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%

There are few things in nature that impressed us as much as the plains of the Serengeti. It is incredibly beautiful and stunning. It is true, a safari in Tanzania is pricy – but so worth it. So, what should you keep in mind when you plan your Safari?

UnboxingTanzania shows you what you should specifically ask when you plan your Safari. We also give you our list of things you will definitely need when you go.

There are different options for Safaris. Our first Safari was a shared tour and we loved it. The next Safari we did as a little group with family. Let us tell you what the pros and cons of the different options are.  

Shared tour / Budget Safari

The provider of a shared tour will fill the 6-seater jeep. That is the reason, why those Safaris are a bit cheaper.  

So, in the car were the two of us and four others that we didn’t know yet. We were extremely lucky with our group! We even formed a WhatsApp group to exchange pictures we took on the Safari. Since we could communicate in one common language and were respectful with each other we all could enjoy a good time on Safari. For example, one of the girls wanted to spend a bit of time near a Hippo-pool and watch these gigantic animals. Well, she voiced it and we all agreed. That was a really good idea.

But to be honest, you don’t know what kind of group you gonna get. It could be that you are making a few compromises. It is good to think about how to make friends with your fellow travellers. Bring some snacks along to share. The one couple on the trip invited the whole car for a drink. Something nice, small, but not too trying.

When travelling on a budget we recommend the shared tour. You will have the extra bonus of meeting new people. Whoever goes has something in common with you already – being excited to see a special part of nature.

Private tour

The second Safari we did was a tour with family, so we decided on a private tour. What are the benefits? Well, in contrast to the shared tour, there are no other travellers in the car. Since we were only 4 in the car, we had more space, especially for our cameras. And we could also decide, what we would like to concentrate on.

Of course, that is more expensive than a shared tour. We think though, especially when you travel with friends or family, this is such a unique experience.

Since not all of you will be busy taking pictures, make sure to have one (or two) really good binoculars along. We enjoyed seeing the animals up close and admiring the details.  

What to ask when inquiring about a Safari?

Ask yourselves: What do you want to see? Do you want to do a balloon ride? Do you want to do a guided walk in one of the parks? What are your priorities? We found it helpful to start with a “smaller” National Park before you go into the Serengeti. Why? Well, have you ever been on a Safari already? A smaller Park right at the beginning will allow you to get into the routine. Who will sit where? How does the guide communicate? And we got to train our eyes to try to see animals in hiding.

Ask several providers for an offer. Be very precise about which parks you want to go to and about the kind of accommodation you’d prefer. In most cases, you will have your private chef travel along. That is also true on the budget Safari. If you follow a certain diet, mention that. We enjoyed that we got original Tanzanian food.

Tip:

Around the Ngorongoro Crater, there is also another Park – the Ngorongoro Conservation Area National Park. Be sure that you get an offer to actually go into the crater!

What to bring along on a Safari?

When you booked your Safari, you can start with preparing – that is already a joy in itself. (If you want to inform yourselves about health care, read our article.)

There are some items that you should take along, that will make your Safari a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. Probably, you will think of the one or the other point on our list yourself. But maybe there’s one idea, you didn’t think of.

When you pack for the Safari keep in mind that you do not have a lot of space. Everything has to go in your jeep. It is essential that you pack very space-saving.

There are some so-called “no-brainers”. Still, they are important: sunscreen & bug spray (for your skin and for the room) & hand sanitiser & moisturizer (also for your lips) & toilet paper & personalised 1st aid supplies & microfibre towels.

The list cannot be complete. Your life and your comfort might be quite different from ours. So, think of what you usually need for the night or what is your favourite photo equipment (i.e. do you use a selfie stick?).

Bottom Line

When you go to East Africa a Safari is one of the amazing events that change you. The beauty of creation all around you, makes you feel small and great at the same time. It does not have to be the famous Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.

There are so many other parks in Tanzania! They are all well-kept and full of amazing wildlife. We want to visit more of these parks, and we will take you along. So, stay tuned – here and on our social media channels (Instagram / Facebook) . Did you see the cats, we saw?

The post WHAT YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT SAFARI first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

Why are you going on holiday to Zanzibar? Is it after a safari and you would like to let the experiences sink in on the beach and relax a bit? Zanzibar is just perfect for this. Yet, we recommend still doing the one or the other advanture. What a safari is in the Serengeti, is snorkeling with the dolphins and the beautiful reefs in Zanzibar. Both are simply unforgettable!

There are so many boat providers on the beaches. This can be overwhelming. But no worries, UnboxingTanzania shows you what to look out for. We also will tell you about our own tour and provide you with all the information you need to know to start your own adventure in Zanzibar.

About us

We love the beach and the sea. That’s why we really wanted to spend a few days in Zanzibar.  What is better than just jumping into the sea to cool off? Well, we can stay afloat, but we are not the world’s best swimmers.

Just a few days before our dolphin tour, we learned snorkeling from a friend. That’s why we asked ourselves the question: Are we ready for a boat trip to the open sea and to dive in the reef and with the dolphins? To give a short answer already: Yes! it was overwhelmingly good.

How do you find the best tour?

Because of our lacking experience, it was important for us to plan the tour well. On the beach in front of our accommodation, we were often offered a tour to a reef that is about 8km in front of Zanzibar. The prices for such a tour vary 30-50 dollars for up to four people were tempting. Such offers don’t have to be bad. However, we always recommend that you clarify the following points in advance.

1. The boat

Which boat is used? The important factors are the size, engine, and comfort. The size of the boat makes a big difference, especially in stronger waves.  But the engine is also important. If you are fast on the reef, you will have more time for snorkeling.  When it comes to comfort, pay special attention to sun protection, that would be a good roof. We also recommend that you check whether there is a ladder to climb on board. Especially boarding with fins, in slightly stronger waves, can be a challenge.

