oldest dating back two millennia. The paintings – made with ground ochre and charcoal – are believed to have been created by ancient ancestors of the Sandawe and depict scenes of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Now declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, these paintings are considered one of the best collections of pre-historic rock art in the world.
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Dodoma is a city of museums
If the rock art has brought you this way, Dodoma has plenty more attractions to offer insights into the region’s history and cultural heritage. The National Museum of Tanzania is in the heart of the city and houses a wide range of artifacts, including traditional weapons, jewellery and textiles. The museum has a section dedicated to the history of the region, with exhibits on the Maasai, Chaga, and Zaramo people. Also worth visiting are the National Arts Museum, the Dodoma Natural History
Dodoma makes an amenable and crowd-free base for some of Tanzania's remotest and wildest safari adventures
The University of Dodoma Job de Graaf | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-2.0
Museum and the Museum of Geosciences with is vast collection of local rock samples.
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It has its own skate park
Tanzania’s first concert skate park was built in Dodoma in 2011 by charity Skate Aid and has gone on to host a series of
2007, the University of Dodoma is now the biggest of its kind in the country and one of the fastest growing universities in East Africa with 40,000 students. Other popular choices include St John’s University of Tanzania, Mipango University and the College of Business Education.
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part of its relaxed appeal. But, if it is crowds you’re after, then head for Majengo Market, which is reliably raucous. You’ll find everything you need – eventually – at this sprawling market from textiles through street food to phone chargers.
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It has some of Tanzania’s most spectacular modern architecture
Wildlife adventures within reach
Dodoma makes an amenable and crowd-free base for some of Tanzania remotest and wildest safari adventures. Ruaha National Park – where you’ll find the largest concentration of elephants in East Africa with a population of around 10,000 – is a four-hour drive while home to the Big Five Mikumi National Park is even closer.
workshops and competitions to get young Dodoma residents into the global urban sport. After years of intensive use and intensive weather, the park needs some repairs so a renovation project has begun so users can get boarding again without obstacles.
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Dodoma is a hub for education
Dodoma not only has a young population – the average age is just below 18 – but also a learned one with a raft of higher education institutions established here for local and international students. Set up in
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As Tanzania’s official capital from 1996 and the new home of government services, Dodoma has seen plenty of striking buildings go up, including, this year, the presidential palace. Other impressive buildings include the Jamhuri Stadium, the Dodoma Cathedral and the iconic Bunge Parliament House.
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Its urban park is a sign of sustainable future
Dodoma has a bustling marketplace.
Dodoma has nothing like the population density of Tanzania’s other big cities such as Dar es Salaam and Mwanza and for most visitors that is
The iconic Nyerere Square Mchiriku | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-3.0
In a region prone to droughts, the lush urban park of Nyerere Square in the centre of Dodoma stands out. That it has since 2019 been providing residents with a beautiful, nature-filled meeting place is thanks to its ingenious method of sustaining water supply. Engineers installed a grey water system that would irrigate the new garden while repurposing water that would normally be discarded. The hope is that as Tanzania’s newest and fastest-growing city, Dodoma will pioneer more eco-friendly practices for sustainable development.
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ZANZIBAR SUBMARINE
WE ALL DIVE IN A YELLOW SUBMARINE Zanzibar has a brand new family-friendly reef exploring experience in the form of a semi-submarine that launches from Stone Town
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Exploring the rich undersea world of the coral reefs of Zanzibar is one of the most popular pursuits for visitors to the archipelago. But diving or snorkelling is not for everyone: it can be impractical for families with young children, those that are not strong swimmers or shoppers in Stone Town who find themselves rather overdressed for a dip. However, a new venture is offering a splash-free reef tour from the comfort of a submarine. Zanzibar Submarine Tours will begin offering daily trips from Stone Town harbour from July. The company’s bright yellow semi-submarines have a seated viewing chamber 1.80 metres below the water surface to give passengers a diver’s view of the Indian Ocean coral reefs. A full HD screen provides information on the marine life you’ll see through the glass. The tours leave Stone Town every hour and explore the beautiful corals surrounding Bawe Island, which is around 7km from shore and home to the second largest barrier reef in Zanzibar. Longer tours will also allow time for a beach picnic on a nearby sandbank. For more information, visit zanzibar-submarine.com
…explore the beautiful corals surrounding Bawe Island, home to the second largest barrier reef in Zanzibar
Choose your tour The ‘Classic Reef’ Tour A 90-minute round trip to Bawe Island with welcome drink. The ‘Royal Beach’ Tour This three-hour trip begins with the trip to Bawe Island, but guests are then transferred by a private tender for a Zanzibarstyle brunch, sunbathing, and swimming. The ‘Sunset and Moon’ Tour One for the romantics. Beginning in the late afternoon, this two-hour trip takes guests on a harbour cruise and a chance to take in the sunset (with a complimentary sundowner, obvs) from the semi-submarine's deck. As darkness falls, the vessel's LED lights illuminate the sea bottom for an unforgettable night-time journey. ‘VIP’ Tour Want the submarine just for yourself and friends or a significant other? Well, the craft is available to hire out for private tailor-made tours
On-board with Zanzibar Submarine Tours
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Dar es Salaam Restaurants
The five hottest restaurants in Dar es Salaam right now Tanzania’s commercial capital is a gastronome’s paradise. From beachside barbecues to sushi standouts, Flightlink picks some of its current favourites. 305 Karafuu
Seoul Garden
Levant
If ever a restaurant typified the individualism and innovation of Dar es Salaam, it is this hugely popular Oyster Bay diner. Hard to believe when you take a look at the plush surroundings of the inside and outside dining areas, but this building was once the owner’s garage. The spectacular renovation and some quality cuisine – whisper it, but 305 Karafuu may serve the best-tasting steaks in the city – have made the restaurant hugely popular with expats and locals. 305 Karafuu is a lively place throughout the week, but Friday evenings with live music and a party vibe are a hot ticket. Reserving a table is essential.
