Transit Motels' blog

End of the year guests

2012-01-21T12:34:00.000+03:00

Our guests with Ms Bahati at the center

Rain season

2011-11-14T17:20:00.001+03:00

Dar Es Salaam is in the middle of a short rain season, locally known as Vuli. During this time of the year, the last 200 meters of the road to Transit Airport, which is unpaved, has few potholes and is very muddy.

Not bad to experience Tanzanian roads for few minutes!

The road to Ukonga Motel is paved to the gate

The rains also makes Dar es Salaam Green!

Another free service

2011-11-14T17:20:00.000+03:00

We now have a computer in our public area where our guests can access internet for free 24/7.

This service is available at Transit Motel Airport only

Our first video clip

2011-09-24T14:13:00.001+03:00

Wi-Fi

2011-08-13T15:28:00.000+03:00

We have instaled a wireless router in Transit Motel Airport. Now our guests have a Wi-Fi connectivity anywhere in the building. This comes free of charge to our guests.

Traveling to Africa during Ramadan

2011-07-25T10:18:00.000+03:00

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan refers to the 9th month in the Muslim calendar. Every Muslim is expected to fast during the day for the entire lunar month. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice.

Fasting during Ramadan is strictly adhered to in places where population of islams outnumbered other religions. Such places in East africa includes Zanzibar, Tanga, Kigoma (in Tanzania) and Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi (in Kenya)

Non-Muslim tourists are not expected to fast even if the place they are visiting is predominantly Islamic. But, life in many Islamic countries changes quite significantly during Ramadan, which has both its pros and cons. Muslims in general are tolerant of tourists snacking and drinking during Ramadan, but be respectful of the fast and keep public consumption to a minimum especially in non-touristy areas. It is always a good idea to dress a little conservatively in Muslim countries and this is especially so during Ramadan.
By and large it's business as usual during Ramadan. Tourist sights like museums are all open, although they will often close earlier than usual to allow staff to get home and eat in time to break the fast. Public holidays to celebrate the end of Ramadan can close businesses and government offices for up to 3 days.
Restaurants catering to locals are often shut throughout the day during Ramadan, but they come alive and stay open after sundown until very late at night. You can still buy food and water during the day as most little groceries will be open and food markets continue to buzz. You'll see a huge rush of activity from about 4.30pm onwards as people buy last minute items to break the fast; sweets and pastries are especially popular.
If you like alcohol you're out of luck during Ramadan because many liquor shops (if they have them) simply close down for the whole month. Bars and hotel restaurants that cater to tourists may still serve alcohol during Ramadan, so you can still enjoy a cold beer at the end of a hot day, just keep it out of the public eye.

Sad day

2011-07-20T13:06:00.001+03:00

Ms Frida

Yesterday we lost one of our Front office staff. She died in Tanga region.

We will remember her for her hard work and "all the time" smile

RIP Firda

Credit card transactions

2011-07-03T15:42:00.000+03:00

Since mid June 2011 we have started accepting VISA, Mastercard and Maestro credit cards. The only problem we are facing so far is the network. Although it happened a few times, network might not be there for the processing of transactions. For a non experienced card user, he/she might be in a dilema as whether the transaction was through or not
We have notify our banker about this. Meanwhile we are requesting our guests not to wait until the last minute before checking out to pay. If you are using a card, please settle your bill as soon as possible.

Departing guests

2011-07-01T14:52:00.001+03:00

Our departing guests having a picture with staff

Stand by power generator

2011-06-29T15:33:00.003+03:00

Due to the severe power rationing going on in Tanzania (read our previous post on this), we have install stand by power generators in both Motels (Ukonga and Airport)
Now our guests do not have to worry about blackouts!

Family visit

2011-04-16T09:36:00.007+03:00

A family visit!
We had a pleasure of hosting this family in our Airport Motel. Here they are with Ms Grace, our front office staff (on the left)

"Quiet, clean, adequate room for the money."

2011-04-16T09:36:00.005+03:00

User Rating: 3.9

Reviewer: Susan U. of Delaware, OK, United States

Reviewed: March 31, 2011 (see hotel reviews from Instantworldbooking.com)

Traveled: March 2011 Type: Couple

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Comments (English):
Within walking distance from main airport, but we hired a taxi because of luggage.

"My stay at Transit Motel-Airport"

2011-04-16T09:34:00.002+03:00

User Rating: 4.2

Reviewer: Ed M. of London, United Kingdom

Reviewed: November 16, 2010 (see hotel reviews from Instantworldbooking.com)

Traveled: October 2010 Type: Single

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Value for Money
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Comments (English):
Transit Motel-Airport is located within walking distance from the airport. I walked to the airport on my departure. Taxi fare to the airport is rather exorbitant at USD5 because it is such a short distance to get to the airport from the motel. My room was very clean and affordable. I like African food so i ordered some from the motel; it was well prepared tasted great. I do travel a lot and found the motel affordable and really worth more than what this motel charges. The place is much cleaner than many motels in Europe and America and cost less! Although the motel is located on the poor side, poor people do not bite! People just got on with their business and did not bother me at all. People are very friendly anyway in Tanzania. Transit Motel-Airport is the place to stay for those exiting the country or coming into the country and want travel elsewhere in Tanzania. I give this Motel 8 out of 10. The reason for my score is that although the staff is friendly, they have problems with the English language and they are not so knowledgeable about their own city and what the city has in offer for tourists.

Power rationing

2011-01-18T11:48:00.002+03:00

Tanzania, and Dar Es Salaaam in particular, is experiencing power rationing especially during afternoon. Usually power is off between 0900 to 1800hrs, local time. Slight variation to the timetable occurs

We at Transit Motels are doing everything we can to make your stay with us enjoyable in absence of a power generator

We will keep you update of the situation

Transit Motels Management

"Close to the Airport"

2010-08-12T18:34:00.001+03:00

Reviewer: Thomas T. of mombasa, Kenya

Reviewed: April 3, 2010 (see hotel reviews from Instantworldbooking.com)

Traveled: April 2010 Type: Single

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Comments (English):
Very close to airport. They arrange transfer to and from airport.

"clean, safe"

2010-08-12T18:32:00.000+03:00

Reviewer: Janja S. of portoroz, Slovenia

Reviewed: July 26, 2010 (see hotel reviews from Africainstantbooking.com)

Traveled: July 2010 Type: Couple

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Value for Money
Rooms
Cleanliness
Location
Security & Safety
Service & Staff
Food / Dining

Comments (English):
Transit Motel is very clean and safe, with TV, A/C and a small restaurant. Very kindly staff. My suggestion: travellers need internet, so they should arange it.

New look

2010-07-30T15:25:00.002+03:00

We have recently re-do our website to give our visitors more information and pictures without leaving the website. Videos are coming very soon!
Check it www.transitmotels.com

Exactly What We Wanted

2009-06-20T13:06:00.003+03:00

You cannot beat the Transit Motel for its closeness to the Dar airports. How do you put a value on escaping a Dar traffic jam. I don't believe it is more than five minutes. We arrived late on KLM and had a morning trip to southwest Tanzania. Perfect for nights rest, good shower, quiet room, and no, and I repeat, no jams--so you are not washed down in sweat before you get to the airport or you get on your way out of Dar. Planning to stay again. The staff was took care of our needs. The price was reasonable. Transportation promised is not as dependable but persistance makes it possible.

James P. of Greenville, SC, United States
Reviewed: March 30, 2009

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