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Dar Es Salaam Guide For Beginners: Where To Stay, What To Eat And When To Visit!

Dar es Salaam is the biggest city in Tanzania and if you’re visiting this country, I’d highly recommend you pass through at least once.

It’s home to the country’s biggest airport, and is just a short ferry ride from the popular island of Zanzibar.

It’s also the closest thing Tanzania has to a “metropolis”, so while most of Tanzania is characteristic of small towns and cities, Dar is where you’ll find something resembling big city life.

It’s not the prettiest city, with bad traffic, and is widely scattered and not easily walkable, but once you get settled and see under the surface, it’s hard not to grow fond, if not completely enamoured of the place.

Tanzania is one of my favourite countries on the planet , and Dar is the perfect place to experience the best of it.

In This Guide:

• Map Of Dar Es Salaam

Oyster Bay/Masaki

City centre, mbezi beach, how to get to your accommodation.

• How To Get Around Dar
• How To Get Internet In Dar
• Food In Dar
• Safety In Dar

Map of Dar Es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a sprawling city with very distinct areas.

It’s important you choose a suitable area to stay in – there are very safe and peaceful areas, and some not so much.

Overall, Dar is a safe city, but it requires you to keep your wits about you and know where you are.

I trained for a marathon while living in Dar, meaning I was out running the streets at all hours of the day and it wasn’t an issue at all, but only because I had chosen the right areas to stay and was well-oriented.

My guide below will ensure you can enjoy the city the same way!

Where To Stay In Dar Es Salaam

This is a well-developed and safe area in Dar Es Salaam and the place I stayed on my first visit.

The streets are well-maintained and quiet, and it’s reminiscent of a wealthy, expat neighbourhood of sorts.

While the area feels more suburban and is quite spread out, it still has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets which are all very tourist-friendly.

It’s also where the Coco Beach is.

It’s a public city beach so will often be very busy with locals, however, I’ve walked the beach many times and people have always been friendly and I’ve always felt safe (at least during the daytime).

If you venture further north, you get to Masaki which is a nearby cape, very upper-end and home to the Slipway Mall and Seacliff Hotel, among a myriad of other nice restaurants and hotels.

Overall, this is the perfect “entry-level” area to stay in Dar, so if this is your first visit, I’d recommend staying here.

Pastries in Oyster Bay

Where to stay in Oyster Bay/Masaki

If you’re on a budget:.

Stay at Triniti .

This is literally the first place I ever stayed in Dar es Salaam and I’m not surprised it’s still around and kicking!

It’s a spacious boutique guesthouse in the centre of Oyster Bay, walking distance to a decent supermarket and restaraunts and Coco Bay.

It also has a restaurant and bar on-site, with daily buffet and al a carte breakfast available.

The rooms are comfortable and have everything you’d expect from a decent guesthouse, including air-con.

The one thing you should be aware of is, each weekend the bar becomes open to the public, so you have almost have an open air nightclub in the restaurant, which is (obviously) noisy.

For some younger travellers that might sound like a dream, but if that’s not quite what you’re looking for, another great recommendation I have would be Hotel Totara , which is slightly more expensive but still great. It’s about 1km away.

Best rates here .

If you’re splurging:

Stay at Element .

It’s a luxury hotel in the heart of Masaki and you won’t find better!

It’s a short walk from the Dar Es Salaam Yacht Club and still reasonably close to Coco Beach in Oyster Bay if you plan on spending time there.

The restaurant is superb and offers a wide range of African and international cuisines.

Obviously, it comes with all the standard facilities of a five-star hotel – gym, outdoor pool, room-service, restaurant and bar, and the rooms are exquisite.

I spent about 3 months living in Dar city centre and I loved it!

However, I need to preface that with the fact that I’m quite an experienced Africa traveller, and also I speak conversational Swahili.

Sometimes, I would go out walking at night to find food or meet a friend, and the receptionists would always double-check with me if I knew where I was going and plead with me to take a taxi.

So – if you do plan to stay in the city centre, understand it can be iffy at night and that it’s probably not the best choice for first-time visitors.

However, if you are more familiar to Tanzania and are comfortable staying in very local settings, I find the city centre quite enjoyable.

Where To Stay In Dar City Centre

Stay at the Sophia Hotel .

It’s a no-frills hotel right in the centre of town.

You won’t find any lavish reception desk or swimming pool here, but it does all the basics extremely well at a very affordable price.

It’s also located next to some top eating spots (two blocks over from Chef’s Pride, one of my favourites!) and the area is very walkable during the day.

Best rates here.

Stay at Johari Rotana .

It’s a new(ish) hotel situated right near the water and one of the best hotels in Dar.

The infinity pool overlooks the city and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon relaxing in this bustling city.

The restaurant is superb and boasts one of the best buffet breakfasts in town.

It’s also right across the street from the Zanzibar ferry, so perfectly located if you’re coming to/from the island.

The rooms are new and beautifully furnished – it will be hard for you to find better!

Upanga is an area by the city which is not a tourist-area by any means, but is reasonably safe and you do find foreigners staying here. It’s also home to a decent-sized Indian population and you’ll find many Indian restaurants around here.

I was staying here while training for a marathon and would go out for runs in the early morning and late evening, and everything felt very safe and put-together. It’s not uncommon to see kids walking around at night and things just feel peaceful overall.

By that stage everyone seemed to know me (since I was out running every day) so perhaps that skewed my experience somewhat but my assessment of the place was that it would be suitable for a tourist like a backpacker who’s a little more adventurous and doesn’t need every type of western amenity nearby.

I enjoyed staying here, and it would probably be my first choice on my next trip too.

A cafe in Upanga

Where to stay in Upanga:

There are not that many places available in Upanga as it’s not really a tourist spot, but the Crowne Plaza is a great choice.

It’s right by the main road, but also a short walk from a more local area with fruit stands and local restaurants etc.

I used to run past it every day!

Mikocheni is a well-known and fast-developing area of Dar.

It’s a lengthy drive from the city (maybe an hour in rush-hour) but if you’re staying out here, there shouldn’t be too many reasons for you to head into the city anyway.

Mikocheni has everything including restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, malls, coffee shops and much more. The country’s biggest mall (Mlimani City Mall) is a short drive away.

It’s still largely a local population, and out in the cafes you’ll find many young locals like students and young professionals, rather than expats.

I spent a lot of time in Mikocheni on my last visit and it’s amazing how much it has changed since my first visit.

Would recommend!

Where To Stay In Mikocheni:

Stay at Cefa Hostel .

For around $25 to $30 per night you can get yourself a comfortable room with wifi, air conditioning and free wifi right in the heart of Mikocheni.

It’s about a 10-minute walk from Msasani Beach, and a few nice restaurants are available within walking distance.

There is no restaurant, but the staff is more than happy to help you arrange meals.

As a budget option, you cannot ask for better.

Stay at Amariah Boutique .

This is an impossibly charming hotel that offers a sanctuary in the heart of Mikocheni.

The gardens and lawn are immaculately kept and are the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring the city.

There is a restaurant, gym, and the rooms are classically designed and ultra-modern and comfortable.

It is hands down the best hotel in Mikocheni!

Mbezi Beach is about an hour north of Dar es Salaam city centre, but not too far from Oyster Bay and Mikocheni.

It’s a much calmer area with less traffic, and mostly hotels and restaurants.

It can be a nice place to stay if you’re not so intent on exploring and just want a place where you can relax and enjoy the softer side of Dar.

It’s also the perfect launching spot for a day trip to Bongoyo Island.

Perfect spot for a couple just wanting to relax after hiking Kili or going on safari.

Heading to the islands

Where to stay in Mbezi Beach

Stay at Jogoo Rooms .

It’s basic accommodation with free wifi and a small garden and about 3km from Mbezi Beach.

The rooms are very comfortable and will set you back around $20 per night.

If you want something closer to the beach, it’s a little more expensive but you could try Seashore Resort . Rooms will cost you around $70 during low season.

Stay at Mediterraneo Boutique .

It’s a full-fledged resort right on the sand – gym, outdoor pool, garden, restaurant and bar.

It’s one of the nicer resorts along Mbezi Beach and great value for money comparatively.

I’ve spent a few afternoons here having lunch and the vibe is great.

There are two main ways people get to Dar.

If you’re flying from overseas or domestically, you will be landing at Nyerere Airport.

The easiest way to your accommodation is to use Uber.

It should only cost you between 20k to 30k shillings to get to the city centre and beyond, which is about $10 at the time of writing.

There will also be many taxis around, and you can negotiate a similar rate with them.

For safety purposes, I would recommend using the official airport taxis at the taxi stand.

They may end up slightly more expensive, but generally are much safer.

If you’re coming from other cities in Tanzania, it’s also possible you’re arriving by bus.

The buses generally stop quite far outside the city.

There will always be tuktuks available at the bus depots, however, for safety reasons, if you’re unfamiliar with Dar it’s always safer to order a tuktuk from Uber.

Long-distance bus into Dar

How To Get Around In Dar Es Salaam

Again, Uber is the preferred method for most people.

You can also use the app “Bolt” which is popular in Tanzania and is basically an Uber copycat.

You can order tuktuks on Uber and they are generally much cheaper than cars.

How To Get Internet In Dar Es Salaam

There are various phone networks in Tanzania, with Tigo, Airtel, Halo and Vodacom being the main ones.

I personally use Vodacom whenever I go to Tanzania, just out of habit, but Tigo is generally cheaper and lots of people prefer it.

Getting a sim card can be slightly time-consuming, as you’ll need to go into a Vodacom store with your passport and people move very slowly in Tanzania.

Give yourself a few hours, especially if the store is busy.

However, once you get your sim card, topping up can be done at any agent which you’ll find all over the place at supermarkets and so on.

You can purchase internet bundles very easily and affordably in the app.

Safety in Dar

Dar is safer than most African metropolises but don’t let your guard down too easily.

During the day you should be fine walking in most public spaces and around the city. However, avoid drawing too much attention to yourself and wearing too much jewellery. The goal is to look more like a foreign worker than a tourist on holiday.

Remember, crowded and busy places like malls are much better than quiet empty streets, even in nice areas. Even in the Masaki area there are reports of robberies of people walking around on their lonesome.

At night time, never walk around alone at night and do not take motorbike taxis. Always Uber.

More Dar Tips:

Dress appropriately : Dar is very hot, however, avoid wearing short skirts/shorts and revealing clothes outside of your hotel/resort. It’s a very conservative culture, not to mention it has a devout religious population (both Christian and Muslim).

Eat local! Food is very affordable in Tanzania and you can seriously get by on $1 a meal pretty easily. Local foods like pilau, chapati, mtori, beans and rice, chips mayai, ugali, makande are sold all over town and very cheap. Ask a local where they ate lunch that day! Also, there are fruit and veg stands all over the streets where you can buy fresh produce for a few dollars.

Traffic is heavy . Roads are not great in all parts of Dar, and traffic gets heavy. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, especially during peak hours.

Learn the language.  English is widely spoken, but it helps to learn some Swahili before your trip. You might want to check out my  Learn a Language in 7 Days guide.

Get travel insurance!  Travelling in Africa is unpredictable, insurance is an absolute must. If you’ve never purchased travel insurance before,  this blog post should tell you everything you need to know. 

Questions? Leave them below!

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Dar Es Salaam Itinerary – What to do in Dar Es Salaam

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Categories AFRICA , TANZANIA

If you find yourself with some free time to explore Dar Es Salaam and are wondering what to do, read on for my best Dar Es Salaam recommendations and itinerary!

From visiting a nearby desert island to partying with the locals, to catching great sunsets or visiting the local markets – there is enough here to keep you occupied for a day or two that’s for sure! Karibu!

DAR ES SALAAM ITINERARY

Where is dar es salaam.

Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city, located in East Africa along the Swahili coast.

What are the people in Dar Es Salaam like?

Dar has a fascinating and diverse mix of people and cultures – it is common to see traditional Maasai tribesmen in their red robes, carrying long sticks typically used to herd cattle.

You will also see Tanzanians of Indian and Omani descent, as well as Africans.

About one third of Tanzania is Muslim, with the majority of Muslims living along the coast, and the name Dar Es Salaam actually means ‘haven/house of peace’ in Arabic.

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, with a lot of the vocabulary actually coming from Arabic origins due to the contact with Arab traders in the past.

Things to bear in mind when visiting Dar Es Salaam

Bring insect repellant for the evening as malaria is a real risk!

