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How to get to Bagamoyo
So you want to travel to Tanzania and peaceful Bagamoyo – and maybe stay with us at Moyo Mmoja Guesthouse? – It is not that difficult at all to get here!
Many airlines have flights to Dar es Salaam International Airport. From the airport to Bagamoyo it is roughly 1 – 3 hours drive by car, depending on the time of day and the traffic. Moyo Mmoja Guesthouse can arrange for a pick-up at the airport at a fixed price. Other means of transportation is regular Taxi (prices depends on negotiation), or regular daladala – local minibuses (for the most adventurous).
Do you need pick-up? We do not have our own car service but if given a notice well in advance we can help you to arrange transport from Dar airport, harbour, Ubungu bus terminal or other places. The trip is secure, the driver knows where to go and the price is fixed and more or less the standard rate for tourist transportation.
– Traveling around in Tanzania and to Zanzibar, see below.
The daladala are of course the cheapest option and you can get to Bagamoyo for US$ 3 – 4 in travel expenses, but it might take you several hours especially in rush hours. This way of traveling all the way to Bagamoyo is not advisable for others that the very well experienced traveler with time to spare and wide awake after the hours on the airplane. On the other hand traveling with the daladala to and from Bagamoyo and in Dar es Salaam after being «culturally acclimatised» is a good way to experience a part of real Tanzanian life up close. In Dar it is seldom any problems but be aware that the daladalas drive rather fast on the road to and from Bagamoyo and accidents do occur from time to time.
If choosing to travel with the daladala you will have to ask around by the main road outside the airport (or at the harbor for ferries arriving from Zanzibar or at Ubungo buss station) to find out from where the local busses for Bagamoyo (or more likely Tegeta/Bunjo B. first and then Bagamoyo) go nowadays and – while hoping you understood the directions correctly – try out the advice. Most people will be happy to help you, but keep in mind that most people will not likely be updated on the valid information for the way to Bagamoyo. Be aware of pickpockets outside ferry ports and at major buss stations.
Arriving at Bagamoyo bus station («stendi«), get to the main road by the petrol station and the post office, turn right and walk up the small hill for a few minutes. Take the first sandy road to the left (called the Moyo Mmoja Rd.) by Next Level bar and restaurant and walk another few minutes until you see the «Moyo Mmoja Guesthouse» sign at the end of the road. Its a bout 15 minutes walk from the bus station – or you can take a Pikipiki/Bodaboda – motorbike taxi (about 1000 Tshs daytime), or a Bajaji – auto rickshaw/three-wheeler (about 2000 Tshs).
Some airlines flying to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Emirates Airline, Turkish Airlines, KLM, British Airways, Swiss Air, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines
Getting around in Tanzania:
To travel to other destinations in Tanzania from Bagamoyo, you will most likely have to go back to Dar. Some buses do pass Bagamoyo on the way north intersecting at the small place Msata with the main road going north (A14). Check with the major buss companies by telephone if they will allow you to enter the bus outside Bagamoyo somewhere.
Most of the buses for all parts of Tanzania runs from Ubongo bus terminal in Dar es Salaam. Some high end busses run from their own terminals. Tickets have to be bought in the offices there (or online for reliable companies) or for some companies also in downtown Dar. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance. Most buses runs early in the morning. Riding the long distance buses after dark is not advisable if at all they run to your destination. It is recommended to travel with the first class coaches. They are most reliable and don’t speed up (which is desirable). Use Google to find the bus companies that has busses to your destination.
Boats to Zanzibar departs from the port close to downtown Dar es Salaam. Azam Marine coastal ferry and Zan Fast ferry are the two main ferry companies that provide fast ferry service from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar
Domestic flights: see e.g. www.flightstats.com for departure times and more.
For the train services see sites like: www.seat61.com and the official site for TAZARA, www.tazarasite.com and www.trl.co.tz.
Trains are going from Dar to Mbeya and continuing to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. From there you can change train and continue traveling in Zambia. Another line goes west to Kigoma with possibilities to change train for Mwanza in north by the Victora Lake. The Tanga Line takes you north to Tanga, Moshi and Arusha.
When traveling by train in Tanzania, make sure to have plenty of time since extreme delays does occur quite often. Both on departure and even more along the line. Even so, it is well worth the ride since it is a great experience with amazing view and interesting people to meet. It is also and overall safer way to travel in Tanzania than by bus. Remember to book well in advance for first class tickets – at least two to three weeks.
Stikkord: Bagamoyo, Bed & Breakfast, Budget accomodation, Guesthouse