Korean cuisine comes to Dar with this sleek, modern restaurant in Masaki. Dining here is an authentic, entertaining and delicious experience. Try the shabu shabu combo – a traditional three-course delight that starts with a mixed vegetable plate and your choice of meat, followed by udon noodles and completed with a rice porridge made with the leftover broth which is packed with flavour from the veggies, meat and udon. Part of the unique dining experience is that this dish is created at your table as is the Korean barbecue in which meat, seafood or vegetables are cooked right in front of your eyes on a flat stone grill. Add in some side dishes such as Korean dumplings or seafood pancakes and you’ve got yourself a feast.
This stylish restaurant, bakery and coffee bar is a sheltered oasis amid the busy commercial strip of Haile Selassie Road in Oyster Bay. Diners can soak up the tranquillity in the garden – with tables set among tropical foliage and bubbling water fountains – or head for the airy terrace and grand indoor dining area. The food here is so lovingly prepared and attractive on the plate it seems a shame to eat it, but dishes taste as good as they look so tuck into treats such as lobster thermidor – with a whole lobster tossed in creamy mushroom sauce with cheese and baked to perfection – or the hearty steak with two fried eggs, served with toast, fresh vegetables, baked beans and fried potato cubes. Buffets and brunches here are also a must where you can select from an array of carefully crafted dishes.
305 Karafuu
Socials: seoul-garden-dar on Instagram
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Socials: @levanttz on Instagram
@levanttz
Socials: 305karafuu on Instagram
Fork Ur Munchies
Wavuvi Kempu
Belinda Mkony’s travelling kitchen, Fork Ur Munchies, is a staple at some of Dar’s hottest parties and events, but she now has a permanent home at the Serene Beach Resort in the city’s lush Mbezi Beach neighbourhood. Set up on the sand, this barbecue joint specialises in mishkaki skewers, which are not only delicious but also easy to carry around and indulge in while enjoying beach time with friends and family. Belinda is renowned for infusing her dishes with lip-smacking flavours and here you’ll find balsamic beef fillet slathered in chimichurri, coconut honey lime chicken with hoisin sauce and grilled king prawns with a sweet ukwaju glaze on the tempting menu. For a long, lazy barbecue brunch, this is the place.
Coco Beach has undergone a makeover of late with a string of high-end beachside bars and nightclubs turning its once rather grubby charms into one of Dar’s prime party spots. A leading light of this new look is Wavuvi Kempu, which has built a reputation for its beach parties and quality food. The dining and dancing combination is no surprise as the venue was set up by the Tanzanian team behind the restaurant/club hybrid Samaki Samaki chain. Brunches and barbecue – often accompanied with some bubbly – are popular with the city’s cool crowd, but whatever time you are dining, a party here is never far away here. Socials: @wavuvi_kempu on Instagram
Socials: fork.ur.munchies on Instagram
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Competition
Win with Zebra Stripes
Win a night’s stay at Amans Kilimanjaro Villa A home-from-home on your Moshi adventure Imagine coming back to this oasis of tranquillity and bespoke luxury after your hiking or safari adventures in Kilimanjaro. The four-room Amans Kilimanjaro Villa is nestled in a quiet suburb on the edge of Moshi with Africa’s highest peak looming in the distance. Guests are treated to a home-from-home with all rooms gallery-worthy spaces filled with art and statement decorative pieces. There is a large kitchen where wondrous food prepared for guests by the villa’s owner using fresh ingredients picked from the organic garden here. Meals can be taken on the cool colonnaded verandah that opens through an arch of bougainvillea into lush gardens and the villa’s private swimming pool. Sounds amazing, right? Well, as a Zebra Stripes reader you have the chance to enjoy this private paradise by entering this issue’s competition. The lucky winner will get a night’s stay and evening meal for themselves and a guest of their choice. To be in with a chance of winning this wonderful prize, email your answer to the questions below with a photo of yourself holding Zebra Stripes issue 1 on your Flightlink flight to competition@landmarine.com by the closing date of April 12. Bahati njema! (Good luck!)
Q: What is the fastest speed a zebra can run at? Competition terms and conditions: Prizes dependent on availability. One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The prize does not include flights. The winner must arrange their own travel to and from Moshi. The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Flightlink or Land & Marine Publications Ltd and Amans Kilimanjaro Villa The prize does not include flights to the destination. Images are for representation only. Images courtesy of Ally Mwasi
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BEACH FOOTBALL
SUN, SEA, SAND…AND SOCCER
Dar es Salaam is the home of beach soccer in Tanzania. The Beach Soccer Super League is now established with 16 local clubs playing their matches at Oyster Bay’s Coco Beach.
Players in action on the sands of Coco Beach
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C
oco Beach is party central in Dar es Salaam, but it is not just the booming sound systems of the phalanx of beach bars that kick up the sand around here, there is also the daily ritual of beach soccer. Every evening crowds gather around football pitches marked in the sand that pay host to games in the Beach Soccer Super League. Set up by the Tanzanian Football Federation in 2019, the amateur league contains 16 teams – all based in Dar es Salaam. Aaron Nyanda, the Beach Soccer Officer at TFF, says the league has spurred a growing interest in the sport among
Tanzanians. The country now has its own national beach soccer team, and this December will see the Copa Dar international competition take place in the city with countries from across Africa taking part. “We are finding that there is a lot of interest in learning and playing the game,” he says. “TFF is taking measures to develop the sport.” There is a rich precedent for international football success grounded in a beach football culture. The reason Brazil has won more World Cup trophies that any other country is often attributed to its players’ beach football beginnings and the star-filled squad of Senegal, one of the leading football nations in Africa, is full of players who spent their days playing on the Atlantic Ocean coast until the tide washed away their pitches. Nyanda is hoping beach soccer here will help raise Tanzania’s international footballing profile and says the national side has already competed in tournaments abroad on numerous occasions. “We competed in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) in Egypt in 2019 and Senegal in 2021,” he says. “We also took part in the Cosafa competition in Durban in 2021 and 2022 and the Africa Beach Games hosted by Tunisia in 2022.” Fans can see the Beach Soccer Super League teams in action
from 2pm to 6pm at Coco Beach and Nyanda says there are opportunities for aspiring players to try out for the teams before each season starts. The games run parallel to the Tanzanian Football League with the first matches starting in September and fixtures continuing until June, however Nyanda points out that there are some important differences between the two formats beyond switching grass for sand. “The rules of beach soccer differ from the standard game,” he says. “For example, a beach soccer match is 36 minutes long, consisting of three periods of 12 minutes each, with a three-minute break in each period. Each team has only five players on the pitch at one time, including the goalkeeper.” Beach soccer fills those 36 minutes with high-paced action. Tiki taka possession football does not work here with the sand precluding passing as an option. Instead, players tend to keep the ball in the air and spectacular tricks such as rainbows, over-head kicks and volleys become the norm. Add in that beach soccer is played out on a smaller pitch meaning you can shoot from anywhere – even goalkeepers can get involved – so you get goals galore. Sounds exciting, right? Get yourself down to Coco Beach and check out this all-action version of the beautiful game.
