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Daocheng

Daocheng (稻城; Dàochéng) is a city in Ganzi, Sichuan province

Understand
Daocheng is located at an altitude of 3750m. While there may not appear to be much to do in this town those who do decide to stop over and spend a day here will find this town/village much more charming than it appears at first. It offers a good stepping stone for those coming from Yunnan with altitude concerns as the towns either side of it (Xiangcheng and Litang) sit at altitudes of 3200 m and 4000 m. If you take the time to head out of the town you will find the surrounding countryside and mountainous backdrop quite charming.

From Tagong
From Tagong, minibuses are available either arranged through your guesthouse or you will be approached on the main street cost is ¥50 per person to Daocheng.

From Xiangcheng
There is no public transportation from Xiangcheng to Daocheng. A solution is to take a bus from Xiangcheng to Litang and Kangding, and get off at Sangdui. These buses depart from Xiangcheng at 06:00. Don't forget to ask for a ticket to Sangdui only. Duration: about 3–4 hours. Alternatively (in particular if the buses are full), you can share a minivan; just be at Xiangcheng bus station around 05:30, and the drivers will look for people to bring to Sangdui and Litang. Cost to Sangdui: around ¥35 per person (don't forget to bargain), for 2 hours. The road passes by 4800 m, so beware of altitude sickness.

From Sangdui to Daocheng, there is no other option than waiting for a car or a bus heading to Daocheng. In winter, this may last for a couple of hours. There is a "grocery store" in the middle of the village, where you can spend some time, especially if the temperature is low (-20 °C in winter!).

From the north
Direct buses every day from Litang, Kangding and even Chengdu. High cols on the road (almost 5000 m) so, again, beware of altitude sickness.

Get around
No public transportation here. The city is small enough to walk everywhere. If you are lazy, cold, or afraid of wild dogs, a taxi shouldn't cost more than ¥10. E-Scooters are also available to rent.

See
You can easily spend a few days just wandering around Daocheng - especially if you go climbing the hill around the city, the arid landscapes are truly stunning. It's a worthy stop on your way, don't treat it just as a sleepover to Kangding and Shangrila. Anyway, in such a destination, it is better to sleep in Sangdui, which avoids to go to Daocheng.

Join the locals dancing on the main square every evening.

Stay safe
Carry a stick or some stones in your pockets, as wild and freely roaming dogs are dangerous here, especially if you leave the villages and stay on your own. But you can also get attacked by them in the middle of the town during the day.

In case you get attacked by a dog, immediately go to the emergency service of the hospital, in the middle of the town, for an anti-rabies injection.

Do

 * Visit the hot springs, 4 km from the town. The usual price to get there is ¥30 per car, return trip included. The driver will wait for you while you enjoy the hot water. The usual entrance price to a bath cabin is ¥10 (per person). No towels available. In summer, rather go to the upper hot springs, as the lower ones are said to recycle the (dirty) water of the upper ones.

Sleep
Daocheng Time 1990 (previous Zhuoma Renjia Hostel) No 35, Phase 1, Dexi Road, Daocheng, China Location: 29.039365, 100.294313 Price 5-12 USD, near the old bus station

The current bus station is located at 29.027561, 100.284660 Out of town

There are a large number of budget guesthouses across the road from the old bus station. There are also several guesthouses a short distance out from town which several touts crowding around the bus station will happily take you to. However, be aware that when coming in winter, the majority of guesthouses are dead-locked, and even if there is anything open, it will not have running water nor hot water (as the water pipes are frozen during winter). Moreover, there is no heating in any hotel, except Zhongmei Hotel. In winter, is a must to ask at least for an electric blanket in the sleeping places (but again, be aware that electricity fails very often). Don't forget that temperature can be as low as -20°! On top of all that, the bus station hotel is definitely not a bargain offer either.

Go next
The bus station opens everyday from 14:00 to 17:30 and from 18:30 to 20:00.

Due to corruption and disorganization, it may be extremely difficult to get a ticket from the bus station, even off season. The only option then becomes to hire a taxi or minibus to Sangdui or Litang. Otherwise, you may be stuck there for a while.

If you arrive by bus you may be accosted by the local minibus drivers offering service to Litang or Xiangcheng. Even if you've made a late afternoon arrival, it is perfectly reasonable to skip Daocheng and take a minibus on to either of these destinations. In this part of Sichuan, minibuses are often the same price as public buses.

Despite a poster in the bus station, as of 2012, there is no public transportation to Xiangcheng.

title: Daocheng


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Daofu

Daofu is a small town in Sichuan Province, China.

Daofu has very famous mountains and natural hot springs and beautiful environment.

By bus
Public transport buses depart from Kangding early in the morning, Buses also leave Ganzi early in the morning and cost 55Y. Booking your ticket the night before isn't strictly required but is advisable. Private transport is available from any of the dozen touts in the center of Ganzi, Kangding; their network is ad-hoc but seems to cover most routes.

By car
if using private transport your best bet is traveling to Daofu early in the morning when more people can share a ride, haggling mandatory for any sensible kind of price. Having 10 people jammed into a car, swapping cars en-route and picking up extra passengers from the side of the road is common; and luggage space can be limited.

See
There is a beautiful monastery called Nique Gomba. It's a Galuba Buddhist monastery. Galuba is one of the strands of Tibetan Buddhism.

Do

 * You can go climbing in the mountains. The town is 3200 metres above sea level so the mountains are higher than this.
 * There are beautiful grasslands and you can visit nomads. Take taxi few kilometers into the mountains, if you find some nomads, you can stay with them. They are very nice, don't talk any language you may know (probably only one word you would know is "Dalailama"). They give you yak's meet, milk etc. Change it for fruit from city.

Eat
You can eat Tibetan noodles. The locals cook them with vegetables, potatoes, onions, meat, tomatoes in a soup. You can eat them in a restaurant.

Sleep
There are many hotels. The most expensive hotel is a two or three star hotel.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Daofu


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Dapitan

Dapitan, also known as the Shrine City of the Philippines, is a city in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, located on the island of Mindanao, which is the second largest island in the Philippines.

Get in
To get to Dapitan means either taking a flight from Manila or Cebu to the neighboring city of Dipolog, where the airport is located, or sailing to the Port of Pulauan (sometimes Pulawan), which is located within the city of Dapitan although ferry schedules often list the destination as Manila-Dipolog.

By plane

 * The two airlines that fly to Dipolog Airport are Philippine Airlines(PR) and Cebu Pacific Air(5J).
 * From Manila, Philippine Airlines has daily flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal 2, while Cebu Pacific has daily flights from Terminal 3.
 * Both airlines also operate flights from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Dipolog.

By ferry
From the Dapitan port there are ferries to/from Dumaguete, Cebu City, Manila and Zamboanga City.
 * 2GO Travel - Dumaguete, Cebu, Zamboanga and Manila.
 * Montenegro shipping lines - Dumaguete
 * Cokaliong Shipping lines - Dumaguete -4PM. Cebu via Dumaguete.
 * Supper Shuttle ferries - Dumaguete -5AM
 * Aleson Shipping lines - Dumaguete -10:30AM

The one-way fare from Dapitan to Dumaguete is from + port fee.

By bus

 * It is 135 km by bus from Dapitan to Ozamiz. the bus takes 3 hours. and costs.
 * The bus from Dapitan to Dipolog takes 45 minutes and costs.
 * There are also buses going to/from Ipil, Zamboanga City, Pagadian, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro.

Get around

 * From the ferry port gate to the Highway (2 km) cost 20 on a Motorbike Taxi. When you get to the highway you can take a bus going to Dipolog 15 or Ozamiz 175.
 * Tricycle anywhere in downtown Dapitan,.

Sleep
Several enterprising residents also operate bed and breakfast inns and pension houses.

Cope

 * Dr Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital, Lawa-an. +63 65-2136421. DOH Hospital.

Go next

 * Dipolog
 * Dumaguete
 * Ozamiz

title: Dapitan


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Dapoli

Dapoli is popular beach destination in the South Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is famous for its Agricultural College.

Natural beauty of Konkan has lured many people from the literary world. Dapoli served as backdrop of famous Marathi novel Garambicha Bappu by Shri Na. Pendse. Shyamchi aai by Sane Guruji too describes Dapoli.

With pristine beaches, historical temples, caves and forts scattered around, Dapoli has something to offer everyone. The popularity of Dapoli is increasing, with many tourists from Mumbai and Pune visiting it as weekend destination.

By road
The simplest way to get in is by road. Dapoli is 240 km from Mumbai along NH-17 (Mumbai-Goa) & 180 km from Pune.

Maharashtra State Transport buses ply the route to Dapoli daily from major cities in Konkan and Western Maharashtra such as Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur. A lot of private transport companies have private luxury bus service from Mumbai and Pune.

By train
The nearest train station is Khed, 40 km away from Dapoli.

By plane
The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, around 100 km away.

Get around
ST Buses are omnipresent but may not be convenient. Having your own car would be better.

See

Buy

 * Amba, Phanas Poli (Sundried Mango, Jackfruit Delicacy)
 * Kokam Syrup (Agal)
 * Kuleeth Peeth
 * Talalele Gare (Jackfruit chips)

Eat

 * Seafood — fish, prawns, oysters, crabs
 * Snacks — Kanda Bhaji, Wada Pav, Misal
 * Veg — Solkadhi-Rice, Modak, Kulith Pithale, local vegetables

A few restaurants specialized in serving non-vegetarian preparations are as below:

Drink

 * Kokam, Awala, Mango, Karvand Sarbat
 * Tender Coconut Water

Go next

 * Guhagar

title: Dapoli


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Daqing

Daqing (大庆; Dàqìng) is a city in Heilongjiang Province in China.

Understand
Daqing is home to China's largest oil reserves. The city was founded in 1959 to house oil industry workers and workers in related industries. The city name means "great celebration" for finding the rich oil fields.

By plane
Daqing Saertu Airport offers 4 domestic routes to Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, with stops at Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Xian. The airport is conveniently located 20km from the city center. Airport shuttle buses connect the airport to the city center, though it is not a popular choice for travelers.

By train
Frequent daily trains from Harbin taking between 1h15 and 2 hours for the trip, costing ¥21-37.

By bus
Buses from Harbin International Airport to the central bus terminal are very frequent; these take between 1-2 hours for the trip. Tickets cost around ¥80 per person.

