Braveheart Tanzania’s Guide to Working Remotely In Dar es Salaam
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon a new wave of digital nomadism, where remote work is not only encouraged, but a healthy way to beat cabin fever while remaining productive.
If you are looking for a place to set up shop away from home, Dar es Salaam just might be the place you’re looking for. Dar es salaam (aka Dar), is a sprawling, exciting metropolis of over 6 million people. One of Africa’s most dynamic cities with a multitude of fascinating things to see and do in the city and nearby areas.
The Weather is Exceptional
The climate is tropical. There is hot weather and high humidity all year round however the ocean breeze keeps the climate pleasant. Average temperatures are 32C/89F. The wettest months are April and May with rainfall averaging up to 230mm . There’s also a fair amount of precipitation in October and November when the ‘short rains’ visit, averaging 105mm.
Credit: Local Guide Connect
Languages
Although Tanzania is home to over 100 tribes and even more dialects, the two official languages are English and Swahili. Many individuals speak English and most times you will find someone who can help translate when needed. It doesn’t take much for one to feel welcome and comfortable when they are in Dar es salaam. Arrangements for a local guide can be made if requested.
Cost of Living
Dar es salaam is a modern city, you’re guaranteed to get everything you need. It’s affordable for general lifestyle purchases such as food, transport, accommodation and entertainment. The average living cost depends on your lifestyle. On average, you can live comfortably from approximately $30 USD per day for basic accommodation in an apartment, local organic food products, internet and transportation.
If you are a health- conscious nomad you will be satisfied with nutritious foods and groceries available at markets and stores. Moreover, Tanzania’s agriculture sector employs 75% of its population, so fresh fruit and seasonal produce is affordable and easy to find.
Credit: Delish
Accommodation
Websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com & Expedia can be used to secure accommodation in Dar es Salaam. You have the choice of furnished apartments, B&Bs, hostels, hotels, villas etc. A curated list of short-term and long-term property rentals is available via Braveheart Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam has the highest population of expats in all of Tanzania. While Dar es Salaam has many sprawling suburban areas, these are some neighborhoods that are best-suited for foreign workers:
- Masaki: This is a high-end neighborhood located near the beach. It has beautiful gated apartments, home to a large expatriate community, boasting many different cafés, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers.
- Upanga: Located near the city center, which tends to be busy as many government offices and businesses are located in the heart of the city. One can rent a furnished apartment or house in a gated community with lots of privacy and a short walk or ride to the nearest attractions.
- Mikocheni: If you prefer a location outside of the expat-heavy neighborhoods and are comfortable utilizing rideshare services, Mikocheni is the place to be. Popular with middle-class Tanzanians, this upscale suburb hosts many apartment buildings, private homes, grocery stores, and can easily be accessed by the local bus system transportation( Dala dala) and auto rickshaw (bajaji).
- Mbezi Beach: Mbezi Beach is located about 20km/12 miles from the city center. If you have no plans to make frequent commutes into the city, you can opt for this neighborhood that has fewer expats and more of Dar es Salaam’s middle class and upper-middle class residents. Its proximity to the beach and large inventory of modern houses and apartments makes this an excellent option for long stays. Mbezi Beach also offers many restaurants and bars that are local favorites.
Credit: Osse Greca Sinare
Transportation
These are some options available for you to get around Dar es Salam with ease:
- Private taxi
- Rideshare applications such as Uber & Bolt
- Car rental
- Auto rickshaw (bajaji)
- Motorbike taxi (Boda-boda)
- Local bus (Dala-dala)
Telecommunications & Internet Connectivity
The average internet speed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is 12.65 Mbps for broadband and fibre internet and 10.1 Mbps for mobile data speeds. Majority of cafes and reputable hotels have WiFi.
Internet Service Providers in Dar es Salaam are:
- GOfiber
- Blink
- Hai super-fast internet
Most travellers turn on the hotspot feature on their smartphones to connect their tablets and laptops to the internet. Private telecommunication companies in Tanzania are Airtel, Vodacom and Tigo. You are able to purchase a local SIM card to have access to a phone line and set up your internet connection in your home office through these providers.
Co-working Spaces
Dar es Salaam has experienced an increase in demand for a range of co-working spaces. Co-working spaces that you pay to use are available, with some offering private offices and meeting rooms with modern technology that ensures seamless conference sessions. These can normally be booked on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Naturally, these spaces work out to be more cost-effective secured on a monthly basis. These spaces also provide a great opportunity for networking, which could lead to collaborations that foster professional development.