Tip:

A waterproof box should be available on board for your valuables and your camera. 

2. The safety & security

For us, this is the most crucial criterion. We don’t go on a boat that doesn’t have enough safety vests for passengers and crew. The crew is best made up of at least three people. In an emergency, two crew members can help someone in the water and the captain can still steer the boat.

3. The snorkeling equipment

If you bring your own equipment, you can skip this paragraph. You shouldn’t make any compromises here. With good snorkeling equipment, you will enjoy the tour even more.  Try out the equipment on the beach, before heading out. Do the glasses fit well? How does the snorkel fit? What fins do you get? Take the time to check the equipment. The better the equipment, the more you will be able to enjoy the tour.

The cheap tours on our beach have fallen through our checklist. The hotels also offer snorkeling tours, but those prices are often much higher, starting at $100 per person.

Tip:

The more expensive price of tours planned by the hotel does not necessarily mean that they are good or bad. Ask about the details before you book the tour.

In the end, we got a contact from friends. Our captain has his boat at Muyuni beach, close to the Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spar Hotel. Most of the boats in this bay have the same size and equipment. Due to the experience of our friends, we felt in safe hands here.

Tip: 

Insist on your life jacket before setting off. It is no problem for the crew to get life jackets at short notice. And it gives you a good feeling and, in an emergency, the life jacket can save your life.

Our captain and crew

Hajiy was our captain. He has been on the sea all his life. He is quite young but already has a lot of experience. He is an excellent swimmer and diver. Hajiy dived with us and guided us to the best spots on the reef.

Then we had a second captain and another helper on board. The second captain always took over when Hajiy accompanied us in the water. And Michael, the helper, was responsible for everything else. His English was particularly helpful as he became our translator.

Our Tour Spots

1. Dolphins

First, we went to the dolphins. The dolphins return to the shallow coastal areas at night to rest. Early in the morning, they move to the open sea. This means that the earlier you start your tour, the greater your chance of seeing dolphins.

It also has the advantage that you see the dolphins relatively close to the coast. You don’t have to drive far. In addition, the coast slopes very slowly. When snorkeling, you will often see the bottom. I think it was between 4-8 meters deep.

Still, you will be shaken by the waves. Since the dolphins move on, snorkeling is not so easy. Once you arrive at the spot, you should jump into the water without delay, so that you can spend as much time as possible with the animals.

Tip:

It helped us to have a good breakfast, so that your stomach is busy. With a good breakfast, you may be able to prevent seasickness.

2. The Reef

There are several reefs around the island of Mnemba. Mnemba is about 3km away from Zanzibar. It took us about 30 minutes by boat. Again, the water is relatively low. This makes the reef especially suitable for beginners. You don’t have to dive. You can just snorkel on the surface.

Not all reefs are open to tourists. The island of Mnemba is privately owned. There is an exclusive hotel on the island. Tourists who have not booked at this hotel must keep a certain distance from the island. (Your captain will know the details.)  

3. Catering

At the reef, the crew prepared a delicious fruit platter. On the way to the sandbank you can enjoy the fresh fruits then. Among other things, we had delicious bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and oranges. (find out more about food in Zanzibar)

4. The Sandbank

To the south and east of the island of Mnemba there are sandbanks. These are exposed by the low tight. After snorkeling, you can relax here at noon. The sand on the sandbanks was the finest-grained sand we have ever seen. This spot is also good for pictures. The contrast between turquoise water and bright white sand is absolutely unique.

Tip: 

Don’t forget your sun lotion! This place is so beautiful that you forget about time. But you will be exposed to the sun at the sandbank. So do yourself a favor and take the sunscreen along.

3. Going back to the bay

On the way back we circled the island of Mnemba. With a bit of luck, you will see dolphins around the island one last time. You will also see a lot of seabirds.

Our Highlights

The dolphins impressed us totally. The dolphins were only a few meters away from us, maybe 5 meters. Yet, the animals radiated such calm. It was simply an unforgettable experience.

We counted a total of 19 animals, including a small calf. The dolphins were accompanied by about 10 – 15 boats. Beneath the surface of the water, we didn’t notice anything about it. Hajiy, our captain sees dolphins every day. But even for him, so many dolphins at one spot was something extraordinary.

The snorkeling on the reef was more relaxed. Here you are in the living room of the fish. The reef dwellers do not leave their homes. This gives you all the time you need to observe the fish, marine animals, and corals. Observing the diversity, the colorful colors and the lively hustle and bustle of the reef dwellers was overwhelming for us.

After so many impressions that had to be processed, the rest on the sandbank was also a highlight. Dangling our legs in the water and exchanging our observations from the dolphins to the reef was fun.

Tip:

We took a soccer ball with us. This was ideal for our stay on the sandbank. We can definitely recommend that.

Bottom line

We love nature and animals. That’s why snorkeling with the dolphins and on the reef was a great experience for us. Would we book this tour again? Anytime!

We wish you a wonderful time in Zanzibar. And we look forward to your pictures (tag us on your pics #unboxingtanzania on Instagram and Facebook).

The post Snorkeling with Dolphins in Zanzibar – an awesome experience first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

On a Tuesday evening in Tanzania, we were not doing so well. Stomach cramps, increased temperature, body aches, and great exhaustion. In Germany, everything would point to a gastrointestinal infection. But we are in Tanzania. What could be wrong with us? Did we catch malaria?

UnboxingTanzania gives you our view of malaria. What options do you have to protect yourself and what do you need to know about malaria? You’ll find out in this article.

We gathered some information so that you can evaluate the risk for yourselves.

• Introduction
• What is Malaria?
• Precautions
• Vaccination (not yet availible) & Prophylaxis
• Important Reminders

Obviously, you have to decide for yourselves, how you view the risk of malaria and how you want to deal with it. But we want to calm the panic a bit and give some perspective. There are also different diseases in Tanzania (more information here).