Get around
Many red rickshaws offer their service around the city. These rickshaws are limited in where they can go; they usually stay out of the city centre and are forced to stay in their respective districts. Cost: ¥1-5 depending on distance. There are, as well, taxis that frequent the whole city. Non-licensed taxis are as frequent as licensed taxis, offer virtually the same services as a taxi, and are just as reliable.

title: Daqing


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Darbhanga

Darbhanga is a city in the northern part of Bihar, India. A part of Gangetic plains of the north India, Darbhanga is located just around 50km from Nepal. The city is known for its association with Darbhanga Royal family - one of the richest landowners of the country during British Raj. The city and places around are very active culturally and politically but one of the poorest in India based on almost all social indicators. Darbhanga is considered as the cultural capital of Bihar with its rich musical, folk-art and literary traditions continuing from centuries. Songs written by famous Maithili poet Vidyapati is still sung at all religious and social occasions throughout this region.

Understand
Darbhanga is a place known for its cultural traditions in music and it is home to the well-known Darbhanga tradition of Dhrupad singing. Some of the important artistes from this tradition include Pt. Ramchatur Mallik, Pt. Siyaram Tiwari, Pt. Vidur Mallik and others. Most of the famous singers of this ancient classical tradition now stay in the bigger Indian cities and there is not much you can do to explore this heritage.

Darbhanga is also known for its mangoes, especially Maldah variety. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar planted around 50,000 mango trees Darbhanga and it started a tradition of mango plantation in this region. Not much of the mango produce is exported from here and you can still find fresh succulent mangoes directly picked from orchards.

Maithili is the language spoken in this part of the world and it's a member of Indo-European family. Maithili is one of the 22 official national languages of the country and spoken by around 32 million people in Bihar and the Terai region of Nepal.

Get in
Darbhanga is well connected to other parts of India and Bihar through railway and roads.

By plane
The Darbhanga airport located at the outskirts of the city near the NH-105 and NH-57 East-West Corridor Expressway which passes through the city. Only two airlines operate at this airport for now, IndiGo connects to Hyderabad and Kolkakta, and SpiceJet to Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

By train
There are direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Patna, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, (Mysore) and many other cities in the country. Normal traveling time from New Delhi to Darbhanga is around 21 to 24 hours.

By bus
Darbhanga is on the east-west corridor map of India with four- to six-lane roads connecting from Gandhinagar, Gujarat via Darbhanga NH57 to Silchar, Assam and connecting with other parts of the country. There are buses every ten minutes from Patna and Muzaffarpur. The bus from Muzaffarpur takes 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, and the one from Patna takes four hours. There are also direct buses to Siliguri, Ranchi and other cities.

Get around
Most reliable and easily available local transport is cycle rickshaw. You can also get shared three-wheelers and buses from the railway and bus terminal. Darbhanga is a not a small city and you have to take any means of transport around and see places of attraction.

See
Palaces built by Maharajah of Darbhanga are the most important attractions in Darbhanga. Just a kilometer from bus and train terminal, most of the palaces are located inside a walled campus. There are plenty of temples dedicated to mother Goddess (primarily Kali and Durga) built by erstwhile kings of Darbhanga. Major temples include Shyama Kali Temple and Kankali Temple.

Some of the important palaces are now converted into universities (Lalit Narayan Mithila University and Kameshwar Singh Sanskrit University). Despite decay and chaos all around, you will encounter one of the best examples of Indo-European architectural traditions followed in building these palaces.

Darbhanga Fort is another attraction for outsiders coming to the city. Not much was built inside the fort except a few temples and a house for family deity. Successors of Darbhanga royal clan still stay inside the fort in an almost ruined house surrounded by mango trees.

Darbhanga is also known for its ponds and you will find hundreds of them across this city. Some of the major ones are Harahi (in front of Railway station), Dighi and Gangasagar.

European Library of Mithila University and official library of Sanskrit University are a rich source for someone interested in researching ancient Indian culture and traditions. The library at Sanskrit University is known for its collection of around 5500 ancient manuscripts on subjects like Epic, Philosophy, Vyakaran, Dharmashastra, Agam-Tantra etc.

Kasai Coaching is a state of the art educational hub for the locals, meets every standards for an educational infrastructure. The founder himself is a noble-laureate and also runs several NGOs. The place is located near a lake, therefore making it the perfect environment for education and research. The building has its own research facility dedicated to every fields of science.

Museums
There are two museums in Darbhanga (Chandradhari Museum and Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum), both located in the same campus near the railway station (5 minutes walk). These museums exhibit clothes, arms, coins, and artifacts donated by the royal family of Darbhanga.

Do
If you are planning to learn Sanskrit or Maithili, Darbhanga is a place for you. There are plenty of courses offered by two universities in Darbhanga for people interested in these languages. Darbhanga is also an ideal place to learn Madhubani painting - one of the richest folk-art traditions of India. Contact locals for a list of good teachers of this art.

 * Kuseswar Asthan. A famous historical temple of Baba Kuseswar Nath Mahadev. This temple is situated about 60 km of Darbhanga railway station.
 * Kuseswar Asthan. A famous historical temple of Baba Kuseswar Nath Mahadev. This temple is situated about 60 km of Darbhanga railway station.
 * Kuseswar Asthan. A famous historical temple of Baba Kuseswar Nath Mahadev. This temple is situated about 60 km of Darbhanga railway station.
 * Kuseswar Asthan. A famous historical temple of Baba Kuseswar Nath Mahadev. This temple is situated about 60 km of Darbhanga railway station.

Buy
You can buy authentic Mithila paintings really cheap here if you compare the prices from major city hubs like Delhi or Mumbai. Products made of sikki (a local hard grass) are also a good buy.

Eat
Makhana (Gorgon nut or Fox nut) is a local aquatic food product. Puddings and salted delicacies made of makhana are famous in this region. Other local delicacies include chuda-dahi and sattu. For non-vegetarians, fish in mustard paste will be the most rewarding experience.

There are plenty of restaurants across Darbhanga who serve Indian, European and Indian variant of Chinese food. Some of the well known are Rajasthan, Mithai Ghar,Baseraand Paul restaurant at Darbhanga Tower and Ganga Executive club inside Darbhanga Fort.

You can also taste variety of Mughal dishes like Pulaa, Baqar Khani (a type of bread), Kabaab, Kofta, Nihari, Paya. These are easily available in local restaurants, especially at ramkumar pandit hotel near laheriasarai bus stand.

Drink
You can discuss the whole world over a glass of lassi at any of the lassi counters across this city. Do try out Bhang lassi. Shankaranand Shrbataalaya, near Rose Public School is one the places you can do so. Other important drink is sattu mixed with water and sugar or salt.

Sleep

 * Ganga Executive club inside Darbhanga fort is your best bet for reasonable to slightly luxurious accommodation. There are around 75 rooms and many suites here priced from ₹800 to ₹6500. Other important hotels include Aggarwal and Basera at Darbhanga Tower.They are the best in Darbhanga.

title: Darbhanga


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Darłowo

Darlowo is a resort town in the Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship in northwestern Poland. It is situated at the coast of Pomerania at a wide sandy beach. The town is located at the Baltic Sea.

By plane
There is no airport really near to Darłowo. These two are the closest ones:

By public transport
The train station of Darłowo no longer receives any passenger service. The best connection is via Koszalin, from where there is a regular bus service.

Buses are operated by PKS. Approximately hourly service to Koszalin, less frequent service to Sławno, Słupsk, Ustka and other nearby villages, and some long-distance service (Kolobrzeg, Warsaw, ...). The bus terminal is located in front of the train station, ten minutes walk west of the town centre.

By car
From Gdańsk or Szczecin by the route E28 to Slawno and then just north west by the 205 to the coast.

Get around
The sea resort area, Darłowko, is about two miles north of the old town centre. A frequent minibus service operates between the old town (stop beside the Rathaus, cathedral) and Darłowko during the summer months. By foot or bike, follow the main road north, and once out of town, there's a wooded area next to the river with various trails to follow.

The sea resort is not quite big, so you can easily walk on foot or rent a bike.

See

 * Old Town

Go next

 * medieval town of Koszalin
 * Slowinski Nationalpark with the highest dunes in Europe
 * sea resort and medieval town of Kolobrzeg
 * sea resort of Ustka
 * sea resort of Leba
 * sea resort of Rowy
 * sea resort of Mielno
 * sea resort of Ustronie Morskie

title: Darłowo


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Darende

Darende is a town in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. It's one of the towns that was located on the Silk Road.

Get in
Darende is located on highway D300 which connects Malatya with major cities of the country such as Ankara and Istanbul. The distance to Malatya is 110 km, while Sivas is 180 km away and Kayseri 250 km. There are buses from these centres to Darende.

The nearest airport is Erhaç (near Malatya) which receives daily flights from Ankara and Istanbul. The airport is 80 km away from Darende.

See

Do

Make time to walk around the town. It's quite small but very typically Turkish and the people are very friendly.

Eat

 * Kenger is a local, traditional chewing gum.

title: Darende


text:
Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam (Haven of Peace in Arabic) was founded in 1862 by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar on the site of the village of Mzizima. Mzizima's history dates back to when the Barawa people started to settle and cultivate the area around Mbwa Maji, Magogoni, Mjimwema, Gezaulole, and Kibonde Maji Mbagara.

Dar es Salaam's origins have been influenced by a myriad of Sultans, the Germans, and the British. The city started as a fishing village in the mid-19th century, is now Tanzania's largest city, and has become one of East Africa’s most important ports and trading centres.

With its great atmosphere, mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian influences, picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond the time between flights.

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's financial and political hub despite having lost its status as the capital to Dodoma in 1973.

Understand
Dar es Salaam is certainly not at the top of the list of places to see for most visitors to Tanzania. It's often a necessary stop on their way to Zanzibar, the northern safari circuit or home, but Dar has its charm. Walks around the city centre are a great way to get a feel for the culture and Kariakoo market can be an interesting place for the more adventurous. It can also be a good base for visiting some of the nearby sites such as Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudja Islands, as well as learn to scuba dive or go deep sea fishing. For those looking for something more humanitarian, most international organizations are based in Dar and may be a good starting point if you wish to volunteer.

Geography
Most visitors to Dar arrive via Julius K. Nyerere International Airport, about 10 km west of the city centre. Dar is flat and is bordered on the east by the Indian Ocean.

Climate
Between December and February, in the dry season, temperatures can rise to the mid-30s (°C); due to the high humidity, discomfort can be very high. You should seek shelter from the sun during the midday heat and use copious amounts of sunblock.

Best times to visit are: June-Sept, after the rainy season, with milder temperatures and lower relative humidity.

Visa
Citizens of many Commonwealth and African nations can enter Tanzania visa-free. The list of included countries can be found here. However, travellers from most countries, including United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India, can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of US$50 (US$100 for citizens of the United States). The fee must be paid in cash and in US dollars.

Other requirements may exist for business or other types of visas. Check with the nearest Tanzanian consular section.

