Travel by Bus from Arusha to Dar es Salaam

                                                                                         

To travel from Arusha to Dar es Salaam is easiest by air, however, this will cost about US$200 per person. The cheapest alternative is to travel by bus, which is never advised by tour operators. However, it need not be a nightmare as there are some good companies operating in Tanzania.

The most well known must be the Scandinavia bus company. They operate probably the best, safest and most comfortable transport between the two cities. The are of course the most expensive than the competition - at US$25 per person - and to book in advance is essential. In Arusha the offices for Scandinavia have moved to Kilembero Market – which is close to the Shopright supermarket. Scandinavia have recently been in hot water with the banks and have had some of their buses seized by the police and making the headlines in the East African news papers.

The Dar Express bus service comes a close second to Scandinavia or maybe an equal first place. The have different classes of busses and when booking from there office – close to the Kimahama Bookshop – it is essential to say you want the first class bus which should cost about US$18 per person. Dar Express are my favourite – some do not have a toilet but in the African heat and if you are sat toward the rear of the bus a toilet may not seem such a luxury after a few hours. The smell can become quite overpowering and the journey is a long one – about ten hours.

If you opt for the cheaper end of the market, most busses leave from the Bus Station close to the ‘Stadium’. Buffalo seem to be a favourite but they are too fast. Speed is not good as in places the road winds and there are hills and the road is single carriageway; slowly slowly is the best way to ensure you get from Arusha to Dar es Salaam alive.

I would recommend either Fresh Coach or Amazon Coach – the ticket price must be negotiated and do not pay more than US$10 per person. Tickets are usually sold by freelance workers and as the commission is good – the more they charge the more they get – then competition is fierce. If you are a westerner then you will be targeted and you will be surrounded. This experience is not for the faint hearted. Hang onto your luggage and watch out [as you would as a tourist anywhere in the world] for pickpockets.

Fresh coach and Amazon travel to Dar es Salaam at a more leisurely pace and they are safer than the full steam ahead express buses.

If you want to leave Arusha and travel by bus to make the last ferry to Zanzibar then I would suggest leaving around 6 am to ensure you are n Dar es Salaam by 2pm. That gives you a good couple of hours to get from the Bus Station into town and to the ferry, buy your ticket.

About the author:
The site http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk has full details and timetables for Zanzibar Ferries, flights and Buses in Tanzania – and http://www.betheladventure.co.uk has safari information. Use responsible tourism to make a difference to the countries and peoples you visit.

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