Ben Wilhelmi

Tanzania, some random pictures

 

Just being a bit lazy today, there is no particular theme in the pictures below..

 

I wish I had had more time to stop and see that bush contraption from up close. Needless to stay the engine rattled quite a lot. I would venture in naming a Land Cruiser as a base...

 

 

 

 

 

Xmas in a pajama? Or am I such a fashion ignorant again?

 

The Peninsula area in Dar es Salaam, thronging into the Indian ocean.

 

Women have any job they want in Tanzania, even a president these days, Mama Samia.

 

 

The one and only, the unique volcano of its kind in the world, and active: Oldoinyo Lengai. Rift valley.

The same, another view, here on the right hand side.

 

"Yo Bo wassup" etc....very common in Africa.

 

One of those impromptu fashion windows along the bus stands.

 

 

In cities and towns, the most modern bars and restaurants will be available. Elsewhere such a restaurant will be quite common.

 

 

Uganda, street photography

 

 

Those mannequins are to be seen everywhere in Uganda, always white and slim...hardly any in Tanzania.

 

 

As I said in a previous post, my legendary smile works for a friendly reaction...

Or not..

 

 

 

The patient lady selling traditional brooms along the traffic jam

 

Color study... well Africa is a color study in itself!

 

Street pictures, Uganda

 

 

Rain protection..

Masks are taken too seriously...more a police fear thing.

 

 

 

Got caught at my game but with a lot of humor!

Fashion and more

 

Here are some modern pictures snapped in Tanzania. Wildlife, stunning landscapes, Masai people safaris are only one aspect of Tanzania, a bit reductive somewhat. The pictures below are a modest attempt to show a different aspect of this stunning country.

 

This stunning woman has been one of my favorite anonymous model recently. Mwanza city, aka Rock city.

Huge billboards sadly have come with modernism...Dar es salaam.

 

One of the cool bars with nice views in Dar.

 

 

Yeah, girls will be girls, everywhere. Check check...what's the verdict?

I hope this comment won't get me crucified by feminists and other politically correct activists...

 

Female pilot and flight engineers have been our colleagues for a while now.

 

I have to send this picture to Christian Dior's company. They might get a heart attack...

 

Below are some fashionistas commonly spotted in the Dar malls:

No idea who the woman on the yellow dress is but she is often to be seen around.

 

In cities, Tanzania

 

I tend to post pictures of the picturesque Africa...guilty. To show what is similar to Europe doesn't seem so attractive but then I decided to be fair and show everything modern and maybe boring. There is a lot more than the bush....And while doing that, I noticed the stunning fashion, the colors, the style, the various styles and that became interesting.

 

Stripes and polka dots in the KFC. This model could have been waiting in a Subway or Pizza Hut.

 

I did wait 10 min for this one. I had noticed the new buses had the same ad as the building...Those buses hav their own fast lanes in Dar.

 

 

The modern bus stands are located between the 2 bus lanes. So while I drive I get this kind of view, like a catwalk. Can you see my reflection in the yellow pattern?

Dar and a few of its many skyscrapers and large highways.

 

A coupla fashionistas again.

"Yo Bro whassup?". Those have been here for a while. Big hit in the local music industry.

Poor framing, sorry but look at the girl on the right side. Does she know these ripped jean's have been around for 50 years?

Also the rainbow shoes? That is where I feel very old...Sometimes I only notice extra details when I start the editing.

 

Street photography, Uganda

 

 

These trendy hats are quite common in Uganda  Not at all in Tanzania. I love how fashion gets recycled.

 

 

The "I don't care lady" gliding through the downpour...

 

 

 

Usually my natural charm suffices to defuse a situation when I get spotted.

 

Or not...

 

These contraptions on the other end, unlike the retro hats, are common through the East African countries...I got rescued once in Kenya and once that Land Rover came to a halt next to my car the driver slammed the door and the front grid fell off! Just like in a movie. But those mechanics are good at fixing older cars on the spot. A bit more challenging with modern cars full of electronics...

 

 

 

Rare case of a mask worn, and properly. A few dozens deaths due to corona since the beginning. One cannot blame the average Ugandan especially with some notorious examples come from the West

Kampala, Kikuubo bazaar

 

 

 

Notice the heavily taped carb board trays. Their main purpose is to life the whole set of items at once to allow a delivery vehicle to pass through. Normal circulation is not allowed so the street is taken by the poorest sellers.