Why you should play beach soccer Sand is safe Ever wondered why there are so few overhead kicks in association football? Well, landing on hard grass hurts! However, with soft sand to cushion your fall you can attempt the most acrobatic of shots and skills. Sand strengthens muscles Many professional soccer players who are coming back from an injury play in the sand in order to strengthen their muscles. Beach soccer helps your joints and articulations, which is why it is so good for recovery. Goal-scoring opportunities are everywhere A beach soccer pitch is only 36.5 metres long and 27.5 metres wide so shots on goal come thick and fast. It results in exciting, high-scoring games. It improves your first touch In beach soccer the ball will come at higher speeds from different areas of the pitch, leaving players little room for error. Therefore, your first touch is crucial. This comes with practice so play more! Train your timing Beach soccer is dynamic, fastpaced sport so you must take your opportunities when they come. It is an excellent environment for aspiring soccer player to develop their timing when it comes to offensive play.
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PEMBA
Your getaway to the ‘Green Island’
WHY YOU SHOULD PICK PEMBA
The charms of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, are now an open secret and major investment has arrived along with the crowds of tourists. It means there’s no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts by the beaches, but what if you still want that remote island getaway? Well, Flightlink is one of the few airlines to also fly to Unguja’s verdant, unspoilt neighbour. Here's a few reasons why you should head for pristine Pemba. 28 | Zebra Stripes inflight magazine
Beaches The sandy beaches on Pemba are as remote and crowd-free as they are beautiful. Getting to them is an adventure in itself and all the more rewarding as a result. The island is ringed with dense mangrove forest that has to be navigated to reach the beaches. Boat trips run throughout the day to access the island’s hidden beaches and secret coves. Head to Vumawimbi Beach, cloistered amid the spectacular coastal forest of the Kigomasha Peninsula on the island’s east coast, and you will likely find you have this spectacular sickle-shaped stretch of sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters to yourself. With most of the island’s hotels on the opposite coast, the beach is the ideal isolated spot for a picnic to remember. Just another boat ride away is Misali Island, which is part of the fiercely protected Pemba Channel Conservation Area along Pemba’s west coast. Pay the admission fee and you’ll find some of the best diving in East Africa with pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life easily reached from the beach. Inland from the beaches are caves thought to be inhabited by the spirits of the islanders’ ancestors.
Nature Pemba translates from Arabic as ‘Green Island’ and it is a haven of lush, fertile landscapes that roll from forested hills to verdant valleys all
carpeted with plantations of cloves and a variety of fruits such as coconut and mango. You’ll smell the heady aroma of cloves across the island, especially during the harvesting months of September, October and November when the picked flower buds are left to dry in the sun – a process that releases their sweet, heady aroma to infuse the island’s hot breezes. Pemba is also home to diverse wildlife, including some iconic species endemic to the island. The Ngozi Forest reserve is home to noisy populations of red colobus and vervet monkeys who swing from vines in the dense double canopy cover of the woodland here. Another forest resident is the Pemba scops owl, which is a highly sought after find for birding enthusiasts. If you want to see the similarly endemic Pemba flying fox, the Kidike Sanctuary has around 4,000 of them soaring above the treetops.
The Ras Kigomasha lighthouse
shy and skittish Pemba blue duiker (a small antelope) as it ventures from the dense forest cover to graze.
Culture Like its larger island neighbour, Pemba was a target for Arab traders going back centuries. The vestiges of this time have a ghostly romance about them with ancient ruins peppering the island and having become entwined with the growing forest vegetation.
On the ground, you may be lucky enough to spot the
(Left) A colobus monkey and (below) a coconut crab
One of the earliest sites is the Ras Mkumbu Ruins, which dates to the 14th Century. Located south of the island’s capital, Chake Chake, the site includes the remains of tombs, houses and a mosque that was for some time the largest structure of its type in sub-Saharan Africa.
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PEMBA
With visibility here often reaching 20 metres and beyond you’ll have an amazing view of underwater sights
Pemba is ringed with coral reefs teeming with marine life
As a primer for a visit to the ruins as well as a useful overview of the cultural history of the island, head to the Pemba Museum in Chake Chake. Located in an 18th century Omani fort, which was itself built on the remains of a 16th century Portuguese garrison, it houses a comprehensive set of exhibits revealing Pemba’s storied past. You can also soak up the island culture first hand with visits to Pemba’s rural communities.
Diving Whether you want to safely snorkel over coral reefs just a few strokes from shore or strap on the scuba gear to plunge the depths of the Indian Ocean, Pemba has got you covered. Go just beyond the coral reefs that ringfence the island and you are suddenly in the 2,000-metredeep waters of the Pemba
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Channel that is an aquatic magnet for marine life such as turtles, game fish, seahorses, reef sharks, cuttlefish and Napoleon wrasse. With visibility here often reaching 20 metres and beyond you’ll have an amazing view of underwater sights such as coral-gardens, wrecks, underwater mountains and long plunging walls. August and September are the best months for diving and snorkelling with water clarity at its peak.
Accommodation Unlike the necklace of modern luxury hotels and resort that dominate Unguja’s coastline, Pemba’s nascent hospitality sector does all it can to blend in with the island’s dense vegetation.
