Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city situated on a peninsular, is home to a population of over 4 million. With the attributes of a bustling metropolis, commonly abbreviated as “Dar,” it holds significant attractions for tourists.

Amidst the myriad suggestions from various blogs about things to do in Dar, one uncommon adventure stood out—the stadium. In this brief blog post, I’ll recount my experience of this unusual yet delightful endeavor.

In the realm of tourism, sports often take a back seat compared to adventure and historical attractions. Attending a football (soccer) match wasn’t initially on my radar, but a Google notification piqued my interest and led me to the stadium.

This marked my first visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and I was naturally intrigued to witness the local response to football.

In my home country, Cameroon, football holds a near-deity status. People passionately engage in day-long celebrations, accompanied by cheers and even alcohol consumption, whenever our national team—the “Indomitable Lions”—or local teams are in action. The unifying power of football has fostered camaraderie and a deep appreciation for sports among Cameroonians.

While Tanzania may not be a prominent contender on the African or global football stage, I was eager to witness their homegrown enthusiasm for the game. Their reactions, as I would come to discover, were both surprising and eye-opening.

How big is the Dar es Salaam national stadium?

Opting for a bike ride to the Tanzania National Stadium proved to be the swiftest but priciest transportation option. This colossal sporting arena, also known as the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, stands as the eleventh-largest stadium in Africa.

Stepping foot inside left me awestruck as I gazed upon the vast expanse of seating—enough for 60,000 spectators—nearly packed to capacity. The air resonated with the blaring sound of plastic trumpets, wielded passionately by fans demonstrating their unwavering support for their team.

A sea of color met my eyes, as practically every devoted fan donned jerseys in their team’s distinctive hues. The result was a mesmerizing spectacle of thousands converging in harmonious chromatic unity across the field.

Before gaining access to the stadium for the 4 pm match, I encountered a row of police officers stationed at the entrance, overseeing crowd management. To my surprise, I was instructed to procure a card before proceeding further.

What should you do before you go to the stadium?

Evidently, there’s a specific card that’s a prerequisite for entry into the stadium. This card strikingly resembled a credit card and came at a cost of 2000Tsh. Once acquired, the next step involved loading the card with the desired amount based on one’s seating preference.

Options ranged from 10,000Tsh for VIP seats, 5000Tsh for second-class, to 3000Tsh for regular seats.

Thankfully, a helpful Tanzanian who was proficient in English stepped in to assist, translating the Policeman’s Swahili instructions about the card.

I followed his guidance and swiftly procured the card. In mere moments, it was topped up with funds, and we found ourselves hastily returning to the stadium grounds.

What was unique about this match in Dar es Salaam?

We arrived just a few moments after the commencement of the match, and the uproar was overwhelming. Glancing at the colossal scoreboard, I observed the clash between Young Africans FC and Al Hilal Omdurman.

In a matter of seconds, it became evident that every fan in the stadium, regardless of gender, was fervently rallying behind Young Africans FC. Their unwavering support was manifested through incessant cheers, hearty applause, and vocal encouragement. The eruption of jubilation following their team’s sole goal reverberated throughout, exuding a strong sense of confidence in victory.

Conversely, the opposing team, Al Hilal Omdurman, faced swift jeers from the crowd whenever any of their players tumbled. I was taken aback when water bottles were hurled onto the field as Al Hilal Omdurman scored, causing a temporary hush to envelop the surroundings.

The game itself was enthralling, as the players relentlessly sought to break the deadlock. A solitary group of supporters stationed at one end of the stadium continued to sing and beat drums throughout the match. Undoubtedly, their discontentment with the outcome was palpable.

Amidst the action, vendors peddling snacks and ice creams navigated every aisle, ensuring that spectators remained satiated throughout the engaging encounter.

What was the after-match atmosphere?

Following the match’s conclusion, I opted for a leisurely stroll, relishing the pleasant embrace of Dar’s climate. Evenings bestowed a sense of refreshment, with cooler breezes tempering the earlier afternoon heat.

Observing the post-match ambiance, I was captivated by Tanzanians’ reactions. It was intriguing to witness numerous individuals playfully taunting passersby on the streets adorned in Young Africans FC jerseys.

While I couldn’t comprehend the Swahili conversations, the jesting gestures seemed directed at their counterparts, supporters of Omdurman.

How did Tanzanians respond compared to Cameroonians?

Many appeared serene as they retraced their steps homeward, carrying a sense of disappointment.

Drawing a parallel to Cameroon, it’s noteworthy that the reactions would be markedly different. There, evenings would resonate with passionate denunciations of players and coaches, accompanied by heated discussions about missed opportunities and unmet expectations. Regrettably, defeat isn’t easily accepted in Cameroon, and the emotional toll can be severe, even resulting in tragic outcomes.

Reflecting on the experience, I found myself content, deeming it a worthwhile addition to my itinerary. It’s an activity I’d consider replicating in other countries if the opportunity arises. For those contemplating Dar es Salaam as a tourist destination, this stands out as an engaging venture to partake in.

Had I anticipated this as an activity? As someone who relishes sports and shares an affinity for soccer, I’d recommend perusing Google for city-specific activities to infuse a novel dimension into your journey. My decision to engage in this experience left no room for regret.

To read my travel suggestions in other countries, click here.