Dar es Salaam City Guide - Getting Around

For long-distance travel take one of the buses run by the companies detailed above. For shorter journeys, both within the city and the surrounding region, the choice is between 30-seater ‘Coaster' buses or dalla-dallas, which are smaller minibuses. These both run when full and can be awkward to try and board with luggage. Dalla-dallas are probably the least safe transport option, as drivers race each other to pick-up points to collect new passengers. They are cheap and surprisingly efficient though. The names of the first and last stop are shown in the front window or hollered out by the driver's assistant, who also collects the fares. Main terminals include New Posta in front of the main post office on Maktaba Street, Kariakoo on Msimbazi Street, Kivukoni on Kivukoni Front and Stesheni on Algeria Street, near to the Central Line train station.

Taxis are distinguished by their white number plates. Price rates are not fixed, cars have no meters and you must negotiate the best deal before setting off. There are no meters, so agree a rate before the journey. Taxi ranks can be found throughout the city, usually in front of larger hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants or landmark buildings. Shared taxis are relatively rare.

Main sealed roads are not good for cycling, as it can be very dangerous. Many of the secondary roads are safer though. Mountain bikes are virtually essential and should be brought from home as hired bikes tend to be of poor quality. The International Bicycle Fund (website: www.ibike.org/bikeafrica) organises cycling tours throughout Tanzania.