Dodoma

Dodoma is the official capital of Tanzania, located in the geographical heart of the country. The city is very different from the usual resorts: a calm, measured atmosphere reigns here, allowing you to see the real, everyday life of East Africa without the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds.

One of the main and unexpected features of the region is its developed grape cultivation. Thanks to the unique dry climate and picturesque hilly landscape, grapes are successfully grown in the surroundings of Dodoma, making the area famous for its vineyards. This city will be an interesting discovery for travellers, and it can be reached by plane, train, or bus.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the capital is by air. Dodoma Airport (DOD) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city centre. This location is extremely convenient for travellers: the journey from the terminal to most hotels or administrative buildings will take just a few minutes, eliminating the need to arrange a long transfer.

Since the airport serves mainly domestic destinations, the route from abroad is usually planned with a connection in the major aviation hubs of Tanzania. The optimal solution is to fly with local airlines from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport. This will save time and energy, replacing a multi-hour road trip with a short flight lasting about an hour.

Travelling by train is an accessible and scenic way to get to Dodoma. Contrary to outdated perceptions, the capital is an important hub of the country's railway network, and the city has a station that receives passenger trains.

The most popular route connects Dodoma with the coast and the city of Dar es Salaam. The railway also extends to the west, allowing you to get here from remote points such as Kigoma or Mwanza. A train journey provides a unique opportunity to observe the changing landscapes of Tanzania; however, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as this mode of transport is in high demand.

Bus travel is an excellent way to see the changing landscapes of Tanzania, moving between regions with comfort and at a reasonable cost. A popular route leads from the tourist hub of Arusha: covering a distance of about 440 kilometres on a paved highway takes an average of 6–8 hours. There are also convenient services passing through the picturesque surroundings of Lake Manyara National Park, which is ideal for travellers finishing a safari.

From the southern side of the country, it is most convenient to travel from the city of Iringa. This path is significantly shorter—about 260 kilometres—so the travel time is usually only 4–5 hours. Most intercity buses arrive at the central terminal in Dodoma, from where you can quickly reach any point in the capital by taxi or local transport.

Travelling by car to Dodoma gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to plan stops independently, enjoying views of the African savannah. The road from the popular tourist centre—the city of Arusha—will take about 6 hours, during which you will have to cover more than 400 kilometres. The picturesque route from Lake Manyara National Park (354 km) will also require about 6 hours of travel due to the terrain features.

The fastest option to reach the capital by land is to drive from the city of Iringa: the distance of 257 kilometres is usually covered in just 4 hours. You can hire a taxi or rent a car with a driver in any major region of Tanzania; however, it is recommended to agree on the cost of a private transfer in advance, as fixed meters are rarely used.

When planning a trip to Dodoma, it is worth considering that the rhythm of life here is noticeably different from the noisy tourist centres of the coast. To ensure your journey through the capital of Tanzania is comfortable and without surprises, we have prepared a list of important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Dress Code: The climate in the region is dry and hot, so prefer items made of light natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Keep in mind that this is an administrative centre with fairly conservative customs: adhere to modest dress (avoid short shorts or revealing necklines) to respect local sensibilities. Evenings can be cool, so it is worth taking a windbreaker or sweater.
2. Urban Transport: The most convenient and affordable way to travel short distances is by "bajajis" (local tuk-tuks). They are manoeuvrable and inexpensive. An important rule: always agree on the cost of the trip with the driver in advance, before getting into the vehicle, as they do not have meters.
3. Financial Nuances: The Tanzanian Shilling is the currency in use. Bank cards are accepted in major hotels and some supermarkets, but for visiting markets, small cafes, and paying for transport, you will definitely need cash. It is better to always carry a supply of small denominations, as getting change can often be an issue.
4. Health and Hygiene: Drink exclusively bottled water; it is even better to use it for brushing your teeth. The sun in the centre of the continent is very strong—be sure to wear a head covering and use sunscreen. We also recommend using repellents in the evening to protect against insects.
5. Interacting with Locals: Although English is one of the official languages, Swahili is spoken more often on the streets and markets. Locals will appreciate it if you learn a couple of simple words, for example, the greeting "Jambo" (Hello) or "Asante" (Thank you). This instantly builds a rapport with people.
6. Etiquette and Traditions: In the country's culture, great importance is attached to politeness and unhurried greetings. Remember the important rule of the right hand: greet, pass money, take things, or eat only with your right hand. Using the left hand for these actions may be perceived as a sign of disrespect.
7. What to Avoid: Be extremely careful with photography. Dodoma houses the parliament and many ministries. It is strictly forbidden to photograph government buildings, police stations, military facilities, and people in uniform. Violation of this rule can lead to serious proceedings with the police.
8. Gastronomic Advice: Be sure to try the local produce. Dodoma is the only region in the country where grapes are grown on an industrial scale, and tasting the unique fresh harvest from the Tanzanian vineyards will be an interesting experience.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and focus on exploring the city. Dodoma is a calm and welcoming place that opens up to travellers who respect local traditions and the way of life.