You could try to find out what’s wrong with you by typing all your symptoms into google. Probably that’s not very reliable. A more serious option is the ADA App. It also gives you different ideas of what you could have. Or maybe you check with your GP?

We learned from our friends it’s a bit different here. In Tanzania, we are always advised to first get a malaria test. Only if you do not have Malaria, other sicknesses are considered. That just shows how very present Malaria is in Tanzania. It is especially present in the minds of the locals.

What is Malaria?

It is a dangerous disease in all tropical regions of the earth. There are four different types of Malaria. In Tanzania, we face variant “Tropica”. Malaria is a Parasite that the Mosquito picked up at one point and then transmits to the next one it bites. The Mosquitoes that can infect you with Malaria are usually not active during the day but during dawn/dusk and night.

If left untreated, it can become chronic. It leads to damage of organs or could even end deadly. That is why we learned a simple rule: If you get a fever – you go, get a Malaria test.

There is no vaccination against Malaria available yet. Still, there are measures of precautions you can take. Still in Germany, we asked our GP about it and that prepared us well. We highly recommend consulting a medical expert when traveling abroad.

Seasons and Location

Most regions in Tanzania are high-risk Malaria areas. But Tanzania is a large country. There are hotspots and areas, where the risk to be infected is very low. To be honest, that is something some doctors abroad seem to forget to mention.

Another factor to consider is the season of the year. In Dar es Salaam we felt that in the months July to September, there were fewer mosquitoes than from December to April. We visited Zanzibar with friends in February. They took their malaria precaution pills every day, but we hardly saw a mosquito on the coast. In the middle of the island, it was a different matter.

Our experience illustrates how important it is to consider the Destination and the Season of your trip.

Precautions

We laughed out loud, when our GP said, “The best prevention is not to be bitten by mosquitoes”. When you think of it –it really makes sense. You call that exposition prophylaxis. It is about protecting your skin directly and indirectly.

The skin that is exposed to mosquitoes has to be sprayed or creamed with it. We like to buy local products because we find them to work as effectively as our European stuff. But still! Bring some from home, just to be sure. That is especially true when you have sensitive skin. You don’t want to ruin your holiday with unnecessary rashes. You can also protect yourselves by wearing long clothes during dawn.

Another way of prevention is to note the room you stay in. You should really sleep under a mosquito net. (You could buy a net locally but sometimes they van be hard to find – why not take one along). This is what we do. It is important to stick it under the mattress all around, so there is no opening inviting the little beasts.

Additionally, if you are afraid of the beasts robbing your precious sleep, you could buy insect sprays for the room. There will be local products that work very effectively – just ask your host which one they use.

Vaccination (not yet available) & Prophylaxis

There is no vaccination against Malaria yet. There is, however, a precaution you can take. That means – for Malaria –  you take the medication that is also the treatment of Malaria, just a much milder dose. Depending on the actual product you start to take it before your holiday, during your stay, and till after you return home.

All medications have side effects. When traveling also prepare your travel first-aid-kid accordingly. Let’s face it – you will want to be prepared for side effects like diarrhea and not start to look for solutions when you are here in Tanzania. Just in case.

We heard from our friends that it does help the tummy to take chemoprophylaxis with some fatty /oily food – maybe some yummy avocado. Maybe that helps you as well.

We found that taking chemoprophylaxis has another risk – a more psychological one. Actually, chemoprophylaxis will not prevent you from catching Malaria. It’s true the medication will help you not get sick – especially during your well-deserved vacations.

Prophylaxis has a “BUT” that doctors sometimes forget

You might or might not be infected with Malaria during your stay but you don’t know. Malaria damages the organs. Hence, it is crucial that you are treated early. Prophylaxis just suppresses the symptoms. However, once you are back home, Malaria could revive in your system. If you or your GP do not draw the connection to your stay in Tanzania, you might lose valuable time to get the proper treatment.

Therefore, when you get a fever in Tanzania be sure to get a Malaria test. When you are back home and your temperature rises– tell your GP that you have been in Tanzania. He can make sure you’ll be tested and well.

Bottom Line

When prepared well, there are fewer worries. See you in Tanzania.

The post Malaria in Tanzania – all you need to know! first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

We love to explore new cultures and landscapes. We enjoy our adventures even more knowing we are well prepared. Proper travel planning includes the question: “What health risks are there, and should I protect myself with vaccinations? “

UnboxingTanzania tells you how we take care of our health in Dar es Salaam in daily life. We give you a personal view of how we prepared for the trip to Tanzania.  By now, we got to know the situation in Tanzania a bit better and decided to give you some information about common diseases and vaccinations from our point of view.

In this blog you will find these four main points:

• Health system of Tanzania
• Common diseases in Tanzania
• Possible vaccinations and precautions
• A report about our travel preparation

What awaits you in Tanzania?

Except for a cold and a little upset stomach, we are doing fine. Of course, we asked ourselves how is the health care system in Tanzania, especially in an emergency? This question is not easy to answer. Tanzania is big. It is obviously a difference between relaxing in Zanzibar, exploring the vastness of the Tanzanian grasslands, or staying in one of the larger cities.

Health Care in Tanzania

In Dar es Salaam, good medical care is provided. There is a state health insurance.  Anyone who works for a registered company or for the state is insured. The insurance covers a certain rate for the treatment.

Of course, everyone could insure themselves privately. Most of the population however does not have health insurance. If you don’t, you have to pay for the treatment in advance.  In an emergency, public hospitals carefor the patient. The costs for this are usually paid for by family members.  Depending on the income, there is also a possibility to apply for help from the state.