Colourful marine life: The Red Knob Sea Star
As a case in point, the exclusive Fundu Lagoon hotel is entwined among a mangrove-fringed beach on Pemba’s south-western shore and can only be reached by boat. The barefoot beach luxury vibe is channelled by its Makuti-thatched suites footsteps from the ocean and the range of just-caught seafood that dominates the menu of its excellent restaurant. fundulagoon.com If you want to be assured of some deep sleep on this most tranquil of islands, you could opt for the underwater villa at the Manta Resort on the island’s north-western coast. The three-level floating suite has a top deck for sunbathing and taking in the cathedral of stars visible here at night, while the underwater glass suite allows guests to drift off to sleep while watching shoals of reef fish swim by. themantaresort.com
ZANZIBAR
ZANZIBAR FOR DIGITAL NOMADS Being a digital nomad is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Rather than being tied to your desk to be productive, you can see the world – and who wouldn’t want Zanzibar as their remote office? With nomad visas under discussion, island-wide mobile internet and a new tech hub attracting some of the world’s best start-ups, no wonder the island paradise is firmly on the radar of perpetual travellers.
Internet coverage Internet access in Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, has improved markedly in recent years. Mobile internet access is available island-wide with telecom company Tigo Tanzania having recently launched 5G coverage for its customers. There are other operators to choose from. For each you’ll need a prepaid SIM card that you can pick up at the airport,
kiosk or street-side mobile store ( just look for operator’s branded umbrella). You will need your passport for a SIM card purchase from any network. Prices start from as low as US$ 0.4 (1,000 TZS) and you’ll get a bundle of minutes, messages and some internet data. Zantel has three monthly packages: 10GB for 10,000 TZS (US$ 4.3), 20GB for 20,000 TZS (US$ 8.6), and 30GB for 30,000 TZS (US$ 12.9).
Buy a prepaid SIM card to access Zanzibar's mobile internet
Wi-fi coverage is also now more widespread thanks to a recent partnership between UK blockchain network operator World Mobile and the Zanzibar eGovernment Agency that launched free metered wi-fi hotspots at local government offices, bus stops, the airport, ports, fish markets, municipal offices, municipal or state housing estates, hospitals and clinics on Unguja. The collaboration
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ZANZIBAR
also provided tethered balloon-based wi-fi in more remote parts of the island. Hotels and restaurants also provide some of the best wi-fi connections along with internet cafes. Here is our guide to some of the best neighbourhoods to work from as a digital nomad in Zanzibar.
Stone Town The cultural and commercial heart of Zanzibar. Bask in the business of the historic city with its vibrant food scene, enchanting night life and coastal location filling your days with work, rest and play. Best internet cafes: Zanzibar Coffee House Café Located in an authentic Arab house in the heart of Stone Town, this cool café not only offers fresh local coffee from the owner’s plantation in the Southern Highlands, it also has great wireless internet. Stone Town Café and Bed and Breakfast This Stone Town meeting place is a hub with expats and locals and a great place to work while enjoying the free wi-fi. Puzzle Coffee Shop They take their coffee seriously at this cool and cosy café. It roasts its own beans and offers all manner of brewing processes to ensure the perfect cuppa. Co-working spaces: The Trains House Located in a renovated former
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railway station, this co-working place – the first of its kind in Zanzibar – provides an oasis of calm and focus amid the bustle of Stone Town. It has good internet connection, a separate room for calls, office equipment, and free water, tea, and coffee. You can choose from different plans and options to suit your needs and budget. The day pass costs US$ 12 (27,700 TZS), a week pass costs US$ 50 (115,620 TZS) and a monthly pass costs US$ 180 (416,250 TZS). All prices are for open plan seating.
Paje This laidback resort on the island’s southeast coast attracts kitesurfers from all over the world for its onshore winds and the aquatic playground of its lagoon. It offers an engaging mix of beach parties and simple village life. Best internet cafes: Mr Kahawa After catching the best daybreak kitesurfing conditions in Paje, digital nomads can start their working day at this beachside café that serves great breakfast and lunches.
Nungwi Nungwi, on the northern end of the island, features some of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches with powder-fine, oyster-white sands and tranquil turquoise waters. A phalanx of beach bars and nightclubs line ensure life is never dull here, but the fishing village provides insights into traditional
Part of the attraction of being a digital nomad is the freedom that it entails customs such as dhow building and is the launch place to some wonderful diving adventures. Best internet cafes: Coco Cabana A beautiful beach bungalow that offers free high-speed internet to customers. The sunsets here are something else.
Obladatel / Shutterstock.com
in Tanzania and Zanzibar Helpline’, where you can connect with others and ask for recommendations. You’ll find offers of accommodation in English on groups such as ‘Zanzibar housing’, ‘Zanzibar Visitors’, ‘Zanzibar properties’ and ‘Zanzibar information’. You can also contact a real estate agent, many of whom speak English.
Find a place to stay in Zanzibar Part of the attraction of being a digital nomad is the freedom that it entails, but it does mean that everything is left to you – including some awkward and often challenging tasks such as finding a place to stay. To see what is available to rent it is wise to start researching the market online. There are expat groups on Facebook such as ‘Zanzibar | Expats & Locals, ‘Female Expats and Locals in Zanzibar’ for women and ‘Expats, residents and tourists
Stone Town is the cultural and commercial heart of Zanzibar
Other websites worth a look include longtermlettings.com, zoomtanzania.com or sublet. com – where you can find rentals from one day, a week or a month. It is wise to book hotel or lodge accommodation before you arrive – you may run into trouble at Zanzibar Customs if you don’t – and then set about finding a longer-term stay by asking around once you’re here. Word-of-mouth is a powerful source of information! Prices start from around US$ 500 to 700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and US$ 700-1,000 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment. For that, you’ll usually get something within walking distance of a beach. Prices for beach-side apartments and villas start from US$ 2,000.