By plane

Most large hotels offer a pick-up and drop-off service upon request. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost you from TSh 30,000 with higher prices at night. Bajaji vehicles charge about half the price of a normal cab. Walking out of the airport to the main road there’s a daladala stop, which can get you to town cheaply (<TSh 1000). Buses are easy to find and have their destination signposted, however some may take significant detours before arriving at their destination. Look for those marked POSTA, which is the main Post Office in the city centre next to the ferry terminal. There are also buses heading to Mwenge or Ubungo terminals if you plan to go somewhere else by bus directly. Hitchhiking is uncommon, dangerous, and most drivers will expect some form of payment from foreigners.

Getting to/from the airport often entails a traffic nightmare, particularly around evening rush hour (which can last beyond 20:00). There is one particular intersection between downtown and the airport that is impossible to avoid and is often backed up for over an hour. Leave yourself a lot more time than you think reasonable for the trip; if you arrive too early for your flight's check-in, there is a pleasant restaurant above the terminal that has okay food and good beer.

Dar es Salaam is served internationally from:

Europe by:
 * KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam), +255 22 213 9790, daily flights with a stop in Kilimanjaro.
 * Swiss International Airlines (Zürich), +255 22 211 8870, 5 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) with a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya.

Middle East and Asia by:
 * Turkish Airlines (Istanbul IST), +90 212 444 0 849, daily flights.
 * Emirates (Dubai), +255 22 211 6100, Daily flights.
 * Oman Air (Muscat), direct flights 3 times a week (Friday, Sunday and Wednesday)and 4 times week via Zanzibar (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
 * Qatar Airways (Doha), +255 22 284 2675, 1019, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Daily flights.
 * Egypt Air (Cairo), +255 22 2136665, 4 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday). Offers lowest fares out of Europe, Americas & Asia to Dar es Salaam via Cairo. A Star Alliance Member.

Africa by
 * South African Airways (Johannesburg), +255 22 211 7044, Twice daily flights.
 * Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), +255 22 211 7063, Daily flights (except on Monday) with a stop in Kilimanjaro.
 * Kenya Airways (Nairobi), +255 22 211 9376 (Dar) & +255 24 223 8355 (Zanzibar), 3 daily flights with some stopping in Kilimanjaro.
 * Air Malawi (Blantyre & Lilongwe), +255 22 212 7746 / 2043, 3 flights a week (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
 * Comores Aviation, 3 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
 * Air Malawi (Blantyre)
 * Air Malawi (Blantyre)

And domestically by:

These airlines provide almost daily service to Dar es Salaam to all major cities including Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and most national parks.

Domestic flights are often late but generally reliable.

Buying tickets: You can buy flight tickets from travel agents, or from airline offices. When purchasing tickets for domestic flights with a credit card, travel agents will add-on a fee ranging anywhere from 3-6% of the ticket price. To avoid the fee, pay for your tickets in cash. There are no additional fees when purchasing tickets for international destinations.

By train

Dar es Salaam is the hub for all rail travel in Tanzania. In principle, there are two lines running into Dar. Tanzania Railways Corporation has services from Kigoma, Mpanda and Mwanza in the west, via the center of Tanzania, including the capital Dodoma. Another branch runs from Arusha, near Mount Kilimanjaro, via Moshi. However, there have been safety issues on these trains. Tourists should try to travel in groups, and/or buy out a first class cabin. It is recommended to keep doors and windows locked, especially when sleeping. It is possible to buy fresh fruit, eggs, and other items out of the windows all along the way.

The second major line is Tazara, between Dar and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, about three hours north of the capital Lusaka. The trains are much nicer, although not much more on-time. On its way the train goes through part of the Selous Game Reserve and through Mbeya. Visas for Zambia are available on the train. This is a nice but slow way to travel, with the full length of the journey taking two days.

Those looking for a more grandiose way of arriving in Dar es Salaam, Rovos Rail offers a train journey from Cape Town at least 2-3 times a year. The two-week journey represents the height of luxury travel and includes stops at game reserves and golfing. Prices are as expected astronomical, starting at US$12,000.

A new country-wide higher-speed railway line is under construction which will drastically reduce travel times. The first phase between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro is expected to open in early 2022.

By bus
Bus travel is generally reliable if you pick the right company. It can be somewhat scary as Tanzanians seem to value arriving quickly more than arriving safely ('Mungu akipenda, tutafika' – If God wants it, we shall arrive).

 * Moshi or Arusha (8-11 hr, TSh 30,000). Take one of the better bus companies (e.g. Modern Coast express, Dar Express or Kilimanjaro Express). Another company Royal Coach is perhaps an even better option. The buses are very nice, have A/C (when working), a bathroom, and travel at 80 km/h for safety. The Royal Coach ticket office is downtown near the Econolodge: buses leave from here early in the morning as well, although they then wait at the main bus stand for at least an hour.
 * Moshi or Arusha (8-11 hr, TSh 30,000). Take one of the better bus companies (e.g. Modern Coast express, Dar Express or Kilimanjaro Express). Another company Royal Coach is perhaps an even better option. The buses are very nice, have A/C (when working), a bathroom, and travel at 80 km/h for safety. The Royal Coach ticket office is downtown near the Econolodge: buses leave from here early in the morning as well, although they then wait at the main bus stand for at least an hour.

Some of the cheaper lines run buses which are remarkably dilapidated, uncomfortable, will take a very long time to fill up, and will likely have to stop more often on the way, assuming they make it at all. Bus travel by night is not allowed, so most buses except for those to nearby cities will leave early in the morning.

Keep valuables and bags containing valuables with you at all times during bus travel. It is not uncommon for bags placed on an over-head shelf to be stolen from the bus during a stop, especially if the passenger has stepped off of the bus.

Sometimes the touts for the shadier bus companies claim to be working for or selling tickets for the more reputable bus companies. It is best to find the ticket office of a reputable bus company in the line of offices just outside of the bus stand. It is not necessary to book a ticket in advance, but it is a good idea to do so during high travel times (Easter, Christmas). Also make sure the correct date is written on the ticket.

Taxi prices from Ubungo are highest inside the stand, where there is a fairly strong cartel (similar to the airport). However there are always taxis outside the stand as well, with whom better prices can be negotiated. If you make a deal with a tout, and not directly with the driver (sitting in the car) the price will include a commission for the tout. Your negotiating position will be affected by things like the weather, time of day, traffic, how many other taxis there are, whether you can bargain in Kiswahili, whether you have lots of bags, etc. Starting to walk to the daladala stand can show you're serious about negotiating – actually going there and taking a dala will really save you money.

By car
See Tanzania: Get in by car.

By foot
Walking around central Dar is a nice way to see the city and probably the best way to get around. In general people will leave you alone except for the occasional greeting. There aren't many sidewalks in Dar so exercise caution when walking along busy roads.

By bike
Cycling around Dar is possible but can be difficult and scary. You should be comfortable with cycling in high-congestion areas where a cyclist is often low in the food chain. Tanzanians have little patience when driving and in their mind any vehicle smaller than theirs is responsible for getting out of the way. Cycling on the Msasani Peninsula is less bad than in more urban areas. Wear a helmet and hone your defensive cycling skills.

UWABA, the Dar cyclists' association, is uniting cyclists to lobby for better (or any) bike lanes, traffic safety, and to improve the image of cycling. Cycling is associated with poor people who can't afford motorised transport and middle-class Tanzanians complain that their reputation will suffer if they are seen on a bike.

Some local tour groups offer guide bicycling tours around the city. This is a good way to get further afield and interact with the locals. One company that offers bike tours in Dar is Afriroots – they have 'Dar Reality Tours' and Sunday tours that include a delicious lunch. Sign up for the Sunday tours on the previous Thursday. Their email is adventure@afriroots.co.tz

For a countryside cycle trip, the Pugu Hills Nature Centre, 12 km from the international airport (0754 565 498), is a good opportunity, but you need to come with your own bike and make a booking if you plan to visit the place.

By car
Car hires can be organized through most hotels. Tanzanians drive on the left. Like many developing countries, driving in Dar can be stressful, difficult and dangerous. In addition to potholes, drivers must contend with aggressive taxis and dalla-dallas (see below), poor driving skills by western standards, large potholes, uncovered manholes, few if any street lights at night, and thieves who remove any exterior part of your vehicle while you’re stopped at traffic lights. During the rainy season you must also navigate through water covered roads that may hide deep potholes and around Tanzanians who dart out into traffic in an effort to get out of the rain, often with little children in tow. In conclusion, driving in Dar should be left to those with driving experience in developing countries.

Choice of vehicle

 * If you're only driving in Dar, you can opt for a sedan which will be cheaper on gas and easier to park. You'll still have to go slowly when you're taking secondary roads, many of which aren't sealed.

Driving in the city

 * Dar's city centre is extremely congested M-F 09:00-18:00. There are few traffic lights and the streets are very narrow. It's dog-eat-dog, so offensive driving skills are a must as no one will let you pass if you just sit and wait at stops signs. Streets are crowded with parked and moving cars, SUVs, lorries, scooters, and very muscular men pulling insanely overload carts. People can spend hours stuck in traffic jams, especially around Kariakoo Market.
 * There are a few roundabouts in the downtown, which the locals call "keeplefties" because they thought that the sign advising drivers to "Keep Left" when entering the roundabouts was the name of this fascinating Mzungu invention. Mzungu is the Swahili word for "white" foreigners. It is not derogatory; more along the lines of calling a white person "a Caucasian".
 * When parking on the street in Dar, find a spot to park, then lock your doors and leave. When you return, a parking attendant wearing a yellow fluorescent vest will approach you for payment. The fee is Tsh 300 for one hour. The attendant should either hand you a ticket or it will already be on your windscreen. Do not leave without paying if there is a ticket on your windscreen, because the attendant will be forced to make up for the missing money, and probably only earns Tsh 3000 a day at best.

Carjackings are uncommon but opening doors or jumping through open windows to steal valuables is not. Keep your windows closed and doors locked. Reports have arisen of thieves aiming for golden and silver earrings at traffic lights, simply ripping them out. When stopped at traffic lights or parked in unattended locations, thieves have been known to steal mirrors, panelling, spare tyres and anything that is not either engraved with the license plate number of bolted to the vehicle's body. Choose your parking spots carefully and don't leave valuables in plain sight. You can either offer the parking attendant a small tip to watch your vehicle, TSh 500-1000, or find a secured parking lot, especially if your leaving the vehicle overnight. Hotels often provide such parking areas.