Medical facilities:

Private and public hospitals offer many services.  But you don’t have to go there for the minor paper cut. Here is a small overview of the medical facilities:

Laboratory

If you have a fever in Tanzania, the way to a laboratory is inevitable. Here you can get your malaria test.  This is a quick test.  If the test is positive, you will also be prescribed the medicine. Here you can test for corona if you need to.

Tanzanians also use the labs. As soon as they have a fever, they go to the laboratory for the malaria test.  In addition, they can be vaccinated in the laboratories.  One can also get tested for HIV and hepatitis in the laboratory.

Dispensary (not pharmacies)

In Tanzania, dispensaries are not pharmacies. A Dispensary refers to medical practice, that is specialized in a health area.  Dentist, pediatrician, or ophthalmologist treat their patients here. The equipment of the office is usually meager. Often, when it is not obvious what is wrong with a patient, or when treatment requires certain medical equipment, they are referred to hospitals.

State Hospitals

There are smaller state hospitals in each district. Also, in Buza we have one. Many of our friends often go directly to the hospital when they get sick. The local hospitals have basic equipment. More complicated cases are then treated only in large hospitals.

We’ll tellyou a story from a friend to show how the medical system works for Tanzanians. She lives a bit remotely in Cheka, on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. There, she was bitten by a Black Mamba. To the nearest hospital, she had to walk for 20 minutes and then take a Pikipiki (motorcycle). The local (small) hospital did not have the antidote available. She was sent to the next larger hospital. That meant another half-hour drive for our friend; this time with a Bajaji. There she could – finally – be helped. She is fine again.

In Dar es Saalam the largest statehospital is Muhimbili National Hospital.  We have also been there several times to visit friends and support their families.  At the hospital facilities, there is the possibility to eat. But in Tanzania, it is common for the patient’s family to bring food every day.  First of all, it tastes better and is also a lot cheaper.

Private hospitals

Probably the best medical care in Tanzania you get in private hospitals. We have a long-term foreign health insurance, and this covers the costs in an emergency as well as various preventive examinations.  Personally, we would prefer one of the private hospitals in case of emergency.

Tip:

Do you already have an international health insurance for your trip? Pay attention to which services are covered.  You will notice that the services of the different providers differ quite a lot.

Duka ya Dawa (Pharmacy) 

The small pharmacies can be found everywhere.  You can get a lot; from disinfectants to ointments, toothpastes to diapers. Of course, you can also get your prescribed medication. However, there are also fake products. So, pay attention to the packaging and the information on the package insert.

Common Diseases in Tanzania

Our Tanzanian friends talk openly about the topic of diseases and health problems. Whether it is stomach problems, malaria, manure infection or haemorrhoids – diseases discussed with friends and neighbors. We observe that our neighbors and friends suffer from the following diseases. Afterwards we’ll tell you how to protect yourselves.

UTI – Urinary Tract Infection

There can be many causes of a urinary tract infection. As with many infections, transmission from person to person is possible with close physical contact. So be careful.

There is one more thought we would like to add here. It’s not the most popular topic, but we think it should be mentioned. Women, in particular, suffer often from UTI. When you use the squat toilets , pay attention to hygiene. The bacteria often get into the urethra in this way.

Stomach problems and typhoid

Many people drink water because it is extracted from wells but is not filtered. Thus, stomach problems are inevitable. This is also how you be infected with typhus.

Another reason for stomach problems can be eating food that is not stored properly.

Malaria

According to the information from our tropical doctor, malaria is widespread in Tanzania.  For everyone in Tanzania, there is a rule of thumb: As soon as you have a fever, you immediately take a malaria test.  Yes, malaria is a big issue for the population in Tanzania.

On the website of the Federal Foreign Office you will find a list of other common diseases. We have not listed them here because we have not yet get in contact with these infections in Dar es Salaam.

Even if there is emergency medical care in Tanzania, you certainly do not want to get sick. How can you protect yourself?

We recommend that you seek a personal conversation with a tropical doctor. Those Doctors are the best to offer medical advice to you. Although we have read a lot about the various diseases and vaccinations, the way to the doctor is irreplaceable. Fortunately, our German GP was also a tropical doctor.

“Standard” Vaccinations

We give you a little insight into which vaccinations we have thought about.

On your safari in Tanzania, you will notice that many bushes protect themselves from predators with spines. Small abrasions and scratches are almost inevitable. That’s why we recommend to always carry a wound-disinfectant spray with you.

A tetanus vaccination can be helpful in such cases. As always, it’s best to seek advice from your doctor about this.

Tip:

Always pack a wound disinfectant spray for direct wound treatment directly into your pocket. If you want to clean a wound with water, do not – under any circumstances – use tap water. It is also best to use the disinfectant spray to clean the wound – or purchased drinking water from a bottle.

The Robert Koch Institute and your GP are good advisors when it comes to such vaccinations

Travel Vaccinations

On the pages of the German Tropical Institute, you will find reliable information about vaccinations.  

It is up to your personal assessment whether and for which vaccinations you decide. Here is a small overview of travel vaccinations you could think about:

Typhoid

Here in Buza / Dar es Salaam typhoid fever is a common disease here.  Regardless of whether you choose to be vaccinated or not, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself. We give you the same tip that we give to our relatives and friends who want to visit us:

• Do not drink water from the tap
• Use bottled drinking water – also for brushing your teeth
• Press your lips together when showering
• Make sure that cutlery and dishes are dry
• After washing hands, dry them well

Rabies

Tanzania has initiated various projects to vaccinate pets against rabies.  Nevertheless, Tanzania is still a country with a medium risk of rabies. When an animal bites, you always have to think of rabies.  Unfortunately, in many remote areas of Tanzania, it is difficult to obtain treatment within the necessary 24 hours.

