Do you love to try the local means of transport during your vacations? UnboxingTanzania thinks that this is the best way to explore the country, people and culture. Today we would like to introduce you to the Bajaj.

We give you important tips for a safe journey. So, buckle up as we take you on a “ride” through the history, benefits and safety tips for these charming tricycles in Tanzania. You will also learn about our personal Bajaji experiences.

Our first rides

The rides with the tricycles are something special ever since we came to Tanzania. You can get from A to B quickly and safely with the Bajaji. We have made the experience that the drivers are very happy when we introduce ourselves and or greet them in Swahili (Swahili Greetings Part 1 /Part 2). 

The destination of one of our first trips was somewhere in Buza-Kipera. To get there, you must leave the paved road. Already on this trip, we felt connected to this wonderful country. The left side of the tricycle is usually open. This gives you a good view of what is happening around you. The speed was throttled by the road conditions. This gave us a good first look on our neighbourhood. We also noticed how tough, enduring and off-road capable the Bajajis are.

Another trip that sticks in our minds is transporting our mattress. The stores do not offer deliver services. So, we were faced with the problem of how to get our mattress delivered to our home. No problem thanks to the tricycles. The mattress was quickly mounted on the roof of the Bajaji, and we hopped on with our friends as well.

You can also look forward to your first ride in a Bajaji. Here are some tips and information for you.

Trip to explore “History”

Motorized tricycles originated in Asia and are widely used in most countries there. Often known as “TukTuk”.

In Africa, too, tricycles can be found in several countries. Egypt was the first country on the African continent to import motorized rickshaws. For about 20 years, they have also been an integral part of Kenya and Tanzania.

Bajaj is a manufacturer of autorickshaws with a large market share. In Tanzania, this brand name generally stands for all motorized tricycles, regardless of the manufacturer.

Victory ride of the Bajaji

There is no shortage of Bajajis in Dar es Salaam. This is due to the wide range of possible usage.

Bajaji Taxi:

You can recognize the commercially used tricycles by the white license plates (find out more “City Safari” under Vehicles and license plates). In Dar es Salaam, you can find the rickshaws at every major intersection. If the way there is too far for you, you can also give a hand signal to the passing tricycles. The Bajaji drivers are just waiting for it and stop immediately if they are not already transporting guests. A third way to organize a Bajaji trip is through online portals. Personally, we use Bolt, but if you have an Uber account, that will also work fine.

Bajaji Bus:

The tricycles travel up and down the main street within parts of the city. If the driver sees a potential passenger, the driver honks briefly and waits for a reaction. In this way, the drivers collect their passengers and fill the tricycle to the limit and beyond.

The question of how many people can be transported with a Bajaji is exciting. We haven’t figured it out yet, so it remains a mystery. We are always amazed at how many people get out of a Bajaji. Even so the legal limit is three passengers.

Bajaji Cargo:

The locals have ingeniously repurposed these vehicles to meet different needs, making them an essential part of daily life. Not only are they used as taxis for transporting passengers, but they are also used as mini-vans that carry everything from food to furniture to livestock.

Behind the wheel

We have a Tanzanian driver’s license, but unfortunately it does not entitle us to drive tricycles. In order to get a driver’s license for the rickshaws, an extra test must be passed.

Only in rare cases are the drivers of the tricycles also the owners. If a Bajaji is particularly well maintained and very individually furnished, the driver usually owns the vehicle. In the other cases, the drivers pay the owner a leasing or usage fee. In these cases, drivers will be required to earn the daily fee. Our experience is that these drivers drive sometimes a little faster and are more willing to take risks.

Tips for a safe ride

Safety has always been a top priority when traveling to a foreign country. That’s why we’re happy to give you tips so that you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable Bajaji ride in Tanzania.

• We recommend using an app like Bolt or Uber. These apps provide a reliable way to connect with registered drivers.
• Take the initiative. At major junctions and at the train station, you will get offers by many drivers. Unfortunately, this is also used by criminals who will then take you to an abandoned area and rob you. That’s why it’s better to choose the Bajaji yourself. (or you use Uber/ Bolt- registered drivers)
• It’s also helpful to ask locals for recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask locals (your host) for advice on trustworthy Bajaji drivers. They are usually happy to share their experience and help you find a driver who knows the area well.
• Negotiate the fare before you hit the road. We use the prices of apps like Bolt and Uber as an idea. The drivers are used to negotiating the price. Just remember to negotiate respectfully, and you’ll get fair prices.
• Always have change with you. Often, the drivers don’t. Being able to pay the exact amount makes the ride smoother, too. You pay the fare on arrival.