Female travellers try to dress respectfully to respect the Muslim population here (and also to avoid any unwanted attention), apart from when going to the beach or out partying of course.

Traffic can also get pretty congested so take this into consideration when to the airport, although with the opening of the new flyover it has eased the problem significantly.

Tourist attractions in Dar Es Salaam

There is not too much to see in downtown Dar for tourists, except for The National Museum to learn about Tanzanian history and culture (6500TSH entry).

Also the Village Museum is worth exploring, where you can see traditional tribal huts and tribal dances.

If you can, make it to the Kivukoni fish market in the morning (try to get there before sunrise if possible, when things start to get busy, as by 7am it’s packed already) when they bring in the fresh catch and auction and sell it off.

The market is located next to the Kigamboni ferry pier for the ferry to Zanzibar.

Visiting the market is a great experience but if the crowds, the loud voices and the fish smell is getting too much for you, head to the main market building and go up to the second floor for a nice view of the action below.

Best Sunset Restaurants in Dar Es Salaam

What Dar lacks in terms of tourist sights, it certainly makes up for in terms of its super sunsets, great seafood restaurants and cool nightlife!

For a great evening with an unparalleled sunset view, head to Cape Town Fish Market restaurant for fresh, tasty food (there is lots of choice for non-fish lovers too), whilst watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean and listening to the live band playing.

I really recommend this place, there is a lovely atmosphere here and it is busy every night!

The Waterfront is another fantastic sunset restaurant with great fresh seafood just across the water in the upscale Slipway area.

Also try and make it to The Karambezi Cafe at the Sea Cliff Hotel: a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks (open from 6am til late) with again, fabulous views of the Indian Ocean.

Life is slow here on the Swahili coast, particularly in cafes and restaurants, with no rush (well, why should there be?!).

Just bear this in mind if you are planning to eat something if you are clock watching (for your flight, boat etc) – always best to inform them first if so.

Just enjoy the view, learn to be patient and understand other cultures’ way of doing things: this really makes travelling much more pleasant and less stressful!

Nightlife in Dar Es Salaam

If you want to see how the locals enjoy and have a good time in the evenings, get over to Buckets Bar and Samaki Samaki, just across from each other on Haile Selassie Road and just a short taxi ride from the restaurants mentioned above.

They are both really fun bars popular with locals, playing really good upbeat local music, as well as international chart music.

 They are full most nights, especially weekends, and you are guaranteed a fun, wild night at either of these places!

What to do if you just have one day in Dar Es Salaam

Bongoyo island.

Whilst there are several nice beaches in Dar Es Salaam such as Coco Beach, these are not really advisable to swim in (nor are they regarded as the safest beaches).

If you want to swim or snorkel in the sea and relax on a pretty secluded beach a world away from the hustle and bustle of Dar Es Salaam, head to Bongoyo Island : a beautiful uninhabited island located in the marine reserve.

It is a nice easily accessible day or half-day trip from Dar Es Salaam, only 2.5km away from the mainland (30 minutes away by boat).

How to get to Bongoyo Island

Take the boat from the pier at Slipway shopping centre. There are 5 boats per day and they depart every couple of hours starting from 09.30, and they leave promptly!

The boat does only leave if there are 4 or more people though – if there’s not then you will need to pay the price of 4 people or wait for the next boat.

If you take the morning boats across, you will be okay – I went there on a Monday at 11.30 and we had about 15 people on our boat. Go during the weekdays when it is quieter, as weekends tend to get a lot busier.

Click here to see the ferry timetable between Bongoyo and Dar Es Salaam.

Don’t be put off by the small and super low boat you will get into.

You take this little boat just for a few minutes, to get to the bigger boat that is moored in deeper water, then transfer onto a bigger boat for the journey, and then again transfer the same way at the island.

Enjoy the boat ride, and make sure to get photos as you get near Bongoyo Island – the sand bar looks incredible from here.

The cost of the return journey is $ 25 USD ($13 for the boat trip + $12 for the Marine Park fees), and you can even camp overnight for $50 per person.

The sun is strong here so hire a Banda (thatched umbrella) for just 5,000TZS ($3) for the day, relax on the beach, have some drinks and fresh seafood at the beach shack, and go swimming and look for starfish and other marine life.

What to do on Bongoyo Island

The beach is beautiful: not quite Zanzibar but still really nice! Apart from the beach where the boat drops you off at, the rest of the island is pretty much covered in forest.

If you’re feeling adventurous walk the Shark’s Lagoon Trail. It’s a pleasant 1 hour round trip along a rocky trail with lots of coral. The path isn’t marked very well but it was easy enough for us to find our way round.

Shopping (buying gifts and local products) in Dar Es Salaam

If gifts and local artisan products is what you’re after, head to the Slipway shopping centre. It is a really relaxing area with some lovely boutique shops in the souk area selling local handmade products.

Just behind these stores there is also a bunch of artisan market stalls along the waterfront with an amazing variety of handmade products, such friendly locals, and lower prices than in the souk.

You can pick up some really cute souvenirs, paintings, dresses, bags etc – I could have spent all day here! Don’t be afraid to haggle a little if you want to get the best deals.

Another more well known market in Dar is Kariakoo market – a much larger, chaotic but exhilarating market.

This market is the best place to search for great bargains, or to experience authentic local style Tanzanian shopping. As with any crowded place, be mindful of your belongings.

How to get to Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam

If you are planning to go to Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam, you can either fly (20 minutes flight) or take the ferry (2 hours).

The ferry costs 35USD (recommended to buy the day before), however the flight can be just as cheap if you buy it in advance.

There are lots of flights every day, from first thing to just before sunset. The sea can get pretty rough, so you may want to fly if you are sensitive to motion sickness, however the plane is a really small propellor plane!

You will need to catch the flight from a different terminal in Dar Es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere airport so make sure you have local money as you need to take a taxi.

Please also remember if you are heading to Zanzibar to bring appropriate respectable clothing as 99% of Zanzibar is Muslim. Also if you are coming on the ferry have your passport handy too as immigration will check it!

Visa for Tanzania

Visas for Tanzania, if needed for your specific country, should be obtained before arrival. They are usually valid for 90 days.

Passports should have at least 6 months validity, and you may also need to bring a Yellow Fever Certificate with you, particularly if you are entering Zanzibar.

Just check on official websites for information specific to you.

Money in Tanzania

The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency of Tanzania however it is advisable to carry both Tanzanian Shilings and USD as USD is widely accepted.

The cash machines often run out of cash, so just try another one if one doesn’t work, and try to always carry cash as card isn’t always accepted everywhere.

Do many tourists visit Dar Es Salaam?

People usually just fly in and straight out of Dar Es Salaam: to go on safari in the Serengeti National Park to see the ‘big five’, to climb Kilimanjaro : Africa’s tallest mountain, or to relax on the brilliant white sand beaches of Zanzibar Island.

Whilst Dar Es Salaam isn’t particularly touristy, it is certainly worth spending some time here and planning at least a one day itinerary if you can!

I actually liked that it wasn’t too touristy, which makes a place feel so much more authentic to me.

Is it safe in Dar Es Salaam?

During my time in Dar Es Salaam I felt safe. I was with a couple of male and female friends, however I think female solo travellers would feel safe here providing they are sensible and take precautions.

Like this Dar Es Salaam itinerary? Pin it for later!

Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Monday 5th of September 2022

Good experience u share and thank u

Saturday 22nd of October 2022

Thank you Prily! Glad you enjoyed the read.

Saturday 3rd of September 2022

Very interesting and good information

Thanks Masoud, glad you found it helpful!

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Africa , TANZANIA

Top 10 things to do in dar es salaam, tanzania.

The great commercial hub of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam is a buzzing, working city that has a raw energy to it unmatched by any other large metropolis in East Africa I’ve visited.

Having wondered round for a full day in the city, compete with my camera (albeit my small Canon point and shoot one) I can totally attest to how safe I felt here and how warm and welcoming the locals were.

Even the huge central market was pretty hassle-free and using tuk-tuks to navigate the city couldn’t have been easier!

I highly recommend spending at least one day checking out this great city and so, to get you inspired, here are my top 10 things to do in Dar Es Salaam.

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#1 check out the karikoo markets.

Coming in first is the Karikoo market, Dar’s largest and most fun market.

Open 7 days a week – I know because we visited on a Sunday! – this place is stocked full of anything and everything you might need.

From fruit, veg, fish and meat to grains, spices, clothes and hardware, this indoor market is all arranged in sections and aisles.

But outside, as it spills into the surrounding streets, Karikoo Market becomes decidedly more disorganised and chaotic!

Crazy, but friendly fun, spending some time wandering here is definitely one of the best things to do in Dar Es Salaam.

#2 Catch the Ferry Across Bay

Steaming along on a boat is one of my favourite ways to travel and here, in Dar Es Salaam, it’s also one of the best ways to see the city.

For just 200 Tshil (10 US cents), this ferry ride is going to give you a great view of the city from water, and as you pile on with all the locals, quite the cultural experience too!

My tip is to go up the stairs as you board and sit on the top deck. From here you can really enjoy the view of colourful outfits and the jostling chitter chatter below, all to the moving backdrop of Dar Es Salaam’s cityscape.

#3 Snap the Bicycles

If you’ve seen any of my posts about Amsterdam , you’ll know I’m a huge fan of cities with lots of bikes, especially if they’re cool vintage bikes!

Well, guess what?

Dar Es Salaam is a city packed with cool vintage bikes!

*Cue me taking too many pictures as the locals starred on highly bemused!*

If you’re a fan of a beautiful bicycle too, then snapping this delightfully quirky facet of the city is definitely one of the best things to do in Dar Es Salaam.

#4 Visit the Fish Market

Situated right by the ferry terminal, visiting the fish market is definitely one of the best things to do in Dar Es Salaam, providing a very rich and genuine cultural experience.

This best time to go here is definitely early in the morning when the full market bounds into action.

From the fish buying/selling section, as it comes in straight off the boat, to the fish eating section where large women bend over large pots and cook up a fishy storm, this place offers a full sensory experience.

Read: Smelly!!!

But it’s also very visually striking and a super place to photograph the wooden boats coming right in with their haul.

We actually visited the market late afternoon on a Sunday and were treated to an impromptu Capoeira session on the beach below, complete with a big cheering crowd, which was also very interesting to see.

#5 Camp at Mikardi Beach

Located on the south side of the river, Mikardi Beach is where the Dar Es Salaam locals go to party at the weekend!

We actually camped here and were treated to quite the good time!

While you have to pay a cover to get into the bars here, joining the locals on the beach is free and you’re going to be treated to an awesome sunrise too!

Honestly this place feels like some Indian Ocean beach resort, so it’s hard to believe there’s a big bustling port just around the corner!

#6 Stroll Coco Beach

At the opposite end of the city to Mikardi Beach, Coco Beach which is north of Dar in the Oyster Bay area, is the posher end of town.

Marked by its embassy buildings and large expat homes, this is an interesting area to stroll around.

Down at the beach however, things feel far more local.

Sitting at a beach bar / diner for a beer or lunch here and people watching is definitely one of the best things to do in Dar Es Salaam.

#7 Kanga Shop on Uhuru Street

Dar Es Salaam is a great place to get some Africa fabrics if you’re wanting any for souvenirs or yourself.

And the best place to head is Uhuru Street in the city centre.

Actually more like an extension of the Karikoo Market, it can be hard to distinguish where one market ends and another begins, but as long as you find the spot, who cares right?!

Make sure you check the label on any fabrics and avoid those made in China if you want real local products.

The stiff waxed lengths of cloth are the best – these are what local women use for carrying items on their head / for carrying babies or for wearing!

#8 Munch Local Food

Located on the Swahili Coast, Dar Es Salaam is a city that infuses a fascinating array of cultures… and it’s no surprise its food reflects this.

Sampling some of the local treats therefore is a must while you’re in the city.

From sugar cane juice, to tamarind treats, ugali – a maize porridge, pilau rice, local greens, meat, fish or a delicious chapatti, it will just cost a few dollars to try it all!!!

To find the best local spots to grab some food, ask in the Karikoo Market and enjoy the results!

#9 Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

No trip to Dar complete without at least one ride on a tuk-tuk!

If you thought Asia was full of them, you should wait until you get to East Africa!

Cheap, plentiful and lots of fun, taking a tour with these guys across the city is an awesome thing to do in Dar and seeing how many people you can squeeze into the back and haggling over price is just all part of the experience.