One experience in particular has taught us how quickly you can have (too) close encounters with animals on a safari. In one camp, we enjoyed our breakfast. However, we were not the only ones who were hungry. A group of baboons roamed the camp. Before we really noticed, a strong male baboon sat next to us and hissed at us. Fortunately, the rangers came to our aid in time and drove the monkeys away. Such close contact with animals, especially with monkeys, can really happen occasionally.  Here in Buza we also see a few monkeys, although not baboons.

However, most carriers of rabies are not wild animals, but pets. Because of that we have a small rule that also reduces your risk of rabies infection:

• We do not paint animals.

No matter how cute the kittens are, or how golden the dog looks – don’t touch them! Keep your distance!

More tips can be found here: We find this page very balanced.

Yellow fever

The good news, according to the World Health Organization, Tanzania is free of yellow fever. If you are arriving from a country without yellow fever risk, you do not need to show proof of vaccination upon entry. Proof of vaccination is required if you have been in a yellow fever risk area for more than 24 years.

These requirements may change depending on the epidemic situation. In order to find current regulations, you should check the official websites of the Foreign Office and the Tanzanian government for entry requirements.

Tip:

Check your passport to see which countries you have already been to. Depending on this, Tanzania may require a vaccination against yellow fever.

Covid-19

As far as we are aware, there are no Covid-19 related entry restrictions. The Foreign Office recommends that you have a vaccination against COVID-19 upon entry (the vaccines recognized in Tanzania and by the WHO).

We had to show our vaccination certificate when we entered the country in 2022. Friends who visited us in 2023 were no longer asked for their vaccination records.

Hepatitis A and B

We were already vaccinated for hepatitis A and B in Germany. So, we didn’t consider the necessity for Tanzania so much. (In Germany, we were both first responders in the companies we worked in. Just in case you were wondering.)

Dengue fever

For a couple of years now, there is a vaccine approved in the USA. Since 2023, vaccination is also possible in Germany. But we were already here in Tanzania. That’s why we try to protect ourselves from mosquito bites with clothing and mosquito repellent.

Malaria

Of course, there is a lot to report about malaria. That’s why we’ve dedicated a separate blog to this topic.

And Then Come the Needles

After you have gathered all the information, you have to make your personal decision. After making our decisions about which vaccines to get, we were given a schedule by our GP.

Since the immune system is bombarded with “work”, it must be well-timed. If we overwhelm our immune system, it can’t build the protective wall we want.  

Tip:

Don’t put it off. You should really talk to the doc a few months before your flight and decide. 

We bravely faced the needles. We felt some side effects. Our arms hurt for a few days. Once each of us had a bit of a fever and was exhausted. Maybe you can schedule different days for the vaccination than your partner’s – so one can take care of the other. We found this very helpful. It’s also smart not to get the shots a day before an important meeting, as you may not feel 100%.

Bottom Line

We are concerned about our health and try to protect ourselves as much as possible against diseases. The reality, however, is that you can’t protect yourself against everything, and vaccinations can have side effects.

In our travel preparations, we wanted to make conscious decisions so that we do not have to blame ourselves in case of illness.

We enjoy our stay in Tanzania.  With the right preparation, your trip to Tanzania will certainly be a fantastic experience.

The post Everything you need to know about Vaccinations and your Health – for Tanzania first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

What is your first thought when you hear Zanzibar?  Exactly! Beaches and spices. Both have their place in this blog. Spices are the basis of Zanzibar’s cuisine. The special flair of the beach or in the historic Stone Town gives every dish that certain extra.

UnboxingTanzania introduces you to our favorite dishes that we discovered while exploring Zanzibar.

• Urojo – Zanzibar Mix
• Fresh fish and seafood
• Pilau
• Biriyani

A bit of Background

In the culinary world of Zanzibar, it is important to people that you can taste the individual spices. Each spice is used very thoughtfully. That puzzled us at first. We expected hot or spicy dishes because of the historical relationship with India and the Arab states. We also saw the cultivation of chilies on the spice farms.

But this is exactly the biggest difference between these cultures. Because the dishes are seasoned but not spiced, the taste of the different spices remains longer on your pallet.

Although we like to eat spicy food, we have decided not to season the dishes. Over time, we have learned to taste individual spices. But don’t worry, if you prefer to eat your dishes really hot, you can always ask for a chili sauce (Mchuzi ya Pilipili).

The restaurants in touristic areas usually have good hygienic standards. That is what we have observed. If you try one of the local restaurants, it’s good to pay attention to a few things:

Tip No 1

Crockery and cutlery should be dry. The plates are usually rinsed cold with soap, under normal tap water. That is okay. It’s just important that they are dry so that you can protect yourself from a typhus infection.

Tip No 2

You should only order freshly squeezed juice if purchased drinking water (bottled water) is used. You should definitely ask about it.  If you are unsure which water is used, we’d advise you not to get it.

Tip No 3

Don’t forget to wash your hands. Especially in Zanzibar, where the population is 95% Muslim, much emphasis is placed on this. No matter how clean your hands are, wash them again before eating.  At most snack bars you’ll find facilities to wash your hands (check here for more information about hygine) You then also win the respect and heart of the locals.

But now, let’s make you hungry.

Zanzibar Mix or Urojo

The dish is exactly what the name suggests. A food that combines the cultures, history, food, and spices of Zanzibar.  The basis of the stew is a broth consisting of turmeric, mangoes, and flour. Of course, every chef and every restaurant has their own recipe. Potatoes (sometimes fried potatoes or fritters), falafel, boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions, and some lemon or lime juice are then added to the broth. Of course, meat should not be missing.  Often it is grilled beef. The soup is seasoned during the whole process. Sometimes a spoonful of coconut chutney and a dollop of the Pilipili sauce (chili sauce) is a topping.

Sounds good, right? The soup often tastes a bit sour, but very gooood.  We found the mildness pleasant. This allowed us to taste many of the ingredients mentioned directly.

