Friendly Gecko
Manyara Drive Africana/White Sands, Dar es Salaam 84516 Tanzania
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About
4.5
#2 of 18 hostels in Dar es SalaamLocation
4.0
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.5
Value
4.4
The Friendly Gecko Guesthouse is a socially responsible hostel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We aim to offer convenient and safe accommodation for a reasonable price. Since we accommodate around 10 volunteers year round from help2kids, we consider ourselves to be more of a home than a hostel. We love to meet new people and travelers from all walks of life and share our daily experiences. Our Guest House is located a bit outside of the city center of Dar es Salaam (around 40 minutes by car) in a safe and quiet neighborhood. With our large garden and community areas we offer a convienent and relaxed place to recover after a hectic and hot day in downtown Dar es Salaam, or a nice stop before heading to Kili or Zanzibar.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
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HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
Manyara Drive Africana/White Sands, Dar es Salaam 84516 Tanzania
Getting there
Dar Es Salaam Intl Airport
13.7 mi•
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Kisauni Airport
31.8 mi•
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32 Restaurants
within 5 miles
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Detailed Reviews
During a marine research trip to Tanzania, I decided to spend a few days in Dar es Salaam area before I started and after a search for a nice sounding place to stay, I found The Friendly Gecko. The website is really good to get an idea of what it will be like and then the quick email response upon booking was great. On arrival I was met by their recommended taxi driver and driven straight there. As a solo traveller, I was immediately made to feel so welcome by all of the staff, and the other volunteers no travelers there. The rooms are lovely and comfortable, with a lovely balcony terrace to sit. There is also a great breakfast too. I instantly was made so welcome and made to feel at home and would recommend this as a safe, fun and great place to stay, either for a few days of for longer. I wish I could have stayed there longer! Thank you for a great stay!
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Date of stay: April 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
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Room Tip:Â Just ask for what you need!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After staying one night in a horriable hotel in Dar es Salaam downtown we arrived at the Friendly Gecko. Everything was just perfect:
- the pick-up service from Jacob the taxidriver
- being welcomed by Lauren, Guesthouse Manager, and introduced to the Guesthouse and the volunteers
- our privat room with own hot shower, AC and a mosquitonet
- delicious food for dinner (freshly cooked by Juliette)
We can truely recomment this Guesthouse to everyone who whants to spend his time in a safe area, in a clean house, with excellent service and a lot of helping hands if needed.
- the pick-up service from Jacob the taxidriver
- being welcomed by Lauren, Guesthouse Manager, and introduced to the Guesthouse and the volunteers
- our privat room with own hot shower, AC and a mosquitonet
- delicious food for dinner (freshly cooked by Juliette)
We can truely recomment this Guesthouse to everyone who whants to spend his time in a safe area, in a clean house, with excellent service and a lot of helping hands if needed.
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Date of stay: October 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed in the Gecko two times the last three months, both times for about a week. I had the most amazing time. The Gecko offers a chilled out place with always some volunteers or guests to talk to. It is a bit out of town, but the drive there is definitely worthwhile, and you'll soon extra appreciate the nice living, balcony and hammock it if you spend a day downtown.
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Date of stay: May 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Friendly Gecko was a home away from home for me for three months. I know that Africa sometimes doesn't have hot water or maybe electricity but here there was very little inconvenience of that sort at all. The staff I couldn't fault and the rooms were always sparkling clean. I loved the atmosphere most of all as was able to talk to the most interesting people from all over the world who were having great adventures. I had the priviledge of volanteering at help2kids the orphanage that the friendly Gecko supports and was able to have quality time with the children who now have stolen my heart. The actual location is great as it is so close to the most amazing beaches, not far from the city and close to restaurants that cater for the cheap to the more elegant. Huge thankyou to Lauren who runs the hostel. Nothing was ever a problem to her when I required anything at all, including advice. I can't recommend the Friendly Gecko more highly.
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Date of stay: February 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
a lovely place to stay. It's in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam close to nice beaches. also the city-center isn't far away. bed (very clean room) and a nice breakfast. and last but not least the people and the staff are very friendly and helpfully. for sure you'll have a nice time there!!
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Date of stay: July 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here in the dorm for 3 nights and really enjoyed my stay. The staff are really friendly and made us feel welcome straight away. The guesthouse is a nice building with cool terraces to sit in the evenings. It is also really clean and the rooms are comfy with well fitted mosquito nets and hot showers. There is also wifi which was great. The beach is not far so we spent a couple of days chilling out there during the day and at the guesthouse in the evening. The guesthouse also provides cheap meals each evening (optional) which were delicious. The included breakfast is also great too.
If I ever come back to dar I will definitely stay here again and I would recommend it to friends. great guesthouse!
If I ever come back to dar I will definitely stay here again and I would recommend it to friends. great guesthouse!
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Date of stay: May 2012
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
it is a really nice place. the work they are doing in the community is fantastic. well run, clean rooms (can get a bit hot at night), fun staff. definitely a good place to volunteer and stay as a solo traveler.