Dangers and annoyances

 * Tanzanians drive very fast and won't hesitate to overtake in a blind curve or even when there are oncoming vehicles. Always be vigilant.
 * The number of drunk drivers involved in serious vehicular accidents has dramatically increased. Although there are laws against driving under the influence, like many other laws they are poorly enforced, especially at night. Exercise caution when driving at night and around popular nightspots.
 * Anytime a dignitary or senior government official is travelling in Dar, police will stop traffic in all directions to ensure the path from their departure point to destination is clear. This can result in extremely long waits and serious traffic congestion that can take hours to clear. Whether you are driving or taking a taxi, ensure that you have factored in these frequent road blocks which could easily add one hour to your travel time to the airport.
 * If you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, drive to the nearest police station and advise them. Do not exit your vehicle and attempt to resolve the situation even if you are sure it was not your fault. Tanzanians are some of the nicest people you will meet in Africa, but they have been known to take matters, like most Africans, into their own hands. This is largely due to their mistrust of the police and the belief that anyone with money, e.g. rich foreigners, can buy their way out of a problem.

By taxi

Uber and Bolt operate in Dar es Salaam, including from the airport, and it is cheap and safer than other taxis. Just make sure the driver and license plate are the same as what you booked and you should be fine. As of 2022, Uber only operates bodabodas (motorcycles) and tuk-tuks. Bolt has cars as well.

Other than Uber, there are no formal taxi companies in Dar es Salaam nor are there any contact centres reachable the 24 hours of the day (or at any time). Taxi drivers are not associated to any public transport company (they run their own business) but they are regulated by the government. Look for white license plates and a taxi number painted on the side. Taxis also have official receipts. The cars have a recognizable paint job and always stay parked at specific points across the city (in great numbers), some few of them even during the night, but can only be reached via personal mobile phones. Taxi fares are not fixed.

During the night, taxis are still available, but they remain at their usual corners around the city but can only be reached via their personal mobile phones. Since most streets outside the city centre (and even within) lack totally of any type of light source it is totally recommended against to walk to those corners where the taxis stay during the night, then it implies an unreliable service as only if the taxi driver that is usually contacted by the tourist is around can he get a service during the night, therefore risking getting stuck at either, the rented apartment or even worse at any other location around the city (specially if it's not a popular night destination).

A price must be negotiated before your begin travelling, or the price will be considerably higher once you reach your destination. It is not customary to tip your driver. While there are many friendly and honest drivers, some will try their luck and quote an outrageous price to anyone who looks wealthy. Even if you can't see another taxi around, don't agree to it. Another taxi is sure to be just around the corner. It is quite practical to begin walking in the direction you want to go. You'll either find one on the side of the road or one will drive past. Cars owned by drivers are often maintained at a high level; taking a smooth air-conditioned trip around Dar is entirely possible if you know the right driver!

If you plan on hiring a taxi for a long journey, inspect the quality of the tires, which are often extremely worn.

Don't hesitate to tell the driver to slow down. "Pole Pole" in Swahili.

To/from the airport to/from the city centre – the price is around TSh 30,000. This can sometimes be negotiated down, especially if you pay in US dollars.

To/from city centre to/from Msasani Peninsula – should run about TSh 7,000, more commonly TSh 10,000.

For a small premium, you can reserve a taxi for the whole day. This can convenient if your visiting a number of places and doing some shopping. You should be able to get it for TSh 60,000.

By autorickshaw (Bajaj)
Small, three-wheeled Indian vehicles, these are popular as they cost approximately half the equivalent taxi fare and are able to travel alongside the roads when blocked by the inevitable traffic jams. They have a reputation for being rather dangerous, and some drivers appear to be too young for a driving licence. Up to three people can fit in the seat behind the driver.

By minibus (daladala)
The most common form of public transportation in Dar are minibuses called "daladalas". These minibuses follow specific routes with the start and ending point clearly marked on the front of the vehicle. At the main stations (Ubungo, Posta, Mwenge) daladalas from each route do stop to collect passengers at the same stop at the station. It's fine to ask someone were to find the daladala you're looking for, the newspaper and phonecard sellers are often quite helpful.

Outside of Dar, and on routes going from the city to smaller places outside of it, daladalas are often old, crowded minivans.

Although nowadays most major streets have designated bus stops, you can often jump on and off anywhere along the route by simply yelling “out”: “Shusha!” (pronounced SHOO-sha).

Their popularity is due to their ready availability and low cost, (around TSh 400 per ride. This varies by route, longer rides such as Posta to Mombasa are TSh 600. The fare is indicated on the outside of the daladala, normally painted onto the door). However, drivers will pile in as many people as possible, there is no air-conditioning, some drive like maniacs, and the overall condition of the vehicles is poor, with many frequently breaking down along the way. But travellers should not hesitate to use them for getting around. Watch out for pickpockets as you get into and leave crowded vehicles. Except for early in the day, Daladalas often have change (more than most restaurants/dukas (stores)), so its actually often pretty good place to split a TSh 10,000 banknote.

It helps if you know a little Kiswahili and are at least a little familiar with the city when using daladalas. If you’re trying to get to the city centre, hop onto any daladala marked Posta. They all go to the central post office on Maktaba/Azikiwe St. Since they tend to be very crowded, you should guard your belongings. This is especially true when you are at large bus stations such as Mwenge.

Boarding daladalas in city centre stations (Posta, Kariakoo) is a competitive undertaking during the evening rush. People will climb the bus windows to get in earlier and get a seat. It's wise to avoid leaving the city centre during the peak of the rush hour, 16:30 to 18:30 entirely.

Often, if there are many people waiting for a certain daladala (like the popular Ubungo to Posta route) and there is a scramble to get on, if you just wait for the next one you'll have no problem getting on, and might even get a seat! The same thing will happen on your destination (Ubungo, Posta, Mwenge, ...) and sometimes people will start entering the bus already a couple of stops ahead of your destination to get a seat for the trip back. If you notice so, get off and walk the rest to avoid not being able to get off the bus.

Pickpockets are at work at outlying daladala terminals after the sun sets. Have awareness of your pockets, especially when boarding a bus. Turn that awareness meter up if you are boarding from Mwenge or Ubungo.

The best part of using the daladala system is that locals will often strike up friendly conversations and are always willing to help you with your Kiswahili. Travel by daladala can be quite enjoyable so long as you are on the correct route.

By motorcycle taxi (bodaboda)
Though not as common as Bajajs, there are many motorcycle taxis, called "bodaboda" ("pikipiki" can also be heard, this just means motorcycle). They are even cheaper than Bajajs, and because of their size they can get you to your destination much quicker during rush hour (which is pretty much all day long in Dar) by zigzagging between cars. You sit behind the driver; it is however not common to hold your hands around the driver, instead you hold on to the luggage rack behind you.

Even though the bodabodas are cheap and efficient, they are also very dangerous. Due to their small size other drivers seldom pay much heed to them, and their habit of zigzagging between vehicles can lead to dangerous situations. Also, though they usually have helmets for themselves, it is very rare for bodabodas to keep spare helmets for the passengers. If you request it they may give you their own helmet, but will never offer to do so voluntarily.

By commuter rail
Two commuter rail lines run through the city. One line runs 25 km between the Mwakanga and Tazara railway stations. The second runs 20 km between Ubungo-Maziwa and City railway stations. Both lines operate 05:00-11:00 and 15:00-18:00, with no service during the middle of the day.

Tickets are not sold on the train, but can easily be purchased at the station or through 2000 ticket vending machines city-wide. Ticket prices (Nov 2012) are TSh 400 for adults and TSh 100 for adults, valid for any single trip (regardless of distance) but no transfers.

See

Do

 * Massage Try High Care Massage at the Slipway for a very professionally organized place. There are signs for lots of other massage and spa centres around town. Two places favoured by ladies in landcruisers are Lemon on Haile Selassie Road (next to George & Dragon pub) or the Spot on Chole Road (opposite the taxi stand).

Beaches

 * Ocean Road Public Park just east of the National Museum and House of Culture is not too enthralling with the way the main sewer line for the city empties into the ocean right there with the smells to go with it.
 * Bahari Beach hotel is about 20 km to the north of Dar es Salaam along New Bagamoyo Road. The hotel charges a small fee for non-guests.
 * Kigamboni also known as "South Beach", is across the channel from the Zanzibar ferry. You can get to the other side by ferry, not the same as for Zanzibar. Avoid taking pictures on the ferry or at the terminals, even of the skyline. The ferry is on a strict "no photo" rule, and passengers, even tourists have been forced by security forces to delete completey innocent panorama pictures. The ferry station is north of the Zanzibar ferry past the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel near the main fish market. You walk onto the ferry which costs TSh 100. The crossing takes about 5 minutes. Once across, you can hire a taxi to take you to the beaches, most of which are accessed through the various hotels along the coast. Public beaches have all been sold to developers. Hotels, such as the Sunrise, will charge a TSh 5,000 entry fee. TSh 3,000 of which is returned to you in the form of food vouchers. Most hotels are about 5 km from the ferry and you should be able to get there for TSh 10,000-15,000 depending on your negotiating skills. There are also daladalas which ply the road to the beaches.

Islands

 * For a great day trip, head out to Bongoyo Island. Bongoyo is a small, uninhabited island just off the coast. The boat to Bongoyo leaves from Mashua Waterfront Bar & Grill at Slipway, the upscale set of shops and markets on the Msasani Peninsula, just north of Dar es Salaam. A taxi from the city center should run you TSh 8,000. The first boat leaves at 09:30, with others at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30, with a minimum of four people. The ferry cost Tsh 25,000 which includes a round trip plus the US$10 for the marine park fee. The return ferries are at 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and the last one leaves around 16:30. There is a small restaurant on the island which serves a variety of foods and drinks (grilled prawns, fish and chips, egg and chips, beer). Another option is to buy food at the Shrijee's supermarket at Slipway. You can relax without having to worry about anyone stealing your things on Bongoyo. Take a hike around the island, snorkel in the clear waters to the southwest of the island (snorkeling gear may be rented on the island for TSh 6,000 per set per day) or just relax under a banda on the beach. Bandas are TSh 5,000 and a chair costs TSh 1,500 for the day. On the weekend, be sure to get on the first ferry if you want a banda, it gets very busy on Saturday and Sunday. When you come back, you can get ice cream or a meal at several of the Slipway restaurants and watch the sun set. You can also check out the Tinga Tinga paintings and other crafts at the market. Walk to the south (toward the Doubletree Hotel) from the main part of Slipways, past the boatyard, to find many cheaper market stalls.

 * Mbudya Island is a smaller island just north of Bongoyo. To visit, take a taxi or bajaji to the White Sands Hotel, near Kunduchi.  Two-way tickets can be purchased for TSh 10,000 per person, with a minimum of 4 people per boat, and there is an additional TSh 10,000 park fee when you get to the island.  The popular side of the island has beaches, bandas, a small bar, and a food pavilion (though the menu is very limited).  Beers go for about TSh 3,000.  There is also a somewhat nicer, though more expensive, bar on the northern end of the beach.  The rest of the island is mostly rough cliff face, which can make for some interesting hiking, though this is not advised if you don't have good shoes and dependable balance (the rocks are very sharp and scrambling is sometimes required).  The last boats back to White Sands leave between 16:30 and 17:00, though you can stay a bit longer if you are willing to take a smaller, overcrowded boat back to the Sea Breeze hotel, which is south of White Sands.