 

 

 

The bazaar also contains a few buildings made of labyrinths on a few floors. Olivia runs through that with impressive ease.

 

 

 

 

 

Another president for life overlooking  hot elections these days... Only 33 years in power.

 

Bagozza Milano...another fakeryat best. Or fake fakery.

Kikuubo market, Kampala

 

 

 

These waitresses must be fit, they never stop delivering dishes across the vast Kikuubo market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moschino, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior...these brands are not faked in the traditional sense sometimes, just created by some lousy crooks slapping names on awful creations, even mixing names on the same garments.

 

 

 

Uganda, roadside life

 

 

I don't want to diminish the Tanzanian drivers, riders and others but the Ugandan road "skills" are a step "higher". For example 3 passengers and maybe cargo is a common sighting here, even in cities where the cops don't even bother to stop the habit. Their driving skills in traffic jam is also one league away...I owe an apology to all the Tanzanian drivers I might have abused in the past for what was in comparison amateur recklessness.

 

Lukewarm attitude towards Covid...and cool rubber boots.

 

The guy enjoyed the view ...

 

Another common scenery...

Elections in the making...dirty, violent and unfair, what a surprise.

The Harley dreamer?

Sweet apparition in the bush.

Kampala, street photography

 

I feel sorry for these sellers...the job to pack and unpack everyday, carry the whole burden across Kampala unpractical streets...

 

 

 

Corona is officially there but the measures are half hearted in many cases. Here above is one good citizen though.

 

Women tend to be more friendly than women when I practice street photography. Smile, waving hand, even a blow kiss...but men? That is another league. Some will be friendly too (no blow kiss though) but others will be plain rude, I don't blame them, and yell the same obscenity, that is "Eat your mother's ass"! Similar to the French "Nique ta mère"...(fuck your mother)

I know I have been a "fashionisto" but I think I can spot a fashion crime here, no?

 

Uganda, street photography

 

 

Any color missing in this shot? Purple...

 

I had only taken this shot for the colors and contrasts but my Ugandan common-law wife laughed at it and pointed out the roots carried by the vendor, "mulondo" which is the equivalent of our blue pills. I'm glad the need for it has never come in our conversations...

 

 

Elections coming next year, they didn't waste to start the electoral campaign. 

 

this picture misses a yellow touch, I know...

 

While waiting for my car to be fixed, I grabbed my camera.

25 kg bags of rice, sugar, flour...are very common here too. Tough job for the housewives.

 

Unusual moped in Kampala.

 

 

Uganda, street photography

 

As stated before, Africa is street photographer must. Colors, activity, fashion...

"Why run pretty lady? Is anybody dumb enough to run over you?"

 

Helmet...baby step.

I can't remember I have ever seen such a bicolored dress.

 

Kampala, street photography

Street photography has been a hobby since Mom offered my first SLR camera in 1987. Not that fashionable by then but I had discovered the big masters...

Fast forward 33 years and I am still at it, here in Kampala, Uganda, right now.

 

 

Stunning fashionistas are numerous along traditional outfits which can also be quite awesome...

 

 

...or not?

 

 

oh and haircuts are a whole chapter of their own.

 

Corona...the rules are a bit more followed than in Tanzania but it is more due to a fear factor of the police I hear. On approaching a police road block, whether in a bus or in a car, everyone lifts the mask up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kikubo bazaar, Kampala, Uganda

Kikubo, central Kampala, closed to regular circulation, even to cows. Most of the retailers operate here.

 

The banana seller is the attraction on the picture but notice the orange hat. Isn't that an old-fashioned hat from the roaring 20's? Yet I have seen quite a few of them here in Uganda only, different colors and patterns. Still very stylish on African women l'd say.

 

On top of the chaotic atmosphere in the bazaar, the show is also about fashion. Bras for sale...and those ladies know a few things, whether l can appreciate or not.

My big problem these days are slippers or sandals with furry decorations and to add insult...socks!

I'm told I cannot understand fashion...

 

At least this elegant woman fits some of my fashion standards.

 

 

Items are stacked beyond belief, no space must wasted.

Even stairs are rented to lower class business people.

And the street itself can be squatted. These entrepreneurs just have to be ready to lift up aside the goodies on a tarpaulin or small table when a deliver van shows up.

Traditional brooms and cool sport hat on the lady in red. "Venezia". Another long trip for a garment. I have spotted a t-shirt once belonging my Belgian bank.