And that’s not to mention when you get a puncture on the side of the road too!

#10 Discover the Azania Lutheran Church

The white, waterfront building of the Azania Church is a Dar Es Salaam icon you should definitely check out during your time in this city.

Built by German missionaries in 1898, it definitely stands out architecturally with its red-tiled roof and window canopies.

Still in active use for services, heading in to view the Gothic interior or to listen during the beautiful choir rehearsals is a great thing to do in Dar Es Salaam.

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Dar Es Salaam Travel Guide

How Long to Spend in Tanzania?

When it comes to planning your Tanzania travels, the first thing you probably need to consider is how long you want to spend in this country.

I spent 3 weeks here, but totally appreciate that not everyone might have this length of time at their disposal.

I’d therefore suggest a stay of around 10 days in Tanzania is a good option for most people.

If you’d like to include Kilimajaro or the Masai Mara in your trip, then I’d extend your trip to 14-18 days.

How to Travel to Dar Es Salaam?

Flying is the most common way to get to and from this city.

Tanzania’s main airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), is located near to Dar Es Salaam and would be the easiest option to arrive into.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

Local buses are also an option for travel to Dar Es Salaam.

This will be a cheap and fun experience, but may not be that comfortable!

You can also hire a car and self-drive in Tanzania – although please be aware of the driving conditions and safety warnings before doing this. Check out these top car hire options in Tanzania if you’re still keen.

Finally, you can also take a tour to explore Tanzania, which will remove all the organisation and a lot of the stress from your trip.

If you’re looking for some epic tours in Tanzania that include Dar es Salaam, then check out these brilliant options , which offer a ton of flexible solutions depending on your budget, travel style and length of trip.

Where to Stay in Dar Es Salaam?

When it comes to budget options for accommodation in this city, The Slow Leopard Hostel has a great location, onsite restaurant / bar and continues to get rave reviews from travellers thanks to the friendly staff and great vibes. Choose from dorms or private room when youbook your stay here .

Alternatively, for something with a bit more comfort and space, check out Alexanders Hotel , which is conveniently located in the Masaki part of Dar Es Salaam, is beautifully decorated and serves delicious seafood in its onsite restaurant.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

5 Essential Items for Tanzania Travel

#1 Tanzania Lonely Planet – I’m always a big fan of the Lonely Planet and their Tanzania edition is great for its accommodation and tour recommendations.

#2 Headlamp – Given the power outages you’re bound to experience in Tanzania, having a headlamp in your bag is an absolute must. I wouldn’t be without my Black Diamond one.

#3 Sarong – Whether it’s to wear on the beaches of Zanzibar or to protect yourself from a dusty safari ride in the Serengeti, there’s few items as versatile as the trusty sarong when it comes to Tanzania travel. I love the beautiful designs and great prices of One World Sarongs range.

#4 Insect Repellent – Much as I hate nasty chemicals, a good DEET repellent is essential for Tanzania travel where malaria is a real risk. I recommend a 30% DEET product to keep those pesky nippers at bay.

#5 Sun Hat – Located as close to the equator as it is, the sun is Tanzania is super strong and a sunhat to protect your face is highly recommend. I’m a big floppy hat fan and love this Hello Sunshine design.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So that’s my list of the top 10 things to do in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s most exciting city.

Have you visited this bustling place?

What was your favourite thing to do there?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ Top 10 Things to Do in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania ”

This is a great article about Dar es salaam, am missing #3 though!

Ha ha not quite sure how I missed this one Geoffrey, but thanks for the spot! Inputting it now!

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Dar es Salaam

Over the last century, Dar es Salaam has grown from a quiet Zaramo fishing village into a thriving tropical metropolis of over four million people. Straddling some of the most important sea routes in the world, it is East Africa’s second-busiest port and Tanzania’s commercial hub. Despite this, the city has managed to maintain a low-key, down-to-earth feel.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Dar es Salaam. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nafasi Art Space

Aiming to be the leading contemporary art centre in Tanzania, Nafasi is a complex of studios housed in an old industrial warehouse in Mikocheni. Many…

National Museum & House of Culture

The National Museum houses a copy of the famous fossil discoveries of zinjanthropus ('nutcracker man') from Olduvai Gorge, plus other archaeological finds…

Village Museum

This open-air museum features a collection of authentically constructed dwellings illustrating traditional life in various parts of Tanzania. Each house…

Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System

The uninhabited islands of Bongoyo, Mbudya, Pangavini and Fungu Yasini, just off the coastline north of Dar es Salaam, form this marine reserve system…

Fish Market

Head down to the Kivukoni fish market in the early morning to see fishers flog their catch to restauranteurs and homemakers with all the zeal of Wall St…

St Joseph Cathedral

This spired, Gothic-style, Roman Catholic cathedral was built at the turn of the 19th century by German missionaries. In addition to the striking stained…

State House

An imposing complex set amid large grounds, the State House was originally built by the Germans and rebuilt after WWI by the British.

Azania Front Lutheran Church

A striking edifice, with a red-roofed belfry overlooking the water, a rather stern Gothic interior and a marvellous, new handmade organ, this is one of…

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13 Best Things to Do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Located on the Swahili Coast, Dar es Salaam is the jumping off point for those traveling to Zanzibar or Pemba by ferry; while Julius Nyerere International Airport is Tanzania ’s biggest port of entry. Dar es Salaam served as the country’s capital until 1974, and remains its premier center for arts and entertainment. Those that stay longer than a few hours in transit have the opportunity to discover excellent global restaurants, fascinating museums and art galleries and a collection of beautiful offshore islands. Wherever you go, the city’s cultural diversity shines through — the result of Arab, German, British and Indian influences mixing with its own Swahili heritage.

Note: Dar es Salaam has a high crime rate and travelers should be aware of their surroundings at all times. Make sure to stay in a reputable area and never take an unlicensed taxi.

Stock up on Souvenirs at the City’s Craft Markets

 Sohadiszno/ Getty Images

Tanzania is home to many skilled artisans. If you want to take their work home with you, plan a visit to at least one of the city’s numerous craft markets. In the northeast, Mwenge Woodcarvers Market specializes in traditional African sculptures carved from local timber. Most vendors create their masterpieces on-site, and you should be able to see them at work. If you don’t have time to get out to Mwenge, head to the smaller craft market at waterfront shopping centre The Slipway. For those with a sense of adventure, Kariakoo Market is the largest (and most chaotic) market in Tanzania and sells everything from spices and vegetables to clothing and crafts.

Discover Tanzanian History at the National Museum

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Although the exhibits at the National Museum have seen better days, they cover a wide range of topics including archaeology, ethnography, biology and the arts. The ethnographical artifacts are particularly worthwhile, affording an insight into Tanzania’s kaleidoscope of different cultures — from the Shirazi traders who brought Islam to the Swahili Coast, to colonialists from Britain and Germany. Look out for archaeological finds from the digs at Olduvai Gorge , where Louis and Mary Leakey unearthed the origins of mankind. These include a replica of the hominid skull known as the Nutcracker Man, discovered in 1959. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and costs Tsh6500 per adult.

Experience Traditional Life at the Village Museum

A 20-minute drive northwest of the city center takes you to the Village Museum, an open-air re-creation of the traditional homes of Tanzania. The site is spread across 15 acres and gives you the chance to explore more than a dozen different types of ethnic homestead, all with authentic furnishings. The huts are surrounded by indigenous crops and occupied by costumed craftsmen who demonstrate traditional weaving, carving and pottery skills — all of which makes for an interactive experience that’s especially popular with kids. If you’re lucky, you may catch the daily tribal dance and drumming performance for an additional Tsh2000. Regular admission is priced at Tsh6500 per adult.

Be Part of the Action at Kivukoni Fish Market

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The waterfront suburb of Kivukoni is home to the famous Kivukoni Fish Market , where local fishermen arrive early every morning to offload the catch of the day from their traditional dhows. Restaurateurs, hoteliers and members of the public gather at around 7:00 a.m. to bargain fiercely for the best seafood in a raucous auction — providing a fantastic opportunity for photographers and the chance to see an impressive range of Indian Ocean species. Throughout the rest of the day, you can purchase fresh fish or seafood that has already been cleaned, cooked and prepared. You’ll need a strong stomach for the smell, and haggling is expected. The market opens at 6:00 a.m.

Head to The Slipway for Boutique Shopping

For a more sedate shopping experience, head to pedestrianized expat hangout The Slipway. This peaceful enclave is home to a range of boutiques selling stylish clothing and quality (but pricey) Tanzanian artwork. There’s also an excellent bookshop, a hotel and a supermarket that sells international and gourmet ingredients you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in the city. When you finish shopping, regroup with sundowners at The Waterfront , an open-air bar and restaurant with a global menu and beautiful Msasani Bay views. The Slipway is also a popular departure point for fishing charters and excursions to the islands of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. It’s located on Yacht Club Road.

Add to Your African Art Collection

 DKart/ Getty Images

If you’re especially interested in African art, there are plenty of opportunities for expanding your collection in Dar es Salaam. The Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society (located between Msasani and Oyster Bay) houses more than 100 artists dedicated to preserving the legacy of Edward Saidi Tingatinga. In the 1960s, Tingatinga’s distinctive painting style became a national emblem and the artists’ colorful renderings of people, plants and animals are uniquely Tanzanian. In the north of the city, Nafasi Art Space is a haven for contemporary art with 37 studios offering work across all mediums — and the chance to see it being created. It also hosts regular workshops, art lectures, exhibitions and fairs.

Shop for Unique Tanzanite Jewelry

Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro , the tanzanite is unique to Tanzania and considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It was discovered in 1967 and named by Tiffany & Co, who described it as the “loveliest blue gemstone discovered in over 2,000 years.” One thousand times rarer than diamonds yet more competitively priced, these breathtaking violet blue stones change color in the light and make for a particularly impressive memento of your time in Tanzania. There are many places to buy them in Dar es Salaam. One of the most reputable jewelers is The Tanzanite Dream , located on Mataka Road in Upanga and open every day except Sunday.

Enjoy a Family Day Out at Kunduchi Water Park

If you’re traveling with kids or have a soft spot for water rides, make time for the 30-minute drive north of the city to Kunduchi Wet ’n’ Wild Water Park . There are more than 29 slides and several well-maintained pools (including a play pool for smaller children). You can spend the day floating down the Lazy River or plunging down slides that tower some five stories high. The park is also home to a go kart circuit and is the largest water theme park in East and Central Africa. There are several restaurants and bars on-site. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Join the In Crowd at Coco Beach

Meshack Mwakalukwa/ Getty Images 

The most popular of Dar es Salaam’s city beaches, Coco Beach is located on the Msasani Peninsula in the upmarket neighborhood of Oyster Bay. With its golden sand and palm-fringed shore, it’s a favorite spot for affluent locals, expatriates and travelers in the know. Come to cool off with a swim on a humid summer day, to people watch or to soak up the vibe created by lively street food vendors and buskers. The beach is lined with trendy restaurants, bars and clubs and the weekends offer regular beach parties. Combine your visit with a tour of nearby Oyster Bay Shopping Center, known for its art galleries and produce markets.

Sample the City’s Global Restaurants

This cultural diversity is also reflected in the city’s cuisine. Hole-in-the-wall spots like Grace Shop serve up Tanzanian specialties such as ugali and mchicha for a few shillings; while Mamboz Corner BBQ is a top choice for African-style grilled chicken. You can also find Chinese, Indian, French and Italian restaurants to suit every budget, while Addis in Dar is the city’s most popular option for authentic Ethiopian meals. Dar es Salaam’s expat community can usually be found dining on pizzas at fashionable Zuane Trattoria or queuing for pain au chocolat, eclairs and tiramisu at European bakery Epi d’Or . Check Lonely Planet’s restaurant guide for the best places to eat in Dar.

Admire Colonial Architectural Landmarks

 wilpunt/ Getty Images

Dar es Salaam became a major city in the 19th century under the auspices of the Sultan of Zanzibar . Later, it was the administrative and commercial center of German East Africa, and then of British Tanganyika. Its colonial heritage is evident in landmarks like the Gothic-style St. Joseph’s Cathedral (built at the end of the 19th century) and the Azania Front Lutheran Church (built in the Bavarian style around the same time). Both places of worship are still in use today and were constructed by German missionaries. The official residence of the Tanzanian president, State House, was built for the British Governor in 1922 and blends African and Arabian architectural styles.