Bottom Line:

Using a Bajaji in Tanzania is much more than just a means of transportation. It’s an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of the country. The friendly drivers, busy streets, and genius way of usage of these vehicles reflect the resilience and warmth of the Tanzanian people.

If you’re in Tanzania, hop aboard a Bajaji and let it take you on a journey you won’t forget. Immerse yourself in the culture, meet the locals, and enjoy the ride.

#unboxingtanzania : Take a picture of your first Bajaji ride and tag us on Instagram. 

The post Everything you need to know about the Bajaji in Tanzania – the ultimate public transport guide first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

The DalaDalas shape the picture of Dar es Salaam. The colourfully painted buses catch the eye. Each bus is a work of art. This adds to the special flair of Dar es Salaam.

UnboxingTanzania tested DalaDalas as public transport for you. We’ll tell you all about our experiences and share our knowledge so that you have fun on your first ride in the DalaDala. We also tell you how safe we felt.

We fondly remember our first DalaDala going from M/Moja to Buza. The M/Moja stop is in the middle of the city and there’s always a lot going on. When our bus stopped, the crowd got even bigger. It was more relaxed on the bus. The fight for the seats takes place in front of the bus and not in it. Whether seated or standing, there isn’t much space and it’s rather “cozy” on the bus – packed to the brim.

Tip:

If you are really good at climbing a bus through one of the windows, you’ll have a seat guaranteed. That’s how they do it here. You’ll see.

First of all, it was a stop-and-go through the city centre during the rush hour. Then stop-and-go through streets bordered by lively markets. It continued with stop-and-go because passengers either got out or were picked up on the side of the road.

After 1 ½ hours we reached our final stop in Buza. During this ride, we saw more of Dar es Salaam than in the 2 weeks prior. We were amazed by the energy, the passion, and the dynamic that we could see in the life happening around the DalaDala.

On our first ride in a DalaDala, we were not alone. Local friends wanted to introduce us to the world of the DalaDala. Don’t worry, UnboxingTanzania gives you all the information you need for your DadaDala trips.

A bit of history

Until the early 1980s, DalaDalas were illegal in Dar es Salaam and all public transport was managed by the state. However, over time, there were fewer and fewer safe vehicles but still steadily increasing demand. Since 1983 it has been possible for private DalaDala operators to obtain a license. For a few years now, Tanzania has been investing more in the public transport network. For example, new roads for express buses are being built. On all other roads, the DalaDalas rule.

By the way, whoever acquires a DalaDala license is bound to the bus route. This is painted on the bus. There is a colour code and the respective terminal stops are on the front of the bonnet.

Why is the bus called DalaDala? There are various stories about the naming. The three we hear most often are:

1. It is said that the buses were named after the proverbial “just a dollar”. DalaDala sounds something like dollars.
2. In Swahili five is called tano. There used to be a 5-shilling coin called Dala in slang. And that was initially exactly the price for a bus ride. Today the journeys cost more, starting at 200 shillings – you’ll also have a coin for that.
3. The conductor taps the driver to signal him to stop or start driving. Initially, the 5-shilling coin was used for knocking. Due to inflation, the 5-shilling coin has long disappeared. The DalaDalas still drive through Dar es Salaam. And the driver and conductor still communicate very well via knocks. Watch it.

What kind of buses are DalaDalas?

In Dar es Salaam there are DalaDalas of different sizes. Most of these mini-buses have a capacity of 25-40 seats. The door is on the left behind the cab and is always operated by the conductor. On the main roads, there are also bus lines with larger buses.

The condition of the buses differs. Many vehicles are lovingly cared for, but some are also neglected. The interior is always self-made. The rows of seats are installed to optimize space and also the driver’s cab is converted for passengers. There are no limits to creativity in the design of the interior, but also the pasting of the window panes. We show you particularly creative designs on Instagram.

Tip:

On most routes, the buses run at short intervals. Sometimes it’s better to wait for the next DalaDala than to board a bus you are not comfortable with.