Tours

 * Investours runs microfinance poverty tours, and you get to meet and talk to local entrepreneurs, see the Mwenge woodcarvers market in a behind-the-scenes experience, and even have a local Tanzanian lunch with some of the craftsmen. Your fee is then used as an interest-free microfinance loan given to the entrepreneur of your choice—out of the ones you met during the day.

Hiking
Hiking is possible in the Pugu Hills, some 12 km west of the airport. Villagers can assist as guide for a hike around the Pugu Hills or to the major cattle market of Dar es Salaam. Arrangements are through the Pugu Hills Nature Centre. For directions to Pugu Hills see web site.

Movies
There are modern cinema halls like New World Cinema on Bagomoyo Rd. which hosts the annual European and Asian film festivals and others listed below. You can buy DVDs on every corner but beware, many are defective Chinese counterfeits, poorly produced, and/or lack English translation.

Sports

 * The Yacht Club on the Peninsula is a gorgeous place but requires membership fees. You can enter as someone's guest and swim (in safety) or boat. It, and other places around town, offer scuba-diving lessons. Gymkhana, on Gymkhana Road in town, has tennis courts and a nice golf course. Coco Beach is a public beach on the Peninsula which is very busy on weekends. Go any afternoon to see people relaxing, and eat local food. But don't walk on beach as muggings are too frequent. A few people surf here when waves swell a bit around the full moon. You can sometimes surf or kite surf at the beaches south of Dar, e.g. at Kasa Beach Hideaway (fantastic wide beach and surf-able waves in June). There's yoga three times a week (Mondays Golden Tulip Hotel, Thursday and Saturday at Dar Fitness Centre) and capoeira at 18:00 at the Little Theatre (beginners on Mondays, intermediate Wednesdays), and tae kwon do also at the Little Theatre, Wednesdays at 18:00. Kickboxing is also available.

Culture
Read weekly 'What's Happening in Dar' and 'Advertising Dar' to get all the news of what's going on, including weekend get-away specials. There are always events like dance and music performances, artist openings at painting and photography galleries, movie festivals etc. l'Alliance Française, Goethe Institute, Iranian and Russian cultural centres offer special events along with some occasionally sponsored by embassies.

Banks & ATMs
All Stanbic Bank, FNB Bank, and DTB Bank offer Mastercard/Visa ATM service. In addition, the Tanzanian banks CRDB, EXIM, NBC Bank also offer Mastercard Visa card service with their ATMs. These banks also offer Mastercard/Visa ATMs:
 * I&M Bank Mosque Street
 * EcoBank Sokoine Drive
 * Equity Bank Ohio Street
 * KCB Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road

Malls & supermarkets

 * Mlimani City Shopping mall. The largest shopping mall in Dar es Salaam.

Kangas
For kangas (or khangas), colourful, sarong-like pieces of cloth with Swahili sayings along the bottom, try Kariakoo market or the cloth market on the streets around it. Check around south end of Jamhuri St., where there are many textile shops. Here you can also buy kitenge, twice the length of kangas and usually cut in half to form a complete outfit, for around TSh 4000 each. Try asking in here if you want something like a dress made to measure. Kariakoo is also a good place for fresh food. Watch out for pickpockets.

The wholesale textile markets are on Uhuru St. in the Mnazi Mmoja district near Kariakoo, although the number of people and the attention can be overwhelming for some visitors. It helps to speak Swahili, and if you can, go during the week rather than on Saturdays. It's a much more enjoyable experience on a weekday, since there are fewer people around you can chat with the sellers and there is less high-pressure haggling. The Uhuru Street sellers are wholesalers, so unless you feel you're being quoted a very inflated price, it is difficult to bargain.

Carvings and crafts
Carvings and other touristy souvenirs can be found all over Dar. Remember that haggling is expected.

There is a fantastic craft market in Mwenge, the Mwenge Carvers' Market. Here you can watch many of the artists make the crafts that are sold throughout the country (although some crafts sold in Tanzania are imported from Kenya). Prices range from expensive to extremely cheap. There are many stalls selling similar things, and if you are savvy, you might be able to pit the vendors against each other. The perk of the Mwenge market is the sheer volume of crafts to choose from. If you like the style of something at a specific store (they tend to carry items made by one or two artists), and you have some time, you can meet the artist and have them custom make something for you. The market closes at dusk. Shopping around this time gets you the best deals.

There is a smaller market at Slipway, which is a good place to get Tinga Tinga paintings and large batiks as well.

Tinga-tinga paintings
Local paintings are often executed in a style unique to Tanzania, "tinga-tinga", named after the artist who founded the style, Edward Said Tinga Tinga. Some good places to find them are at the Slipway market, and in the alley off of Haile Selassie Road on the Peninsula. The alley is to the left of Shrijee's Supermarket – look for the art sellers on Haile Selassie Road, and the alley is on the opposite side of the road. There are also tailors, sandal-makers, and charity/craft/wholefood shops on this alley (not to mention the booze shop). The Tinga Tinga artists' collective itself is at the end of the alley, through a doorway, so don't get too distracted by the smaller art shops outside.

Fancy and imported goods
The Mlimani City shopping complex has a supermarket and a Game department store, open for business seven days a week. Although it is a fair distance from the city centre, it can be reached by taking a Dalla Dalla or taxi to the Mwenge bus terminal, and walking approximately 19 minutes further past the craft market (see below).

If you run out of things to read, there are some surprisingly well-stocked branches of the English language bookshop called A Novel Idea. See the Books section a little further down for a list of stores.

Electronics and appliances
There is a good selection of electronics and appliance vendors on Samora Avenue.

Books
There are book stores near the Askari monument at Samora Ave & the Posta Road, selling mostly academic texts and school books.

 * Mlimani City has a bookstore as well.
 * Mlimani City has a bookstore as well.

Kariakoo
If you're looking for an authentic shopping experience, a visit to Kariakoo market, especially on Saturday morning, could be just the thing. Kariakoo is the cheapest market in Tanzania. If you want to buy cheap souvenirs, this is the place for you. If you're a Muzungu (i.e. white person) shop owners will try to charge you much more that is worth. But that will be cheaper than what you get in the city or everywhere else in Tanzania. General rules: African necklaces should not be bought for more than TSh 2000 (the correct price is TSh 1000 but you won't get that price easily), small drums should be bought for as much as TSh 4-5000 and soft stone products (hearts, plates, small animals, jewellery boxes) should not be purchased for more than TSh 10,000. In Kariakoo you can also find cool yet useful presents, like kerosene lamps or pans (as in pan and brush) made from used metal – look for ones with commercial logos printed all over - or a funnel made from a hair spray container. There are also nice baskets, stools, bowls etc. Warning: This is not for everyone. The market is very crowded and for some the smells and noises can be overwhelming. If you're keen but hesitating, it might be best to find a Tanzanian friend or person familiar with the market to help you navigate. Do not bring any valuables and only bring a small amount of money that you wish to spend, as pickpockets work the area and in the commotion your watch, wallet, or phone can be swiftly stolen, or your nice leather handbag slashed with a razor. Even seasoned Kariakoo shoppers occasionally fall prey to these sophisticated teams of thieves.

Haggling: Haggling is expected when purchasing almost anything in Dar. Although it is true that most merchants quote much higher prices to tourists than locals, sometimes three times the price, negotiations should still be undertaken with respect and good humour. Don't expect to pay the same as a local and don't be insulted when you aren't. The reality is that you probably have more money in your pocket than many Tanzanians see in a year. This also applies if you're a backpacker. Remember the extra dollar or two you paid for that carving will most likely be used to buy food for the family. None of these merchants are rich. If you think it's too expensive leave and look elsewhere, but don’t call them thieves.

Ilala Market
Mitumba is the Swahili word for second-hand stuff, the hand-me-downs of the developed world, and Ilala Market has some of the best and cheapest mitumba you can find in Tanzania. Sweaters, jeans, shoes, bags, etc. With an extra emphasis on that etc. Also you can find handcrafted jewelry (bracelets, anklets, earrings, and such) at good prices, making it a good place to buy simple gifts en masse. There's plenty of street food. Its stalls and kiosks are in tight, narrow quarters and it feels a bit claustrophobic, so it's not ideal for all travelers.

Tanzanite
When it comes to expensive souvenirs, Tanzania has cornered the market with a gemstone that can only be found (mined) in Tanzania, hence the name Tanzanite. Shops selling this exquisite blue stone are found in all major cities and towns, especially those popular with tourists like Zanzibar, Arusha and Dar. Your biggest problem will be knowing that what you're getting is the real thing and worth the money you're shelling out for it.

The rule of thumb is the darker the gem the more expensive it is. Light colored Tanzanite is genuine just not as sought after as the darker stones. But like all things there is much more to a stone's value than just its colour so do your homework if you plan on spending a lot on one of them.

Grading is on an alphabetical scale with AAA being the best and B being the lightest and cheapest. Expect to pay as much as US$450 per carat for AAA. If, like most visitors, you're new to this gem, buying from a reputable shop, such as Lothys at the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski or Tanzanite Dream might be more expensive but you're assured of what you're getting. Nonetheless, there are several other good shops around Dar where you can get nice pieces or simply buy the gems and have them set back home. Like all things, negotiating is key.

Some reputable shops to buy best Tanzanite are Gem Point, Royal Jewellers, Queens Jewellers at Indira Gandhi street, in the center of town.

If you are a serious Tanzanite buyer looking for quality and selection then you should definitely check out the Tanzanite Dream just outside the city centre on the Mataka road behind the fire station.

Eat
Due in part to the growth of the expatriate community and the increasing importance of tourism, the number of international restaurants has risen very rapidly. The city now offers a rich and internationalized diversity of cuisine, ranging from traditional Tanzanian Barbecue style options such as Nyama Choma (Roasted meat – served with rice or ugali) and Mishkaki (Shish kebab – usually barbecued and served with salt, hot peppers, chapati, fries, and rice on the side), and the long-established traditional Indian and Zanzibari cuisine, to options from all corners of the globe including Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Italian, and Japanese food. Restaurants like City Garden, Addis in Dar, and Best Bite are only a few of the most popular restaurants in Dar es Salaam. Even fast food restaurants like Steers and Subway now have prominent places in the restaurant sector of Dar es Salaam. People who prefer neither fast food or traditional restaurants buy their food from street vendors, who usually sell good food for very affordable prices. Samosas are common street food items within the city. Primary and secondary school students are usually more likely to buy food from street vendors than other age demographics.

