roadwarrier

Thankfully, we were in a Convoy so all paperwork was taken care of by our Security Detail. In the past, I normally crossed over at Bukavu and have had issues. Sometimes my visa was deemed not correct and I needed a "correct" version ???? For the record, the visas all looked alike except for the signatures and point of issue. So yes, often a US$ 20 cost had to be explained to my office.

I have Gold status with TK, so when I fly with SAA I should, in theory be allowed access, but sometimes that was not allowed then I had to resort to PP which I found was so senseless. Once, also on SAA I flew with a Business Associate in Y, and we were allowed access without any issue (he had no status), so it was always luck of the draw.

maastrichtmouse

Very familiar with south west Uganda, used to live out that way. Beautiful, beautiful place. Rwanda is stunning and the capital is very easy to navigate, but I found it a little less beguiling than Kampala. When I was last in Rwanda there were a lot of diplomatic and UN Burundian registered vehicles, chatting with them they had been pulled out just a few weeks previously.

worldtraveller73

Nice to see a trip report from a part of the world that many of us don't get to see.

My Precision Air on line check in's suffered the same fate as you if I recall correctly.

Dar Es Salaam is looking much brighter these days, even from my visit 2 years ago; perhaps a sign on the future!

flying_blue_white_red

For unexplained reasons, I forgot to reply to your kind comment clkc86 – my sincere apologies!
Never say never ... as you know, the World fluctuates these days swiftly. BTW, are you talking about the charming kiddos at the Germans' Gorge or at the Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort ?



Crossing at Bukavu, on the tiny (now renovated) bridge over the Rusizi river, requires transiting via Rwanda (safer than via Bujumbura => Uvira and then driving up to Bukavu in Congo though – if it's your final destination). No wonder immigration officers might have looked askance at your odd yet logical itinerary .

Concerning their lounge access policy lottery, it's absolutely ridiculous since 4 * alliance airlines fly to DAR, unless the restriction was correlated to the lounge being crammed when you reached there. I bet that the January 2020 changes for *Gold, have called for a more frequent use of your PP card at DAR. Or maybe your nice smiles played an important role during other trips... .

On the other hand, I was *Gold only one year thanks to BMI (BD) generous status match in 2010 or 2011, and LH in some German airports or LYS contracted lounge always denied entry for BD Top Tier Diamond Club members!



Have you been to QENP or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The experience must be somewhat impressive, right?
Kampala is a totally crazy city, compared to Bujumbura, let alone Kigali, not for the faint hearted for sure!
Despite the current diplomatic feuds between Uganda and Rwanda; plus Burundi vs Rwanda, (before C-19) most people kept going back and forth freely/naturally across the borders from both countries... but, even if I'm not biased, we shall not drift towards these hot topics, if you don't mind .

BTW, two recent news that may please you:

* Burundi new President appoints minister from Batwa tribe for the very first time: https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/152...er-batwa-tribe

* Rwanda: commercial flights to resume in August following European Union to allow travellers from Rwanda: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/covi...-eu-next-month



Many thanks for reading and commenting worldtraveller73. Much appreciated!

Yes indeed, I perfectly remember your excellent trip report to East Africa, especially the very inspiring Zanzibar part .
Precision Air can lack of consistency sometimes, which is pity as for your very short hop it would have been very useful to save time.
DAR new T3 will enhance pax experience, even in its truly African style...

kyushuman

Really great TR! Thank you for sharing.

SunSeaFly

AMAZING! This is a very well detailed report!

strummerjones

I’ve only read about half so far, but had to comment on how much I’m enjoying it. Your knowledge and love really shine through. Thank you and fingers crossed I can visit one day soon myself.

flying_blue_white_red

Many thanks for stopping by Kyushuman !

Thanks a lot for your kind words SunSeaFly, much appreciated .

Glad you've enjoyed the part you read Strummerjones, hopefully you will take time to read the rest of the report. With the Covid-19 vaccines more and more available, leisure travels will resume soon and will give you an opportunity to visit Burundi and East Africa in the same time .

Bretteee

I thought South african had stopped flying. I assume only their long haul flights. I enjoyed flying with them 5 years ago.

roadwarrier

Yes, SAA is in Business Rescue. The Government has yet again thrown huge wads of cash at it and they say that they will resume operations in the coming weeks, so we will see.
On a recent trip to Brussels to get vaccines, the crew miscalculated the fuel load by 90 tons and thankfully, the A346 had a Safety System that kicked in. Then, on the return, they broke noise abatement rules. I do not know at this stage if the EU is banning them or what.
Also, there is a small issue of the crew needing flight simulator time - no idea how long that will take.

cairns

What a fantastic trip report- thank you!!