HALEEM SPICE — Local services in Dar es-Salaam

There's a special place in my heart for Kariakoo market. I stayed in a Somali-owned hotel smack in the middle. But it's not for the faint-hearted and not a pretty market. Very dirty, smelly and crowded...but if you are an adventurous type... I didn't buy any food here (not very sanitary for tourists even though I often eat in markets all over the world), but I bought some nice cotton African gaunis (dresses with kangas) that I wore while I was living in Arusha. The African men would call me Mama Africa and the women wanted to feel the fabric. The best part of the market (and my hotel there) was the diversity. People from all the surrounding countries come here on long bus trips of 24 hours or more to buy huge amounts of stuff (plastics, fabrics, etc.) to take back home and sell. My hotel was full of women shoppers from a half dozen other countries. Come and see for yourself, but do be cautious and stay alert. It's a high theft area though I never felt physically threatened and due to my extended stay at the hotel-- I did walk around at night (but it's not recommended). I advise not taking pictures-- this is a market for the low-income. Don't treat poverty as a tourist site or something to impress your...

A busty market place full of merchandise. this is one market that is visited by buyers from all over Africa. All in search of reasonably priced merchandise. The place is highly populated with people selling and buying.

The green market forms the core of his business hub who plenty and huge range of greens and vegetables.

The streets are lined with stalls stocking literally EVERYTHNG. Ranging from hardware, clothing, cosmetics, auto parts, textile and ceramics. The items are cheaply priced making Kariakoo the market where people order stuff for resale.

The market has a countless number of beuraeu De change outlets. You are better of changing your moneys during the day as the rate has a sharp drop so the sunset! when you are here make sure your valuables are well secured and DON'T TRUST anyone on face value.

The place has a wide range of hotels and night spots. Tropical Hotel is well known for protecting its clients from the hookers.

Kariakoo is also largely patronized by people from Zambia and Malawi coming to collect second hand motor vehicles.

After dawn most streets are opened to street restaurants serving different foods, mainly local cuisines.

Interesting...

If one wants to understand shopping culture by locals(swahili people) in Tanzania, then Kariakoo market is a must visit place. Don't get confused, the indoor of the market building isn't really an actual market by the locals standards, rather it's what is on the outside around the building. You can get all possible ingredients for any food, utensils, insecticides to stationary items and most of home necessities in one spot while enjoying showcasing events as you pass by. However, be aware of the mighty crowd! People here treat cars similar to a person so they wont let you pass easily with your car along the road. Better arrive earily and find a parking spot, nearby or park a bit far and just come by foot and enjoy the shopping in the busiest part of...