 * $ = Cheap (TSh 1,000–5,000 for a meal for one)
 * $$ = Average (TSh 5,000–10,000)
 * $$$ = Moderate (TSh 10,000–20,000)
 * $$$$ = Expensive (TSh 20,000+)

Tanzanian
Traditional Tanzanian food can be had on almost any street. From grilled meats (mishikaki) to BBQ corn on the cob, and chips and eggs (chips mayai). If you're looking for something a little more sanitary, there are a number of small hotels and restaurants that serve a buffet style meal at lunch time which offers a variety of Tanzanian stews, deep fried fish and chicken, and vegetables. Some good choices:

 * Local "hotelis" or restaurants can be found on just about every major street. Most serve ugali, rice or chapati with beans, meat or fish stews, and mishitaki (grilled kebabs).
 * Local "hotelis" or restaurants can be found on just about every major street. Most serve ugali, rice or chapati with beans, meat or fish stews, and mishitaki (grilled kebabs).
 * Local "hotelis" or restaurants can be found on just about every major street. Most serve ugali, rice or chapati with beans, meat or fish stews, and mishitaki (grilled kebabs).
 * Local "hotelis" or restaurants can be found on just about every major street. Most serve ugali, rice or chapati with beans, meat or fish stews, and mishitaki (grilled kebabs).

For something even more upscale, try the Sunday brunch at the Kilimanjaro Hotel. The restaurant on the ground floor offers a wide variety of Western dishes but also includes several local favourites taken up a notch. It's not cheap, about TSh 30,000 per person, but if you're interested in trying Tanzanian cuisine without risking gastrointestinal complications, it's your best bet. The buffet contains all you can eat smoked salmon of the highest quality, among other delicacies.

City Center

 * Bimbis @ The Badminton Institute (Maratha Club) ($) multi-cuisine budget restaurant, near Elia complex, Zanaki Street, Kisutu, The restaurant is in central Dar, most nights it's busy with both ex-pats and Indians.
 * Upanga Club ($) on Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road near Alliance Française (Upanga), is similar in style and cuisine to the Badminton Institute, and you also have to pay TSh 1,000 entrance as a non-member.
 * A Tea Shop ($) just off of Libya Street, has great kebabs other Indian snacks. Plus delicious chai. K Tea Shop is also good.
 * Alcove on Samora avenue is the place for you if you like Indian and Chinese food and especially if you're vegetarian.
 * Red Onion ($$) across Maktaba Street from the YMCA, in the Haidery Plaza building. Has a wide selection of Indian dishes and a nice rooftop dining area. Very cold beers.

Peninsula and around

 * Anghiti ($$$) (near the US Embassy) on New Bagamoyo road just after the Kawawa intersection is excellent.

City Centre

 * The New Africa Hotel has a popular Thai restaurant on the roof. Some nights it serves all-you-can-eat buffet.
 * Oriental ($$$$) at The Kilimanjaro Hotel serves a variety of Japanese, Thai, Mongolian and Malaysian dishes. Still a good restaurant in town.
 * Oriental ($$$$) at The Kilimanjaro Hotel serves a variety of Japanese, Thai, Mongolian and Malaysian dishes. Still a good restaurant in town.

Peninsula

 * Osaka ($$$$) off of Toure, serves Korean and Japanese, including very good sushi, look for the sign on the left when heading towards Sea Cliff.
 * Goong ($$$) serves authentic Korean food. On the first dirt road on the left going in to Slipway.
 * Thai Kani Restaurant Ltd, Slipway. Large, outdoors, shaded with extensive menu. +255 715 486 014

Peninsula and surrounding
Zuane, actually, is the best Italian restaurant in Dar es Salaam. They serve pizzas as good as you can have in Italy, thanks to Cristian's (the Chef) ability, wood oven, choice of first quality food, and last, but not least, the best fresh mozzarella in Dar made in Tanzania! Pasta, meat dishes, and cakes are also delicious.
 * Saverio's ($$) has Italian-style pizza, pasta dishes and good calamari and gamberi (calamari and shrimps) fried dish.
 * Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant ($$$) You can find here a wide choice of Italian/Mediterranean dishes, homemade pasta and delicious seafood dishes, plus a view of the Indian Ocean. Around 30' by car from Dar es Salaam.
 * Zuane ($$$) Italian. Nice atmosphere, indoor (a/c) and outdoor (covered porch) seating in converted house with large garden. Good for family dinners or big groups. Excellent red snapper filet!

Middle-Eastern

Food courts
SeaCliff Village and Slipway (peninsula), and Harbor View Suites Mall have multiple fast-food type restaurants in one place, and shopping. Limited menus of pizza, burgers, Indian, sandwiches, ice cream, etc.

Upscale
For upscale meals, visit the Dar es Salaam Serena (formerly Mövenpick, and the Royal Palm Hotel), the Holiday Inn, Kilimanjaro Hyatt Regency Hotel in the city centre.

All of these hotels offer excellent fixed-price breakfast buffets, which often include sparkling wine, and can be a good value if you are hungry or want to escape for a while.

 * Spurs SeaCliff Village. ($$$) Good burgers, steaks, Mexican food, salad bar (nothing particularly amazing, but quite possibly the only salad bar in Dar), milk shakes, ice cream desserts. Lots of wealthier families bring their (often noisy) children here, as there is a play area.
 * Karembezi Cafe Seacliff Village. ($$$) Good salads and soups as well as steaks, excellent fish platter which is for two people but can be shared by 3 if ordering other stuff as well. You have the Indian Ocean views and it can be very pleasant and sometimes windy. Service is good but can be slow over the weekend.

Budget

 * Chef's Pride near the budget hotels in the Indian quarter. It caters mostly to tourists, but is very reasonably priced and has a good local menu.
 * Subway near the YWCA is air-conditioned, and a nice treat if you're hankering for some food of a western nature. Try the BMT.
 * YWCA near the Cathedral, has a delicious and cheap canteen where you can order a traditional Tanzanian meal for under TSh 2,000.
 * YMCA the other side of the cathedral from the YWCA. Along the same lines as the YWCA but has a wider range, it does food in the evenings (the YWCA does not), and it serves alcohol in a pleasant garden (it's the only budget place in the city centre that does).

But the best place to eat, both in terms of price and atmosphere, is on the street. Places to try include the corner of Morogoro road and Jamhuri street, or the large open space in front of the Dar Express bus company ticket office. Chipsi mayai (chips in an omelet) should be TSh 1000-1200.

At Slipways, the Waterfront Bar and Grill is decent and is open long hours, but the best dining experience is on The Terrace, which generally opens around 19:00 on weeknights and 18:00 on weekends. The coffee shop next to The Terrace served pretty good food (and excellent coffee) as well.

Drink
You should only drink bottled water. A 1.5-litre bottle will cost you TSh 1,000 in a store or on the street, depending on the brand (and TSh 2000 or more at restaurants), but you can also drink tap water if you've purified it with iodine tablets or boiled it (at least 3–5 minutes at a rolling boil). "Seepage" from the sewer pipes into the water pipes is quite common.

Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Safari (the latter being a stronger beer, 5.5% alcohol) are local beers and popular with Tanzanians and foreigners. These are typically TSh 2300-3000 apiece for 500-ml bottles in local spots, but can cost TSh 4000 or more at some bars and restaurants.

Imported beer available in Dar include Tusker, Ndovu, Stella Artois, Castle Lager, and Heineken. The African imports (Tusker, Ndovu and Castle Lager) are not that much more expensive than local beers, but the European beers can be three to four times the price of domestics.

Konyagi is a popular, local gin, and its variant Konyagi Ice is comparable to hard lemonade and other sweet drinks.

Krest, bottled locally by Coca Cola, offer Club Soda, Tonic Water and Bitter Lemon drinks. Stoney Tangawizi (ginger ale but stronger in taste) is one of the more popular soda drinks. Sodas come in glass bottles and you'll usually be asked to return the bottle or pay extra to take it, but they don't usually like that.

All of the large hotels have full bars with air conditioning. Many offer 2-for-1 happy hour specials in the late afternoon/early evening.

There are quite a number of night clubs in Dar es Salaam downtown or on the peninsula.

If you like to have a chillout evening, the Mediterraneo Lounge has a large collection of chill-out music. At the Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant Lounge you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Indian Ocean while sipping your favourite drink, and listening to the best lounge & chill-out music in Dar es Salaam. More in town and therefore somewhat less romantic but still beautiful, on the Peninsula, check out very attractive but expensive Coral Beach restaurant, right on the ocean, from where you can watch the sun set.

Sleep

The cost of accommodation can vary from TSh 10,000 a night for very basic rooms to hundreds of dollars for the Holiday Inn Hotel. The YWCA and the YMCA are the main place to stay and meet fellow backpackers. They fill up quickly.

Budget
City Centre:

Elsewhere:

Mid-range
There are plenty of expensive hotels in and around Dar but here are some modern hotels which are reasonably priced:

 * City Centre
 * Rainbow Hotel On Morogoro Road just down the street from Bellrose Hotel. but a little cheaper and less upscale. Clean rooms. Rooms from Tsh 104625; high floor doubles (from Tsh 151125) have excellent harbor views. Second floor restaurant has good Indian meals. Roof deck with panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi. Very friendly staff.
 * Rainbow Hotel On Morogoro Road just down the street from Bellrose Hotel. but a little cheaper and less upscale. Clean rooms. Rooms from Tsh 104625; high floor doubles (from Tsh 151125) have excellent harbor views. Second floor restaurant has good Indian meals. Roof deck with panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi. Very friendly staff.
 * Rainbow Hotel On Morogoro Road just down the street from Bellrose Hotel. but a little cheaper and less upscale. Clean rooms. Rooms from Tsh 104625; high floor doubles (from Tsh 151125) have excellent harbor views. Second floor restaurant has good Indian meals. Roof deck with panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi. Very friendly staff.

 * Upanga

 * Msasani Peninsula (and beyond):
 * Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant, is in Kawe about 15 km north of the city centre, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Rooms have: air conditioning, television, safe locker in the room. The swimming pool is 10 m. from the beach, and there is a free Internet point at the reception, and wireless access around the bar & the lounge area.
 * Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant, is in Kawe about 15 km north of the city centre, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Rooms have: air conditioning, television, safe locker in the room. The swimming pool is 10 m. from the beach, and there is a free Internet point at the reception, and wireless access around the bar & the lounge area.

Splurge
Dar also has its fair share of hotels which cater largely to foreigners traveling here for work. The rates for these hotels are typically near (or start slightly above) the maximum per diem accommodation rates for NGOs such as the United Nations or USAID. As with most things in Tanzania, there is often room for negotiation.