The usual long-term rental period is six months. Some landlords will ask for a two- or three- month deposit so you will have to factor in that expense as well. Another cost to consider are utility bills which may (but not must) consist of hot water, internet, electricity, and can amount to US$ 50 to US$140 per month. All the details should be included in the contract: personal data of a landlord and a tenant, duration of rent, the monthly pay, payment deadlines and method, cost of utilities, maintenance of the property and its cost (this should be a landlord’s responsibility), furniture and appliances and their state, a deposit, termination of the contract, and a form of return of the deposit. If you own a pet or consider having one, confirm with the landlord that you are allowed to bring it to the apartment and ensure it is covered in the contract. When it comes to payment avoid cash and request a wire transfer so there is an electronic trail for the transaction. Do not pay any fees upfront if you have not seen the apartment first. Try to avoid offers where someone is subletting their place, even for a short time, otherwise you can be evicted.
Research places to stay online
If you know you are going to share an apartment with other flatmates, it is smart to meet them before you sign anything to ensure they are people you could get along with. You can use the meeting to also talk about the landlord, your co-living conditions, the flat itself and any other concerns you may have.
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ZANZIBAR
Budget accommodation Websites hotelscombined.com or hostelworld.com have a good choice of guesthouses, hotels, hostels, and private houses run by Zanzibaris. If your budget is really tight, it is worth bearing in mind that according to couchsurfing.com – a website that lists locals willing to share their homes with travellers –there are approximately 1,200 hosts in Zanzibar City willing to offer accommodation free of charge. This may be a temporary solution for solo newbies in town who would like to get to know some locals at the beginning of their adventure.
Visas Foreign visitors need a visa to gain entry to Zanzibar, which
will allow them a stay of up to 90 days. There are talks ongoing about introducing a digital nomad visa that will allow longer stays for remote workers. Right now, there is also the option of applying for permanent residency, which also brings access to benefits such as healthcare and social security.
Building a career in Zanzibar A stay here as a digital nomad, may lead to career development opportunities. The island is home to a thriving tech community so you can network with other digital nomads and find new work pathways.
There are a range of accommodation options on the island
Cost of living in Zanzibar A breakdown of your likely expenses as a digital nomad:
The world is your office as a digital nomad
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant US$ 5.31 Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) US$ 2.15 Cappuccino (regular)
US$ 1.99
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) US$ 0.64 Water (1.5 litre bottle) US$ 0.48 One-way Ticket (Local Transport) US$ 0.17 Basic Utilities (Monthly)
US$ 86.81
Internet
US$ 57.30
Fitness Club (Monthly)
US$ 27.93
Apartment (one bedroom) in city centre US$ 573.90 Figures courtesy of Digital Nomad World
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AFRICA INNOVATORS
TRANSFORMING AFRICA WITH HOME-GROWN SOLUTIONS A Tanzanian doctor is among the 16 innovators shortlisted for this year’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
F
abrics made from fungi grown on human waste, chicken farming tech, recycled plastic roof tiles and an app-based waste management service are just some of the innovations in the running to win the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Also featured are innovations aimed at healthier methods of cooking, including low-smoke briquettes made from biowaste, a solar-induction oven and hob, and a biodigester that uses organic waste to generate gas. Clean energy solutions include a large-scale power pack made from repurposed electric vehicle batteries, a solar dryer to enhance small fish farming and converted electric motorbikes with replaceable batteries. Of the 16 shortlisted innovators, 11 come from East African countries with Kenya providing six of
them. Now the shortlist has been announced, an eight-month period of tailored training and mentoring follows, culminating in a showcase event in which a winner is selected to receive US$ 31,500 along with three runners-up, who are each awarded US$ 12,600. One shortlisted innovator with receive a ‘The One to Watch’ award of US$ 6,300 for the most impactful pitch.
Solar-powered dryer The prize – now in its 10th year – is Africa’s largest engineering innovation award. It is dedicated to developing innovators on the continent and helping them to maximise their impact while demonstrating the importance of engineering as an enabler of improved quality of life and economic development. Tanzania is represented in the competition by Dr Evodius
Rutta, who has devised a low-cost solar-powered dryer developed to help small-scale fish processors and farmers in off-grid locations by enhancing food safety and hygiene for perishable food products. Dr Rutta, who holds a PhD from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, developed the dryer at Mavunolab, the innovation centre he set up in Morogoro. Here he heads a team of young graduates working on low-cost and affordable technologies, products and services to mitigate post-harvest food losses in Tanzania. The four finalists will be chosen from the shortlist to present their innovations and business plans to judges at the Africa Prize final in Nairobi in June 2024. In attendance will be an audience including some 80 Africa Prize alumni from the last ten years.
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AFRICA INNOVATORS
Shortlisted innovators from East Africa
Early Crop Pest and Disease Detection Device, Kenya A solar-powered tool using AI- and machine learning-enabled cameras to detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases early.
ESTHER KIMANI
Eco Tiles, Kenya An environmentally friendly roofing material made from recycled plastic.
KEVIN MAINA
Kiri EV, Kenya An end-to-end affordable and clean energy mobility provider, from electric motorcycles, scooters and tuk tuks to battery-charging infrastructure across Kenya.
CHRISTOPHER MAARA
Knock Knock, Kenya A domestic alert system for the deaf and hard of hearing, using a highly sensitive vibration sensor to detect physical knocks on a door and transmit this information to smartphones via Bluetooth.
ESTHER MUENI
Kuza Freezer, Kenya A durable low-cost solar-powered fridge freezer made from recycled plastic waste.
PURITY GAKUO
CHARLES ODUK
Beba-Beggie, Kenya An IoT automated locker technology offering affordable, accessible, secure and convenient short-term storage.
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MakSol Cooker, Uganda A low-cost, solar-powered induction oven and hob designed for safe, zero-emissions indoor cooking by people in offgrid communities.
PAUL SODDO
Mavunolab Solar Dryer, Tanzania A low-cost solar-powered dryer developed to help small-scale fish processors and farmers in off-grid locations by enhancing food safety and hygiene for perishable food products.
DR EVODIUS RUTTA
Microfuse Stick Computer, Uganda A compact and affordable device that plugs in to any screen, projector or monitor to transform it into a Wi-Fi-connected computer, increasing computer access and digital inclusivity.
IVAN KARUGABA
Second-Life Batteries, Rwanda A solution that repurposes retired electric vehicle batteries to be assembled as a back-up power supply for telecom towers and mini electricity grids.
