Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main port, a hot Swahili coastal metropolis of markets, museums, harbour life and island beaches, and the gateway to Zanzibar and Tanzania's safari circuit.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet with 'Hujambo' (to one person) or 'Habari' and shake hands; greetings matter more than speed.
Dress modestly outside beach areas: cover shoulders and knees, especially in mosques and Kariakoo.
Use the right hand for eating and giving.
Ask before photographing people.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Learn basic Swahili greetings
- Dress modestly
- Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques
- Bargain politely in markets
Don't
- Don't photograph government buildings, ports or military
- Don't show public affection
- Don't use the left hand for eating or giving
- Don't drink alcohol in public places away from licensed venues
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake with 'Hujambo'; elders addressed as 'Mzee' or 'Mama'
- Dining
- Wash hands before meals; eat with the right hand
- Dress
- Modest, light cotton; swimwear only at beaches/pools
- Gifts
- Bring small gifts when visiting homes
- Tipping
- 5-10% in restaurants
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Hujambo / Habari
Hello
hoo-JAM-bo / ha-BAH-ree
Asante
Thank you
ah-SAHN-teh
Bei gani?
How much?
bay GAH-nee
Tafadhali
Please
tah-fah-DAH-lee
Kwaheri
Goodbye
kwah-HEH-ree
Hakuna matata
No problem
hah-KOO-nah mah-TAH-tah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Dar es Salaam.
Main: Islam (coastal majority) and Christianity
Sites: Kitumbini Mosque, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Azania Front Lutheran Church
Holy Days: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, Easter
Conversations: Religion is a normal conversation topic; show respect and avoid criticism.