Head Out For a Night on the Town

Whether you prefer glossy nightclubs or backpacker watering holes, Dar es Salaam has the right nightspot for you. Put on your dancing shoes for an evening at trendy Havoc Nightspot on the Msasani Peninsula, or head to rooftop bars like Rouge and High Spirit for cocktails and panoramic Kivukoni views. Sports aficionados head to the Slow Leopard to drink imported beers and watch the game on big screen TVs. If you’re traveling around East Africa on a shoestring, you’ll find cheap drinks and good music at O’Donovan’s Reggae Bar in Masaki. Wherever the night takes you, walking after dark is not advised so be sure to organize trustworthy transport.

Explore the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve

 Attilio Polo's Fieldwork/ Getty Images

If you’re looking for a respite from city life, book a day trip to the idyllic, uninhabited islands of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve . Of the four islands, only two are frequented by tourists (Mbudya and Bongoyo). Both offer pristine white beaches, clean turquoise water and safe swimming. On the eastern shore, several dive sites await, giving the opportunity to spot an array of tropical fish and colorful corals. You can hire a thatched beach banda for the day, and feast on grilled seafood sold at the islands’ waterfront shacks. Excursions leave from Dar es Salaam harbor, The Slipway and Kunduchi and cost around $20 for four people.

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13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dar es Salaam

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of East Africa's busiest ports, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and commercial center. Though "Dar," as it's called, is short on typical tourist attractions, it is loved among travelers for its seaside setting; surprisingly laid-back vibe; and eclectic influences, thanks to its mix of African, Arabic, and Indian cultures.

The name means "haven of peace" in Arabic and was more fitting of Dar's former status as a sleepy fishing village than this now booming metropolis. Straddling some of the most important sea routes in the world, Dar es Salaam harbor is Tanzania's main port. On the northern section of the harbor is Kivukoni Front , with a bustling fish market where dhows sail in every morning at dawn to offload the night's catch.

German colonists organized Dar by arranging a grid pattern of streets fanning out around the port. The Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Cathedral are notable structures on the waterfront, and the city has a worthwhile museum. The city's architecture is a mix of Swahili, German, Asian, and British influences.

If you're wondering about beaches in Dar es Salaam, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city on day trips to beautiful Mbudya or Bongoyo Island to bask on their white-sand shores .

For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

See also: Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam

1. National Museum & House of Culture

2. village museum, 3. day trip to mbudya island, 4. day trip to bongoyo island, 5. shopping in dar es salaam, 6. kivukoni fish market, 7. st. joseph cathedral, 8. oyster bay, 9. wellworth kunduchi wet 'n' wild water park, 10. azania front lutheran church, 11. askari monument, 12. botanical gardens, 13. state house, where to stay in dar es salaam for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in dar es salaam.

The National Museum & House of Culture takes you on a journey through Tanzania's colorful past. Originally opened in 1940 as a memorial to King George V, the museum displays important fossils of some of the earliest human ancestors unearthed during the Leakey digs at Olduvai Gorge.

You can also learn about Tanzania's tribal heritage and the impact of the slave trade and colonial periods.

Other highlights of the museum include ethnographic displays on traditional crafts, customs, ornaments, and musical instruments, as well as a small collection of vintage cars, including the Rolls Royce used by former president, Julius Nyerere.

Address: Shaaban Robert Street, Dar es Salaam

About 10 kilometers north of the city center, the Village Museum showcases traditional dwellings from some of Tanzania's 120 ethnic groups. You can wander through replicas of tribal homesteads, scattered across 15 acres, and learn about traditional customs and crafts.

Most visitors take a self-guided tour here, as each hut has interpretative signs detailing how the dwellings are constructed and the materials used. But you can also hire a guide if you want more information.

The museum also hosts tribal dances, and other cultural activities. Children, in particular, love exploring the different huts and traditional artifacts.

Address: Bagamoyo Road, Kijitonyama

Beautiful Mbudya Island, in the Dar es Salaam Marine reserve, seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dar es Salaam.

Sun seekers come here to bask on the island's white-sand beaches and snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters. Bandas (thatched huts) are available for rent on the beach, and locals sell fresh barbecued seafood and cold drinks.

This is one of the most popular day trips from the city — it's a quick motorboat ride from the White Sands Resort & Conference Centre .

Lying off the Msasani Peninsula, Bongoyo Island makes an idyllic day trip or half-day trip from the city. Popular things to do here include relaxing under the shade of thatched umbrellas on the white-sand beach and cooling off in the clear waters.

Snorkeling is also popular. Angelfish, starfish, clownfish, and sea urchins, are just some of the marine species you might spot among the coral.

Behind the beach, nature trails wind between baobab trees to the island's opposite shore. The open-air snack bar serves cold drinks and fresh barbecued seafood.

Bongoyo lies about four miles north of the city, and you can catch a boat here from the Slipway pier. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

Looking for souvenirs for your friends and family while you're visiting the city? You'll find plenty of diverse places to shop in Dar es Salaam.

The Slipway Shopping Center , a palm-lined Swahili-inspired shopping mall on the waterfront, is a great place to start. Here, you'll find everything from colorful clothing to local artwork, sculptures, masks, and hand-made bags.

Tanzanite is one of the top things to buy in Dar es Salaam, and you'll find a store selling it here. This blue or violet-hued stone is found only in Tanzania and makes a unique gift for someone special.

The Slipway is also a stop on the Dar es Salaam nightlife circuit — live music wafts from some of the waterfront venues here, and it's a wonderful spot to watch the sunset after you've splashed your cash on gifts. This is also one of the popular places to eat in Dar es Salaam. You'll find several restaurants here — some with lovely views over the water.

For color and chaos, head to Kariakoo Market . This indoor/outdoor market spills into several city blocks, and buzzes day and night. This is where the locals shop, and it's a fun place to soak up the vibe and capture some colorful photos. Stalls brim with kaleidoscopic fabrics, teetering towers of baskets, fragrant spices, and fresh produce.

Feel like some fresh seafood? Kivukoni Fish Market on the waterfront sells the catch of the day fresh off the boats.

And if you're looking for a posh place to shop, Oyster Bay is home to hip boutiques and art galleries. This is where the vibrant Tinga Tinga painting style originated, and you can purchase these colorful art pieces at the Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society.

If you want to soak up a slice of daily life in Dar es Salaam, head to Kivukoni Fish Market. Visiting this busy harbor front is one of the most popular things to do in Dar es Salaam — especially if you love seafood.

Fishing boats arrive early in the morning to offload their catch, and it's auctioned to local restaurants and the public.

Bargain hard if you're in the market for some fish. You'll have plenty of varieties to choose from, and you can also enjoy a seafood meal while you're here.

The best time to visit the market is early in the morning.

Built by German missionaries from 1897 through 1902, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic church looks a little incongruous amid the steel and glass skyscrapers bristling along the harbor front. But it's a cool and calming place to sit and reflect on a hot day.

St. Joseph Cathedral is the seat of the Dar es Salaam archdiocese, and several striking features make it worth a visit. Most notable are its shingled spire, vaulted interior, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The cathedral also contains many of the original German inscriptions and artwork, including a carved relief above the main altar.

To really soak up the atmosphere here, try to attend a packed Sunday morning service, when the church reverberates with the soulful strains of the local choir.

Address: Sokoine Drive, Dar es Salaam

The affluent expat enclave of Oyster Bay is one of the best hangout places in Dar es Salaam — especially on the weekends. Locals and tourists alike come here to stroll Coco Beach , savor street food, and listen to live music.

Fancy some shopping while you're here? Head to the Oyster Bay Shopping Center. Here, you'll find farmers markets, boutique shops, and art galleries. Look for the famous Tinga Tinga paintings in the galleries — this vibrant artistic style reputedly originated in Oyster Bay before spreading across East Africa.

Oyster Bay lies about six kilometers north of the city on the Msasani Peninsula.

Wellworth Kunduchi Wet 'N' Wild Water Park is the largest water park in East and Central Africa. It's right next to Wellworth Kunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort , about 19 kilometers from the center of town.

Popular with families, the park is a colorful mix of pools, playgrounds, fast-food restaurants, and more than 29 water slides of varying heights, catering to both adults and young children.

Prefer your thrills on dry land? Speed demons can race around Tanzania's only Go Kart track here, too.

Address: Mtongani, Kunduchi Beach

Official site: www.wetnwild.co.tz

With its red-tile belfry rising above the surrounding rooftops, Azania Front Lutheran Church is a major landmark in Dar es Salaam. German missionaries built it in 1898.

Tiled canopies over the windows provide shade, and the gardens are a welcome retreat for weary tourists.

At one time, Azania was the center of the original 19th-century German mission; it is now the cathedral for the diocese.

Address: Kivukoni Road, Dar es Salaam

Official site: http://www.azaniafront.org/

If you're taking a sightseeing tour of downtown Dar, you might wonder about this striking statue at one of the city's major intersections. Cast in bronze, the Askari Monument depicts an Askari (soldier) in a World War I uniform, the bayonet of his rifle pointing towards the nearby harbor.

It commemorates the African troops who fought as the Carrier Corps in World War I. If you get close enough to take a photo, look for the inscription in English and Swahili written by Rudyard Kipling, the famous British writer and poet.

The statue stands about a block back from the Azania Front Lutheran Church.

Address: Azikwe Street and Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam

Craving an escape to nature from the city? You'll find some tranquility at Dar es Salaam's Botanical Gardens.

Home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society, the Botanical Gardens were established in 1893 by Professor Stuhlmann, the first Director of Agriculture. They were used as a trial plot for testing different types of plantation crops and tree species.

Today, you can admire a lush mix of indigenous and exotic plants, including purple bougainvillea, blue jacaranda, scarlet flame trees, and red hibiscus.

Though the gardens are only a fraction of their former size, they are one of the few places in the world to see the beautiful coco-de-mer palm tree outside its native Seychelles.

Address: Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam

Built in the late 1890s, the State House was the original residence of the German Governor. In 1922, the British rebuilt the State House, adding scalloped upper-storey arches and a crenellated parapet, after they nearly destroyed the building during World War I.

The State House is now the home of the current president. Although it is closed to the public, the building is an eye-catching landmark along the harbor front.

Address: Luthuli Street, Kivukoni

• Luxury Hotels: On the harborfront, the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro is one of the city's top hotels. Amenities include a spa with a sauna and steam room, two restaurants, a lounge with an outdoor terrace, and a harbor-view infinity pool. Many rooms have water views.
• Mid-Range Hotels: A few blocks away from the Hyatt, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam has an outdoor pool and is only a five-minute walk to the National Museum and botanical garden. Also with an outdoor pool, and in a quiet neighborhood near the beach, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Courtyard is an older colonial-style hotel with friendly staff and cozy rooms. Both these hotels include breakfast in their rates.
• Value Hotels: In the city center, near restaurants and shops, Tanzanite Executive Suites accommodates guests in clean, modern studios and suites with complimentary breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring East Africa : Looking for more places to visit near Dar es Salaam? Check out our article on the top attractions in Tanzania , from the famous wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Zanzibar's beautiful beaches. And while you're in East Africa, don't miss seeing the highlights of Kenya . Fly into the capital, Nairobi , and head out on safari. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu National Reserves and Tsavo National Park offer some of the world's best game-viewing.

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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

Dar es Salaam combines the clamor of Tanzania’s largest city with an agreeably relaxed pace of life. Unlike other cities in East Africa, this is not the sort of city where you see lots of other travelers. This makes it a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse of urban African life as locals live it. Immerse yourself in its markets and street-food scenes, explore its museums, and enjoy its outdoor attractions. There’s all this and more in our guide of what to do in Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam Safari Tours

1. Shop the Markets

To really experience the sights and smells of an authentically Tanzanian market, it just has to be Kariakoo Market. Spread across a number of busy city blocks, it’s filled with everything from household goods to clothing and food. More touristy but with more crafts, Mwenge Carvers’ Market has an excellent blend of pieces made for tourists alongside genuine traditional items.

2. Find the Best Street Food

You’ll eat well in Dar es Salaam, and what locals crave more than anything is a street barbecue. Every evening queues form at aromatic Barbecue House, close to Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road. Here locals order chicken, beef or fish, served with naan bread and a choice of chilies, coconut chutney or tamarind sauce. It’s a similar deal at Mamboz Corner, where Morogoro Road meets Libya Street, with Zanzibari marinades a highlight. Four times a year, the Nyama Choma Festival (Swahili for grilled meats) takes over Tunisia Road with barbecue cook-offs and live entertainment.

