A Change in Plans

Tanzania has just had an election and the country revolted! The consulates are posting messages like the following -

“Protests

General elections took place in Tanzania on 29 October and have not yet concluded.

Following protests and unrest in some parts of the country, the Tanzanian police announced a curfew effective from 6pm-6am local time on 29 October which remains in place in on the mainland. Protests are ongoing in parts of the country with some turning violent, including live fire.

There are widespread road blockades and closures nationwide, although the situation remains fluid. Many international flights have been cancelled to and from Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam.

Arusha International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport appear to be partially operational. Some international and domestic flights to and from Zanzibar airport have been cancelled. There are no ferries running from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. The SGR rail service is also not running. Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest information before travelling to airports or other transport hubs.”

The internet is down and our travel company advised us not to go to Arusha. They suggested meeting us in Nairobi, Kenya.

Turkish Airlines didn’t send us notification of flight cancellations (even though protesters stormed the airport and vehicles and buildings were on fire. Of course we were not going into that mess!

We went back to the airport and were issued new tickets for Nairobi with a return to Toronto on November 24. Turkish Airlines gave us a free night in the Hampton by Hilton close to the fancy hotel we stayed in (so we could pick up our luggage easily) as well as three meals and a shuttle to and from the hotel.

So one more day in Istanbul and a new trip to be planned starting in Nairobi.Read more