Fresh fish and seafood

Every day on the beach we could watch the fishermen selling their catch directly on the beach. Of course, the hubbub is even bigger at the fish markets in Stone Town.  The sea around Zanzibar is very rich in fish and so it is no wonder that fish and seafood are part of the culinary menu here.

We mostly just ask about the “catch of the day” in the restaurants. Followed by the question of whether the fish was really caught today.  This is often the case. Otherwise, the waiter will honestly tell you that the fish was frozen or how old it is.

In a beautiful location on the beach, for example, we were told that one lobster is fresh from today and more needed to be defrosted. The fish is usually served grilled.  We especially liked the tuna steaks. Perfectly grilled, so that the fish was not dry, but just nice and juicy.  We also ate our most delicious octopus EVER in Zanzibar.

Our Tip:

One more word of caution, though. Choose the restaurant well for your fish dish. Fresh Fish must also be sufficiently cooled.  This is also the case with shrimps and gambas. Better to spend a little more than get fish poisoning and be sick for the rest of your holiday.

Pilau

Pilau is a rice dish that is common throughout East Africa.  Why do we associate it with Zanzibar?  Pilau is a simple dish, rice with spices and sometimes meat is mixed in. Especially you will taste cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. These spices can be found everywhere on the island.

So, how is pilau prepared? In the case of pilau with meat, the meat is first seared in oil.  Then add onions, garlic, and ginger.  The spices that form Pilau are the ones mentioned above, as well as black pepper, coriander seeds, cloves, fenugreek, fennel seeds, and turmeric.

Then you pour in water. First, the meat is cooked in the decoction. With additional water, the rice is added. Fold the rice under the meat and continue to stir occasionally. As soon as the water is boiled, the pilau dish is ready. Often pilau is served with a bean sauce or a thick meat sauce.

Our Tip:

Try Pilau! The spice mixture can be bought everywhere, even in small, packaged bags. These are ideal as a small gift or souvenir of your holiday in Zanzibar.

Biriyani

The history of this dish goes back to the end of the 15th or the beginning of the 16th. The word “Biriyani”, is believed, to have its roots in the Persian word “birian”, which can be translated as “fried before cooking”. Muslim immigrants may have spread the dish in India.

Unlike Pilau, the rice is prepared separately from the meat. It is very important for good biriyani that the rice is not overcooked but still a bit gritty.  The secret also lies in the spice mixture (fenugreek seeds, green and black cardamom seeds, fennel seeds, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and chili). In addition, the fried onions and the clarified butter used are a hit.

Biriyani is usually served with meat. Mostly a nicely cooked piece of beef with a reduced meat sauce (a bit like gravy).

Our Tip:

You can also order both rice dishes to take away. So, you can enjoy your food directly on the beach with your favorite view.  In addition, the portions are often so large that you still have something to eat for the next day.

Bottom Line

Our Zanzibar trip was unforgettable for us.  Pleasant people who gave us a friendly welcome, beautiful nature with endless beaches, and a special history and culture to discover on the island. All this you can literally taste in the culinary diversity.

Will you be in Zanzibar soon? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook on your Biriyani or Urojo post. We’d be thrilled to hear how you like it.

By the Way

Do you like food? Check out our block about Street food in Tanzania “Street Food in Tanzania – You Have to Try the 5 Best!“

The post The taste of Zanzibar’s Spices – 4 delicious foods you must try! first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

For us it is clear: we’d love to stay longer in Tanzania, if possible. That’s why we also try to learn Swahili. The first thing we learned was greetings. That’s really quite helpful. On our way to visit friends, we passed a group of people. We greeted them with “Habari” (Learn more about “Habari”). They greeted back. However, one person we greeted with Shikamoo. That warmed their hearts instantly and we laughed together.

Do you want to know why? UnboxingTanzania examines “Shikamoo” with you – the meaning, the cultural context and when to add it to “Habari”.

Why do you say Shikamoo:

Most cultures place a high value on respect. Tanzania is no exception, and we like that so much. This attitude is reflected in the greeting “Shikamoo”.

In Dar es Salaam, the respectful co-existence is seen every day. The people in the city have different religions and come from all regions of Tanzania. In addition, there are the many immigrants. Whether old or young, poor or rich, university or basic education – people treat each other with respect.

In Germany, where we grew up, people do not automatically greet each other on the street. We greet friends, neighbours and acquaintances. If you should happen to have eye contact with someone, you might nod and mumble a hello.

That was a major change for us. Not only do we greet almost everyone we meet, but we also have to consider, which greeting is the right one. By now, we love the greetings in Swahili. We have already started many nice conversations and met interesting people.

What does Shikamoo mean:

“Shikamoo” is an abbreviation for “Shika miguu ya” which means something like “to hold someone’s feet”. It paints the picture of bowing down. It can also be rendered “I pay you my respects”.

For this greeting Shikamoo, the only factor is age. It is not the status of a person that makes the difference, but you show respect for the other person’s life experience by greeting him or her with Shikamoo! Of course, you will still ask about the well-being of the other – with “Habari” .

How to use Shikamoo:

We would like to share two everyday experiences with you. It shows how important greetings are in Tanzania.

We were traveling with Tanzanian friends. An elderly man was sitting on a stool in front of a house, not really noticing us. We greeted with “Shikamoo Baba”. Instantly, the amazed gentlemen was smiling all over. Beaming with joy, he returned our greeting with marahaba. Not only he, but also all the neighbours were delighted that we Wazungu greeted, Baba with due respect. We grinned just as broadly and were happy about a new acquaintance. And that simply because of a greeting that is normal in Tanzania.

By the way, the answer to “Shikamoo” is always “Marahaba”. We tried to answer differently, but everyone tells us that Marahaba is the only possible answer. This shows that you accept the respect shown to you. Really, if you don’t, you’d be a bit rude.

