Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Hotels and City Guide

Dar Es Salaam - Transport

Getting Around Dar Es Salaam

By Taxi

Many taxis operate in Dar Es Salaam and are stationed throughout the city at certain points. There are no call centres and taxis can only be contacted by mobile phones. It is not recommended to walk through the dark streets at night to find a taxi. Always negotiate a price before entering the vehicle. The price will be calculated on the distance to be travelled, time of day or night, congestion, etc, and is usually reasonable.

By Minivan (‘dalla-dallas’)

This is the locals’ most common way of getting around Dar Es Salaam. The many minivans are cheap and have specific routes, the destinations displayed on the front of the vehicles, but you can get on or off anywhere along such route. Dangers are they are crowded, often driven wildly, not well maintained and are rich pickings for pickpockets whether on the van or at the stops. Minivans marked ‘Posta’ all go to the central post office. It would be best to leave this service to the locals or those who feel extra adventurous.

By Car

Even though not all streets have pavements, it is easier to walk around the CBD of Dar than to drive which is exceedingly stressful. The congested narrow streets are impeded with parked cars and moving vehicles, traffic lights and roundabouts are few, while the many potholes and uncovered manholes contribute to stressful and possibly dangerous driving. The rainy season does not improve driving conditions.

Road rules are not obeyed and the locals drive at one speed – fast. Drunk drivers are another problem. Roadblocks occur when a dignitary is using the roads and traffic can be halted for hours. So unless you are au fait with driving in developing countries, it is not recommended to drive in Dar (or in the rest of Tanzania).

If you do decide to drive, hotels will arrange the hire of a car. Tanzanians drive on the left. Keep windows and doors closed and locked at all times with no valuables on display as jewellery can be ripped off from ears, side mirrors and other parts of the car can be stolen when stopped at traffic lights. If you knock down a pedestrian drive to a police station and report the accident. Do NOT get out of your car at the scene of the accident. If stopped by the police, ask for identification before paying any traffic violation fine.

Hotels in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania