Morogoro

Understand

Morogoro is the administrative capital of Morogoro Region. It is at least two and a half hours' drive from Dar es Salaam on a tarmac road.

Getting there

By plane There is air service from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro provided by Auric Air. The schedule is not daily, however, so check their website for availability. Booking and payment can be made online. The Morogoro 'airport' is a grass airstrip in the Kihonda area.

By train Morogoro is the terminus of the first phase of Tanzania's new high-speed railway network, known as SGR. Travel time from Dar es Salaam is around two hours. This new line was opened in 2024. A limited number of long-distance trains still uses the old station, journey time is around four hours.

1 Morogoro SGR railway station. (updated Jun 2022) 2 Morogoro railway station. (updated Aug 2019)

By car The roads from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam, Iringa and Dodoma are paved and generally in good condition, making Morogoro relatively easy to get to by car. The travel time between city boundaries is fairly short (possibly 2-2½ hours) but depending on where and at what time you depart in Dar es Salaam it can take you more than one hour to get out of Dar in the first place. If you can, avoid driving out of Dar in the late afternoon (from 4PM) or into Dar in the early morning (up to 9AM) as you will otherwise drive along with commuter traffic which in a city like Dar can be complete mayhem. It is also not a good idea to be on major roads after dark, given the poor visibility and other issues.

By bus The Morogoro bus stand is called Msamvu Terminal and is a 10-minute dala-dala ride from downtown. From Msamvu, you can get buses to almost anywhere in Tanzania. Multiple bus lines go to and from the Ubungo bus stand in Dar es Salaam. Abood is the most popular line, followed by Al Saedy, BM Coach and Chinese company New Force. The cost from Dar es Salaam is TSh 8,000 as of September 2019, and buses leave about every half hour. Other lines, such as Hood, run less frequently but may cost less. From town, to get to Msamvu, take the "Kihonda" daladala from the central daladala stand; or just tell them at the dala stand that you're going to the bus stand, they'll sort you out. You generally do not need to buy a ticket in advance for the Dar to Moro route. However, for other destinations from Msamvu, you should book your ticket at least one day in advance. The hotel/restaurant next to the bus stand, "Makuti", is not bad, and is a nice place to escape the hustlers, avoid the rain, and have a drink.

3 Msamvu bus terminal. (updated Jun 2022)

Getting around

By taxi Taxis in Morogoro are plentiful. They should have white plates and a painted marker on the side indicating the local license number. From Msamvu to downtown should cost no more than Tsh 2,000. From Msamvu to the Teacher College is around Tsh 3,000; to Dragonaire's Tsh 2,500. Be prepared to pay more at night.

China ☏ +255 754 319 322; speaks English Anaseli ☏ +255 754 753 619; works very late Godfrey ☏ +255 713 752 626; is friendly and speaks English

By daladala Daladalas are minibuses that ply local routes. They generally leave when full (all seats plus standing passengers). The dala stand is in the center of downtown (see map). Local dalas are TSh 400 as of July 2015; long-distance dalas are more. If you're not sure which route to take, just tell the conductors at the standi where you want to go; they will generally help you out if you need directions, though you might have to try more than one to find someone who can help.

See

Hindu Temple, Railway Rd. Beautiful Hindu temple. Having nice prayers with Prasadam on every Saturday. The main market is off University road. It's massive: best to get your bearings before entering.

Do

Swimming Oasis Hotel has a swimming pool for TSh 3,000 per day. Morogoro International School (found near the main bus stand and Mambo Club) has a full-sized pool. The cost for non-members is TSh 4,000 per day. The tennis courts and children's play areas are also available for use to paying customers at the weekends. Morogoro Hotel (found near VETA on Rwegashora Rd) has a lovely pool. The cost is Tsh 4,000 per day Nashera Hotel found along side boma road. The cost is Tsh 5,000 per day

Music New Savoy Hotel On the station road past Oasis Hotel. Not safe to walk after dark. Best to go in a group to avoid hassles.

Buy

Food There are many "safi dukas" in town; the following are just highlights.

Main Market, off the University road (see map). open during daylight. A wide variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, and meats are available. If you accept a plastic bag from a child, you are agreeing to buy it (TSh 50-100). Bag vendors will also carry your groceries as you shop if you let them, and expect a tip. Saba-Saba Market. open during daylight. This market is on the west side of the town; follow the Old Dar Es Salaam Road past the main market, go over the small bridge; at the SUA roundabout, bear to the right; the street dead-ends into a row of shops. The entrance is roughly where the road ends, leading behind the shops. It is full of stalls selling all kinds of stuff, mostly very inexpensive used clothes, linens, etc. Sundays is a great day to go. Be careful of pick-pockets. Pira's Cash and Carry (see map), ☏ +255 23 261 3310. Pira's one of the nicest minimarkets in town, carrying a wide variety of packaged goods; canned food, housewares, etc. A decent candy selection, frozen meats, and liquor as well, but limited produce. It is one block to the north of the daladala stand.

Murad's Supermarket 1 (on the second floor of the MT Petrol station, just east of the bridge near the dala stand), ☏ +255 713 899 799. 8AM-8PM every day. A decent supermarket in the center of downtown and stays open late. Murad's Supermarket 2 (on the corner near Sofia Hotel). 8AM-8:30PM. A second store run by Murad's, closer to central downtown, but with a smaller selection. Masoomas. Large but cramped supermarket on the corner near Sofia Hotel (opposite Murad's Supermarket 2). Good fresh bread and rolls. (updated Jul 2015)

Electronics There are electronics stores around the daladala stand, on the road towards Msamvu. The following are just some tested larger stores. All of these stores have English-speaking staff. Many electronics goods are counterfeit; the better stores will ask if you want original or "Chinese" (never mind that the originals are also made in China). Also bargaining is strongly recommended. Used goods are available at saba-saba market and can be a bargain (though they can also be stolen).

Malaika (see map - Behind the daladala stand). Offering a wide range of electronics including cell phones, stereos, even furniture. Worth a visit just to see what they have. They also have a parts store roughly across from Blue Room Restaurant. Jamils (opposite the CRDB). Wide variety of appliances, stereos. Also blank CDs, and pre-recorded CDs & DVDs; they're almost all pira

Eat

Budget Mama Chamu's (aka Gilligan's): (see map) As you approach the stadium from the post office, it's pretty hard to miss; it's the really big thatched roof. Standard Tanzanian fare: rice and beans, ugali, etc. Some of the least expensive food in town. Small but flavorful mishkaki, and the grill guy is friendly. Otherwise, surly service - Swahili recommended. Lucky Star: (see map) From the daladala stand, walk towards Kihonda. Take a right at Pira's, then it's just around the corner on the left at the next street. [The entrance used to be on the same street as Pira's, but has moved around the corner, same building.] Cheap "bites" such as Egg Chops (strangely delicious hard boiled eggs wrapped in spiced meat), sambusas, things that are almost as good as croissants, potato chops (spiced ground beef in potato hash) and even a pre-packaged ice cream and soda in a can. Also really good fresh juice. Sometimes closes for prayers. Good atmosphere to sit and write letters, etc. Often quiet and nice, but at mealtimes can be quite busy. Cocoa Beach: Walk from the posta towards the market and turn right on the corner with the mattress store (the corner after the safi duka and the streets with the internet cafes). It's about a block, and on your left. Standard Tanzanian fare: Mishikaki, rice and beans, chipsi kuku, ugali, etc. Menu sometimes not reliable - You basically eat what they've got. Most of what they've got is good though, so definitely worth a shot. High Classic Hotel: From the dala stand, take the main road towards Msamvu/Kihonda, on the left before the next roundabout. Good Tanzanian fare, a step up from Blue Room. Bakery at Dala Stand: Cross the street from the dala stand and enter the gas station area. Its tucked in the far corner on the left. Great little bakery with a variety of cake and biscuit. Breakfast of champions, my friends. Also, they occasionally have apples. Yemen Restaurant: Just past the bakery (above) if you're walking toward Gapco from the daladala stand. Good Tanzanian fare.this are the best restaurant which provide best food many people speak. go there and see as to whether people word are real. Street Chicken: (see map) Outside the New Green Restaurant (see below) Chicken, mishkaki, chipsi, cheap. No alcohol. English spoken. Heart Snacks: (see map) From the dala stand, cross the Old Dar Es Salaam road and go down the alley to the right of the gas station. It's on the right. A pleasant courtyard seating area, with various windows: bar; grill guy selling mishkaki and chips; mamas selling rice, beans, ugali, etc.; nyama choma (roasted

Drink & nightlife

There are dukas and hotels all over downtown Morogoro, and scattered throughout the neighborhoods. Many have "bites": simple food like mishkaki (shishkebab), chipsi mayai (french fry omelette), chips, peanuts, kitimoto (fried pork), etc. Like bars everywhere, each has a unique atmosphere and cohort of regulars. The night of a big football/soccer match can be fun, but also raucous, if the bar has a TV with the sports channel.

Juice ya Miwa - Sugar cane juice. On the road from the daladala stand to Msamvu, on the left across from Barclay's bank, between Alif bookshop and Exim bank. TSh 300 for a glass. If you bring an empty bottle you can take some away with you for later. New Acropol Hotel (Old Dar Road), ☏ +255 754 309410, [email protected]. 7AM-11PM unless specified.daily. The New Acropol Hotel has a sangria jug and many other party pitchers on their special menu. The pitchers can serve over 4 persons and come full of fresh fruit and local berries. Really enjoyable with a few people cause it works out quite inexpensive per person. They will stay open late if prearranged, also cool North American snack menu if you talk to Venance the barman. They do not put up with open containers, show them and they will let you pay a minimal corkage fee. Really yummy cocktails when Venance is in the mood. local beers at TSh 3,500. (updated Jan 2017)

Sleep

See the 'higher end' restaurant section above; most of the establishments listed there also have rooms available.

Budget Sofia Hotel Ltd (Across from Matunda internet (see contact section below) and next to Abood Bus Head Office), ☏ +255 23 260 8478, +255 741 334 421, +255 744 290 733, +255 754996667. Extremely clean, inexpensive rooms, self-contained and air conditioned, very well maintained by hospitality professionals and graduate of Utalii College, safe and quiet place, best value for money can buy in town. Breakfast is included. As of June 2016 there are double rooms available for Tsh 25,000- 45,000.. New Savoy Hotel, Station Street (opp train station). Single/double room with own bathroom. Tsh 18,000/25,000. (updated Aug 2016)

Mid-range Tex Palace PO Box 864 ☏ +255 23 260 0044 On the Old Dar Es Salaam road, to the west of the market; go over the small bridge, it's on the left, just before Vanilla Lodge. Self-contained rooms with fan, cable TV. Longido Hotel PO Box 894 {{phone|+255 786 700 010, ☏ +255 713 200 351, ☏ +255 763 641 118. Msamvu area, opposite Cobil petrol station. Self-contained singles from Tsh 25,000, Deluxe rooms from Tsh 40,000. Restaurant, guarded car park. No alcohol (but dukas are nearby).

Splurge See the 'higher end' restaurant section above; most of the establishments listed there also have rooms available.