3. Visit the Fish Market

Kivukoni Fish Market is a real Dar experience, especially in the early morning when fisherfolk hawk their fish and other seafood to local restaurant and home chefs. It’s a fabulous experience, filled with local color, salespeople shouting to make themselves heard, and some rather pungent smells. Even if you’re not in the market for something to cook for dinner, you’ll love the experience. It’s one of the least touristy things to do in Dar es Salaam.

4. Go to the Beach

Locals in Dar es Salaam love a day at the beach , and with balmy temperatures year-round, it’s always a good choice for when you’re in town. There are plenty to choose from, but Coco Beach, on the Msasani Peninsula north of town, is a real favorite. It offers the chance to mingle with locals enjoying the food stalls, wandering minstrels selling beer and coconuts, and live music. The beaches out on Bongoyo Island are quieter and just as worthwhile.

5. Get Out on the Water

The Indian Ocean off Dar is an underrated destination for diving, snorkeling, and just escaping the city to sail around beautiful local islands such as Bongoyo, Pangavini and Mbudya. The Dar es Salaam Yacht Club runs sailing and fishing excursions, and, once back on shore, if you can take out a temporary membership you can use the club’s facilities, which include a swimming pool and a children’s playground.

6. Discover the City’s Museums

Tanzania’s capital in all but name, the city has some excellent museums, and they’re among the best things to do in Dar es Salaam. The biggest and best is the National Museum, which takes you on an intriguing journey through Tanzanian history. It begins with world-famous archaeological finds from Olduvai Gorge , then travels down through the slave trade and colonial era, and even houses former president Julius Nyerere’s Rolls-Royce. The Village Museum has reconstructed village scenes from all corners of the country, with live cultural performances and craftspeople at work to bring it all alive.

7. Admire the Art

Nafasi Art Space ranks among East Africa’s best galleries for contemporary art. You’ll see artists at work here in the studios that are hewn from a former industrial warehouse. There are exhibitions, workshops and live performances most evenings.

8. Tour the City Center

There’s no better way to get to know Dar than on one of the tours offered by Afri Roots . The tours, mostly conducted by bicycle, are a good mix of getting to know the city’s major historical landmarks and encounters with the locals. There’s even a tour dedicated to nightlife. It’s a terrific way to access Dar’s lively after-dark scene.

9. Stroll the Botanical Gardens

This outpost of quiet greenery dates back to the final years of the 19th century, and remains a retreat from the noise and traffic. It’s also a refuge for local and exotic plants, including cycads, palms and vivid scarlet flame trees.

10. Watch the Goat Races

Every year in September, the nation’s finest goats take to the Green, along Kenyatta Drive, for the city’s annual Goat Races. It’s all good clean fun (unless you’re a local worker who has to clean up afterward…) as enthusiastic locals and expats place bets and cheer on their charges. If your billy goat doesn’t win, your losses support local charities.

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Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Colours Africa Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

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2 Day Itinerary in Dar es Salaam Tanzania - A Complete Guide

Dar es Salaam is certainly not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a trip to Tanzania. For most visitors, the city only serves as a gateway to other more popular destinations, such as Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Serengeti.

But that’s not to say that Dar es Salaam is entirely devoid of any charm. Walking around the city center and its chaotic markets is a great way to get yourself acquainted with the local culture. The fact that it is not touristy ensures a more authentic experience for discerning travelers.

Table of Contents

Dar es Salaam, which means “City of Peace” in Arabic, is the largest city in Tanzania and East Africa, and the seventh largest in all of Africa. It is bordered on the east by the Indian Ocean.

The city was founded in 1862 by Sultan Seyyid Majid and started as a fishing village. Until 1974, it was the capital of Tanzania before the capital city began to move to Dodoma (the transfer was completed in 1996).

Despite no longer being the capital, Dar es Salaam remains as Tanzania’s economic center and plays an important role in the country’s arts, fashion, media, music, film, and television industries.

It is also the main arrival and departure point for most tourists visiting Tanzania.

There are many different tribes in Tanzania, each one of them with its own language. But the official language and lingua franca is Swahili , which is taught in primary school and spoken by over 90% of the population.

English is widely spoken in big cities like Dar es Salaam and is often used in foreign trade, diplomacy, and as a medium of instruction in secondary and tertiary education.

There are no reliable statistics, but according to a 2010 survey, Tanzania’s population is roughly 61% Christian, 35% Muslim, and 4% other religious groups including Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha’is, and animists. However, at least half of the population still practices elements of African traditional religions in their daily lives.

The currency of Tanzania is called Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). The current exchange rate is: 1 USD = 2,319 TZS.

Best Time to Visit Dar es Salaam

Due to its proximity to the equator, Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid weather, and relatively stable temperatures throughout the year.

In a typical year, there are two rainy seasons in Dar es Salaam: “the long rains” from March to May and “the short rains” in November and December. The peak monsoon season is in April.

Between December and February, temperatures can soar up to the mid-30’s Celsius. That, and the high humidity level make it less than ideal to visit the city during these months.

The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is between June and September , right after the rainy season, when temperatures are milder and the humidity relatively low.

How to Get to Dar es Salaam

Most visitors to Dar es Salaam arrive via Julius K. Nyerere International Airport (IATA: DAR), which is Tanzania’s main airport. You can fly there from many major cities in Africa, as well as Asia (Doha, Muscat, and Dubai) and Europe (Istanbul and Amsterdam).

Getting from the Airport to the City Center

The airport is located about 10 kilometres away from the city center. Most large hotels offer pick-up and drop-off service upon request.

Alternatively, you can take an airport taxi. The drivers will approach you as soon as you leave the airport building. Fares to the city center are fixed at USD 30 per person for foreigners.

To get the best price, pay in Tanzanian Shillings instead of US Dollars. Make sure you have some of the local currency with you, preferably before you arrive in Tanzania, as the ATMs and money changers at the airport are sometimes unreliable.

A cheaper option is to walk to the main road and flag a taxi or daladala (local minibus).

Long-distance bus travel in East Africa is generally quite comfortable, as most buses are equipped with A/C, safety belts, luggage compartments, and bathrooms.

However, they tend to drive fast and quite recklessly, and there’s often a TV or radio playing local songs at top volume.

2-Day Itinerary in Dar es Salaam

I arrived in Dar es Salaam on an October morning after two 8-hour Oman Air flights and one stopover in Muscat. My Couchsurfing host, Uo had kindly offered to pick me up from the airport. Since it was my first time in mainland Africa, I was only too happy to accept his offer.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew very little about Tanzania and East Africa, apart from the few articles I read on travel blogs. The African continent is often portrayed as a chaotic and unsafe place to visit, and I have to admit that I felt some trepidation about it.

The airport was clean but quite sparse. There was nothing much to see, so I only sat at one corner and charged my phone while waiting for Uo, who was going to take a while since he had to travel by bus from his home.

Soon, he arrived and after introducing ourselves, we left the airport building to take a local bus from the main road. It’s always an exciting feeling when you step on a new continent for the first time!

Kariakoo Market

On the way home, we stopped by at the Kariakoo Market — the biggest and busiest market in Dar es Salaam that spans several city blocks. The place once housed the barracks of the British Carrier Corps, which was how the name “Kariakoo” came about.

Morning is the best time to go as there aren’t too many shoppers yet, and you get to watch the vendors unload their wares. This market sells pretty much everything, but I didn’t really get to look around, as it had started to rain and we were too busy trying to avoid the puddles on the ground.

To sit out the rain, we stopped at a small cafe owned by Uo’s friend and had a light breakfast of some fritters.

My Accommodation: Uo’s Home

After breakfast, we took a bus to Uo’s home, where he lived with his siblings, cousins, and aunt. I noticed that the houses in Dar es Salaam were not too different from rural houses in my own country, except that the kitchens and bathrooms were outside.

It was the rainy season when I visited, so the roads leading to his house was covered with huge potholes — one was as big as a small pond. It made for an interesting ride though.

Kigamboni Bridge

On my second day, the weather had improved somewhat. Uo borrowed his sister’s car to show me around.

The first attraction we went to see was the Kigamboni Bridge — a 680-meter-long bridge that links Dar es Salaam to the Kigamboni district. This bridge provided an alternative transport link between the two districts, whereas previously, everyone had to use a ferry.

The bridge has six lanes (three on each direction) and two pedestrian/cyclist lanes.

The real reason Uo’s sister let him borrow her car that day was so that he could take it to a workshop in Kigamboni to get something fixed. So while waiting for the car to be ready, we had a lunch of  nyama choma  (grilled meat) paired with  ugali  (cornmeal mush), and some vegetables.

Our next stop was Coco Beach (a.k.a. Oyster Bay), located on the Msasani Peninsula. Apparently, the place is very lively during the peak season, sometimes even hosting concerts and beach parties.

But everything was quiet during my visit. There was no one else on the beach other than some street food vendors, who were quite persistent in trying to sell me something.

Our next stop was a supermarket. Visiting supermarkets is one of my favorite things to do when I travel abroad. It’s so cool to see what the locals eat and the ingredients they use for cooking.

For example, I was quite intrigued by these strange-looking lemons (I think). And the peppers. I had never seen them in those shapes before.

I was also amused to see that my favorite childhood snack from Malaysia was sold there.

Askari Monument

Next, we drove around the city center, where Uo showed me some of the government buildings, embassies, and big hotels. But the main attraction there was the Askari Monument —  a cast-bronze statue depicting a soldier in WWI uniforms with his bayonet pointing toward the harbor. The statue was built in honor of those who fought in the British Carrier Corps.

Situated at the center of the roundabout between Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street, it allegedly marks the exact center of downtown Dar es Salaam.

Along the way, we also stopped for some fresh coconut juice and a sweet snack with sesame seeds on it.

For dinner, we went to a row of street stalls to share some fried chicken and chips, and a dish called Zanzibar mix , which is a unique street food that combines elements of Indian, Arab, and African flavors.

It consists of potatoes, chickpeas, and peanuts swimming in a thick coconut gravy, topped with a dollop of coconut cilantro chutney, a dash of hot pepper sauce, kachumbari  (tomato, onion, and cucumber salad) and some bhajias (deep-fried potatoes) for an extra crunch. For protein, you can also add in a medium-boiled egg and mishkaki (grilled mutton or beef).

Other Things to See in Dar es Salaam

Due to bad weather and time constraints, I didn’t get to see everything there was to see in Dar es Salaam. But I’m also the type of traveler who favor authentic local experiences over tourist attractions, so it wasn’t a big deal for me.

Here are some other places you can visit in Dar es Salaam if you have more time:

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Home to the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, this Roman Catholic church has an amazing Gothic-style architecture, featuring a shingled spire, vaulted interior, stained-glass windows, and a carved relief above the main altar. Visit on a Sunday to hear the choir and the English mass at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Azania Lutheran Church

Another prominent church in Dar es Salaam is the Azania Lutheran Church, located at the harbor front. It was originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania. You can go up to the top to see the bell tower.

Kivukoni Fish Market

To get a taste of daily life in Dar es Salaam, make your way to Kikuvoni Fish Market. Like Kariakoo, the Kikuvoni Fish Market is best visited early in the morning, when the fishing boats arrive and the fish are auctioned to the public. Bargain hard if you plan to buy some. You can also enjoy a seafood meal there.

Surrounding Islands

For those who wish to escape the hectic city life, Dar es Salaam can be used as a base to get to nearby islands, such as Mbudya, Bongoyo. These islands are only a short boat ride away from Dar es Salaam’s harbors and offer a perfect respite for a day of rest and relaxation. Just ask the local boatmen near the White Sands Hotel, the Slipway, or Kunduchi.

National Museum & House of Culture

National museums are always a good place to learn more about a country’s history and culture. Tanzania’s National Museum and House of Culture showcases a vast collection of fossils and artifacts, as well as a number of cars that belonged to the country’s first president.

Visitors also get to learn about the history of the slave trade and colonialism in the country.

Village Museum

If you’d like to learn more about rural Tanzania’s customs and traditions, visit the Village Museum, which is located about six miles north of the city center. It is an interactive museum that allows visitors to enter and explore different types of traditional Tanzanian huts (there are more than a dozen!). Dance and music performances are also available for an extra price. 

How to Get Around in Dar es Salaam

Admittedly, getting around in Dar es Salaam can be a bit daunting for a first-timer. I had it easy because someone was there to show me around by car. But I did experience the local transports as well.

