A dala dala is a bus ("dala dala" for "dollar," which used to be the standard fare) in Dar es Salaam. The interiors aren't exactly sumptuous. But for getting around Tanzania's biggest city they're a local favorite -- cheap, practical, everywhere.
Dala dala interior —
A dala dala is a bus ("dala dala" for "dollar," which used to be the standard fare) in Dar es Salaam. The interiors aren't exactly sumptuous. But for getting around Tanzania's biggest city they're a local favorite -- cheap, practical, everywhere.
Laurence Bell/CNN
Dala dalas started operating in the 1970s in response to poor public transportation. Now they're rented by drivers and conductors from owners who often decorate the exteriors with their own personal designs. They're color-coded per route.
Dala dalas at Kivukoni —
Dala dalas started operating in the 1970s in response to poor public transportation. Now they're rented by drivers and conductors from owners who often decorate the exteriors with their own personal designs. They're color-coded per route.
Laurence Bell/CNN
Dar's fish market is located near Kivukoni Front. Get there early and you can see catches being hauled in and auctioned off each day.
Harbor stop —
Dar's fish market is located near Kivukoni Front. Get there early and you can see catches being hauled in and auctioned off each day.
Laurence Bell/CNN
A short dala dala ride from Kariakoo, the main fish market assaults the senses; it's full of activity, shouts, smells and a variety of fish and sea creatures.
Fish market —
A short dala dala ride from Kariakoo, the main fish market assaults the senses; it's full of activity, shouts, smells and a variety of fish and sea creatures.
Laurence Bell/CNN
Fried octopus is a favorite snack at the fish market.
Frying octopus —
Fried octopus is a favorite snack at the fish market.
Laurence Bell/CNN
The Msasani Peninsula is Dar es Salaam's upmarket district. It's home to expats and wealthy local politicians and businessmen.
Skyline —
The Msasani Peninsula is Dar es Salaam's upmarket district. It's home to expats and wealthy local politicians and businessmen.
Laurence Bell/CNN
Dar's Asian quarter -- easily accessed by dala dala.
Asian quarter —
Dar's Asian quarter -- easily accessed by dala dala.
Laurence Bell/CNN
There's relief from the chaos at street level in the Asian quarter, where you can find the Sapphire Hotel. The hotel's roof terrace has panoramic views and a great gin and tonic.
Roof terrace —
There's relief from the chaos at street level in the Asian quarter, where you can find the Sapphire Hotel. The hotel's roof terrace has panoramic views and a great gin and tonic.
Laurence Bell/CNN
Kariakoo market is a huge collection of vendors spread over several city blocks. Here's you'll find electronics, agricultural equipment, street food, bows and arrows and other necessities.
Kariakoo market —
Kariakoo market is a huge collection of vendors spread over several city blocks. Here's you'll find electronics, agricultural equipment, street food, bows and arrows and other necessities.
Laurence Bell/CNN