Transportation

Most Africans don't have personal vehicles and rely on the many different forms of public transport.  The most ubiquitous is the minibus (called a daladala in Tanzania).  Minibuses are basically 15 passenger vans that hold WAY more than 15 passengers.  My record was in Moshi when I counted 26 people in just the back part of the daladala (so not including the driver and probably 3-4 other passengers next to him - I don't know how many there were because I couldn't see that far up).  Minibuses in Malawi can be used to get places in town or all over the country.  Adding to the excitement, the long distance minibuses often have animals, such as goats or chickens, on board! Minibuses are the cheapest way to travel, but also the slowest since they stop at what feels like every small village or cluster of houses on the way.

Minibuses waiting to fill up in Lilongwe

Another form of transport is the matola, used to describe any truck with an open bed that will carry passengers for a fee.  Also pictured are bicycle taxis.  The bicycle taxis have a padded seat over the back wheel for the passenger.

Matola and bicycle taxis in Salima

Long distance buses are bigger and their level of comfort varies.  There are a few luxury companies that are comparable to coach buses in the U.S.  However, most are also crowded with 5 narrow seats across (and usually kids on laps) and no bathrooms.  They are also usually painted garishly bright colors.  But, the best part of bus travel in Africa is that you can buy anything from the comfort of the bus.  No need for drive through fast food restaurants; you can buy hard-boiled eggs, cookies, fried dough, fruit, vegetables, drinks, and handicrafts through the window! The venders are all very skilled at handing off their goods and exchanging money while running alongside moving buses!

Long distance buses and vendors in Tanzania

Right before I bought some mihindi (TZ)/chimanga (MW)/maize (US) from my window seat