7 Things you need to know when visiting Dar es Salaam
This trip to Dar es Salaam marks my third visit to Tanzania.
I definitely haven’t seen or experienced as much as I should but every time I
come here, I feel more and more comfortable in this charming city. There are
things that are just so unique to Dar and I decided to put together my list of
things you need to know when you visit.
1. The humidity
I love it when I get off a plane and feel that warm wave of
humidity…but I realise I’m probably the only one. Dar is pretty much by the
equator. It’s practically summer all year round and it’s hot and sticky even
when it’s overcast. Be sure to pack your sunscreen and deodorant.
2. Airport charges
I had no idea who Julius Nyerere was when I first arrived in
Tanzania. He’s a pretty big deal. He’s Tanzania’s Nelson Mandela and I felt so
uncultured for not knowing that. The airport in Dar is named after him and
offers a very unique airport experience.
When you arrive, you are required to pay for a visa in US
dollars whether you’re visiting Dar for business or pleasure. Now, there are
standard fees that you can find out before you fly but it varies based on what
you’re here to do and where you come from. For people that aren’t used to this,
it feels like a bribe! I mean why do we have to pay to enter the country – in
cash? The first time I set foot in Dar, I was trying to haggle for the price of
the “bribe” but it’s a standard fee that goes to the Revenue Authority of
Tanzania.
You’ll hand over $200 with your passport to an official who
then takes it to an office for the paperwork to be done. Don’t worry. Someone
will come out with your passport and receipt – it just might take an hour – but
the plane full of people you arrived with will be waiting right alongside you.
3. Swahili
Swahili
is the national language of the locals although you could get around speaking
English a lot easier in this city than in most of Africa. Even if the people
you speak to understand English, it’s nice to be able to speak a little bit of
Swahili as a sign of respect. Here are some of the basic words:
Karibu:
Welcome. Everyone is so warm and welcoming and you are mostly likely to be greeted
with “karibu”.
Mambo:
Hello. The correct response to mambo is “poha”.
Asante
(sana): Thank you (very much). These two words were made famous by Rafiki in the
Lion King.
4. Masai culture
Yep,
the Masais you learnt about in school walk the streets of Dar! I love their
traditional dress and it looks so refreshing to the usual western wear. Some
luxury hotels like Seacliff have their doormen dressed as Masais to remind
their patrons of the rich culture Dar has to offer.
5. Po-le po-le
I
think I spend way too much time in the rat race in Joburg. Even though I don’t
like to be stressed in my personal life, I’m a frenzied mess at work meeting
deadlines and fighting fires. I love the po-le po-le attitude that all
Tanzanians seem to have. They say, “po-le po-le” – just chill – there’s
absolutely nothing wrong with being late for a meeting or responding to you
later than they promised. There's no bad intent - whats the rush. Oh how I wish the Joburg business community could be
this relaxed about life.
6. A friendly people
They
say South Africans are friendly. Yeah we’re a chatty bunch but I don’t think
we’re as friendly as Tanzanians. They go out of their way to make you feel
welcome – whether it’s a waitress or someone you work with. They will check up
on you, make you feel at home and stop whatever they are doing to help you. And
if they really can’t help you, they will be late for where they need to go but they will find someone who can help you instead.
7. Traffic!
If you’re in Dar for business, you’re bound to experience
the traffic. If you’re not there for business, try to avoid the roads during
peak times. Most people get to work at 8 and leave at 5 so the roads are packed
with everyone trying to get to and from work all at the same time. And just
like the rest of us, everyone tries to weave in and out of traffic as best they
can. It’s not surprising to see someone driving on the shoulder of the road in
the wrong direction of traffic. Motorcyclists generally with a passenger and
bajajs (tuk-tuks) weave in between cars.
Without proper road infrastructure, it seems like absolute chaos but they have nowhere near the
rates of road accidents that Joburg has. Everyone seems to understand exactly
how to let some people in and squeeze through others. Traffic circle rules
aren’t the same as what I’m used to – it’s like: “let’s all try to get in first
and then figure out who drives”. Either
way, I love that the city has its own unspoken road rules that work for them
and everyone still gets home safely.
Karibu! Welcome to Dar es Salaam!
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