Morogoro

Morogoro is a city in the Central Tanzania region of Tanzania. There are old German buildings in the city from the colonial period. The city is at the base of the Ulughuru Mountains, which makes it an ideal base for hikers and campers.

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.

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 will be reduced to two hours when the new line opens in July 2024. A limited number of long-distance trains still uses the old station, journey time is around four hours.



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 ahead of time for the Dar to Moro route. For other destinations from Msamvu, it is best to 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, have a refreshing beverage, etc.



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 ; speaks English
 * Anaseli ; works very late
 * Godfrey ; 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

 * The main market is off University road. It's massive: best to get your bearings before entering.
 * The main market is off University road. It's massive: best to get your bearings before entering.

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.

Work
There are two tobacco processing plants in Morogoro.

There are many missionary groups active in the Morogoro region.


 * Morogoro International School hires qualified teachers for two year contracts.

There are many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Morogoro, with focus on HIV/AIDS, environment, education, orphans and vulnerable children, to name a few.

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





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).



Clothes
Saba-saba market on weekends is good for used clothes.

There are sidewalk tailors all over town who can make you custom clothes at a good price. Finding a good one is a matter of networking or trial-and-error. The tailor to the far left of the stadium entrance is rumored to be good, but only speaks Kiswahili.

There are nice fabric stores around Blue Room restaurant and on the Old Dar Es Salaam Road between the daladala stand and the market, and generally around town.

Indian-style clothes for women are available at some fancier stores in town. They can be expensive, but gorgeous.

Vikoi (woven wraps) are rumored to be available from a mama's group in the dukas across the parking lot from the CCM regional office at Sabasaba market. If your timing is good, you can watch them being woven. A good price might be TSh 8,000.

Jewellery
There is a jewellery store next to Symbus Kitchen Point (see map) that is recommended by long-time residents.

Crafts
On Friday nights there are often crafts vendors at Dragonaire's (see Eat listing).

There is sometimes a carving vendor outside Pira's (see listing under Food above).

There is a group of wood carvers next to the Tiot station, on the Iringa road, just near Mazimbu. A taxi driver should be able to find it. Don't forget to bargain. The Acropol Hotel has different individuals selling paintings and really cool patchwork quilt bags, the Acropol also sells their own house brand dark roast coffee and Morogoro Coffee t-shirts.

They sell crafts, including carvings, baskets, and paintings, most days at The New Acropol Hotel (see Eat listing below).

Budget

 * Mama Chamu's (aka Gilligan's): (see map) As you approach the stadium from the post office, its 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 meat); fruit. Also many vendors on foot selling all kinds of stuff - it's like going to the mall, except the mall comes to you. Swahili recommended.

There are many more local restaurants, these are just some tested favorites.

Splurge
All restaurants in the category have servers that speak English.


 * New Green Restaurant (see map) A family place offering great continental and Indian food. Walking from the dala stand, cross the bridge on the Old Dar Es Salaam road. Bear left onto Station Road. It's on the left across from the town hall.
 * Mama Pierina's (see map) Serves Italian, Greek, and local food. Full bar available. It has a wonderful wrap-around porch and a good backpacker scene. Uluguru mountains backdrop. Guest rooms available and refurbished at reasonable prices. Walking from the dala stand, go past the New Green Restaurant (above) on Station Road, pass the mosque and Hindu temple on the left, it's on the right. Lovely owner always there to assist in any way she can- a good laugh, advice, recommendations, etc. Contact Dimitra Hatzis daughter of Mama Pierina on and . Email: dshatzis@hotmail.com
 * Dragonaire's (see map) Offers a substantial and varied menu during the week. Fridays and Sundays, they have renowned pizza and a small specials menu. Friday nights are very popular with local ex-pats, and there is often a crafts vendor. There is satellite TV, billiards, and a magnificent view of the mountains. All seating is outdoors (bring bug spray). Sometimes has live music. Four rooms are available; with breakfast, price is Tsh 60,000 for a double. It is a bit far to walk from town, and not safe to walk after dark. By dala, take the "Bigwa" or "Pangawe" dala and get off at "rombo". Walk up the road about 7 minutes, it's on the left. By taxi, just ask for it by name, as of August 2008 it should be about TSh 3,000 from town. Near CCT and St. Thomas if you're staying there .Closed Mondays
 * Arc Hotel is close to Dragonaires about 2 km from the city centre between the old and new Morogoro roads (see map on http://archotel-tz.com). The hotel restaurant offers indoor as well as open-air service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local, Indian, Chinese, and international specialties. The hotel rooms are all with view towards the Uluguru Mountains. Prices are Tsh 85,000 for a double and Tsh 60,000 for a single room, include breakfast.
 * Dragonaire's (see map) Offers a substantial and varied menu during the week. Fridays and Sundays, they have renowned pizza and a small specials menu. Friday nights are very popular with local ex-pats, and there is often a crafts vendor. There is satellite TV, billiards, and a magnificent view of the mountains. All seating is outdoors (bring bug spray). Sometimes has live music. Four rooms are available; with breakfast, price is Tsh 60,000 for a double. It is a bit far to walk from town, and not safe to walk after dark. By dala, take the "Bigwa" or "Pangawe" dala and get off at "rombo". Walk up the road about 7 minutes, it's on the left. By taxi, just ask for it by name, as of August 2008 it should be about TSh 3,000 from town. Near CCT and St. Thomas if you're staying there .Closed Mondays
 * Arc Hotel is close to Dragonaires about 2 km from the city centre between the old and new Morogoro roads (see map on http://archotel-tz.com). The hotel restaurant offers indoor as well as open-air service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local, Indian, Chinese, and international specialties. The hotel rooms are all with view towards the Uluguru Mountains. Prices are Tsh 85,000 for a double and Tsh 60,000 for a single room, include breakfast.

