Dar es Salaam Warnings Or Dangers

While we were staying at Kipepeo beach, someone staying at the campsite just down the beach had been out jogging in the morning and had been robbed at knife point of money and her shoes. Best to avoid jogging or walking far alone.

Be warned though, like all seaports, it has its dangers. You are strongly advised not to wander around the city at night in small groups, particularly around the port and on the beaches north of the city around Kunduchi. And never exchange money on the streets with the touts who offer you ?best rates in town?. They will either be rip-off artists who cleverly pad a wad of shillings with blank paper, or undercover policemen who will give you a warning, but keep your dollars. The Tanzanian shilling is, in any case, a regulated currency, and the black market will yield scant rewards.

If you are a man in Dar, then you have to be very careful about your drinks in nightclubs. I have known several occasions when guys have got drunk and had their drink spiked by one of the numerous ladies surrounding you (this is especially the case in California Dreamers). The next morning, they have found that they have had their wallet and mobile phone stolen.

I advise you to always keep you drink in your hand and it should be ok. It has never happened to me basically because I have been continuously vigilant.

The citycenter of Dar es Salaam is ok to walk alone late at night, but outside the center its better to use a taxi, which aren't expensive.
The beach at Dar es Salaam is known for its muggers, Coco beach its called, a friend of mine was mugged by three men with a very large knive, its better to take a small boat to one of the small gaunted islands, eg. take the boat from the Slipway which takes about 30min to a small island, Bongoyo beach. A return ticket is about 5000sh (6usd). There is service at the island you can get drinks and they serve very nice fish and chips (freshly caught fish). Or you can take the ferry from Dar es Salaam harbour to Southbeach, which has a beautiful deserted beach. But you will need a car... which is far easier then going by 'dala dala' (the local bus, minibus).

Tanzania is a peaceful country, and I felt safe in Dar es Salaam. It was no problem walking around in different areas of the city. No attempt of pickpocketing.

This is a sensible tip for most developing market countries. No matter what rate you are being offered, never do a deal with the money changers in Dar.

Go to one of the money changing shops instead.