Some of the Dar es salaam’s top co-working spaces are:
- ZO Spaces
- Kofisi Oysterbay
- Seedspace Dar es Salaam
- @Work
- StartUp Cafe
- Vintage Workspace
Best Cafes To Work From
If you prefer your work day to be accompanied by delicious food, drinks and stunning décor, here are some of our favourites:
- Central Park Cafe
- The Ridge Cafe
- Epi d’or
- Kaffe Koffee
- Café Aroma
- Grano Coffee
- Chaiwala Cafe
- Karambezi Cafe
- Woodberry Cafe
- Wild Flour Cafe
What To See and Do In Dar Es Salaam
Life cannot be all work and no play. It’s all about balance, and Dar es Salaam offers just that.
Here are some sites to explore during your time in Dar es Salaam:
- Nightlife & entertainment – Dar es Salaam’s nightlife is electric. Braveheart Tanzania can suggest the best Happy Hour spots, nightclubs, restaurants, and recommend events and shows that are taking place in the city during your stay.
- Mbudya Island- Beautiful Mbudya Island, in the Dar es Salaam Marine reserve, seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dar es Salaam. Sun-seekers come here to bask in the island’s white-sand beaches, snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters. Bandas (thatched huts) are available for rent on the beach, and locals sell fresh barbecued seafood and cold drinks.
- Oyster Bay- The affluent expat enclave of Oyster Bay is one of the best hangout places in Dar es Salaam especially on the weekends. Locals and tourists alike come here to stroll Coco Beach, savor street food, and listen to live music.
- Coco Beach– While it is a very popular local place for street food near the expat enclaves, it can be quite crowded on evenings and weekends and the beach not swimmable due to low tide. A mid-week visit during the daytime would make for a more calm and enjoyable experience.
- Kariakoo Market– One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market. This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. Pss! ..If you plan to go shopping, make sure you do some bargaining to get the best deals.Local driver and guide highly recommended for this experience.
- National Museum & House of Culture- The National Museum & House of Culture takes you on a journey through Tanzania’s colorful past. Originally opened in 1940 as a memorial to King George V. The museum displays important fossils of some of the earliest human ancestors unearthed during the Leakey digs at Olduvai Gorge.
- Pugu Hills Nature Reserve- Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats. A campsite is also available should you wish to have an overnight adventure.
- Bagamoyo Town- Bagamoyo town located north of Dar Es Salaam, is an ancient East African trade port. The town has been influenced by Arabs and Indians to create a uniquely Swahili culture. On a day trip to Bagamoyo, you can visit ancient ruins, old churches and mosques and tour Tanzania’s only college of arts known as Chuo Cha Sanaa.
- Bongoyo Island- One of the most entertaining things to do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean, but not right in Dar itself. There are a few locations that aren’t far that are much better (and cleaner). Bongoyo Island is a small island off the coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day trip of lazing on the beach, snorkeling and dining on fresh fried fish.
Beyond Dar es salaam
If you are willing to venture outside of Dar es salaam for a grand adventure, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to tourist destinations in Tanzania.
These include:
Safari: Dar es salaam is a short flight away from the Serengeti National park, home for the Big 5 animals and the wildebeest migration. If you are short on time but would like to go on safari, destinations such as Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park) are easily accessible from Dar es Salaam.
Beach: The Zanzibar archipelago is part of Tanzania and boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. You can relax on the beach , enjoy the sunset or explore many activities such as dolphin watching, Stone town tours, dhow cruise, skydiving etc.
Hiking: if you are a trekking enthusiast, a climb up the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro ( highest mountain in Africa, and second highest in the world) can be easily organized.
If you would like to venture into neighbouring countries to explore more of what the vast African continent has to offer, Braveheart Tanzania can assist with coordinating your journey with ease.
Entry Requirements & Visa Validity
At time of publication, there are currently no quarantine or vaccination requirements to enter Tanzania and Zanzibar. A negative PCR test must be presented and a rapid test is taken on arrival. Braveheart Tanzania will keep you updated on any changes and requirements at all times.
Visa application processes and validity are all dependent on your citizenship. It is best to have a conversation to determine your entry requirements and your permitted length of stay in Tanzania, plus any other personal needs you require during your stay.
To schedule a chat with us, simply email info@bravehearttanzania.com and we will be in touch to explore your options with you.