Public Transportation

Here in Tanzania, the vast majority of the people do not own vehicles. As an American coming here recently, I would say that this is one of the most immediately striking differences between daily life for people here and for people at home in the States.

Issues surrounding transportation are huge here and impact life and culture in many, many ways. Immediately noticeable is the sheer number of people traveling by foot at all times of the day, and also at night. Without quick and easy transportation it can take a long time to do many things which we tend to take for granted at home. As a result, some tasks regarded as relatively quick and simple for us with our cars (like grocery shopping) can easily become all day ventures for people living here without vehicles. Some things, which we would automatically take care of—getting supplies on the coattail of other errand running—simply and understandably won’t get done here if considered unessential to daily living.

A huge dimension of the culture of Tanzania (and I would guess most of Africa) is the industry of public transportation. Public transportation can be found in the form of cars, buses, minivans (called daladalas), motorcycles (called pikipikis) and even bicycles (bisikelis). Following is a quick guide to public transport in TZ .

Taxis and Pikipikis. If you want to get directly to your destination, take a taxi or pikipiki. You will probably need to barter for a fair price. Pikipikis are more affordable for the common family, so you might even see a whole family (Mom, Dad and a couple kids) lined up on the back of a motorcycle (Yikes!).

Bisikeli. If you’ve got time, or are trying to save your Shillings, take a bisikeli (bicycle). You will see many people being hauled around town on the back of bisikelis by young male drivers. If you are driving a car yourself, watch out! Bisikelis and pikipikis can be a little unpredictable.

Daladala. This has become a symbol of present-day African culture. Although you may have to wait for quite some time for one to arrive or depart, taking the daladala can be a most informative cultural immersion. If you can handle the close proximity to condensed humanity in this hot and humid climate (I have been truly amazed at how many people can fit into one minivan) you will likely also encounter the socially generous nature of the nation on-board the daladala. People will make room where there is no room. People of the younger generation will automatically give up their seats for their elders. People will hold each other’s bags, purses or even children as a matter of course.

Recently we got a vehicle of our own, so we are taking public transportation –namely daladalas- much less frequently. The funny thing is that as “private” vehicle owners, we still have a similar experience with “Haus” our Toyota Landcruiser. Haus often winds up as packed as a daladala, with families and choirs of people and sometimes a chicken or two!