LÉANDRE BERWA
Yo-Waste, Uganda A location-based mobile application that connects homes and businesses to independent agents for an efficient on-demand rubbish collection and disposal service.
MARTIN TUMUSIIME
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Technology Reviews
Turn on, zone out: the best calm tech Technology is often blamed for overstimulating us into a stressed and anxious state, but it is now also one of the most popular ways of relaxing. Whether you want to fall asleep faster or master some meditation, here are some gadgets to help. Philips Somneo Light Getting into a habit of waking up in synch with the breaking day is a great way to reset your circadian rhythm and optimise your body’s daily sleep, activity and eating schedule. You could always do away with your curtains, but this will have you out of bed before five as the sun streams in and will bring an intimacy with your neighbours that neither of you want. The alternative? Use this bedside sunlight simulator. Set the time you want wake up and once it is reached the Somneo will begin to bathe your room in natural light. Colour shades gradually grow from soft orange to brighter white, gently telling your body it’s time to rise and shine. To maximise the ambient awakening, you can also select a natural sound – options include spa-style music, to nature sounds and even Tibetan singing bowls – to ease you from your slumber. Connect to the SleepMapper app and you’ll find environment data from the Somneo’s integrated sensor, which keeps tabs on factors such as temperature and humidity to assess whether they are impacting a good night’s sleep. Price: US$ 232 Where to buy: philips.co.uk Image: www.philips.com
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Moodo Air
Sensate 2
Fragrances can have a powerful effect on altering our mood – for better or worse. Waking up to the sickly stench of last night’s takeaway is likely to make you feel like seizing your stomach rather than the day, but a room that resounds with a zesty citrus scent is sure to get you going. The Moodo Air is both a smart aroma diffuser and an air purifier so it should ensure your home’s scent inspires.
Stress activates our primal instincts. While for early man this was life-saving – I think we can all see the merit of the brain impulse: ‘see sabretoothed tiger, hide’ – today that primitive alarm gets triggered by hundreds of innocuous irritants from traffic jams to work disagreements. Harmless on their own, these can build up to leave us feeling overpowered. What we need are some positive vibes to calm our caveman minds. Step forward The Sensate 2, an avocado-shaped vibrating stress relief device that creates a comforting hub that its website claims activates the body’s vagus nerve to calms our anxiety.
Scents come in a pack of four recyclable pods and you can load up the diffuser with all of them then tweak the scent to get the most fragrant fusion for you. Too heavy on the lavender, needs more citrus? Use the partner app to adjust the potency of each capsule – or add the Air to your smart home setup and have Alexa create a sweet-smelling mixture for you. Pods come in complementary families of scents – such as aromatherapy or spice bouquet – and through the app you can programme the diffusions timings, so your home gets a sweet smelling boost when it needs it. While many diffusers just mask offending smells – when that takeaway just won’t go away – the Moodo’s integrated three-layer filter actively purifies the air as it scents it.
Place the Sensate 2 on your chest and these low-frequency emissions should reduce stress, promote calm and get you in a productive flow state while you lie back and relax. The accompanying app allows you to adjust the intensity of the vibrations. Price: US$ 366 Where to buy: getsensate.com Image: www.getsensate.com
Price: US$ 120 (plus one free capsule pack – sold separately at US$36) Where to buy: uk.moodo.co Image: MoodoAIR Ltd
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Technology Reviews
Eight Sleep Pod 3
Dodow
Your body heat naturally drops in the evening to prepare itself for sleep. Around 16ºC to 18ºC is the sweet spot. However, Tanzania’s weather can play havoc with that. Sweltering evenings on the coast or chilly nights in the highlands can impact plans for a restful night. However, slip on the Eight Sleep Pod 3 to your mattress like a fitted sheet and you’ll be able to heat or cool the bed to the required temperature (with the option for different settings for either side of the bed if you and your partner run at different temperatures). The mattress also tracks your sleep without a wearable, measuring sleep stages, sleep time and heart rate. When it is time to wake up, the pod will start to quietly vibrate and warm the bed to rouse you in comfort. Each sleeper can view all their data on the accompanying app from their own phone.
Technology can be seen as both culprit and solution when it comes to sleep problems. Roundthe-clock screentime means our minds are continuously becoming overstimulated, but wouldn’t you know it, there are gadgets to help. Sleep aid Dodow was designed by insomniacs – you have to wonder whether obsessing over the creation of something like this might be what’s keeping them awake – and comes with the claim that it can help you fall asleep in just eight minutes.
Price: US$ 2,690 Where to buy: eightsleep.com Image: www.eightsleep.com
Place the small LED device on your bedside table and it projects a ring of blue light on to the ceiling that shrinks and expands. The effect is quite hypnotic. The science has it that breathing in when the light expands and out when it contracts slows the metabolism and the secretion of neurotransmitters. Basically, breathe in and chill out. You can set the length of the sessions to either eight or 20 minutes in length. Either way, Dodow will turn itself off once the time is up. Hopefully, by then you’ll be sleeping soundly. Price: US$ 60 Where to buy: mydodow.com Image: www.mydodow.com
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Earn your stripes Flightlink competition
Take on our challenging quiz We know Flightlink customers are smart – after all, you chose to fly with us – but just how smart? Well, here’s the test: 10 questions to occupy your minds while you fly. If you know them all, that’s impressive, but don’t despair if you don’t because you’ll find all the answers within the stories of this issue of Zebra Stripes. Once you’ve got your 10 answers, email them to competitions@landmarine.com along with a picture of yourself on your flight and a few words on your Flightlink experience and you may find yourself in the next issue of Zebra Stripes (we’ll contact you ahead of time so you don’t miss out on your moment of fame).
Here are the questions!
1 2 3
Many of the ancient rock paintings in the Kondoa caves, north of Dodoma, were created using what redcoloured natural material? Where do the Dar es Salaam beach football league games take place? What is the name of the river that passes through the Serengeti and Masai Mara and is the scene of spectacular wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration?
4 5 6 7
What is the nickname of the verdant Pemba Island?
8
How many people have been shortlisted for this year’s Africa Prize for Engineering? Innovation?