 

 

 

No idea what this is..

 

'

 

Along the road, Uganda

 

 

A typical butchery in east Africa and maybe beyond. I'm told that the carcass is fresh from the morning, always. I spotted some smiles around...about our weak stomachs or about noticing my incredulous face?

 

 

 

Fur hoodie...? Uganda is not the hottest country but not cold either, to me.

 

Sugar cane delivery. Sadly I don't see those juice machines. My favorite juice in Zanzibar, sometimes in Dar

 

 

 

The dream at night when overtaking is envisioned...

 

In Kampala, many sidewalks are much larger than the streets. Traffic jams are there much worse then Dar es Salaam.

 

I aso owe an apology to some Tanzanian drivers I may have abused for their terrible driving...they are waaaayy worse here.

 

 

Fiest time I went to buy a phone voucher, I went to such a yellow shop. Only to discover the salesman was selling car parts. Millions of houses and shops are painted for free by big companies in those bright colors. Better then concrete grey hen people don't have th money for a paint job.

Rural transport, Tanzania

 

 

So I finally reached Uganda 10 days after I drove from Dar es Salaam. The drive itself is quite uneventful. The Corona factor was the issue. 3 days wasted in Mwanza for a test that was finally not accepted in Uganda. Is it about money extortion? Nowhere was it specified on any official website...so 2 more days wasted in a lousy border post, Mutukula, west of lake Victoria. There are some parks and reserves wedged between the lake and Rwanda, Tanzanian side but completely off the main parks in Tanzania. And so not many tourists seem to go there apparently, even in normal times.

The trip is quite pleasant for the joy of driving to central and northwest Tanzania instead of flying over, for the great landscapes in some areas, and for the details that differ between regions, for the life on the side of the roads...

Today I chose some pictures about the transport theme.

I want to make it clear that I shot a lot of pictures while driving and focused on the funny vehicles and contraptions that usually impress a travelling "mzungu". I didn't focus too much on the many cars, some of luxury type, the many buses and trucks that roam the roads. But I insist the country is not to be limited on the pictures below.

 

"Proudly Tanzanian"...this rider is my champion on the road so far. In fact we should praise the 2nd woman sitting flimsily on the baskets at the very back of the bike. Yes you can notice another passenger wedged in the middle of the cargo. Hats off to the would-be engineers who patched and roped such a burden on the bike. The helmet was optional...

 

 

Safer but more colorful, this tuktuk here called "bajaj" for the most common brand.

In the Tabora region, red, yellow or blue tyres are common. Unseen in Dar or Dodoma. Cycling girls and women are also numerous in the region, as opposed to other regions.

 

 

In Mwanza...dala dala are also more colorful and decorated.

Bicycle taxis are more common in the center. Too hot or too hilly somewhere else? Notice the cushion.

I couldn't believe it when L actually saw one man riding such an assembly. I thought the thing was meant to be pushed.

But here we go. Amazing.

 

Another case of a proud Tanzanian man. Such a painting is rare though.

Not too heavy I suppose but a bit unstable?

Street photography in Mwanza, Tanzania

 

 

So I drove from Dar es Salaam to Kampala, starting last week. To enter Uganda one needs a Covid test valid for 72h, which was a bit of a mission to obtain in Mwanza, the closest point to the Ugandan border. Luckily the test starts its 72h on the testing day, not collecting day. Sadly I discovered at the border that it was useless since Uganda doesn't recognise the Tanzanian results... but that is for another day.

In the meantime I did my best to enjoy Mwanza and street photography being one of my hobbies...

 

This stunning lady was the highlight of the day for that hobby matter.

 

 

 

 

It seems this complex hairdo is a novelty...lots of pins in there. I need to double check with friend if this style is the next rage. I wonder if she passes a metal detector without raising alarm.

 

 

The lucky railing...

 

I love the helmet situation... 

 

 

 

Street photography in Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

Boiled eggs are commonly sold in the streets in Tanzania.

 

Various beach hawkers roam the sand...

 

Even some cool Masai dudes but a lot less than in the past. Some can even entertain ladies...

 

 

Common scenery, the man is dressed like a rapper or street fashion style nut the lady has to cope with traditions.

 

 

 

 

Street photography in Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

 

The billy boys.

 

 

 

 

 

Colorful fashionista!

 

Kids are kids everywhere...

 

Kids and young men love to show off on the beach front. Some are real performers, whether in diving exercises or on solid ground.

