Iringa, Tanzania - Tuesday 20 March 2007 - A challenging and frustrating drive in Tanzania

It was not one of the best days on the road. We are trying to reach Zambia and took a "short cut" on Sunday. Looking at the size of the street signs in Arusha, the road to Dodoma (administrative capital of Tanzania) couldn't be that bad. Well, I was wrong and had to pay for it.

During the second leg on this "road in hell" I got stuck in group mud bath. Seven trucks literarily "in deep shit". I tried to pass them on the side and managed "almost" :-) After 30 minutes of winching and help from 200 locals, I made it through. I sadly caused a turmoil when I gave the group leader the money. When I drove out of the area of misery, the fighting was in its second round already.

Other damaged due to the terrible road conditions was suspension brackets broken (this time front right side), snorkel fell off, broken windshield. I am now driving with three suspensions only, but on Tuesday I have only 140 kilometers left before I am on tar.

During twelve hours drive on Monday, I only managed to clock 300 kilometers. Driving average a little over 30 kilometers an hour. I could have avoided this shortcut and probably been in Zambia by now. Happy drive!