While most travelers opt for the bustling Namanga border crossing, few venture through this coastal route—so few that I couldn’t even find reliable information online! After navigating relentless touts (“zombies”) at countless bus stations, I pieced together the journey step by step. Now, I’m sharing this guide to spare others the hassle.
🚌 **Navigating the Chaos**
The bus station area is a whirlwind of activity. If your map fails you (as mine did), ask locals—it’s tucked near the Naivas supermarket. Look for the “Tahmeed” buses, though alternatives like “TAWAKAL” (spotted at the border) might also operate this route. At the time, Tahmeed was my only confirmed option, so I rolled with it. Pro tip: Compare ticket offices nearby for the best deal.
📍 **Ticket Office:** Tahmeed Booking Office (hidden behind the main street).
🌍 **Route:** Mombasa → Dar es Salaam (with a Tanga option).
💰 **Fare:** 1700 KES.
⏰ **Schedule:** Two dawn departures—5:00 AM and 5:30 AM. Secure your ticket a day early!
🚌 **The Journey Unfolds**
I boarded the 5:30 AM bus, which was already idling by 5:00 AM. After a smooth check-in, passengers trickled aboard.
🛂 **Border Ballet**
By 8:00 AM, we reached the border. Both Kenya and Tanzania’s immigration offices share one building—a time-saver! First, get your Kenya exit stamp, then swing by the Tanzanian counter for a visa on arrival: just your passport + $50 nets a 3-month visa. The entire bus cleared immigration in about an hour.
🌅 **Final Stretch**
We rolled into Dar es Salaam by 4:30 PM, wrapping up an 11-hour adventure. Pack patience, snacks, and this guide—you’ll need all three!
This sounds like quite the adventure! I had no idea there was so much to consider when taking this overland route. Your tips about avoiding the touts will definitely come in handy for anyone planning to make this trip. It’s great that you’re providing such detailed guidance since it seems like reliable info is hard to find elsewhere.
This sounds like quite the adventure! I never realized how chaotic it could be navigating those bus stations. It’s great that you’re providing such detailed tips though, especially about avoiding the more popular routes. I’d definitely consider this if I were traveling that way myself.