Msasani Peninsula:
 * Sea Cliff Hotel. Includes a beautiful pool and gym with sea view. It also includes an outpost of the excellent Alcove restaurant, serving food similar to the one downtown. Has a lovely bar with a fairy-tale view of the Indian Ocean.
 * Golden Tulip. Along Toure Drive on the way to Sea Cliff. Nice pool-side bistro. Was used by KLM to billet flight crews until one time they got sick and cost the airline a fortune in rescheduling costs.
 * Golden Tulip. Along Toure Drive on the way to Sea Cliff. Nice pool-side bistro. Was used by KLM to billet flight crews until one time they got sick and cost the airline a fortune in rescheduling costs.

If you're wanting to escape the city, there are a few upscale hotels just outside of Dar. Just off the road to Bagamoyo, New Bagamoyo road, about a 45-minute drive from the city center, without traffic of course, there is the White Sands Hotel. Some people may like this option as there are several scuba diving schools in and around the hotel.

There are also some good hotels on the South Coast via the Kigamboni ferry. The beaches here are better than north of the city and have long expanses of white sand next to turquoise waters.

Stay safe
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, with a possibility of life imprisonment. Public displays of homosexuality like holding hands or kissing in public places could lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Tanzania is one of the least policed countries in the world. Rapes and murders often go unreported and little data exist to suggest how common these crimes are. Domestic violence and sexual harassment, which often go well beyond verbal cat-calling, are extremely common. Foreign female students have documented multiple accounts of sexual assault and/or rape. These cases often go unreported/under-reported by universities with study abroad programs in Tanzania, and of course by the Tanzanian authorities themselves. Walking alone at night outside the most exclusive areas (such as Oyster Bay, the Slipway, Sea Cliff) is extremely inadvisable for foreigners. Slipway Road has been the site of muggings in late 2015. Men stand a high chance of being mugged, and women of being mugged and/or sexually assaulted. Dar is often very poorly lit. The city experiences a great many power outages. This makes lone women particularly vulnerable.

Most travellers who are in Dar on a short stay will, fortunately, not face these challenges. Similarly, most expatriates who live in Dar are sequestered well enough (with cars, security guards, in upscale neighbourhoods) not to have to worry about this sort of thing.

By far the most common crimes, and the biggest risk for most travelers, will be muggings and petty thefts. Muggings occur very frequently, including sometimes on the street in broad daylight. Sometimes, but not always, the victim gets roughed up. Foreign students at the University of Dar es Salaam have been mugged at machete point. Never carry your wallet anywhere easily accessible (a back pocket, an outside flap of a backpack or purse).

Avoid:
 * walking on the beach (like Cocoa Beach) while carrying valuables, as many of these places are invisible from the road. Dar can be a friendly place, and you can certainly have a comfortable time there, but avoid carrying valuables as you may be unlucky. You can walk in the city in the evening but as it gets darker and you see fewer people on the street, exercise real caution. It might be better to take a taxi. If you are noticeably foreign, remember that many people will assume you are rich carrying large amounts of cash, and an easy target.
 * Parking on dark sectors in the beach (coco beach) as thieves and junkies crouch in the dark waiting for the unaware foreigner to park, turn-off the engine and leave the car (to have a nice view of the Dar night from the beach) only to come in groups of 4-5 to steal as much as they can (in the case of a male foreigner). In the case of a female foreigner this is an absolute "not to do".
 * Parking in a place without a guard runs you the serious risk of having lights or other car parts extracted. It is not uncommon for people to try to steal things through open windows, while you are waiting for lights to change, or to open unlocked doors and either get in or swipe something! Some people have had passersby attempt to snatch purses off their laps while they've been sitting in the back of a taxi at an intersection.

There is a major police station at Salendar Bridge on Ocean Road and other police posts in various other places. If you don't follow the driving rules (or sometimes even if you do) you will spend time and money, either discussing with them their price or more formally in the police station. Police here ask for lifts regularly to get places but you are not obliged to take them if you feel uncomfortable. There is a great deal of corruption in Tanzania. Skin colour, bribes, and connections to known elites in town still hold a lot of sway.

Visitors have reported been pick-pocketed in crowds at the Posta daladala stand. If you're walking past this it's best to cross the road to avoid the crowd. If you're getting a daladala be aware of your possessions, be particularly aware of people stopping suddenly in front of you – this is sometimes done to block you in while someone behind you goes through your bags. Other well known pickpocket sites are the ferry to Kigamboni (not the Zanzibar ferry), the Mnazi Mmoja dala stand, the trinket stalls on Samora Av and Kariakoo market. There's no reason to avoid these area, just be aware of your possessions when you are there, particularly bags. Using razor blades to cut into bags to remove items is quite common – and really annoying.

If you are robbed, you have a few options. None of them are good. You can yell, "mwizi!" This means 'thief' in Swahili. If you do this in a crowded place, you will very likely incite a mob to form. The mob might corner the thief and detain him until the police arrive. They might also beat up the thief very badly, possibly to the point of death. Theft carries huge risks in a culture where people possess very few material goods. The social punishments for stealing can be brutal beatings or, in some cases, death. Weigh the worth of your US$40 cell phone or purse against the potential results of fomenting a stir. If you are in a crowded place (like the downtown Posta daladala stand, for example), you will, at the very least, create a gigantic scene, probably cause someone to be beaten, and have to spend a day dealing with the Dar es Salaam police department in sweltering, inefficient conditions. Much more practical just to exercise extreme care with how you carry your belongings, and to avoid carrying valuables (i.e. anything you can't afford to lose) altogether.

Be careful when taking taxis at night, particularly if you are alone, where possible use a driver you know or ask someone to call a taxi for you. If staying in Dar for an extended period of time, try to get the phone numbers of the first fair, seemingly trustworthy cabbies you encounter. Keep using them. If you are living in Dar without a car, this will greatly increase your safety. Taking buses at night and walking in poorly lit areas alone or in small groups (particularly of women, noticeable foreigners, or other people who might look like 'easy targets') is a great way to increase the risk of something bad happening (mugging, rape). Split taxis when possible. Some travelers have narrowly escaped potentially violent muggings and/or rape and others were not so fortunate.

Generally speaking, the more you stand out, the higher your risk factor will be. It is possible to have a wonderful time in Dar, if you make yourself aware of these risks and adapt accordingly. Guide books neglect a great deal of information when it comes to Tanzania.

Embassies and High Commissions

 * 🇨🇦 Canada
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 * 🇫🇷 France
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 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇳🇴 Norway
 * 🇵🇰 Pakistan
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Connect
There are quite a number of Internet cafes in Dar in different places, But this particular one is the most popular especially for visitors CybeBase Internet Cafe' on Shekilango Road in Sinza +255 787-000157 or +255 719-924389, cybebase@gmail.com

However, all cell phone companies offer at least 3G internet service, which is quickly making internet cafes go the way of typewriters and carbon paper.

BBC World Service broadcasts in Swahili and English on 103.3MHz.

Go next

 * Zanzibar: There is a ferry to Zanzibar which leaves five times a day (07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 15:30, 16:00; check for updates). The price is US$35 for non-residents and the ferry takes about 2 hours. Arrive earlier at the terminal for security checks and buy your ticket in advance esp. when travelling around weekends or holidays. Although it is improving, watch out for touts, scams, and pickpockets in this area. For buying a ticket, you’ll need your passport. Buy your tickets only from the ticket window of the ferry operator you’ll be using, otherwise you’ll pay a commission.

 * Watch out for the ferry scam: There may be a very well developed scam going on at the ferry dock. The taxi drivers seem to be in on the scam and will purposely take you to the wrong booth where a crew of friendly liars will help with your bag and assure you that you are at the right place. They charge US$35 but the ferry is a very slow boat that takes goods and vehicles as well as people and takes over 7 hours to arrive!

 * A nice daladala day trip is from town to Bagamoyo, about a 90-minute trek north of the city. It's easiest to catch the yellow-striped bus from Mwenge (see . From the stand in Bagamoyo you can take a bajaji (think 3-wheeled golf cart) to historical sites including 13th century ruins, a 19th-century German garrison, and a very colorful seafood market on the beach. Getting back to Dar es Salaam, you'll be pushing your luck if you delay much past 17:00.
 * Morogoro: About three hours from Dar es Salaam, one can visit the NGO APOPO in Morogoro (on the way to Mikumi National Parc). This organization started in 1998 to train giant rats to help remove land mines in Mozambique and has started investigating the potential use of this low-cost "technology" for the detection of TB pathogens.
 * Mafia Island: About 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam domestic airport, Mafia Islands host antiquities dating back to the 11th century its reefs, and known for excellent diving and snorkelling.

title: Dar es Salaam


text:
Darfur

Darfur is the westernmost region of Sudan, bordering Chad.

Cities

 * or Al-Fashir
 * or Ed Daein
 * or Al-Junaynah
 * or Ed Daein
 * or Al-Junaynah
 * or Al-Junaynah

Get in
Nyala Airport

For the intrepid traveler, there's a highly irregular passenger train service from Khartoum to Nyala. The train is supposed to run 1-2 times per month, but cancellations are the norm.

Stay safe
Many governments warn against any travel to this region. See the warning in the Sudan article for more information.

title: Darfur


text:
Darien

There is more than one place called Darien:

Panama

 * Darien — A region, part of Eastern Panama.

United States of America

 * Darien (Connecticut)
 * Darien (Georgia)
 * Darien (Illinois)
 * Darien (Wisconsin)
 * Darien — A township in the Niagara Frontier region of New York, with three destinations:
 * Darien Center — A hamlet within the town.
 * Darien Lake — A theme park resort within the town.
 * Darien Lakes State Park — A state park within the town.

title: Darien


text:
Darien (Connecticut)

Darien is a town in Connecticut.

Understand
Darien is a wealthy community that mostly consists of private houses.

By train
Metro North's New Haven Line serves the town.

By car
I-95 goes right through town. The Merritt Parkway, which barely bypasses the northern city limits, is a good alternate.

US Route 1 (Boston Post Road) is the main street, other than the aforementioned limited-access highways.

See

title: Darien (Connecticut)


text:
Darien Gap

The Darién Gap (Spanish: Región del Darién or Tapón del Darién) is a break in the Pan-American Highway consisting of a large swath of undeveloped swampland and forest within Panama's Darién Province in Central America and the northern portion of Colombia's Chocó Department in South America.

Understand
The gap measures just over 160 km (100 mi) long and about 50 km (30 mi) wide. Road building through this area is expensive, and the environmental cost is high. Political consensus in favor of road construction has not emerged. Consequently there is no road connection through the Darién Gap connecting North America with South America and it is the missing link of the Pan-American Highway.

Since this area is the only piece of land connecting both continents, it is dominated by drug cartels.

The overland crossings are considered to be hard and dangerous.