Sometimes we are the older one to be greeted. In Tanzania you meet many children. The weather is fantastic and the children spend most of the day outside. This is also the case in Buza. As soon as the children see us “Wazungu” they run towards us and greet us with “Shikamoo”. The big eyes get smaller and the big smile disappears for a moment. The little ones look expectantly to us. That’s right, only when we return the greeting with “Marahaba”, do the children rejoice. But not only the children are happy. For us too, it is wonderfully refreshing to meet our little friends. The greeting “Shikamoo” is part of this.

#unboxingtanzania : Take a picture how your grandparents / parents react when you greet them with “Shikamoo” and tag us on Instagram. or on Facebook.

The post Swahili Greetings part 2: Shikamoo – it makes you young or old! first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%

Can you imagine traveling without trying street food? We don’t. We love to snack & try new treats. Many commuters also depend on the snacks of street vendors.

UnboxingTanzania introduces you to our five absolute favorites of street food in Dar es Salaam. Careful, this article whets your appetite.

Street Food – Breakfast

Did you know that there are at least three expressions for breakfast in Swahili:

• Chakula cha Asubuhi    – the food of the morning
• Kifungua Kinywa             – literally “opening your mouth”
• Chai                                   – literally tea     

And of course, there are also breakfast snacks at the street vendors.

Mandazi

A special treat for us. A day that starts with coffee and fresh Mandazis is a good day. Mandazis are delicious dumplings, a kind of breakfast donut. Unlike most donuts, the sweetness is rather subtle. Often the ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and baking powder are refined with spices such as cardamom or cinnamon. This tastes particularly good to us.

The ingredients are kneaded well. The dough is rolled out and shaped in various ways. Then they are fried in a steel pan over an open fire. The treat is then skillfully skewered with a metal stick and sold in bags.

The fluffy dough, the very light sweetness, the delicious frying aromas, and the light note of the spices used, make the Mandazis the perfect breakfast snack in Tanzania.

Tip:

Make sure you buy the Mandazis freshly fried. So, rather at a stand where they are freshly made and not by a street vendor. Then they are the tastiest.

Chapati

Chapati is another delicacy we love. This flatbread has its origin in Indian cuisine. Chapati in Tanzania has several layers. This is due to a certain way of folding the dough. In addition, wheat flour is used instead of atta flour (whole grain). Other ingredients are sugar, salt, oil, and warm water.

We have already made chapatis ourselves. That was a lot of fun. First, mix the ingredients well, and then let the dough rest for a while. We use the time to heat the charcoal stove. After that, all we had to do was portion the dough, roll it out and then fold it. Roll out the dough one last time and fry on the warmer until golden brown.

All the effort was worth it. The chapatis taste simply delicious. These flatbreads do not have an intense taste of their own and are a perfect side dish. Most of the time, chapatis are eaten just like that with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast.

Info:

In Tanzania, there is a second type of chapati, much like pancakes. However, the liquidly dough does not contain milk. These chapatis are also delicious. But we prefer the chapatis with the different layers.

Both versions of chapatis are eaten with the fingers. The Tanzanians know the art of pulling bite-sized pieces with just one hand (the right). We haven’t quite figured that out yet, but it’s still delicious.

Tip:

You can bake chapatis yourself. In the street shops, you can buy a set for it – a raised, round wooden pad and a rolling pin.

Street Food – Savoury

Wali wa Marahage

This is a delicious rice dish with beans. The rice is served on the plate and the beans are in a small bowl. The beans are soaked in water for about 30 hours and then cooked for another 1-2 hours. The bean stew often also contains onions, carrots, and peppers. The long cooking makes the dish creamy -yummy. The fresh vegetables taste wonderfully intense, certainly also because they are grown locally, and only seasonal vegetables are used. 

Tip:

We like it a bit hotter. That’s why we often ask for PiliPili or Mchuzi ya PiliPili. These are hot peppers or a hot sauce that is made from them.

Samosa

For us, this is the ultimate street food. The crispy-fried triangular, filled dumplings are the ideal snack for in-between. The fillings vary from mashed potatoes, vegetable mix, or minced meat.

With the Samoas, we see the close culinary connection between Tanzania and the Indian and Arabic cuisine. At the street shops. you can see how the dough is folded around the fillings. As usual in Tanzania, deep-frying takes place in a large steel breakdown either over an open fire or over a coal stove. After about 5 minutes, the samosas are taken out of the oil. That’s how long the dough needs to turn golden brown and crispy.

Samosas are finger food. You only need a napkin, so you don’t burn your fingers. At a snack bar, you also get a delicious dip with your samosas.

Tip:

Also with samosas, we recommend that you pay attention to freshness. Buy the samosas where they are prepared. This is especially recommended for the samosas with meat filling.

Chipsi Mayai

Ingeniously simple, simply ingenious. You absolutely have to try the French fries omelet. Home-made fresh fries, baked with fresh eggs from the chickens from the farm. In addition, there are often grilled skewers with chicken or beef. We ask ourselves why Chipsi Mayai is not available everywhere in the world.

We haven’t yet found out who invented the dish, but hey! thank you for that. We ate it for the first time in Tanzania and are thrilled. Chipsi Mayai can be found everywhere in Tanzania.

This dish is also eaten by hand. Inexperienced people like us like to burn their fingers. If you can’t wait for the fries to cool down, you can ask for a toothpick. This is often used here as a skewer for eating.

Tip:

As a side dish to your Chipsi Mayai, you often get a small salad. It is difficult to know how the salad has been cleaned and stored. That’s why we pass that one. – “bila saladi”

Bottom line

Don’t go to Tanzania to lose weight. Try the various delicacies and immerse yourself in the culinary street food scene. It’s totally worth it. We wish you bon appétit, great aromas, and a lot of fun with your new taste experiences.

#unboxingtanzania: Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook when you post your favorite street food.

