Experience in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania by Ali

What is it like to live in Dar Es Salaam? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

# One should bring enough mosquito sprays
# It is headache particularly when it comes to traffic jams, its constant on many roads. One has to wake up very early to catch up with appointments or work time.
Poor road infrastructure,constant flooding during rain season

What is the student lifestyle like in Dar Es Salaam?

Like anywhere else being a student here particularly at university level is prestigious and mind blowing opportunity.

How much does it cost to live in Dar Es Salaam?

Life in Tanzania in general is far away cheap compared to life in Asia or Europe. In rough estimation the following can be the basic cost estimates
AN AVERAGE MONTHLY BUDGET
Rent: 35,000 Tsh, Utilities (gas, electricity, water): 60,000 Tsh (It will be more expensive if you use air conditioning, heaters, etc., Communication (mobile, internet connection) 50,000Tsh: Food: 360,000 Transportation: 15,000 Tsh, Books: 200,000 Tsh.
AVERAGE PRICES IN TOKYO
Rice (1kg): 3,000 Tsh, White bread (1/2kg): 1,500 Lunch at restaurants around University: 25,000 Tsh Coffee 500 Tsh, Chicken burger at KFC: Tsh 20,000Tsh, Can of Coke: 1,000Tsh Movie ticket: 10,000 Tsh Haircut: 5,000 Tsh, One way public transport (daladala) : 400 Tsh

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Dar Es Salaam? Is there any advice you can give?

Like in many countries international students are assured with on campus accommodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Pretty of local foods are taste, though majority of people in the city prefers rice, chicken, beef and mixture of fried potatoes with eggs (Chipsi mayai)

What places would you recommend visiting in Dar Es Salaam?

- Mlimany city mall(International mall area
- Beaches (Kipepeo beach), slip way, national museum, visiting near Zanzibar (2 hours via ocean)
- Many other beaches

Is it good to eat out in Dar Es Salaam? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

yes!! though one has to be careful not to prefer so much eating at local restaurants especially during rain seasons due to cholera widespread..
Sports: Swimming and Jogging

Is the nightlife good in Dar Es Salaam? Where is good to go?

- There pretty of disco hangouts and night clubs . Friday night is considered more special and amazing
- Dinner at city centre
-Cinema at Mlimany city mall

What advice would you give future students heading to Dar Es Salaam?

- To lower their expectation, one should know that he/she is going to a developing country, there is nothing like Europe in general
- Very important for one to pack mosquito spray, Dar es salaam has constant mosquito throughout the year
-be careful when using bodaboda (Motorcycle)as they are very reckless and accidents are very common