If you’re traveling independently, you have several options:

• By car – Car rental can be organized online or through most hotels. However, driving in Tanzania can be a stressful, difficult, and dangerous affair, due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion, reckless driving, and thefts. Only choose this option if you have experience driving in developing countries.
• By taxi – Certainly not the cheapest option, especially for a foreign tourist. Currently, there are no formal taxi companies in Dar es Salaam. The taxi drivers run their own business but are regulated by the government. Taxi fares are not fixed. Make sure you negotiate and agree on the price before you get in the car.
• By bus – The public buses in Dar es Salaam are actually quite clean, cheap, and convenient. Look out for these designated bus stops. Tickets are to be purchased at the bus stops, before boarding.

• By motorcycle taxi – Similar to the normal taxis, motorbike taxis also operate independently. I personally wouldn’t recommend this option as they don’t usually provide helmets.
• By daladala (minibus) – Daladala is the cheapest and most common form of public transportation in the city. The names of the first and last stops are shown in the front window or yelled out by the conductor. Main terminals include New Posta (the main post office), Kariakoo, Kivukoni, and the Central Line train station.

Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam

If you wish to stay near the beach, Dar es Salaam has three distinct beach areas: Kunduchi  in the north, Ras Kutani in the south, and Oyster Bay (Coco Beach)  within the city limits.

However, if you’d like to have easier access to public transport and the attractions listed above, it’s recommended to stay near the city center. Here are a few suggestions:

Chelsea Hotel –  Conveniently located only 10 km away from the airport and 1 km from the Zanzibar Ferry Terminal, this three-star hotel offers unobstructed views of the city from its rooftop terrace. (From USD 34 per night).

Harbour View Suites –  This hotel — which is located in Samora Avenue — features large, comfortable rooms that come with fully-fitted kitchens. On the ground floor is a well-stocked supermarket, and a few restaurants and cafes. (From USD 110 per night).

Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, the Kilimanjaro  –  Part of the internationally acclaimed Hyatt hotel chain, this luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, next to the ocean side, therefore offering you stunning views of the Indian Ocean. (From USD 230 per night).

Final Thoughts on Dar es Salaam

Is dar es salaam worth visiting.

Yes, although Dar es Salaam is often overlooked by tourists (or precisely because of that), I think it’s worth a visit, especially if you prefer veering off the well-trodden paths.

Before you go embark on your safari in the savannah, Dar es Salaam gives you the perfect opportunity to get a better understanding of the people whose country you’re visiting.

How long should you spend in Dar es Salaam?

To see all of the attractions listed above without feeling rushed, allow at least three days in Dar es Salaam — or longer if you plan to spend more time on the surrounding islands. It’s also wise to make room for unexpected weather change when you’re planning your itinerary.

How safe is Dar es Salaam for solo female travelers?

To be fair, I didn’t really travel alone in Dar es Salaam, as I had my host with me almost all the time. But from my observation, it was not quite as bad as I had initially imagined.

All the basic safety rules apply here.

• Do not flaunt your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
• Getting on public transports can be a bit of a challenge, especially in the rain, when you have to shove your way in and out of the bus.
• When buying tickets for long-distance bus journeys, make sure you buy from reputable companies.
• Tanzania is also a little more conservative than surrounding countries, so you might want to dress modestly.

For a first-timer, it might be a little overwhelming. But as for me, since I had traveled alone quite extensively in Asia, it wasn’t that much of a shock. In fact, there are other countries I’d been to that I felt were more challenging.

Have you been to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania? Share your experience in the comment section below.

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58 comments.

I have to admit, I know very little about Dar es Salaam and hasn’t been on my radar. I know Tanzania and if I ever get there, I hope to do the safaris or go up that famous mountain or check out the famous beaches but by the looks of it, a little trip into the capital is needed. Loving the looks of the food, that is right up my street and defo would check out the surrounding islands (I am more of an nature person than an urban person). You have opened my eyes a lot more on the city, so thank you for that. 🙂

You’re welcome, Danik. Just a little reminder though — Dar es Salaam is the former capital. The current capital is Dodoma. I had the same confusion too — in fact I kept thinking that Dar was still the capital until I got home and sat down to write this article. Haha. Anyway, it does deserve a visit if you go to Tanzania. 🙂

Thank you Ummi for the great post

You’re welcome, Eric! Thank you for reading. 🙂

This is the first I have heard of Dar es Salaam. On one hand it is always a bummer when it rains while visiting someplace new, on the other it gave you a great opportunity to meet local people. It would be fun to experience the fish market and Mbudya Island looks incredible!

True, Sherianne. I had visited during one of the rainy periods, but on the plus side, flight tickets were cheap, and there weren’t too many people. Rain or shine, it was still a valuable experience for me. 🙂 But I hope to visit again someday and see the places I didn’t manage to see.

Suka baca experience macam ni. First time dengar pasal Dar Es Salaam ni. Mana tahu rezeki ke sana boleh jadikan blog sis sebagai panduan. Siap ada super ring kat sana ye.

Terima kasih, Marina. Jangan lupa refer semula pada blog ni jika ada peluang untuk ke Dar es Salaam, ya. Tu la, terkejut dan teruja bila nampak ada Super Ring kat sana.

A few years ago, the only time I had heard of Dar Es Salaam was in a song by a band called Vampire Weekend, and at the time I didn’t even know it was a location! I have always wanted to visit Africa and have been looking into planning a trip. Might make this a stop on the way, thanks for the info!

You’re welcome, Chloe. I hope this guide will be useful if you do decide to visit. I must go and find the song — never heard of it before!

Wow…….you make Tanzania look interesting in this post. Reading your post makes me want to travel here too. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

You’re welcome, Fadima. Happy to share and encourage people to visit a place they had never thought of visiting before. Tanzania is a beautiful country — I hope you will visit someday. 🙂

Seronok baca pengalaman travel ummi , terasa diri pun ikut travel sama…..lemon dia macam kulit limau purut kan tapi terkejut jugaklah tengok kat sana ada jual jajan super ring…

Haah, Saidila. Saya pun tak tau, tu lemon kacukan dengan limau purut ke apa. Haha. Tapi seronok bila nampak barangan buatan Malaysia kat sana.

Zanzibari mix macam mi jawa ataupun lontong haha looks nyummy btw! Cantik la Mbudya Island dia. Padat juga kawasan Dar es Salaam ni.

Haha, tak terlintas pulak yang Zanzibari mix ni lebih kurang mi jawa atau lontong, Farhana. Bila awak cakap, baru saya nampak persamaannya. Memang sedap, walaupun saya tak suka bawang. 😀

Wow. That’s a very detailed sharing about Dar es Salaam. Just like you’ve mentioned, it is my first time hearing about it. Africa is in my to visit list and I think I should visit here too – I want to visit Kariakoo market. Mesti banyak produk yang unik kan. And it is funny to see Super Ring ada kat situ

Thank you, Rawlins. Yes, visiting the local market can be very educational. You get a glimpse into the people’s lifestyle — what they eat, what they like to buy, how much things cost, and so much more. If you ever go to East Africa, be sure to visit Tanzania and Dar es Salaam. 🙂

Bila sebut Tanzania, teringat pulak ada sorang kawan dekat uni dulu berasal dari Tanzania. Macam ni rupanya Tanzania. Sesak jugak tempatnya. Tapi tmpat yang menarik jugak untuk dapatkan pengalaman macam ni. Makan dia pun unik.

Ya, agak sesak dan kurang terurus, Iza. Tapi bagi saya tempat2 macam ni la yang menarik untuk dilawati — lebih mencabar. Makanan kat sana pun tak mengecewakan. 🙂

I have never been to Tanzania but it is nice to know that English is widely spoken in big cities. I am sooo curious about the strange-looking lemons and peppers. and a trip to Mbudya Island would be nice. The water is so blue.

It certainly would, Clarice. I’d love to visit the islands if I ever find myself in Dar es Salaam again. And when I do, maybe I’ll buy those lemons and peppers to find out what they taste like 😄

I love that you included history and religion. I always start my articles with history. And, the details – really well written:)

Thank you for your comment, Nicola! I’m still new to blogging and have so much more to learn. Glad that I have role models like you to learn from. 🙂

Cantekkk airport dia.. nampak eskkuy.. mmg nampak very peaceful.. dulu i ingat tanzania.. dekat aussie..iskhh.. now i know hehe

Haha, tu Tasmania kot, Ayu 😀

This is really interesting I wish to go to Tanzania to experience their culture and lifestyle.

I hope you will, Kelly. 🙂 It’s always interesting to learn about a culture and lifestyle that we’re not familiar with.

Jauhnya perjalanan ko Ummi.. Sis biasa juga dengar Tanzania tu.. cuma tak terfikir akan baca pengalaman orang ke sini.. yang Super Ring tu memang terjual di sana ek? Ummi beli ke? Sama macam Malaysia ek? Menarik plak hahahaha

Haha, tak beli pulak, sis. Sebab excited sangat nak try makanan2 local yang lain. Saya kalau travel memang suka cuba makanan tempatan. Tambah2 lagi, itu kali pertama saya di kebenuaan Afrika, jadi banyak benda baru yang tak pernah cuba.

Very interesting trip tho.. I’m surprised to see Super Ring there 😛 lol.. Hopefully one day I do have a chance to visit places like this too.. places that I never put in my list before especially this region.

East Africa is a region that is steeped in culture and has some of the best nature and safari destinations, Kitkat. It would be a shame not to include it in your bucket list, in my opinion. 🙂

tanzania seems crowded like india. but thats the beauty of it right?to get to know the culture and their food.

Exactly, Nik. I sometimes love visiting such places, for the challenge of it. And learning about the culture and food of a new place is always a highlight. 😀

so lucky la ummi. manage to go to few places. tanzania was part of my wishlist too. tak sangka negara dia macam ni. so interesting! hopefully one day can visit there

I hope you will, Khai. Saya rasa negara Tanzania ni sangat menarik, terutama bagi pelancong Muslim sebab kat sana ada populasi Muslim yang agak besar.

Tertarik dengan Tanzanian Hut tu. Wah kagum la dengan kecekalan awak travel solo ke merata dunia. You’re such an easy-goin person I think. Btw, suka tgk latar kehidupan masyarakat di bahagian dunia yang lain. Thanks!

Terima kasih, Kak Bell. Saya pun sama — suka tengok latar kehidupan masyarakat di bahagian dunia yang jarang kita lihat, contohnya di Afrika. Kalau dalam televisyen atau filem, biasanya cuma kehidupan di Barat yang sering dipertontonkan.

there are just so many breathtaking attractions in tanzania and i honestly cant wait to visit them. thanks for the itinerary!

You’re welcome, Grace!

Having a local host and guide is such a fantastic way to experience a new city. The market and street food were the real highlights for me and a local guide truly does know the very best places to eat. I’d love a chance to visit Kuvokoni Fish Market or escape to the islands.

Yes, Jamie, going with a local guide is an invaluable experience. if I get a second chance to visit Dar es Salaam, I would love to visit the Kivukoni Fish Market too. The islands maybe not so much, as I’m not a beach person, but if I had to choose one island, I’d go to Zanzibar.

I had never heard of Dar es Salaam. Yes, most times people only hear about Kilimanjaro which is definitely on my list. But after reading your guide I think I will add Dar es Salaam to my list of places to visit in Tanzania.

Glad to have introduced you to Dar es Salaam, Raksha. I hope you’ll visit the city someday if you ever go to Tanzania. 🙂

Honestly, I never heard this name before. I thought it is Brunei Darulsalam..haha ^^ thanks for the itinerary

Haha you’re welcome, Precious Cla. You’ve got a point there — I can see the similarity of the names too. Same meaning, different spelling.

Africa has always had the charm for me after I visited South Africa many years back. I quite love the look of Dar-es-Salaam with its crowded streets and the shops. Great place to understand the culture. Kigamboni Bridge looks beautiful with not much of traffic. The Azania Lutheran Church, the beach, the fish market and the food options look just awesome. Food would be one of the prime reasons I would love to visit. Thanks for a complete guide.

You’re welcome, Subhashish. I hope it will be useful for you in the future. Like you, I’ve also been charmed by this part of the world after my brief time in East Africa. And food is always a good reason to visit! 😉

This is a great guide! I have yet to go to Tanzania nor heard of this area but it’s been on my bucketlist for so long to visit the country. There are so many beautiful spots and attractions that I think I would just appreciate plus it’s nice to know there won’t be much of a language barrier. Favoriting this itinerary for later!