9
What is the name of the new tech hub that was launched in Zanzibar this year? The Arusha National History Museum contains excavations from a Tanzanian site known as the ’Cradle of Mankind’. What is its real name?
Which of Zanzibar’s islands does Zanzibar Submarine Tours visit on its ‘Royal Tour’? Zanzibar Submarine Tours launch underwater trips from the harbour of which historic town on the island?
10
A dry red wine grown in Dodoma is named after an administrative ward in the Dodoma Urban district? Can you name it?
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ARUSHA
24 HOURS IN ARUSHA…
Morning You have a busy day ahead so smart to start with a hearty breakfast. Kitamu Café is a cosy Tanzanian-run establishment in Goliondoi Street in the heart of the city. The menu is packed with fresh healthy dishes such as chicken and avocado wraps – the chefs are very generous with the succulent avocados, sourced from the nearby Mount Meru highlands – as well as delicious home-roasted coffee straight from the Kilimanjaro foothills. The very reasonable prices, friendly staff and free wi-fi make for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t get too comfortable, though, we have much to do. From Kitamu, take the five-minute walk to the Arusha National History Museum. Housed inside what was an old German military outpost, the compound has three separate buildings that are open to the public. Make sure you take in the wing dedicated to human evolution. Excavations from the
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Afternoon
nearby Olduvai Gorge, available to see here, have led the way on our understanding of man’s origins. Elsewhere there are displays on insects detailing some of the diseases they cause, the history of Arusha during the German colonial era, and wildlife photos and mounts. In the museum’s outdoor grounds there is a botanical garden, a mini serpentarium and an arts gallery. Now you know more about the evolution of this city and its people, work your way to the famous Arusha Maasai Market. Located just beneath the huge clock in the center of the town, this most significant tourist attraction is the best place to wrap up your morning. Once you are here, you will get the luxury of seeing the most affordable hand-crafted ornaments such as wooden animals, humans, and buildings sculptures, beaded necklaces, batik wall hangings, soapstone carvings, colourful sisal bags, Kikois, khangas, vitenges and much more. Stock up on souvenirs here.
Just a short walk from the Clock Tower, but a world away from the traffic and noise of the city centre is George’s Tavern. Sheltered amid a canopy of trees and bushes this very quiet and calm setting is the best place to have lunch while you prepare for your next set of activities. The ambiance is suggestive of a classic Greek taverna with wooden tables and checked blue and white table cloths. The menu is extensive and covers both Greek and Italian cuisine, with a good selection of starters, main courses,
The clock tower in Arusha city Sergey-73 / Shutterstock.com
Sergey-73 / Shutterstock.com
As the gateway to some of Tanzania’s most famous attractions, such as Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha gets a stack of visitors, but not many stick around to check out the charms of the city itself. Here Faysal Alao, CEO and founder of Arusha tour company Allday in Africa, reveals some of his favourite haunts in his hometown and puts together the itinerary for a perfect day.
pizzas, and desserts. With big portions, friendly and enchanting employees and affordable prices, this restaurant makes you feel instantly at home.
canoe ride on the lake and watch a beautiful sunset fall over the city.
After enjoying a heartwarming experience of the city, it is now time to venture a bit further out. Lake Duluti, which is just a 20-minute drive away from the bustle of central Arusha, is the best place to spend the latter part of your afternoon. This volcanic crater lake is surrounded by a forest reserve that is home to very rare types of trees, many reptiles, water birds and also offers breath-taking views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you are here you can enjoy a nature walk in the forest reserve, take a
Lake Duluti also provides an excellent option for an evening meal. Roadside barbecues are known around here as ‘chicken on the bonnet’ and one of the best practitioners is Khan’s Barbecue, just moments from the lake. Here you can get mouth-watering tandoori chicken, beef skewers, mutton kebab and Zanzibar pizzas along with a variety of side dishes, including salads, grilled naan bread and French fries. The delicious food at Khan’s is no secret so be prepared to wait, but it is most definitely worth it.
Evening
Work your way to the famous Arusha Maasai Market. Located just beneath the huge clock in the centre of the town On the drive back to central Arusha, stop off at the Cocoriko Club and Lounge to round off your evening. Here you can sing your night away with a karaoke session, catch a live band or a set by some of Arusha’s best DJs. This is where Arusha come to party and with smartly dressed waiters, sublime service and top-notch drinks this place is designed to make you end your 24 hours in Arusha like a proper local.
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Our destinations The Flightlink network
Our growing network includes six Tanzanian destinations and is now international with the recent additions of Mombasa and Nairobi (planned) in Kenya. Here’s a brief guide to each to help you plan your next trip with Flightlink. Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam (meaning ‘city of peace’ in Arabic) is Tanzania’s largest city and its commercial capital. Located on the Indian Ocean, Dar is the third fastest growing city in Africa and home to a thriving arts, music and food culture.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago of more than 47 islands off the east coast of Tanzania. Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island) ‚ Pemba and Mafia are the main islands and attract visitors from all over the world. The islands are known for their rich history, spectacular beaches and diverse marine life. Zanzibar Island is just a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam and is famous for its historic port Stone Town, which is home to a cosmopolitan community shaped by centuries of trade with the Middle East, Europe and Africa,
Arusha
Arusha in northern Tanzania is the gateway to the world-famous national parks of the ‘Northern Safari Circuit’. It is also the place from where hikers set off to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. Getting to the top of ‘Kili’, as Africa’s highest peak is affectionately called, is a bucket-list experience for
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climbers the world over. With close to 760,000 inhabitants‚ Arusha region is one of the most developed in Tanzania‚ not only due to its tourism infrastructure‚ its business community‚ but also because the city serves as home to the diplomatically important East African Community.
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's commercial capital Kehinde Temitope Odutayo / Shutterstock.com
Seronera (Serengeti) One of Africa’s seven natural wonders, the Serengeti National Park covers an area of over 30,000 sq km and boasts massive wildlife populations, including the Big Five. It is best known for its Great Migration in which herds of more two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope and their predators/dependents move from the Ngorongoro region in the south east‚ westwards into the Serengeti and then north over the border into the Masai Mara and back again in a cyclical search for green pastures to feed on.
