What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Dar es Salaam

Relocating to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a multi-cultural city, home to expats from across the world. As Tanzania’s commercial capital, the city offers superior accommodation, schools, and job opportunities, as well as a sense of community. Living in Dar es Salaam is also made more comfortable by international food, family friendly activities and widely-spoken English. Competitive rates for property, as well as reliable advice, mean movers can discover the city without worrying about prices. Access to international banking services and quick replies on visa issues will also help.

About the City

Dar es Salaam is a regionally important economic hub and the largest city in Tanzania. Although it is not the country’s national capital, Dar es Salaam is the focus of the permanent national government bureaucracy. It consists of three local government districts and is the capital of the Dar es Salaam Region administrative province.

The city is located on the eastern coast of Tanzania, on a natural harbor. As one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, the population is forecast by the World Bank to reach 5.12 million by 2020. The city has experienced a construction boom in recent years, including Tanzania’s new highest building, the PSPF Twin Towers.

The Climate in Dar es Salaam

Climate can be a key determinant when considering relocation opportunities. Dar es Salaam experiences a tropical climate, thanks to the warm Indian Ocean that boarders the city and its proximity to the equator.

Seasons are divided between wet and dry, with the wet season running December to May, and the dry season from June to October. Temperatures are typically slightly cooler in the dry season, though they remain warm with average highs of around 28°C (the equivalent of 82°F). August is the coolest and the driest month, which makes a perfect time for expats to holiday or travel across Tanzania.

Finding Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Dar es Salaam is made easier by the many estate agents that offer advice, as well as a host of good properties, with everything ranging from modern apartments to family homes. Rent is well above the Tanzanian average, but, on average, it is cheaper to rent or buy property in Dar es Salaam than Nairobi or Addis Ababa. Home insurance is available.

Dar es Salaam is divided into three districts; Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke. Kinondoni, the most populated of the three districts, includes the post suburbs of Masaki, Oysterbay and Ada Estate, which are particularly popular for foreigners. The suburbs are also close to Oysterbay Beach, a white sandy beach that is ideal for families. Msasani, also in Kinondoni, is another popular choice for expats, and includes a wide range of houses and apartments.