Thank you, Marielle! I really hope you’ll get to visit this country someday. Although there are many other popular destinations in Tanzania, I think Dar es Salaam shouldn’t be overlooked. Do spend a few days there if you get the chance. 🙂

From what I have read about Tanzania and especially Dar es Salaam, I am really touched so much so that one of these days I will go out on an adventure and experience what I have read from your piece.

Thank you for your comment, Blessings Kayira! Glad that you enjoyed the article, and I hope you will visit this place soon 🙂

It’s rare to find and read about Dar Es Salaam on the internet. Very few think about visiting this small town of Tanzania given the less or no information to be consumed. But anyway, the city is worth a visit going by the photographs and all that you’ve shared. Like you, I too would love to visit it during monsoon. This will mean avoiding hot temperature and also travelling in budget.

Thank you, Pranitaa! I actually didn’t know much about Dar Es Salaam either. For a long time, and even after returning home from that trip, I still thought it was the capital of Tanzania. Haha! (I feel like an idiot about it now). But still glad that I went. Less touristy destinations are always the best for learning about the people’s culture and lifestyle. If you don’t mind the rain, the monsoon is a good time to go. I hope you’ll make it there soon. 🙂

Your experience you shared was very nice and i liked it

Thank you, Sreejitha. 🙂

Well, very late to the party but what a nice piece. You definitely shouldn’t feel foolish for thinking Dar is the capital. I’ve just been checking out unlikely cities to visit and saw your post and realised that it still existed! Like Timbuktu, it seems to come from a different age. Time to visit I think…..I like Sreejitha’s comment posted two years ago, above, so I’ll end by agreeing with every word she wrote.

Thanks for your comment, Al! I like that you’re checking out ‘unlikely cities to visit’. I think I might start doing that because I do enjoy visiting obscure destinations. I hope you will visit Dar and let me know what you think about it 🙂

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15 Best Things to do in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: January 21, 2021

Categories Tanzania

Home / Africa / Tanzania / 15 Best Things to do in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

St Joseph’s Cathedral is located right on the scenic waterfront of Dar es Salaam’s city center. This elegant church is definitely one of the religious and architectural highlights of the city and shouldn’t be missed.

The church was built in a Gothic style of architecture by Germans at the beginning of the 20 th  century. The catholic church is known for its fantastic stained glass windows and for being the seat of the archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.

Photo: Gideon Ikigai / Shutterstock.com

Kariakoo Market

Kariakoo Market is a huge trading center that spans several city blocks. The market’s central building is quite impressive due to its interesting shape and was opened in 1974.

The market is the most important center for the city’s food provision but is also important as a trading hub for other goods like household items, clothes, and electronics. Coming here is a very intense experience as the Kariakoo Market is extremely busy, crowded, and chaotic.   

Photo: Jon Naustdalslid / Shutterstock.com

Askari Monument

The Askari Monument is located in a roundabout and serves as a reminder of the African soldiers that died while fighting alongside the British Carrier Corps during the First World War.

This statue is made out of bronze and is surrounded by a small garden. Due to the Askari Monument’s central location, visitors can easily visit it while going on a walk along the waterfront or in the city center.

Mwenge Woodcarvers Market

Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is the best place in Dar es Salaam to pick up souvenirs or gifts. There is a huge array of local handicrafts found here and many of the items on offers are very artistic like the typical wooden masks that are so popular here.

The Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a treasure trove not just for wood carvings but also for traditional jewelry, fabrics, and much more. The atmosphere at this market is much more relaxed compared to other African markets and no one is going to hassle you too much to buy at their shop.

That being said, you still need to bring some bargaining skills to get good prices. And don’t be shy, it’s part of the local culture. 

National Museum of Dar Es Salaam

The National Museum of Dar Es Salaam can be found right next to the city’s botanical gardens. It was established in 1934 and is dedicated to the history of the country and features a large selection of archaeological discoveries.

Particularly interesting is the collection dedicated to the state of Kilwa Kisiwani (a medieval state ruling the islands off the Tanzanian mainland).

National Museum of Dar Es Salaam also showcases more recent history including German and British rule, which makes it a great place to understand the roots of modern-day Tanzania.

Photo: Magdalena Paluchowska / Shutterstock.com

Kivukoni Fish Market

Due to Dar es Salaam’s location right at the shores of the Indian Ocean, there are many fish markets found across the city. The most popular one being the Kivukoni Fish Market (also called Mzizima Fish Market), located right on the Indian Ocean.

The array of seafood found here is incredible and you will have likely never seen many of the curious species on offer here before. Of course, the market is quite chaotic and the hygienic conditions are questionable but that doesn’t take away anything from the remarkable experience of visiting the Kivukoni Fish Market.

Photo: MeinPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Village Museum

The Village Museum is located north of the city center and offers many traditionally constructed village huts. The dwellings represent different parts and cultures within Tanzania.

All the houses also feature typical household items and basic furniture typically used in rural Tanzania. Several times a week tribal dance performances are held here and there are also live demonstrations of weaving, pottery, and wood carving on display.

Of course, the people demonstrating these traditional skills are not the actual villagers living here but the experience is interesting nonetheless.   

Temple Road

Dar es Salaam’s Temple Road is a great place for some relaxed walks. The Temple Road and its surroundings are inhabited by members of a large community of people from India .

And there are Hindu temples, Indian restaurants, meditation centers, and even yoga venues here. Walking through the neighborhood almost feels like strolling through New Delhi or Mumbai.

Coco Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dar es Salaam. It is located a few kilometers north of the city center and offers beautiful turquoise waters, golden sand, and plenty of relaxation.

The beach offers many restaurants right on the sand which offer delicious seafood. Other than during sunset and later afternoon the beach is relatively empty and never gets too crowded. Horse riding along the beach is available here as well.

Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island is a tropical paradise just a few kilometers off the coast of Dar es Salaam. The island is part of a marine reserve and strictly protected ensuring the natural beauty of the island is conserved.

Many travel agencies in Dar es Salaam organize boat trips to the island. Keep in mind that overnighting is not possible as there are no hotels or other accommodation options here. The only infrastructure the island offers is a small restaurant.  

Wellworth Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park

Wellworth Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park is the largest of its kind in all of east and central Africa and offers hours of fun and adventure right at the shores of the Indian Ocean.

It is quite a drive to get from the city center to the park as it is located around 25 km north but once you made it here you will realize it was well worth it as there is a great choice of water slides and pools found here.

You can also combine a visit to the Wellworth Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park with some beach fun as it only takes a few minutes on foot to reach a long stretch of sand.

Azania Front Lutheran Church

Azania Front Lutheran Church is a beautiful Gothic church built at the end of the 19 th century. It was constructed by German missionaries and is known for its lovely red-roofed belfry. And these days, it’s a landmark of Christianity in Dar es Salaam.

The church is located right on the waterfront of the city’s center and features a fantastic handmade organ. Church services are held in English at 9 am each Sunday.

Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Mikumi National Park

The Mikumi National Park has a size of 3,230 km 2 and is one of the most impressive national parks in Tanzania. Large populations of zebras, giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes live here amongst other African animals .

Even though the park is around 150 km west of Dar es Salaam it is a great destination for (multi) day trips. There are many great tour packages on offer that combine safaris with accommodation.

If you always wanted to take part in a typical African safari the Mikumi National Park is just the place for you.

Tinga Tinga Cooperative Arts Center

Dar es Salaam is a hotspot for African art and offers many exciting art galleries. One of the most interesting and popular is the Tinga Tinga Cooperative Arts Center which showcases the Tinga Tinga painting style which was established in the 1960s.

But there are also other contemporary and modern African artworks presented here which makes the art center a very diverse place to discover.

Not only that, many of the contributing artists can be met here, and buying something directly from the artists is a lot more personal and rewarding than buying from market vendors.

Want more recommendations on things to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania? Leave a comment below! 

Dar es Salaam

• 1.1 Geography
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.2 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.2 By bike
• 3.4 By taxi
• 3.5 By autorickshaw (Bajaj)
• 3.6 By minibus (daladala)
• 3.7 By motorcycle taxi (bodaboda)
• 3.8 By commuter rail
• 4.1 Churches
• 5.1 Beaches
• 5.2 Islands
• 5.7 Culture
• 6.1 Banks & ATMs
• 6.2 Malls & supermarkets
• 6.4 Carvings and crafts
• 6.5 Tinga-tinga paintings
• 6.6 Fancy and imported goods
• 6.7 Electronics and appliances
• 6.9 Kariakoo
• 6.10 Ilala Market
• 6.11 Tanzanite
• 7.1 Tanzanian
• 7.2.1 City Center
• 7.2.2 Peninsula and around
• 7.3.1 City Centre
• 7.3.2 Peninsula
• 7.4.1 Peninsula and surrounding
• 7.5 Ethiopian
• 7.6 Middle-Eastern
• 7.7 Café and bistros
• 7.8 Food courts
• 7.9 Upscale
• 7.10 Budget
• 8.1 Peninsula & around
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe
• 11.1 Embassies and High Commissions

Dar es Salaam ( Haven of Peace in Arabic) was founded in 1862 by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar on the site of the village of Mzizima. Mzizima's history dates back to when the Barawa people started to settle and cultivate the area around Mbwa Maji, Magogoni, Mjimwema, Gezaulole, and Kibonde Maji Mbagara.

Dar es Salaam's origins have been influenced by a myriad of Sultans, the Germans, and the British. The city started as a fishing village in the mid-19th century, is now Tanzania's largest city, and has become one of East Africa ’s most important ports and trading centres.

With its great atmosphere, mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian influences, picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond the time between flights.

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania 's financial and political hub despite having lost its status as the capital to Dodoma in 1973.

Understand [ edit ]

Dar es Salaam is certainly not at the top of the list of places to see for most visitors to Tanzania. It's often a necessary stop on their way to Zanzibar, the northern safari circuit or home, but Dar has its charm. Walks around the city centre are a great way to get a feel for the culture and Kariakoo market can be an interesting place for the more adventurous. It can also be a good base for visiting some of the nearby sites such as Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudja Islands, as well as learn to scuba dive or go deep sea fishing. For those looking for something more humanitarian, most international organizations are based in Dar and may be a good starting point if you wish to volunteer.

Geography [ edit ]

Most visitors to Dar arrive via Julius K. Nyerere International Airport, about 10 km west of the city centre. Dar is flat and is bordered on the east by the Indian Ocean.

Climate [ edit ]

Between December and February, in the dry season, temperatures can rise to the mid-30s (°C); due to the high humidity, discomfort can be very high. You should seek shelter from the sun during the midday heat and use copious amounts of sunblock.

Best times to visit are: June-Sept, after the rainy season, with milder temperatures and lower relative humidity.

Get in [ edit ]

Visa [ edit ]

Citizens of many Commonwealth and African nations can enter Tanzania visa-free. The list of included countries can be found here . However, travellers from most countries, including United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India, can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of US$50 (US$100 for citizens of the United States). The fee must be paid in cash and in US dollars.

Other requirements may exist for business or other types of visas. Check with the nearest Tanzanian consular section.

By plane [ edit ]

Most large hotels offer a pick-up and drop-off service upon request. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost you from TSh 30,000 with higher prices at night. Bajaji vehicles charge about half the price of a normal cab. Walking out of the airport to the main road there’s a daladala stop, which can get you to town cheaply (<TSh 1000). Buses are easy to find and have their destination signposted, however some may take significant detours before arriving at their destination. Look for those marked POSTA , which is the main Post Office in the city centre next to the ferry terminal. There are also buses heading to Mwenge or Ubungo terminals if you plan to go somewhere else by bus directly. Hitchhiking is uncommon, dangerous, and most drivers will expect some form of payment from foreigners.

Getting to/from the airport often entails a traffic nightmare, particularly around evening rush hour (which can last beyond 20:00). There is one particular intersection between downtown and the airport that is impossible to avoid and is often backed up for over an hour. Leave yourself a lot more time than you think reasonable for the trip; if you arrive too early for your flight's check-in, there is a pleasant restaurant above the terminal that has okay food and good beer.

Dar es Salaam is served internationally from:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ( Amsterdam ), +255 22 213 9790, daily flights with a stop in Kilimanjaro.
• Swiss International Airlines ( Zürich ), +255 22 211 8870, 5 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) with a stopover in Nairobi , Kenya .