We read a great, complementary article on the Citizen. We found the perspective very valuable.

The post Street Food in Tanzania – You Have to Try the 5 Best! 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%

Tanzania has a lot to explore. Food, culture, the lovely people and of course the beautiful untouched nature to name only a few. Why do you want to visit Tanzania? Is it the Serengeti that fascinates you? Or the Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater or Zanzibar? We are amazed about this wonderful country (Why Tanzania?).  

UnboxingTanzania gives you a short and compact overview of these national parks. We’ll also tell you what we love about these

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is one of the first parks to be declared a World Heritage Site when the United Nations began its list in 1981. In this unique ecosystem, millions of wildebeests migrate across the stunning acacia plains every year. As you take in the bustle of thousands of animals around you, time just seems to stand still.

Every season has its own charm in the Serengeti. The sheer endlessness of the plains left us awe-struck. You can never forget a sunrise or sunset that you saw in the Serengeti. The deep red colours, the big fireball behind the acacia trees, the passing elephants and giraffes are life-time memories. It is almost impossible to capture this in a photo.

The charges for a safari in the Serengeti are a bit higher than any other national park in Tanzania, but we do not want to miss this safari. We even plan to spend more time in the Serengeti on our next visit.

• That’s the official website: https://www.serengeti.com

Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on this beautiful continent – about 5.895 meters (19,340 feet). It is unique as it is the largest freestanding mountain. Kilimanjaro has become a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists – also because of its encouraging and experienced guides.

We dream of climbing this picturesque mountain, and those who have made it report about it with enthusiasm. The Kilimanjaro is often in clouds and if you break through those at about 3.500 meters you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. The higher you climb, the more fascinating the experience becomes.

The view from the summit over the glacier is priceless and the only bummer is that you cannot stay on the summit for long. The cold and the low oxygen content in the air take their toll on the exhausted body. However, everyone says that these 15 minutes at the summit justify the 3 to 6 days of pain.

Even if the ascent should not be technically difficult, many well-trained hikers do not reach the top without help – or down again. The altitude is an extreme challenge, so we are preparing for quite a climb! And for that we first have to build some stamina (or rather a lot).

Are you interested in the hot springs between Moshi and Arusha? The waterfalls around Kilimanjaro are beautiful and we recommend exploring the cities of Moshi and Arusha. On the many markets you can experience the people and the culture intensely.

For coffee lovers, a visit to a coffee plantation is a must. We were able to follow the process from harvest to complete coffee enjoyment, which was informative and fun. 

There is just a lot to explore, cultural and scenic.

• More information on:  https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kilimanjaro

Ngorongoro-Crater

The Ngorongoro is the largest caldera in the world – a crater created by a collapsing volcano. It is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area National Park, founded in 1953. The approach to the crater leads past a viewpoint at the crater rim, where we first realized how huge the Ngorongoro crater is. The steep slopes, filled with trees and bushes, offer some good hiding places for leopards and for the approximately 60 black rhinos. Although the rhinos are equipped with GPS and the guides of the park let you know if there is any near the trails, the chance to see it is small. It’s just the great outdoors and not a zoo. That is what makes it special.

You will not see giraffes inside the crater, which is due to the steep slopes but mainly to the food supply. It’s only the “wrong kind” of acacia that grows in the Ngorongoro crater -according to a giraffe’s palate.

However, the probability of seeing lions, elephants, and hippos up close is incredibly high. The animals are used to the presence of jeeps and know us humans as friendly visitors.

We were particularly impressed by the hustle and bustle of the animals at one of the waterholes. Ask your guide to switch off the engine, enjoy the peace and simply admire the animals. In all directions you can watch life, almost as if you were invisible.

As good guests, we humans leave the crater in the evening – at night the Ngorongoro belongs to the animals.

The area around the crater is a breath-taking reservoir itself, and unlike inside the crater, you will see the national animal of Tanzania, the giraffe. Would you like to learn more about the culture of the Masais? In this reservoir there are many opportunities to visit Maasai villages and immerse yourself in their culture.

Tip:

If you book your own safari, make sure that it says explicitly that you are actually going into the crater.

• More information on: https://www.ngorongorocratertanzania.org/

Tip:

There are more national parks in Tanzania than these. Each of the 22 parks is unique and worth a visit?

Zansibar

Zanzibar is one of the jewels in the Indian Ocean. It is an experience of its own – the fascinating history, the incredible nature, the enchanting sunsets and the magnificent beaches. The exotic spices give you a chance to discover Zanzibar with all your senses. You can swim with dolphins, visit the old town of Stone Town and visit the night market, chill out on the beach or just smell the sea.

Zanzibar is the perfect place to process the impressions of your stay in Tanzania. The safaris were terrific. After the African massage on the gravel roads in the jeep and the numerous sightings – there is nothing better than to dangle your feet on one of the beautiful beaches on Zanzibar. After a few days on the island, you are fully relaxed and well rested.

Tip:

In the north you’ll find beautiful beaches and the region around Nungwi is well developed for tourism.

Tip:

In the east the tides are more intense, so the way into the sea can be longer at low tide. That’s why the east of the island is quieter, more natural, and cheaper than the north, so you can relax here.

• You’ll find more information: https://www.zanzibar.com/

Unboxing Tanzania

Our attempt is to unbox Tanzania – discovering the little details in this great country. Here in Tanzania, we learn to look at life from a different angle (Learn more About US).

We also report on the famous national parks because they are unique. However, we don’t consider these stunning parks to be a bucket list to tick off, and you shouldn’t do so either. Don’t just chase the “Big Five”, enjoy your time here, submerge into Tanzania, including the famous spots. See and admire the natural beauty of Tanzania’s nature.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see more of those pictures.

The post Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngogongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar – The Natural Beauty of Nature first appeared on and is written by %AÚTHORLINK%