Experience in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania by Caren

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

Totally!! Living in Dar Es Salaam is good because, Dar is always active for a person who is more of an extrovert , and for introverts well, too many beaches to be enjoyed during the day and night as well. 

What is the student lifestyle like in Dar Es Salaam?

Average i guess, maybe too much partying. Even though most students like to multitask (studying + partying) . There are other lots of activities too that are part of a student’s lifestyle (movies, road trips to kigamboni, swimming on any day)

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

Around $300 for an average person this should pay (rent-unfurnished, food and public transport) even though there are places that one can pay for all that for far less or far more, Furnished apartments are expensive.

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

Its not difficult if you are looking for hotel or airbnb but otherwise you would need a local since most apartments are not on the internet.

PS: beware of middlemen, always try to meet with the owner.

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

Oh the food is delicious.. anyone visiting Dar Es Salaam should try these foods “Pilau, Chips Mayai and Ugali”

What places would you recommend visiting in Dar Es Salaam?

That would be the City centre,the famous Mbudya Island, local markets (kariakoo and mwenge)

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

I eat out sometimes... whatever you like is available lebanese, Italian, Turkish, Indian, .... list goes on, myself i just fancy the local street food at Upanga area.

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

Its just average, for the night life “masaki and oysterbay areas” are the best, lots of pubs and clubs there, especially on the weekends.

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

Just carry lots of tank tops and shorts, because summer all year long