Drink
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.

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

Mid-range

 * Tex Palace PO Box 864  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, {{phone|+255 713 200 351}}, {{phone|+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.

Stay safe
For maximum safety, don't walk around after dark - take a taxi. But in general, if there are many people around, it's usually safe to walk about downtown in the evening. Being in a large group is safer than walking alone. Hiking can be dangerous without a guide; robberies/muggings are not unheard of.

Telephone
There is a pay-as-you-go phone kiosk (actually a pre-fab container) at the dala stand. By far the most convenient, if you will stay in Morogoro for a while, is to get a GSM phone (starting at Tsh 50,000) (or bring an unlocked one with you) and get a local pre-paid phone line (Tsh 500-3,000, depending on promotions and provider). There are at least four providers: Zain (was CelTel), Vodacom, Zantel, and Tigo. Each provider has different plans; for example, in one Zain per-second plan, local calls are about Tsh 5/second, and international calls around Tsh 7.5/second. If your phone has internet, Vodacom has excellent data rates.

Post Office
The main post office in Morogoro ("posta") is on the edge of downtown - see map above. From the dala stand, walk along the Old Dar Es Salaam Road east, past the town hall ("munispaa") to the posta roundabout.

Internet
There are a number of internet cafés in town, with more appearing all the time. Rates vary between Tsh 500 and Tsh 1,000 per hour. Speed is generally slow. However, all of the cellular telephone companies offer at least 2G internet service.


 * Valentine's At the stadium, to the right of the main entrance.
 * Matunda From the dalla stand, walk west towards the market; take the first right; half-way down the street on the right.
 * Posta Facing the front, walk around the corner to the right - it's in the same building.
 * Chaungi Investment Located at CCM Wilaya, opposite Blue room restaurant. Fast, safe and reliable surfing. Voice, video and text chatting services, laser color printing, bulk photocopies, and other services.

Health services
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Morogoro - there are mosquitoes all year long. If you'll be in town for a while, it might be worth investing in a self-test kit; some people suspect that local clinics have an incentive to report false positives, in order to sell you medicine.


 * Aga Khan Clinic On the Boma Road, on the right heading from the daladala stand towards the mountains. Probably the best clinic in town, but limited mostly to working hours.
 * Shalom Mazimbu Clinic Not close to town, but open 24 hours.  Take a taxi, they should know where it is.
 * Regional Hospital (see map) The largest hospital in the region.  Can be crowded/overloaded.

Banking and ATMs
Contrary to what your bank might tell you, you will need the original receipt in order to cash traveller's cheques. A Visa- or MasterCard- branded ATM card is a much easier way to get cash.


 * NBC (see map) At the Posta roundabout. have a visa card ATM.
 * CRDB (see map) On the Old Dar Es Salaam Road between Posta and the Daladala stand. New branh now at Sokoine University.
 * NMB (see map) Near the market. NMB ATMs do not yet work with foreign/external accounts.
 * Barclay's Bank From the Daladala stand, go towards Msamvu on the main road. It is a few stores past Pira's, across from Exim Bank.  Their machines also accept Maestro and Master Card, and Visa Card.
 * Exim Bank From the Daladala stand, go towards Msamvu on the main road. It is across from Barclay's.