 

Arusha, street photography

 

 

 

Stonetown, random pictures

 

 

 

 

Street pictures in Arusha, Tanzania

 

 

Those carts are still very common, this one particularly bulky. A stripped or a huge sofa can fit too!

 

Street vendors, everywhere, borderline annoying...

Another common scenery, women carrying about everything on their head.

 

 

 

 

Helmets ....baby steps!

 

 

Street photography in Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

Fashion gets interesting in Stonetown...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Random pictures, Tanzania

 

 

 

 

One of my previous jobs, pilot at Flying Medical Service. Real bush flying as this airstrip implies.

 

 

Technology discrepancies...

 

Fishermen casings around Pemba islands.

 

Waving at friends... I will never forget these experiences in such balloons. Here in Ruaha NP.

 

 

Not a car from the company I fly for! we meet interesting dodgy companies out there...

 

One of the ferries between Zanzibar and the mainland.

 

Many rivers flow in Tanzania, here is the Luwego.

 

A young woman in Zanzibar.

Different cultures and religions...

A young girl in the bush.

 

Stonetown, Zanzibar, street photography

 

Stonetown can be quite vibrant, sometimes too much when the hawkers and other "superglue" get in the way. "Superglue" seems to become a slightly derogatory word in East Africa that doesn't need explanations.

 

 

Not fair, as often, guys dress pretty much the way they like in the heat...

 

As said before black clad clothes are meeting colorful rivals.

 

 

 

A mainland tourist?

 

 

There is always a bunch of active youngsters showing off at Forodhani garden. They have sadly just lost a great diving spot for the benefit of more tourist junk sellers. There are already a zillion around who are misguided into thinking tourists come to Zanzibar to buy their goodies....shame on the authorities for spoiling these guys' playground and a great vista too.

 

 

Street photography, Arusha, Tanzania

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funny? There could be a passenger sitting on that bag...

 

Amazon style for this pretty girl, a common way to sit on a motorbike taxi.

 

 

 

Streets are busy with little businesses.

 

Gossipers like everywhere.

Street photography, Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

As said before fashion has become really interesting over the years.

Western goodies and style creep in slowly for some...

or full blast for others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street photography, Tanzania

 

Fashion varies wildly nowadays, things have changed a lot in 20 years, to the chagrin of some old farts....

Same t-shirts, those girls must have been hired for some event.

 

 

Things that are much slower to change, the attitude to safety on the road...notice the helmet protecting the balls. Sense of priority I guess.

 

Helmets seem to be on the rise but baby steps.

 

 

 

Street photography in Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

 

 

Men are at an advantage to drop their traditional outfits quicker than women. Not fair. Nothing new ...

 

 

Forodhani garden...the food place. Sadly the souvenirs sellers have creeped in, not only selling their usual goodies, same as in Stonetown 200m away, but they are blocking the ocean view, a whole corner! They seem to think people travel here from all over the globe to fall in tourist trap shops?

 

The main beach is safe. For now...

 

 

 

No shop but these touts and hawkers...some are like glue. This old man sat there uninvited for 30 min. These girls were too sweet and didn't want to hurt his feelings...

 

 

As said before, men are men everywhere.

 

Street photography, Dodoma, Tanzania

Some more pictures from Dodoma streets, though they could have been taken in many other places in the country. 

School uniforms is still the norm in East Africa.

This type of tricycle is also standard, it allows the beneficiary more autonomy on top of a luggage rack.

 

 

A famous paint brand has decorated many streets in the country. Sadly the colors, especially red turning pink, fades quickly under the intense African sun. Not a good advertisement...

 

Elegant cyclist.

 

And girls are resisting fashion either.

 

Luckily the city center is flat. The hills are far away.

 

 

Should I call Louis Vuitton hot line? A few $ will get you one of those bags. Funny enough this is not for the poor white client market, but rather for African clients but I have noticed many people don't always know about Gucci or Vuitton. Just a fancy design and voilà. They are shocked to hear the costs of the authentic items.

 

This kind of shiny material has recently (?) appeared on Muslim men of any age.

 

Those little motorbikes have been an instant hit when they appeared over 10 years ago. Number of casualties followed suit quickly.

Churches are nearly as numerous, sadly.

Uganda, street photography

 

 

 

 

Sugar cane juice with a drop of lemon on ice is one of my favorite juices out here in East Africa. But it comes out yellowish like lime juice. Maybe that red is just another concoction. I have to ask my fixer.

