Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far is The Old Boma from Dar es Salaam?
A: Approximately 650km. For more travel information please click here.

Q: Where is the nearest airport?
A: Mtwara airport is only 15km away.  For more travel information please click here.

Q: Do you provide transport to and from the nearest airport?
A: We can arrange a private transfer from Mtwara airport to The Old Boma for approximately 50,000 Tsh (£15 / $23).  For more travel information please click here.

Q: Why does The Old Boma not have any stars?
AThe Hotel Star system was originally designed to help hotel guests to make decisions by giving an indication of the levels of comfort, facilities, service and price. However, there is no single system used universally, systems differ from  country to country, and even region to region, so we think it’s best to simply tell you what we offer our guests.

Q: What time is check-in / check-out?
A: Check-in is 12 midday and check-out  is 10am but these times can be changed at the management’s discretion.

Q: Do you allow smoking on the property or in the rooms?
A: The Old Boma is a non-smoking hotel but guests may smoke outside in the grounds.

Q: Do you have high-speed wired, or wireless internet access available?
A: WiFi is available in the reception area and information room for a small fee.

Q: Do you offer room service?
A: We prefer to discuss your needs face to face so we do not  offer room service. However, there are staff in our kitchen from 6am until 10pm so any food or drink requests can be made during these hours.

Q: Do you offer a laundry service?
A: We provide a laundry and ironing service.  Details are provided to all guests.  Our Housekeeping department  aim, but cannot guarantee, to return laundry within 24 hours.

Q: Is my ID/passport required at check-in?
A: Yes.  We require photo ID when you arrive.

Q: Is The Old Boma suitable for disabled visitors?
A: As The Old Boma is an old colonial building there are various levels and steps within, and at the hotel entrance.  With details of the disability it may be possible to accommodate disabled guests in a ground floor bedroom.

Q: Is The Old Boma child friendly?
A: Yes.  If you’ve decided your children can handle travelling in Tanzania we welcome you and your family.  We have a cot with mattress and will try to assist with preparing baby milk and food upon request.  If you wish to have some time to yourself we can also offer a babysitting service.

Q: Does my room reservation require any guarantee?
A: Yes.  Once availability has been confirmed a deposit  or full payment  is required to confirm  your booking.  If no payment is received you will have a provisional booking, subject to payment. Credit  card payments can be made via our website prior to your arrival, click here to make a payment.

Q: How do I cancel my room reservation without incurring a charge?
A: As we are a small hotel with only 9 bedrooms run by a charity we have the following cancellation terms:

  • notice received more than one month before the date of arrival – full refund
  • notice received within one month before the date of arrival – 50% charge
  • notice received within one week before the date of arrival – 75% charge
  • notice received less than 24 hours before the date of arrival – 100% charge

Q: Do you offer discounts for a group booking or long stay?
A: Yes.  The management  will consider discounts in some instances.

Q: Is there a safety deposit box available at the hotel?
A: Yes.  We ask you to take care of your own belongings but  if you have any documents, passports or valuables you wish to keep safe please arrange with the Duty Manager to leave them in our safe, which is within our strong room.

Q: Is vegetarian cuisine available at the restaurant?
A: Yes.  The menu usually includes vegetarian options but please tell us if you have any dietary requirements and we will try to accommodate these requests.

Q: What if I need medical attention whilst staying at the hotel?
A: We keep basic First Aid equipment which is available from reception and there is a qualified First Aider on site at all times.  There are also local clinics and a regional hospital within driving distance.  We recommend that all guests are covered by their own travel and/or healthcare insurance policy. 

Q: Where is the nearest bank or currency exchange?
A: There are several banks and currency exchange desks in Mtwara which is only 15km from Mikindani.

Q: What is the weather like in Tanzania at different times of the year?
A: Tanzania is a huge country so the climate varies considerably within it  and due to global warming weather patterns within Tanzania are also becoming increasingly unpredictable.  However, based on past  weather data the main rainy season lasts during March, April and May.  The main dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October. There is a short rainy season with much lighter rainfall in November and December and then a short  dry season in January and February.   The best time to visit depends on what  you want to do and where else you’ll be visiting.

Q: What clothing should I wear in Tanzania?
A: It  never really gets cold in Tanzania so lightweight  clothing, preferably cotton or linen is recommended.  It may get  chilly in the evening so it’s a good idea to bring a jumper or long sleeved tops and trousers, this will also prevent you from getting bitten by insects.  Beachwear is acceptable in most  hotels, including The Old Boma, and on beaches, but  nudity is not..  A high proportion of the local community within Mikindani is Muslim so it  is best to dress modestly and it  is etiquette for women to not  show their shoulders or legs in public.