Dar es Salaam: The Vibrant Jewel of Tanzania

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [uhn-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari yako?
  [hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-seh-mah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNataka kuhudumiwa menyu, tafadhali
  [nah-tah-kah koo-hoo-doo-mee-wah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Afya!
  [ah-fyah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNataka kulipa, tafadhali
  [nah-tah-kah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga simu polisi!
  [pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari!
  [pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Nataka kununua...
  [nah-tah-kah koo-noo-noo-wah]
• I'm just lookingNinaangalia tu
  [nee-nah-ahn-gah-lee-yah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni kiasi gani?
  [beh-ee nee kee-ah-see gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu saa kumi
  [noo-soo sah-ah koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-ee-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anuani ni ipi?
  [ah-noo-ah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi la pili litatoka lini?
  [bah-see lah pee-lee lee-tah-toh-kah lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah)]

Dar es Salaam, meaning 'Haven of Peace' in Arabic, was founded in 1862 by Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar. Initially conceived as a summer residence and a trading port, the city began to grow rapidly due to its strategic location on the Indian Ocean.

From 1887 to 1916, Dar es Salaam served as the administrative and economic center of German East Africa. The Germans built infrastructure such as the first railway line connecting the city to the interior, which facilitated trade and movement.

Following the defeat of Germany in World War I, Dar es Salaam came under British control in 1916. The British continued to develop the city's infrastructure, establishing it as the capital of the Tanganyika Territory.

Tanganyika gained independence from British rule in 1961, with Dar es Salaam as its capital. The city played a pivotal role in the nation's early years, serving as a hub for political and social activities.

In 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Though Dodoma was later designated as the capital, Dar es Salaam remained the country's largest city and its economic and administrative heart.

Over the years, Dar es Salaam has grown into a vibrant cultural melting pot. Influences from Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European cultures are evident in the city's architecture, cuisine, and festivals, making it a unique destination for visitors.

In recent decades, Dar es Salaam has experienced significant economic growth. The city is a major industrial and commercial hub in East Africa, with a bustling port that is one of the region's busiest.

Dar es Salaam is home to several prominent educational institutions, including the University of Dar es Salaam, which was established in 1961. The city is also a center for research and innovation, contributing to Tanzania's development.

Today, Dar es Salaam stands as a dynamic urban center with a population of over six million people. The city continues to evolve, blending its rich historical heritage with modern advancements in technology and infrastructure.

Dar es Salaam is easily accessible via Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), located about 12 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers numerous international and domestic flights. Alternatively, you can reach Dar es Salaam by bus from neighboring East African countries or by train via the TAZARA Railway from Zambia. The port of Dar es Salaam also serves as a major seaport, accommodating travelers arriving by sea.

Getting around Dar es Salaam is convenient with various transportation options. Public minibuses, known as 'dala-dalas', are a common and inexpensive way to travel. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps like Uber and Bolt. For a more scenic route, the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (DART) bus service covers several key areas. Car rentals are also available, but driving can be challenging due to traffic and local driving habits.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is often preferred, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and authorized exchange bureaus.

Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay cautious. Avoid walking alone at night and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. High-crime areas targeting tourists include Kariakoo and parts of the city center. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing services and avoid displaying valuables. Keep emergency numbers handy and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 114 for fire emergencies, and 115 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like Muhimbili National Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital offer emergency services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Using the Swahili greeting 'Jambo' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'ugali' and 'nyama choma'. Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Dar es Salaam like a local, visit the bustling Kariakoo Market for a taste of local commerce. Take a walk along Coco Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Engage with locals who are often friendly and happy to share insights about their city. Don't miss the Makumbusho Village Museum to learn about Tanzania's diverse cultures. For an authentic culinary experience, try street food like 'mishkaki' (grilled meat skewers) and 'chapati' (flatbread).