Pemba
Pemba‚ often referred to as ‘The Green Island’, is part of the Zanzibar archipelago‚ and is renowned for its lush‚ tropical landscapes‚ including dense forests‚ spice plantations‚ and pristine beaches. The island offers a quieter‚ more
authentic experience compared to its larger, more developed Zanzibar Island. Visitors can explore historic ruins‚ vibrant markets‚ and traditional Swahili culture. Pemba is famous for its thriving spice trade‚ particularly cloves. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts are drawn to the crystal-clear waters surrounding Pemba‚ which host a diverse marine ecosystem‚ including coral reefs.
Dodoma
The 'green island' of Pemba is renowned for its pristine beaches
Dodoma has been Tanzania’s political capital since 1996 and is located in the nation's central region. It serves as the administrative hub‚ housing the National Assembly and the State House‚ the President's official residence. The city's strategic central location enhances its accessibility‚ promoting unity among Tanzanians from various regions. Dodoma
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Our fleet has experienced urban development‚ with improved infrastructure and a growing private sector. It is culturally diverse‚ surrounded by tribal communities‚ and offers a glimpse into Tanzania's rich heritage. Dodoma's picturesque landscapes‚ including nearby Kondoa Rock-Art Sites‚ contribute to its appeal.
Mombasa
Kenya’s oldest city and second largest after Nairobi is the gateway to the magnificent beaches of southern Kenya and the Mombasa National Marine Park. Nearby beaches such as Kilifi‚ Watamu and Diani are among the most beautiful of the East Africa coastline.
Nairobi (planned) Nairobi‚ the capital and largest city of Kenya‚ is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. It serves as the political‚ economic‚ and cultural centre of Kenya‚ and it's known as the Green City in the Sun due to its pleasant climate and lush greenery. It boasts a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial-era architecture. It is the only capital city in the world with a national park in it. Here you can see wildlife roam against a backdrop of the city’s spectacular urban skyline.
Our current five-strong fleet is a carefully selected range of aircraft chosen for their excellence and safety‚ ensuring our passengers enjoy a comfortable and secure flying experience. We invest heavily in ongoing maintenance‚ training and technology to ensure our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards and operated by experienced professionals. Furthermore‚ we continually evaluate and update our fleet to ensure we are at the forefront of aviation safety and efficiency. ATR72-500 Number in fleet: Two Twin-engine turboprop aircraft Passenger capacity: 72 seats Maximum cruising speed: 275 knots per hour (510 km/h) One Beechcraft 1900C Number in fleet: One Twin-engine turboprop aircraft Passenger capacity: 19 seats Maximum cruising speed: 284 knots per hour (526 km/h) Cessna Grand Caravan G1000 Number in fleet: Two Single engine turbo prop aircraft Passenger capacity: 13 seats Maximum cruising speed: 185 knots per hour (343 km/h)
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Map
Our routes
K E N YA
Nairobi Serengeti Arusha Kilimanjaro
Mombasa Pemba Zanzibar
Dodoma Dar es Salaam Serengeti Airstrips Fort Ikoma Kogatende Seronera New Routes (coming soon) Nairobi Airports Jomo Kenyatta International AIrport Wilson International Airport
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TA N Z A N I A
Flightlink Information
Contact us Mezzanine Floor Room 002‚ Oyster Pearl Galleria‚ Chole Road Masaki‚ PO Box 2858 Dar es Salaam‚ Tanzania Email: customerservice@flightlink.co.tz
Book online
Dar es Salaam
24/7: +255 782 354 450 HQ: +255 22 211 2993 Airport: +255 782 354 448/9 Email: sales@flightlink.co.tz Email: reservations@flightlink.co.tz Email: dar-reservations@flightlink.co.tz
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Arusha Airport +255 689 141 356 / +255 757 726 977 Zanzibar Airport +255 777 747 400 Dodoma Airport +255 749 611 311/ 611 711 Email: dodoma@flightlink.co.tz Mombasa Airport +254 715 44 00 82 Email: reservations.mba@flightlink.co.tz Pemba Airport +255 772 712 123
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Travel
Information
Reasons to fly with us About us
Safety standards
Established in 2001, Flightlink is a Tanzanian-owned airline, fully licensed and certified to operate in both Tanzania and Kenya. Our core objective is to facilitate convenient travel, bridging the gap between major international airlines and domestic or safari destinations within Tanzania.
Safety Standards are one of Flightlink’s core values‚ and it is the heartbeat of our operations. We are committed to maintaining and improving high levels of safety‚ and to nurturing a safety culture throughout our operations. Our operations conform with EASA‚ FAA‚ ICAO and TCAA standards with strict periodic safety oversights by TCAA.
Principles At the heart of our operations are three key principles: safety, punctuality, and exceptional customer service. We are deeply committed to upholding stringent safety standards, ensuring that our passengers reach their destinations both safely and on schedule. Our focus on quality service aims to make every journey with us a memorable experience.
Our Mission Our Mission is to provide our passengers with travelexperiences that meet the highest standards of safety, punctuality, and outstandingservice.
Our Vision Our Vision is to establish Flightlink as the safest and most reliable airline in the East African region.
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Flight link has earned its reputation for operating most environmental and fuel efficient regional aircrafts (ATR-72-500‚ Twin Engine Turbo Prop) with generous stand up cabin space whose result are comfort and safety that translate into our success story and market share. Our Safety Management System (SMS) is guided by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and its recommendations practices. It fully meets and approved by the regulatory requirements of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).
Larger aircraft, stand up pressurized cabin, 2 pilots with 2 cabin crew 1 pc of 20Kg check in baggage allowance free of charge 5Kg hand baggage allowance Free on board snacks & drinks on selected routes Book, pay and check in online with our Flightlink App Accept payment is all major currencies and cards LIPA number and mobile payment accepted Convenient & timely connections to the Tourism Circuits Safe, reliable and on-time performance Flightlink App (iOS & Android) guaranteed 5% discount
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IN THIS ISSUE
Tanzania’s greenest hotels Serengeti calendar
24 hours in Arusha Tanzania’s top innovators
Why you should pick Pemba Beach soccer in Dar