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Guide
Bagamoyo, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#1826
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Bagamoyo is a historic coastal town located on the eastern coast of Tanzania, known for its rich history as a trade center during the slave trade era. |
👥 Population | Approx. 100,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average 15 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,320 TZS. Most transactions are done in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is recommended to use bottled water. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Vodacom and Airtel provide good coverage and can be purchased easily in town. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, with ATMs available in the town. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to hotels like Bagamoyo Beach Resort. Airbnb is available. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately; mobile payment options like M-Pesa are commonly used. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Mawimbi Beach Hotel or local guesthouses start at around $15 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bagamoyo's beach area near the Old Fort is popular among tourists. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The beachfront area is recommended for its peaceful ambiance and accessibility to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kazi Hub offers reliable internet and a conducive workspace. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bahari is a favorite among locals and expats, providing great coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at Kazi Hub and local community events, organized through social media. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like Expats in Bagamoyo host regular gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Dar es Salaam, and taxi services are available in Bagamoyo. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops, offering a great way to explore the coastline. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bagamoyo Beach is a prime location, known for its secluded nature. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Precision Air connects Bagamoyo to other major cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Kilimanjaro Airlines offers connections to international destinations. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Bagamoyo is connected via the B1 highway to Dar es Salaam. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bagamoyo does not have a major train station, but Dar es Salaam is a 1-hour drive for rail access. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buddy buses (dala-dalas) are the main transport, with ticket prices approximately TZS 1,000 per ride. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Shared taxis and buses connect Bagamoyo to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Bagamoyo District Hospital provides basic healthcare, though larger facilities are in Dar es Salaam. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Chale Island Wellness & Spa offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers are limited; local hotels may offer gym facilities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Hotel laundry services are available, as well as local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in Dar es Salaam but may offer limited services in Bagamoyo. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sample the local Swahili seafood dishes, especially grilled fish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Bahari offers good vegetarian meals, including fresh salads and local dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries serve various treats; try the coconut cakes. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Weekly markets provide fresh produce and local foods at affordable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops may offer online ordering, but options are limited. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local markets are the primary source for groceries. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bagamoyo has a few seaside bars, with popular places being Jumba Cafe. |
🍻 Local Brewery | The local beers include Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, available in bars and shops. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some hotels may have a small selection of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Great street food is available near the beach, especially grilled snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local Italian restaurant Bella Luna serves pasta and pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Fort and the Bagamoyo Museum are key historical sites. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute showcases local art. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The historic ruins of Bagamoyo are significant attractions. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The German Cathedral and other local churches reflect the town's history. |
🎉 Annual Events | Bagamoyo Arts Festival draws local and international visitors every October. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town for its blend of Swahili and colonial architecture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances often take place at various outdoor venues during festivals. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Bagamoyo's market offers a plethora of local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local live music events are often hosted at beachfront cafes. |
🎨 Street Art | Check for murals and street art around the Old Town. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are offered to learn Swahili cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display works from Tanzanian artists, including at the Bagamoyo Arts Institute. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Fort is a central feature of the town's historical architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Bagamoyo is known for its cultural heritage related to trade and the slave trade history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Saadani National Park, about 45 km north, offers wildlife and beach experiences. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Saadani National Park is the only coastal national park in Tanzania. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Beautiful sunset views can be enjoyed along Bagamoyo Beach. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal wetlands around Bagamoyo are great for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate within the region. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | There are a few local shops for minor repairs, but options may be limited. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local organizations offer Swahili language classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library offers basic resources for reading and study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Bagamoyo community center organizes various cultural events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available; some cafes offer gaming facilities. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in Bagamoyo; Dar es Salaam has gaming options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income only. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
🧾 VAT | 18% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Based on rental value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% of the sale price. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on income generated outside Tanzania. |