Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's commercial capital - over 4 million people, major port, sprawling along the Indian Ocean coast. The city splits into very different zones. Masaki and Oyster Bay on the peninsula feel like expat enclaves with embassies and international hotels. Kariakoo market and central areas are crowded, chaotic, and require real caution.
• Around Msasani Peninsula you'll find laptop-friendly cafes, international restaurants, and English speakers. Leave those neighborhoods and English disappears fast - you'll need basic Swahili for most interactions. The contrast is stark.
• Location and timing determine safety here. Daytime in Masaki, Oyster Bay, or Mikocheni is generally fine - you'll see other foreigners around. But walking anywhere after dark is asking for trouble. Take Uber or arrange taxis through your hotel, every time. Dalla-dallas (minibuses) cost almost nothing but come with frequent harassment. The city added AI surveillance cameras in 2024, though pickpockets still work crowded areas.
• Dar is conservative - knees and shoulders covered in most areas, though expat zones are more relaxed about it. Tanzania overall ranks safer than many African countries, but this city demands constant awareness about where you are and what time it is.

Swahili and English are official languages, but English is primarily spoken in upscale hotels, restaurants in Masaki/Oyster Bay areas, and by some tourist police. Emergency services (112) may have limited English speakers. Most of the city requires basic Swahili for communication.

• Tanzania is conservative. Cover knees and shoulders in most places - definitely in Kariakoo market, downtown, and around the ferry terminal. Tank tops and shorts will get you stared at or worse.
• Expat areas like Masaki and the Peninsula are more relaxed. You'll see shorts, sundresses, Western clothes. But step outside those zones and you need to dress modestly.
• English works in upscale hotels, Masaki/Oyster Bay restaurants, and with some tourist police. Everywhere else, expect very little English. Learn basics: 'habari' (hello), 'asante' (thank you), 'pole pole' (slowly/carefully).
• The coast has strong Islamic influence. Be respectful near mosques and during prayer times. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight.
• Eating alone is normal in expat area cafes - lots of laptop workers and solo readers. Less common outside those neighborhoods but still fine.

• Uber and Bolt both operate here - safest option, especially at night. Drivers are registered, you can track the route. Way better than random street taxis.
• Dalla-dallas cost almost nothing (around $0.30) but come with problems. Over 59% of women report harassment or worse. They're packed during rush hour and pickpockets work them constantly.
• Bajaj (three-wheel tuk-tuks) seem convenient but aren't cheap and aren't safe - over 57% of harassment happens in bajaj. If you take one anyway, pick the driver yourself and don't ride alone.
• Airport taxis are sketchy. Book through your hotel or use Uber/Bolt instead. Fake drivers sometimes take people to isolated spots to rob them.
• Don't walk after dark anywhere, including Masaki. Neighborhoods that feel fine during the day get isolated and poorly lit at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Dar es Salaam with local guides and curated experiences.