When people think about things to do in Dar es Salaam, they usually recommend relaxing on the beach, taking a ferry to Bongoyo Island, visiting museums, exploring local markets, or enjoying fresh seafood along the coast.
While all of those experiences deserve a place on your itinerary, one of my favourite memories in Tanzania came from somewhere completely unexpected—a football stadium.
Before arriving in Dar es Salaam, attending a football match wasn’t part of my travel plans. In fact, I hadn’t even considered it.
Then, while browsing activities on Google, I noticed that Young Africans SC were playing Al Hilal Omdurman at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium that very afternoon.
As someone who loves football and grew up in Cameroon, I couldn’t ignore the opportunity.
A few hours later, I found myself surrounded by tens of thousands of passionate supporters experiencing Tanzanian football culture for the very first time.
It turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my visit to Dar es Salaam.
If you’re looking for an activity that most tourists overlook, this is one I’d happily recommend.
I made a video about how to prepare if you want to visit other areas of like Arusha in Tanzania
Quick Visitor Information
Attraction: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Capacity: Approximately 60,000 spectators
Best for:
- Football fans
- Sports lovers
- Cultural experiences
- Budget travellers
- Visitors wanting to experience local life
Time Needed: 3–4 hours
How I Got There: Motorcycle taxi
Why Visit?
Experience one of East Africa’s biggest football stadiums while witnessing the incredible passion of Tanzanian football supporters.
Why I Decided to Watch Football in Tanzania
One of the things I enjoy most about travelling is trying experiences that locals love.
It’s easy to visit famous landmarks.
It’s much harder—and often much more rewarding—to experience everyday life alongside local people.
Football provides exactly that opportunity.
Although Tanzania isn’t usually considered one of Africa’s football powerhouses, football is deeply woven into everyday life. Local clubs enjoy enormous support, and match days bring together people of all ages.
I wanted to see whether the excitement would compare to what I had grown up experiencing in Cameroon.
Back home, football feels almost like a religion.
Whenever the Indomitable Lions play, entire neighbourhoods come alive. Restaurants fill with supporters, television screens attract huge crowds, and every goal is followed by celebrations that can last well into the night.
Victories unite the country.
Defeats spark endless debates that continue for days.
Naturally, I wondered whether football held the same emotional significance in Tanzania.
I was about to find out.
Getting to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
Since kickoff was approaching quickly, I chose the fastest option—a motorcycle taxi.
Although it cost more than public transport, it saved valuable time as we navigated Dar es Salaam’s busy streets.
As we got closer to the stadium, traffic became noticeably heavier.
Supporters wearing green and yellow jerseys filled the roads, creating an atmosphere that reminded me of major football matches back home.
Long before I reached the entrance, I could already hear music, chanting, and the excitement of thousands of fans gathering for the match.
The anticipation alone made the journey worthwhile.
My First Impression of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
Seeing Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in person was impressive.
With a seating capacity of around 60,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in East Africa and among the biggest on the African continent.
The sheer size of the stadium became even more striking once I stepped inside.
Rows upon rows of seats stretched in every direction, while supporters steadily filled almost every section.
By the time I found my place, the stadium was close to full.
Looking across the sea of fans, I was amazed by the colours.
Thousands of supporters proudly wore their club jerseys, creating waves of green and yellow throughout the stands.
Plastic trumpets echoed around the stadium, drums beat continuously, and songs filled the air.
Even before the players appeared, the atmosphere was electric.
Buying Tickets Wasn’t as Simple as I Expected
One thing caught me completely by surprise.
I assumed I would simply walk to the ticket office, pay for a ticket, and enter the stadium.
Instead, a police officer stopped me and explained something in Swahili that I couldn’t understand.
For a moment, I wasn’t sure what was happening.
Thankfully, a friendly Tanzanian who spoke English noticed my confusion and kindly offered to help.
He explained that spectators first needed to purchase a special stadium card before they could buy match tickets.
The card looked remarkably similar to a bank card and cost 2,000 Tanzanian Shillings.
After purchasing it, visitors load money onto the card depending on where they want to sit.
When I visited, the prices were:
- VIP: 10,000 Tanzanian Shillings
- Second Class: 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings
- Regular Seating: 3,000 Tanzanian Shillings
Once my card had been loaded, we hurried back towards the entrance.
The whole process only took a few minutes, but without the help of that friendly local, I would probably have spent much longer trying to figure everything out.
It was another reminder of how small acts of kindness from strangers often become some of the best memories while travelling.
Arriving Just After Kickoff
By the time we finally entered the stadium, the match had already begun.
The noise was unbelievable.
Thousands of voices blended together with drums, whistles, horns, and constant cheering, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I had experienced outside Cameroon.
Looking up at the giant scoreboard, I saw the teams taking the field:
Young Africans SC versus Al Hilal Omdurman.
Although both clubs have passionate supporters, it quickly became obvious who the overwhelming majority of fans had come to support.
Every successful pass by Young Africans was met with loud applause.
Every attack drew thousands of supporters to their feet.
The energy inside the stadium was contagious.
Even as a neutral visitor, I couldn’t help becoming caught up in the excitement.
The Atmosphere Inside the Stadium
What impressed me most wasn’t the football itself—it was the atmosphere.
From the moment I found my seat, I realised this was far more than a sporting event. It was a cultural experience.
Almost every supporter inside the stadium seemed to be backing Young Africans SC, one of Tanzania’s most successful and popular football clubs. Families, groups of friends, children, and older supporters all wore the club’s famous green and yellow colours with pride.
Their passion was impossible to ignore.
Every time Young Africans moved the ball forward, the crowd erupted into cheers. Thousands of voices sang together, creating an incredible sense of unity that spread throughout the stadium.