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Date of stay: April 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The friendly Gecko is a guesthouse in the outskirts of Dar Es Salaam, in a calm neighborhood. It is located very close to the "White Sands Area" with good beaches, beach resorts and reasonable diving opportunities. Also Mbduya Island is close and makes for a good day trip. The rooms are clean, large and well prized, there are a lot of volunteers around, since the place is run by a Swiss Organization called help2kids that are running an orphanage in the area amongst other wonderful projects and Your money goes into supporting these projects. During my stay I was lucky enough to meet Christian, the project manager and got convinced that they are doing a great job.
Whilst the immediate area is well worth a couple of days hanging at the beach, the friendly Gecko is also happy to assist You with organizing trips to the rest of the country such as Safaris or Zanzibar or Airport Transfers.
If You stay at the Gecko You need to be aware of the fact that Dar Es Salaam is quite big and the guest house is about 30 min by car outside the city center - in low traffic.
Another thing to consider is the power outs that occur regularly and since the Gecko does not sport a generator it is wise to bring a flash light.
But all in all a great place to be with good people and a positive attitude all over the place, as well as access to local knowledge and accommodation - wise good value for money.
Whilst the immediate area is well worth a couple of days hanging at the beach, the friendly Gecko is also happy to assist You with organizing trips to the rest of the country such as Safaris or Zanzibar or Airport Transfers.
If You stay at the Gecko You need to be aware of the fact that Dar Es Salaam is quite big and the guest house is about 30 min by car outside the city center - in low traffic.
Another thing to consider is the power outs that occur regularly and since the Gecko does not sport a generator it is wise to bring a flash light.
But all in all a great place to be with good people and a positive attitude all over the place, as well as access to local knowledge and accommodation - wise good value for money.
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Date of stay: November 2011Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I lived in this fabulous guesthouse for two months and I really loved the mixture of hostel and home feeling. During this two months I was working as a volunteer for the NGO Help2Kids. It was wonderful that also other volunteers stayed at the Friendly Gecko Hostel. There are always interesting people around with whom one can talk about diverse topics or party during the weekends. I stayed in a private room with an own bathroom. My bed was super confortable, quite big and equipped with a mosquito net. The whole house is covered with WiFi. Moreover, there is a laptop which can be used on request. My highlight was the "Breezy Terrace", a small but utmostly lovely balcony furnished with cosy seats. The amazing thing about this balcony is the pleasant refreshing breeze coming from the Indian Ocean. The food which was served was absolutely authentic, tasty and healthy. Juliette and Gracy do a thoroughly fantastic job as local chefs. In case one needs to get some more information on Dar Es Salaam or has other inquiries, Jessica, the hostel manager is always on hand to help. The location of the guesthouse is excellent. The beach is reachable within 20 minutes of walk and a bajaji ride takes about 30 minutes to the city centre "Posta". I would strongly suggest the Friendly Gecko Hostel to everyone who enjoys meeting people from allover the world, staying in a secure, clean and authentic accommodation and loves supporting a company who campaigns for social justice.
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Date of stay: September 2013Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
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Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from FriendlyGecko, Manager at Friendly Gecko
Responded Mar 10, 2014
We are encouraged to hear such nice feedback. It is very pleasing to see that not only short-term but also long-term travelers are satisfied with their stay. Thank you for your review and once again we are very glad that you had a comfortable and good stay at the Friendly Gecko.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Although I was only at the Gecko for a few nights it was absolutely wonderful. After a day and a half of traveling from Arusha and then through Dar it was a welcome site indeed. I had a pick up from the driver Jacob, who was awesome. It was amazing how he navigated the streets to get us there....really...it was so amazing. I was told about Lauren the manager, and she was super sweet, a real gem-- Down home Canadian Girl....well, it felt like home. The rooms were large and so spacious and very, very clean and I even had my own bathroom!! A must in TZ. They had mosquito nets, a fan (sounds like basics, but a must in TZ and not every guesthouse has them). They had a house girl who did a fabulous job keeping the house clean. The house was filled with volunteers from all over the world and it was great to talk with them and share experiences and ideas. Everyone was laid back and non-stressy. The house was quiet after dark, wasn't alot of partying so you could actually get some sleep. The food was great, cooked by a local Tanzanian women (forgotten her name) but she was so nice and helpful, she did a great job on the eggs!. The house is located walking distance from the beach, so it was great for relaxing. I didn't have time to go out, but it's located close to a few spots that are big for expats. Had an amazing time.
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Date of stay: July 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
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Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Call in advance to see about room availability. They fill up fast.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"If you're a solo traveler on a budget, opt for the dorm since it's a great value."Read full review
"We slept in the dorm, which is a little load when people enter and exit the house. Apart from that, great."Read full review
"We had a private room because we were a little sick, but the dorms looked nice and there were not very many people. Quiet atmosphere and fun loving bunch of people around."Read full review
LOCATION
TanzaniaDar Es Salaam RegionDar es Salaam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about Friendly Gecko
Which popular attractions are close to Friendly Gecko?
Nearby attractions include Mbudya Island (2.4 miles), Bongoyo Island (2.6 miles), and Kunduchi Wet 'N' Wild Water Park (0.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Friendly Gecko?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Friendly Gecko?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Friendly Gecko?
Conveniently located restaurants include G'eez Hangout Restaurant & Pizzeria, Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant, and Luxury Ethiopian Restaurant.
Does Friendly Gecko have airport transportation?
Yes, Friendly Gecko offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to Friendly Gecko?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Kigoma Eco Cultural Tourism (3.0 miles).