 

In a school I visited. Interesting choice of toy. Kids love to run behind a wheel or a metal ring, albeit usually smaller, and direct it with a stick. Cardio and coordination. Better than slouching on the coach for sure.

 

 

The businesswoman at work.

 

 

Usually bus stops are...chaotic, colorful, noisy and packed with goodies on stalls or on somebody's head or shoulders. And thus those scenes are very photogenic

In Uganda but on the way to Kenya, an unusual bus stop in stark comparison. One main color and hardly no more? Quite impressive.

 

 

Colors in Africa!

 

 

Street photography, Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

Things change in Zanzibar...in 20 years the fashion got a boost from our western "decadent" influence. The ninja type is slowly receding and some pretty fashionistas show up nowadays.

The black color has receded too.

"Nutella", "Zanzibar pizza"...a common recurrence in Forodhani garden. The young woman here is relishing a fresh sugarcane juice, a divine beverage with a drop of lemon and ginger, ice cubes. Not for the weak stomachs I guess. When I said fresh, it means it prepared in front of you but …

 

OK OK she is probably a tourist boarding in Zanzibar. But she deserves applauses: an elegant tourist is such a rare occurrence.

 

Black cloak but a touch of colors and some extra details...baby steps.

A wandering Masai far from his beloved bush.

 

yeah...things change in Zanzibar, right? Not men obviously. The same everywhere.

More examples of colorful outfits. I wonder if these girls would enjoy sunbathing too...

Stonetown, street photography

 

 

In 20 years, yes I left Belgium 20 years ago already, colors have appeared in Stonetown. Black cloaks are still there but competing with this kind of more fashionable trend.

 

 

 

Masai businessmen are to be spotted quite far away. Personally I have met a few in South Sudan and west of Kampala, Uganda. They're selling the Masai bead artwork. Slippers are very popular. Too bad this guy here doesn't wear any instead of those horrible plastic shoes.

Another trendy example. Pink scarf, lace garment?

 

Uganda, random pictures

 

 

 

Things are not that different from Tanzania in the end. Just details here and there. For instance those Hel's Angels are more numerous, faster too (yes yes) than in Tanzania.

 

School kids wear uniforms too.

Pavements...equally a gymkhana concept to enjoy here too...

Just off Entebbe airport there is a beach called Aerobeach. I just couldn't believe my eyes when I reached the place as 15 or more wrecks and relics litter the place, including 2 airliners. This is a Mig 21 Fishbed, Russian make from the 50's. The memorialstatue is of the late Yonathan Netanyahu, brother of the actual Israeli prime sinister. He died in the famous 1976 raid in Entebbe to sort out a highjack situation. 

A typical scene in any street in any town or city.

 

Hats off to African girls who love to be fashionistas where road conditions don't really encourage this trend.

 

This big bike is a serious change from the usual little 125cc made in China or India, equally reviled by owners and users

The business woman, 3 phones and a charger...

How to decorate a coach ...come and nose around in Africa.

Street photography, Paris

 

Paris and food, a long lasting love (and business) story.

Kids feeding pigeons at Notre-Dame, long before the infamous fire.

A peace memorial near the military academy.

Place des Vosges.

 

I had a such a car 25 years ago. A citroen 2CV, as Spartan as a Land Rover 110 but more reliable. I know, not a real feat...

A Napoleon day at les Tuileries.

 

 

Stonetown, street photography

Fashion boys in Forodhani garden, the places where locals and tourists meet...and hawkers.

 

Peanut seller.

Selfies, the worldwide scourge...

A pretty woman in colorful clothes. Black cloaks are still common, even the occasional ninja, type but colors are nowadays plenty.

 

My favorite, fresh sugar cane juice with a drop of lemon and ginger.

Street Photography, Stonetown, Zanzibar

 

 

My flying job sometimes brings me in Stonetown for a few days. I am not going to complain about spending a few relaxing days all paid for in such a place...

Zanzibar island used to be a strict Muslim place but things change slowly. Modern clothes or bright colors slowly replace the usual black and dull veils, young couples dare to hold hands or occasionally swim together, selfies are all the rage...

 

Cashew nuts seller.

Contest for the best t-shirt?

 

Different fashion are often noticed though I gather some girls might be tourists...

Most houses are slightly in need of repair...

Street photography, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arusha, street pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street pictures, Arusha