Smaller people can comfortably stand in the bus. But if you are over 1.80m (6 feet), you have to duck. A railing is attached to the headlining for the standing room. If you have to stand and your bag is heavy, you can also put it on the lap of a seated passenger – everyone here does it this way.

Where do I board?

The official bus stops are bays that are marked with a sign and are easily recognizable. These stops are even marked on Google Maps. If you have arrived at the bus stop, we still recommend that you wave to the passing bus with a hand signal.

As soon as you have your first experience with DalaDalas, you will realize that the bus does not only stop at bus stops. All people waving at the side of the road are picked up also.

The big bus stations are mostly the start and end stops, that are written on the buses. These stops are public hubs. Small or even large markets are often connected to the bus stations. Otherwise, you can also buy refreshments from one of the many street vendors.

Which bus do I take?

In a city as big as Dar es Salaam, there are of course countless bus routes. You know already that the start and end stop is written on each DalaDala. With a little practice, you can already tell from the colours of the buses which districts they go to.

There are no official maps of the routes. The best and easiest thing is just to ask. Ask your hosts at the B&B or ask the nice lady at the market stall from whom you have already bought three mangoes. In the beginning, we wrote it down directly because the names of the end stations were a bit foreign to us & sometimes sounded a bit similar.

When you get to the bus stop, just to be on the safe side, ask the conductor before you get on.

Tip:

The fares are also painted on the bus. Pay attention to this before boarding. You pay in between or when you get off, depending on what the conductor says. When you get on the bus, you leave your wallet in your pocket – deep in your bag.

What does the conductor do?

He and the driver are a perfect team. The driver, of course, pays attention to the traffic, as befits a driver. The conductor gets off at stops and tries to recruit the waiting passers-by as passengers.

If a passer-by wants to be taken along, the driver is informed by the conductor by knocking. The driver reacts quickly to the sign and stops as quickly as. Another knock from the conductor means that the people have boarded. That is, the driver continues driving. The conductor also collects the fares from the passengers and ensures that older people get a seat.

At peak times, the conductor asks the passengers to move closer together. He meticulously tries to close every gap and get the maximum capacity of people into the bus.

Tip:

Stops are usually not mentioned during the journey. But let the conductor know where you want to get off and that you need his help. He will make an exception for you Mzungu and let you know as soon as the station is approached.

How about security?

Of the modes of transportation to choose from, the DalaDala is one of the safer versions. Because of the size alone, you’ll feel safer in a DalaDala than in a Bajaji or on a motorcycle. In addition, the buses mostly run on busy main roads and not in small alleys. This also increases your security.

The biggest problem in DalaDalas is the danger of pickpockets. Not only on the bus but especially when getting on and off the bus. As described at the beginning of the article, it is often crowded when boarding the bus. Because there is only one door for getting in and out, the crowd when getting out is often just as big.

Tip:

It is safer to carry your backpack to the front at bus stops, when getting on and off the bus, and also on the bus. You should also carry handbags in front of your chest, always having an eye on it.

Tip:

We recommend that you do not carry your cell phone and wallet in your trouser pockets. Pickpockets often take advantage of the tumult when getting on and off the bus. Don’t hold your phone out the window for a good picture – chances are it will be gone.

Bottom line

We love the DalaDalas. A ride in a DalaDala is an absolute must for your trip to Dar es Salaam. We also love the opportunity to meet new people and start conversations on the buses. We learn something new about Tanzania with every trip.

The post Everything you need to know about DalaDalas in Dar es Salaam – the ultimate public transport guide first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

How safe is Tanzania, specifically Dar es Salaam? When we told our family and friends that we will live here for a while, they were a little concerned. Questions about infrastructure, streets and transportation were typical. Maybe you are asked similar questions. Where do you get reliable information to reassure your friends?

Our tip: The website of the German Foreign Office is a good reference for us. There you find well-researched tips, information, and warnings. The website provides you with an up-to-date overview of the country including the infrastructure. We came across a sentence which we want to use as a stepping-stone for our article.

UnboxingTanzania shows you how to get safely from A to B, even though the transport system may be a little different than at home. We’ll equip you with enough know-how to make the actual road-trip an exciting and fun part of your trip.