Even though I couldn’t understand the Swahili chants, I didn’t need a translation to appreciate the excitement. Football has its own universal language.
The Fans Were the Real Entertainment
One of my favourite parts of the experience was simply watching the supporters.
A dedicated group of fans stood behind one of the goals throughout the entire match, singing continuously while beating large drums. Their energy never seemed to fade.
Unlike many stadiums where supporters sit quietly for long periods, these fans remained on their feet for almost the entire game.
Their enthusiasm was infectious.
Even if you weren’t interested in football, you couldn’t help smiling as you watched thousands of people celebrate every attack, every save, and every promising opportunity.
For me, this was the highlight of the day.
As travellers, we often visit museums to learn about a country’s history or national parks to admire its wildlife. Watching a football match offered something different—it provided a glimpse into everyday life and showed me how sport brings people together.
A Dramatic Match
The match itself was entertaining from beginning to end.
Both teams created chances, keeping supporters on the edge of their seats.
When Young Africans SC scored, the stadium exploded with celebration.
People jumped from their seats, hugged complete strangers, waved flags, and cheered at the top of their voices. The roar echoed around the stadium, making the moment feel even more unforgettable.
Later in the game, Al Hilal Omdurman found the back of the net.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Instead of celebrating, many home supporters expressed their frustration. Some even threw plastic water bottles onto the pitch before security quickly restored order.
It was one of the few tense moments during an otherwise enjoyable afternoon and a reminder of how emotionally invested football fans can become.
Fortunately, the situation settled down quickly, and the match continued without any major problems.
More Than Just Football
While the players battled on the pitch, another scene unfolded in the stands.
Vendors moved through every aisle selling snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, and ice cream.
The stadium felt like a small city.
Children laughed with their families, friends discussed every controversial decision, and supporters continued singing between attacks.
It struck me that attending a football match in Tanzania isn’t simply about watching ninety minutes of sport.
It’s a social event.
People come together to support their team, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the shared experience.
For visitors, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture in a setting that most tourists never consider.
Walking Back Through Dar es Salaam After the Match
When the final whistle blew, thousands of supporters slowly poured out of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and into the surrounding streets.
Instead of rushing to find transport, I decided to walk for a while.
The evening air was much cooler than the afternoon heat, making it the perfect time to explore the neighbourhood on foot.
As I walked alongside other supporters, I noticed that football conversations continued long after the match had ended.
Groups of friends laughed together while discussing the game.
Some supporters proudly wore their Young Africans jerseys as they celebrated the result.
Others quietly made their way home after seeing their team fall short.
The atmosphere remained lively without feeling chaotic.
Comparing Football Culture in Tanzania and Cameroon
One of the things I enjoy most about travelling is comparing cultures.
Although football is hugely popular in both Tanzania and Cameroon, I noticed some interesting differences.
Back home in Cameroon, football often brings out intense emotions.
Victories can lead to celebrations that continue late into the night, while defeats frequently spark passionate debates about players, coaches, and referees. Conversations can continue for days as supporters analyse every decision and missed opportunity.
In Dar es Salaam, I found the atmosphere to be different.
The supporters were incredibly passionate during the match, but once it ended, many simply accepted the result and headed home peacefully.
Of course, every match is different, and one game can’t represent an entire country’s football culture. Still, that afternoon gave me an interesting glimpse into how Tanzanians experience the sport.
For me, comparing these small cultural differences is one of the most rewarding parts of travelling.
Is Watching a Football Match in Dar es Salaam Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Dar es Salaam, attending a football match is an experience I would happily recommend.
It’s affordable, exciting, and gives you the chance to spend a few hours alongside local supporters rather than following the typical tourist trail.
Even if you’re only a casual football fan, the atmosphere alone makes it worthwhile.
For those who truly love the sport, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Tips Before Visiting Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
If you’re planning to watch a match during your visit to Dar es Salaam, here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Check the match schedule before your trip. Not every day is a match day, so plan ahead if this is on your bucket list.
- Arrive early. You’ll have more time to navigate the ticket process and avoid rushing before kickoff.
- Bring cash. It can make purchasing the stadium card and loading credit onto it much easier.
- Don’t worry if you don’t speak Swahili. Most people were welcoming, and someone kindly helped me when I was confused about the ticket process.
- Take time to enjoy the atmosphere. Some of the best moments happen before and after the match, not just during the game.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You may end up walking with thousands of supporters after the final whistle.
Final Thoughts
When I first arrived in Dar es Salaam, I expected my favourite memories to come from the city’s beaches or famous attractions.
Instead, they came from a football stadium.
Watching Young Africans SC play in front of tens of thousands of passionate supporters gave me a side of Tanzania that many visitors never experience.
It reminded me that some of the most rewarding travel moments aren’t always found in guidebooks. Sometimes, they’re discovered by saying yes to an unexpected opportunity.
If you enjoy experiencing local culture rather than only visiting tourist attractions, I highly recommend checking whether there’s a football match taking place during your stay in Dar es Salaam.
You might leave with one of your favourite memories of Tanzania—just as I did. This remains one of the most memorable things to do in Dar Es Salaam.
Do you have plans to take a roadtrip to Kenya? This video will help you plan easily.
Ready for More Adventures?
If you enjoyed discovering this unique side of Dar es Salaam, there is plenty more to explore across Tanzania and beyond. Whether you are planning your next trip or looking for more ways to immerse yourself in local culture, I’ve got you covered.
Check out my guide on things to do around 20 countries for more off-the-beaten-path recommendations, or read about my experiences navigating local beaches in Jambiani, Zanzibar. For those looking for travel inspiration closer to home, don’t miss my tips on a roadtrip from Arusha to Niarobi. Happy travels!
