Choosing where to base your medical elective in Tanzania is a decision that will define your clinical exposure and your weekend lifestyle.
While the country operates under a national healthcare system, the experience of a student in the bustling coastal metropolis of Dar es Salaam is worlds apart from the gateway to the safari circuit, Arusha.
Here is an honest comparison to help you choose your ideal placement for 2026.
1. Dar es Salaam: The Urban Powerhouse
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and the hub of specialized medicine. If you are looking for high-intensity, “big city” medicine, this is your destination.
- Clinical Exposure: You will likely be placed in large referral hospitals like Muhimbili National Hospital. Expect to see complex trauma, advanced pathology, and a high volume of patients in specialized wards like Neurosurgery or Oncology.
- The Vibe: Fast-paced, humid, and multicultural. It offers the best nightlife, international restaurants, and easy access to the Zanzibar ferry.
- Best For: Students interested in Trauma/ER, Surgery, or specialized Urban Public Health.
2. Arusha: The Safari Capital
Located in the cooler highlands of the north, Arusha offers a more manageable, community-focused environment.
- Clinical Exposure: Placements like Mount Meru Regional Hospital or St. Elizabeth’s offer a mix of primary and secondary care. You will see a high volume of Pediatrics, Maternity, and Infectious Disease cases. It is also the best place to see how rural “outreach” clinics integrate with regional hospitals.
- The Vibe: Greener, cooler, and more relaxed. Arusha is the starting point for almost every major Safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) and treks up Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Best For: Students interested in Pediatrics, Tropical Medicine, and Maternal Health.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Dar es Salaam | Arusha |
| Hospital Type | Large National Referral | Regional / Mission Hospitals |
| Climate | Tropical, Hot & Humid | Mild, Highland Climate |
| Primary Cases | Trauma, Specialist Surgery | Infectious Disease, Mother & Baby |
| Commute | Busy (Tuk-tuks & BRT Bus) | Relaxed (Taxis & Dala-dalas) |
| Weekend Access | Zanzibar Beaches | Serengeti Safari / Kilimanjaro |
3. Living and Logistics
While Dar es Salaam offers more “modern” amenities (shopping malls and international cinemas), Arusha provides a tighter-knit student community. For clinical rotations for US medical students, Arusha is often preferred for its safety and proximity to world-class tourism. However, hospital placements for UK students often favor Dar es Salaam for the sheer variety of specialist sign-offs available.
Internal Links for Your Placement
- Still undecided? View all locations in our Ultimate Guide to Medical Electives in Tanzania.
- Budgeting for your trip? Check the Medical Elective Tanzania Cost Guide.
- Niche Interests? See why many choose the Nursing Elective in Zanzibar for maternal health focus.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Dar es Salaam if you want to be at the heart of the country’s medical “engine” and want weekend beach vibes.
- Choose Arusha if you prefer a cooler climate, a community feel, and want to wake up with a view of Mount Meru before heading to the ward.