In addition, we present the options of the means of transport available here in various posts:

• Dala Dala
• Pikipiki
• Bajaji
• Taxi

Favourite Quote (German Foreign Office):

“There is left-hand traffic. The condition of the roads is mostly quite good, less so in remote areas and there are severe potholes. Driving on highways is a challenge due to the unfamiliar and very different driving styles.”

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/laender/tansania-node/tansaniasicherheit/208662#content_3

Streets:

The Swahili word for street is Barabara. We learned this in one of the first lessons. The word stuck in our minds. After arriving in Tanzania, we could finally link some images and experiences with the word. The Barabara in Tanzania and the whole transport system have a very special flair.

Our tip: Because of the “left-hand traffic” and the “unusual and very different styles of driving”, we recommend that you always look both ways before crossing a street. Even if you are used to left-hand driving, still look both ways! It is safer.

The main roads in Dar es Salaam are tarred and mostly in good condition. As you can imagine, the temptation to drive fast is rather big. Only during rush hour that’s not. High traffic decelerates everybody. To slow traffic down during other times of the day, speed bumps prove to be effective. These bumps differ significantly in height. Some are moderate, but others are so steep and high that traffic almost comes to a standstill. Older vehicles with poor suspension often land on those.

The byroads are usually not paved. The surface of larger byroads is mostly a mixture of gravel and sand. In our area, most of the back roads are sandy. In the rainy season, of course, they suffer. A paradise for fans of motorcross, a mogul slope for any normal driver. But also the dirt roads are regularly repaired and patched.

In other parts of Dar es Salaam, the soil is more clayey. The effects of the rainy season are even more extreme on these roads. Instead of humps, deep channels evolve. Many roads then become impassable for vehicles with normal ground clearance.

Of course, Tanzania is no stranger to the notorious potholes. These little or not so little holes seem to love intersections, railroad crossings, and steep climbs or descents. When driving yourself, you will want to be aware. We advise you to do so also as a passenger, just to be prepared for the shaking.

This is just a brief overview of the streets in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is trying to improve the infrastructure in the long term and is also investing in the road network. Many major projects have been initiated in recent years. For example, there are already express bus lines and more are currently being built. New highways and bridges have been built and/or are planned. The effects will certainly be seen in a few years.

Drainage channels / sewers

In Tanzania, there is a season of short rain showers (Vuli) and a season of heavy rains (Masika). This subtly suggests that it occasionally rains here. And when it rains in the Masika – then it rains.

Our tip: Find out about the different seasons and what effects they have on the weather in your travel destination within Tanzania.

In order to contain the effects of the heavy rain on the streets, large sewer channels are built on both sides of the streets. Hence, the undermining of the street and flooding should be prohibited by these channels. When you see the construction, you will appreciate it as they are tediously dug with a pickaxe, then boarded and concreted. Because of the water masses, the gullies are relatively wide and deep. In some drainage channels you can easily hide a small car. There is no demarcation between the roadway and the sewer channel. So, watch out.

Safety on the streets

In Dar es Salaam, the longer it takes you to travel, the safer you usually travel. With the Pikipiki (motorcycle) you can make good progress, but you have to be willing to take risks to enjoy the ride. In the Bajaji you feel safer, but you also make slower progress. Here, the condition of the Bajaji and the driving style will play a large part on whether you feel safe. It’s even more comfortable in the car. You feel better protected from the trucks and buses crossing lanes at will. And if seat belts are available, the car could actually be the safest mode of transportation. In the DalaDala you are probably best protected from serious accidents. This is due to size and hight of the Daladalas. The disadvantage is that you need the longest with the daladalas to reach your destination. But it’s great fun to meet or observe your fellow passengers.

Vehicles and license plates

In Tanzania, number plates are assigned to the vehicle. When you buy a vehicle, you also get the number plate. Thanks to this procedure you can see how long a vehicle has been on the Tanzanian roads. Vehicles which license plates start with an A have a particularly long history. However, you often do not need the number plate to guess this. The signs of wear and tear on the vehicle are usually just as clear an indicator as the A on the license plate. Currently (year 2022) license plates are issued with the letter E.

Our tip: Pay attention to the color of the license plate when you get into a taxi or Bajaji or get on a Bodaboda. Only if the vehicle has a white number plate it licenced for commercial passenger transport.