Flights
The best option is to fly to Medellín. AirPanama offers cheap flights for around $130.

From Medellín to Cartagena you can take: Of course prices depend on how long before the flight you book it, but it stays fairly close to this amount even a couple of days before the planned flight date.
 * Bus – 11 hours and around 30$
 * VivaColombia flight – 1h and around 30$

"Overland"
Not precisely overland since there is one flight and several boat rides involved.

Buy plane tickets a day in advance from the AirPanama agency that is inside the terminal of Alboork Airport. From Panama City to Puerto Obaldía. Do not book it online, they do not have the best system and this flight is not perfectly scheduled. Even on the website they will warn you about booking it.
 * Buy plane tickets

Puerto Obaldía is a small town on the Caribbean shore of Panama a couple of miles from the border with Colombia. It is not accessible by any road. Though there are no scheduled boat services, there are boats going there infrequently from the Cartí Port, one of the ports to get to the San Blas Islands. It only has a small airport. You can stay around here though it is pretty ugly and not perfectly safe.
 * Panama City–Puerto Obaldía (75$)

The plane is small and has a baggage limit of 10kg with a 1.5$ fine for any kg more. So pack light, actually you are going to meet your container shortly after you get to Cartagena so there is no reason to not pack light. Make sure you know the weight of you baggage before because they try to scam you and charge more. As soon as you land, go to immigration to exit the country and book your boat to Capurganá, it leaves couple of hours after the flight lands.

Capurganá is the same idea as the last one just on the Colombian side of the border. It is heavily guarded by law enforcement so it is safer and it is actually a nice town to relax and enjoy the nothingness on a Caribbean beach served by a couple of small hotels. You might have to spend the night here anyway waiting for the boat to turbo. Boats leaves hourly from morning to sundown and weight deal of the baggage applies here as well.
 * Puerto Obaldía–Capurganá (15$)

You will go through immigration here, make sure you get all the paperwork right.

There is apparently only one boat a day leaving on the morning, so make sure you book your boat as early as you get to town to reserve your seat on the boat. It is a speed boat and the trip takes 3–4 hours along the jungles of the Darien Gap going straight into the Caribbean water. Try to show up early for the boat to get a nice spot on the back of the boat so you won't get all wet. Get your camera ready.
 * Capurganá–Turbo (30$)

Boats go frequently from Capurganá to Necoclí, a town a few hours north of Turbo.
 * Capurganá—Necoclí

Vehicle
International Vehicle Shipping Services and Overland Embassy offer vehicle transportation through the Darien Gap.

General tips

 * Get Colombian Pesos in Panama City since ATMs are not to be found until you get to Turbo and the exchange rate is pretty bad.
 * Get ready to get wet on the boats! A rain coat and something to cover your luggage will be good.

Go next
From Turbo's central bus station you can find buses to
 * Medellin
 * Cartagena - 5 hours to Montería and from there 5 hours more to Cartagena

title: Darien Gap


text:
Darien Lake

Six Flags Darien Lake is an amusement park and campground in the Niagara Frontier region of New York. Considered the roller coaster capital of the state, Darien Lake is a very popular summertime destination for families throughout Western New York, and beyond. The Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, adjacent to the park, is the premier outdoor concert venue in Western New York. Its summer concert season is filled with big-name acts on national tours and represents almost as big a part of the business as the theme park.

Understand
There are four main components that make up the resort. First and foremost is the amusement park, which boasts six roller coasters, an enormous Ferris wheel, and dozens of other rides. Second is the water park, SplashTown, which has been expanded from merely a corner of the amusement park to a separate gate of its own. Third is the Performing Arts Center, which attracts concert-goers from throughout Western New York to see touring acts from throughout the country. The final component are the campground, hotel, and recreational facilities that make Darien Lake more than just a day-trip destination.

History
In 1955, this 25-acre man-made lake opened to the public (admission $0.50 for adults, $0.25 for children 10 and older). Swimming and picnicking were the only attractions. It was popular at first, but after a few years, records of it as a summer destination disappear.

By 1964, Darien Lake was open again, this time with boating, camping, and picnicking facilities. The first rides were added in the 1970s, and by 1980 the area had grown into a full-fledged amusement park, named Darien Lake Fun Country. The park added a marquee attraction in 1982: the Viper, the first roller coaster in the world with five inversions. In 1983, the park was sold; "Fun Country" was dropped from the name (although the park is still known by some locals as "Fun Country"), and the new owners acquired the Giant Wheel, a 165-foot (50-m) Ferris wheel, from the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville.

The park continued to grow and add attractions, although it wouldn't get its second roller coaster—the wooden Predator—until 1990. The same year, a small water park was added in the middle of the park. In 1993 the 21,600-capacity amphitheater was opened, replacing a smaller amphitheater, and started attracting major touring acts. In the late 1990s, the owners added a new roller coaster each year, increasing the park's total to five and making the park the roller coaster capital of the state.

In 1999, the park was renamed Six Flags Darien Lake to reflect its ownership by the mega-chain, and several licensed Looney Tunes and DC Comics characters made appearances in the park. The parent company soon fell into financial trouble due to overextension, however; Darien Lake was among seven properties put up for sale in 2006, and in 2007 the park was bought and "Six Flags" dropped from the name.

Although the new owners added another coaster in 2008, the Orange County Choppers MotoCoaster, the park endured a couple of lean years as it struggled to reestablish itself. By the end of 2010, however, it was clear that the park was thriving again, the water park areas were expanded into a new "separate" park called SplashTown, new ticket packages, and a new paint job for the venerable Viper. The park would end up rejoining the Six Flags family in 2019.

Climate
Since the park is in the heart of Western New York snow country, it's closed over the winter. By the time it opens in the spring, though, the weather is usually fantastic, with temperatures in the 60s or 70s (°F) and plenty of sunshine. July and August get quite warm at times, but the mercury rarely tops 95°F and you can easily survive a whole day as long as you wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Dress warmly if you're headed to a Halloween event in October.

Get in
Darien Lake is on State Route 77, 5 miles (8 km) south of Interstate 90 (the New York State Thruway). Take exit 48A from the Thruway and turn right onto Route 77 after the tollbooths. The park will be on your left; you can't miss it. (Be aware, though, that left turns into the parking lot are prohibited; instead, you'll exit to the right and swing around to cross Route 77 at the light.)

If you'd prefer to avoid the tolls on the Thruway, take U.S. Route 20 from the east or west to Route 77 in Darien Center; the park is two miles to the north.

Parking at the park and amphitheater is ridiculously expensive. Carpool if at all possible.

Fees and permits
Darien Lake opens in mid-May and closes after Halloween, although hours are very limited in October. SplashTown's operating season is shorter.

A season pass for 2014 (includes both parks) is $75 plus tax. Single-day ticket prices for 2014 vary depending on how they are purchased. Adult admission at the gate is $46, $40 online, or $36 at Tops Markets. Discount tickets are readily available throughout Western New York at places like Wegmans and AAA, and the park's web site usually offers "online exclusive" tickets that are cheaper than at the gate. The park sometimes offers discounted after-5PM rates as well.

Prices for concerts at the amphitheater vary based on the act that's performing; you can often get a package deal that includes park admission in addition to the concert.

title: Darien Lake


text:
Dari phrasebook

Dari (دری) is the name of the variant of Persian spoken in Afghanistan.

Basics

 * Hello. : Salaam. (.سلام)
 * How are you? : Chi hal dari? (چي حال داري؟)
 * Fine, thank you. : Khob, tashakor. (خوب تشكر )
 * What is your name? : Nametan chist ? (نامتان چيست؟)
 * My name is _____. : Naame ma _____ ast. (.نام من _____ است)
 * Nice to meet you. : Khoshaal Shodom az mulaqat e shuma. (.خشحال شدم از ملاقات شما)
 * Please. : Lotfaan. (.لطفا)
 * Thank you. : Tashakor . (.تشكر )
 * You're welcome. : Qabele tashakor nest. ( قابل تشکرنيست)
 * Yes. : Khob. (.خوب)
 * No. : Ne. (.نه)
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : Bebakhshin . (بيبخشين )
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : Mebakhshen? . (ميبخشين )
 * I'm sorry. : Mazrat Mekhwaham . ( محذرت ميخواەم )
 * Goodbye : Khuda Hafez . ( خدا حافظ )
 * Good Night (informal) : Shab ba khayr . ( )
 * I can't speak dari well. : Ma dorost dari yad nadaraom .. ( [من درست درى ياد ندارم ])
 * Do you speak English? : Aaya Shuma Englisi Yaad Daren? ( ?آيا شما انگريسي ياد دارن )
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : Aaya  da inja kase hast ke englisi yaad dashta basha ? ( ?آيا انجا کس است کە انگليسي ياد داشتە باشه )
 * Help! : Komak! (کمک !)
 * Look out! : Sayhel ko! ( !سيل کن)
 * Good morning. : Sob bakhir. (صبح بخير )
 * Good evening. : Chasht bakhir. ( )
 * Good night. : Shab bakhir. (شپ بخير )
 * Good night (to sleep) : Shaw bakhir. ( )
 * I don't understand. : Mann namedanam. ( من نميدانم )
 * Where is the toilet? : Tashnab kojast? ( ? تشناب کجااست)

Problems
mushkele taan chi ast? ´´ ? مشکل تان چي است ´´

Numbers

 * one : yak
 * two : doo
 * three : say
 * four : chah-HAHR
 * five : panj
 * six : shahsh
 * seven : haft
 * eight : hasht
 * nine : nou
 * ten : daa

Clock time
1:00 am. yak Sob 1:00 pm. yak Zohr 1:30 am. yak o nim e sob 1:30 pm yak o nim e zohr

Days
Saturday:Shambey Sunday:Yak Shambey Monday:Doo Shambey Tuesday:Se Shambey Wednesday:Char Shambey Thursday:Panj Shambey Friday:Jummaa

Months
۱ March-April Aries حمل  hamal ۲ April-May Taurus ثور sawr ۳ May-June Gemini جوزا  jawzā ۴ June-July Cancer سرطان saratān ۵ July-August Leo اسد asad ۶ August-September Virgo سنبله sombole ۷ September-October Libra میزان  mizān ۸ October-November Scorpio عقرب aqrab ۹ November-December Sagittarius قوس qaws ۱۰ December-January Capricorn جدی  jady ۱۱ January-February Aquarius دلو dalv ۱۲ February-March Pisces حوت hut

Colors

 * White : safid
 * Red : sur khe
 * Black : siâh
 * Yellow : Zard
 * Blue : âbi
 * Green : sabz
 * Orange : nar-en-ji
 * Purple : bunjuni
 * Gold : teh-la-he

Money
-Paisa -Pul پول

title: Dari phrasebook