Traffic police

Traffic policemen are part of the urban landscape of Dar es Salaam. At large intersections, traffic is often not controlled by the traffic lights, but by one of these capable officers. The traffic policeman wear a white uniform. Especially at traffic junctions, it doesn’t work at all without them. And they not only regulate the traffic, also ensure the safety on the roads through traffic controls.

Street vendor

Like the traffic cop, the street vendors are part of the cityscape. In traffic jams or at intersections, street vendors display their products. The offered portfolio is unlimited. Small snacks, drinks and ice cream are particularly popular. But we were also offered pillows, belts, soccer balls, cutting boards, bras, charging devices, cosmetic products, and un-alike. If you are not interested in the goods, you can say thank you as a no – Asante. The street vendor understands the polite rejection and moves on in search of a prospective buyer.

Our tip: We strongly advise to think twice about buying food from street vendors. Proper storage and adequate cooling are difficult for such snacks or ice cream.

Bottom Line

We understand that family and friends are concerned about our safety on the roads in Tanzania. A lot of what you see here on the streets is unfamiliar at home. Existing traffic rules are interpreted a bit differently. With all the presumed chaos on the roads though, we noticed that the drivers are considerate of each other. We haven’t observed any foul play on the road, no middle finger and no swear words. It feels as if there it is a little less stressy on the streets of Dar es Salaam than in other metropolitan cities. Maybe that’s why we feel safe despite the unfamiliarities.

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Mzungu, Lete Mzungu – you will often hear these words in Tanzania. UnboxingTanzania shows you what nickname is already waiting for you.

Mzungu and Football?

Tanzania is crazy about football (I know you can also call it soccer, but we’ll just stick to football here). Whether Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga or the local Tanzanian Premier League, Tanzanians absorb it. When there’s a game to watch, the bars are full and people cheer their teams loudly.

In Britain there is Manchester vs. Liverpool, in Spain Real vs. Barcelona and in Germany Bayern vs. Dortmund. In Tanzania, hearts beat particularly fast when the Tanzanian Premier League scheduled a game Simba vs. Yanga. For years, these two teams have competed for the titles in the league. No wonder, Tanzania goes wild when they play. Even the Dala Dala`s (upcoming Post: Dala Dala) are decorated in the colours of the clubs and bring the fans to the stadium.

What does football have to do with mzungu? Well, not much. The original meaning of mzungu can be translated as wanderer and was more commonly used in connection with spirits. However, in Swahili today, it has the simple meaning “white man” or “white woman” and sometimes Mzungu also describes foreigners in general.

We got used to our nickname. We live in a part of Dar es Salaam that rarely sees tourists. As soon as we leave our apartment, the streets ring with “mzungu, mzungu”. Children come running towards us and greet us with “Mzungu”, followed by a “Shikamoo” (post to come: unboxing the Greeting “Shikamoo”).

People waiting at the side of the road for the DalaDalas or standing at the market and those who say “Mzungu” in the bars and shops are happy about our visit. Since the start of this year’s football season (2022), the greeting changed a bit to “Mzungu, Lete Mzungu”. And that brings us back to the beginning of the story – football.

Mzungu and Football!

Simba, one of the football clubs in Dar es Salaam, introduced their team at the beginning of the season. The players are called individually by name. As soon as the professional is named, he comes through the players’ tunnel onto the soccer field and is euphorically welcomed by the fans. But then the stadium announcer stumbles. He cannot pronounce the name on his piece of paper “Georgijevic Dejan”. Georgijevic Dejan is a Serbian professional footballer who joined Simba this season. Without further ado, he decides to introduce the player with “Lete Mzungu”.

A few weeks later, Simba plays against Yanga and is 2-1 behind. Now the Simba fans rise from the ranks and loudly demand “Lete Mzungu”. Georgijevic Dejan is a Serbian football player who has been playing for Simba since this season. “Lete (bring) Mzungu” is the request to the coach to send the white player to the field. He complied with this request. Still Simba lost this game 2-1.

Since then, in every Simba game you hear the song “Lete Mzungu” accompanied by a little dance. Also, on the streets of Buza one hears it over and over again. Not because Simba is playing, but because we are once again strolling the streets and are greeted by football fans. And yes, sometimes we dance with them.

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