Middle East and Asia by:

• Turkish Airlines ( Istanbul IST), +90 212 444 0 849, daily flights.
• Emirates ( Dubai ), +255 22 211 6100, Daily flights.
• Oman Air ( Muscat ), direct flights 3 times a week (Friday, Sunday and Wednesday)and 4 times week via Zanzibar (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
• Qatar Airways ( Doha ), +255 22 284 2675, 1019, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Daily flights.
• Egypt Air ( Cairo ), +255 22 2136665, 4 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday). Offers lowest fares out of Europe, Americas & Asia to Dar es Salaam via Cairo. A Star Alliance Member.
• South African Airways ( Johannesburg ), +255 22 211 7044, Twice daily flights.
• Ethiopian Airlines ( Addis Ababa ), +255 22 211 7063, Daily flights (except on Monday) with a stop in Kilimanjaro .
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi), +255 22 211 9376 (Dar) & +255 24 223 8355 (Zanzibar), 3 daily flights with some stopping in Kilimanjaro.
• Air Malawi ( Blantyre & Lilongwe ), +255 22 212 7746 / 2043, 3 flights a week (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
• Mozambique Airlines – Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique ( Maputo ), ☏ +255 22 213 4600 , [email protected] . 3 flights a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)  
• Comores Aviation , 3 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Air Malawi ( Blantyre )

And domestically by:

These airlines provide almost daily service to Dar es Salaam to all major cities including Arusha , Mwanza , Mbeya , Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and most national parks.

• Air Tanzania , ☏ +255 22 211 8411 , [email protected] . Also flies internationally from Johannesburg daily.  
• Auric Air , ☏ +255 688 937166 , [email protected] . Flies from many places in Tanzania, including the major places Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Pemba and Zanzibar.  
• Fast Jet , Samora tower opp NCH Samora Avenue , ☏ +255 784108900 . 08:30-16:30 . The 1st low-cost airline in Tanzania: from Mwanza, Mbeya, and Arusha. From US$50 .  
• Precision Air , ☏ +255 22 212 1718 , [email protected] . From Nairobi, Comoros, Johannesburg and Entebbe.  
• Coastal Aviation , ☏ +255 22 211 7959 , [email protected] .  
• ZanAir , ☏ +255 24 223 3670 , [email protected] .  
• air viva , [email protected] . Flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro.  

Domestic flights are often late but generally reliable.

Buying tickets: You can buy flight tickets from travel agents, or from airline offices. When purchasing tickets for domestic flights with a credit card, travel agents will add-on a fee ranging anywhere from 3-6% of the ticket price. To avoid the fee, pay for your tickets in cash. There are no additional fees when purchasing tickets for international destinations.

By train [ edit ]

Dar es Salaam is the hub for all rail travel in Tanzania. In principle, there are two lines running into Dar. Tanzania Railways Corporation has services from Kigoma , Mpanda and Mwanza in the west, via the center of Tanzania, including the capital Dodoma . Another branch runs from Arusha , near Mount Kilimanjaro , via Moshi . However, there have been safety issues on these trains. Tourists should try to travel in groups, and/or buy out a first class cabin. It is recommended to keep doors and windows locked, especially when sleeping. It is possible to buy fresh fruit, eggs, and other items out of the windows all along the way.

The second major line is Tazara , between Dar and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia , about three hours north of the capital Lusaka . The trains are much nicer, although not much more on-time. On its way the train goes through part of the Selous Game Reserve and through Mbeya . Visas for Zambia are available on the train. This is a nice but slow way to travel, with the full length of the journey taking two days.

Those looking for a more grandiose way of arriving in Dar es Salaam, Rovos Rail offers a train journey from Cape Town at least 2-3 times a year. The two-week journey represents the height of luxury travel and includes stops at game reserves and golfing. Prices are as expected astronomical, starting at US$12,000.

A new country-wide higher-speed railway line is under construction which will drastically reduce travel times. The first phase between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro is expected to open in early 2022.

• -6.8249 39.2829 2 Central railway station . Newly constructed central railway station, all trains operated by Tanzania Railways depart from here. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• -6.8461 39.2451 3 Tazara railway station ( Western edge of city along Julius K. Nyerere Rd ). All trains on the TAZARA line depart from here. ( updated Oct 2022 )

By bus [ edit ]

Bus travel is generally reliable if you pick the right company. It can be somewhat scary as Tanzanians seem to value arriving quickly more than arriving safely ('Mungu akipenda, tutafika' – If God wants it, we shall arrive).

• -6.7919 39.2114 1 Ubungo Terminal ( just west of the city ). Dar es Salaam's central bus station. Most buses leave from here. A taxi ride from/to the city center will set you back about TSh 20,000, but it's often possible to take a daladala from/to Posta for TSh 400 per person or use rapid transit from "Posta" to "Ubungo Terminal" for Tsh 650 per person. The stand is just outside the bus stop on Morogoro Road and people are typically happy to point them out to you if you ask. Although there are many touts outside of Ubungo's ticket area, they are mostly harmless. If you are put off by them, ask the taxi to take you inside the station for a small extra fee. The ticket offices are just outside the station, though you can buy the tickets from the bus if you have entered already. This might be a better idea regardless, as you cannot tell the state of the bus from outside, nor how full the bus is (buses will only leave when completely full). ( updated Jun 2019 )
• Moshi or Arusha (8-11 hr, TSh 30,000). Take one of the better bus companies (e.g. Modern Coast express , Dar Express or Kilimanjaro Express ). Another company Royal Coach is perhaps an even better option. The buses are very nice, have A/C (when working), a bathroom, and travel at 80 km/h for safety. The Royal Coach ticket office is downtown near the Econolodge: buses leave from here early in the morning as well, although they then wait at the main bus stand for at least an hour.

Some of the cheaper lines run buses which are remarkably dilapidated, uncomfortable, will take a very long time to fill up, and will likely have to stop more often on the way, assuming they make it at all. Bus travel by night is not allowed, so most buses except for those to nearby cities will leave early in the morning.

Keep valuables and bags containing valuables with you at all times during bus travel. It is not uncommon for bags placed on an over-head shelf to be stolen from the bus during a stop, especially if the passenger has stepped off of the bus.

Sometimes the touts for the shadier bus companies claim to be working for or selling tickets for the more reputable bus companies. It is best to find the ticket office of a reputable bus company in the line of offices just outside of the bus stand. It is not necessary to book a ticket in advance, but it is a good idea to do so during high travel times (Easter, Christmas). Also make sure the correct date is written on the ticket.

Taxi prices from Ubungo are highest inside the stand, where there is a fairly strong cartel (similar to the airport). However there are always taxis outside the stand as well, with whom better prices can be negotiated. If you make a deal with a tout, and not directly with the driver (sitting in the car) the price will include a commission for the tout. Your negotiating position will be affected by things like the weather, time of day, traffic, how many other taxis there are, whether you can bargain in Kiswahili, whether you have lots of bags, etc. Starting to walk to the daladala stand can show you're serious about negotiating – actually going there and taking a dala will really save you money.

• -6.76499 39.22945 2 Mwenge Bus station . Here you can find buses/ daladalas heading along the coastroad towards Bagamoyo (1½-2hr, TSh 2,200). Taxi fares to the city center are essentially the same as for Ubungo . A taxi to Ubungo costs TSh 10,000, to the airport TSh 30,000, but there’s also frequent daladalas . The route to the airport will likely take you across both the Ubungo and the Buguruni crossing, both of which are notorious traffic jam areas and will delay your trip.  

By boat [ edit ]

• -6.81996 39.28813 3 Zanzibar ferry . Here the ferries to and from Zanzibar leave and arrive. Beware of scams when buying ferry tickets. See Zanzibar: Get in by boat for details. US$35 .  

By car [ edit ]

See Tanzania: Get in by car .

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]

Walking around central Dar is a nice way to see the city and probably the best way to get around. In general people will leave you alone except for the occasional greeting. There aren't many sidewalks in Dar so exercise caution when walking along busy roads.

By bike [ edit ]

Cycling around Dar is possible but can be difficult and scary. You should be comfortable with cycling in high-congestion areas where a cyclist is often low in the food chain. Tanzanians have little patience when driving and in their mind any vehicle smaller than theirs is responsible for getting out of the way. Cycling on the Msasani Peninsula is less bad than in more urban areas. Wear a helmet and hone your defensive cycling skills.

UWABA, the Dar cyclists' association, is uniting cyclists to lobby for better (or any) bike lanes, traffic safety, and to improve the image of cycling. Cycling is associated with poor people who can't afford motorised transport and middle-class Tanzanians complain that their reputation will suffer if they are seen on a bike.

Some local tour groups offer guide bicycling tours around the city. This is a good way to get further afield and interact with the locals. One company that offers bike tours in Dar is Afriroots – they have 'Dar Reality Tours' and Sunday tours that include a delicious lunch. Sign up for the Sunday tours on the previous Thursday. Their email is [email protected]

For a countryside cycle trip, the Pugu Hills Nature Centre [dead link] , 12 km from the international airport (0754 565 498), is a good opportunity, but you need to come with your own bike and make a booking if you plan to visit the place.

Car hires can be organized through most hotels. Tanzanians drive on the left. Like many developing countries, driving in Dar can be stressful, difficult and dangerous. In addition to potholes, drivers must contend with aggressive taxis and dalla-dallas (see below), poor driving skills by western standards, large potholes, uncovered manholes, few if any street lights at night, and thieves who remove any exterior part of your vehicle while you’re stopped at traffic lights. During the rainy season you must also navigate through water covered roads that may hide deep potholes and around Tanzanians who dart out into traffic in an effort to get out of the rain, often with little children in tow. In conclusion, driving in Dar should be left to those with driving experience in developing countries.

Choice of vehicle

• If you're only driving in Dar, you can opt for a sedan which will be cheaper on gas and easier to park. You'll still have to go slowly when you're taking secondary roads, many of which aren't sealed.

Driving in the city

• Dar's city centre is extremely congested M-F 09:00-18:00. There are few traffic lights and the streets are very narrow. It's dog-eat-dog, so offensive driving skills are a must as no one will let you pass if you just sit and wait at stops signs. Streets are crowded with parked and moving cars, SUVs, lorries, scooters, and very muscular men pulling insanely overload carts. People can spend hours stuck in traffic jams, especially around Kariakoo Market.
• There are a few roundabouts in the downtown, which the locals call "keeplefties" because they thought that the sign advising drivers to "Keep Left" when entering the roundabouts was the name of this fascinating Mzungu invention. Mzungu is the Swahili word for "white" foreigners. It is not derogatory; more along the lines of calling a white person "a Caucasian".
• When parking on the street in Dar, find a spot to park, then lock your doors and leave. When you return, a parking attendant wearing a yellow fluorescent vest will approach you for payment. The fee is Tsh 300 for one hour. The attendant should either hand you a ticket or it will already be on your windscreen. Do not leave without paying if there is a ticket on your windscreen, because the attendant will be forced to make up for the missing money, and probably only earns Tsh 3000 a day at best.

Carjackings are uncommon but opening doors or jumping through open windows to steal valuables is not. Keep your windows closed and doors locked. Reports have arisen of thieves aiming for golden and silver earrings at traffic lights, simply ripping them out. When stopped at traffic lights or parked in unattended locations, thieves have been known to steal mirrors, panelling, spare tyres and anything that is not either engraved with the license plate number of bolted to the vehicle's body. Choose your parking spots carefully and don't leave valuables in plain sight. You can either offer the parking attendant a small tip to watch your vehicle, TSh 500-1000, or find a secured parking lot, especially if your leaving the vehicle overnight. Hotels often provide such parking areas.

Dangers and annoyances

• Tanzanians drive very fast and won't hesitate to overtake in a blind curve or even when there are oncoming vehicles. Always be vigilant.
• The number of drunk drivers involved in serious vehicular accidents has dramatically increased. Although there are laws against driving under the influence, like many other laws they are poorly enforced, especially at night. Exercise caution when driving at night and around popular nightspots.
• Anytime a dignitary or senior government official is travelling in Dar, police will stop traffic in all directions to ensure the path from their departure point to destination is clear. This can result in extremely long waits and serious traffic congestion that can take hours to clear. Whether you are driving or taking a taxi, ensure that you have factored in these frequent road blocks which could easily add one hour to your travel time to the airport.
• If you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, drive to the nearest police station and advise them. Do not exit your vehicle and attempt to resolve the situation even if you are sure it was not your fault. Tanzanians are some of the nicest people you will meet in Africa, but they have been known to take matters, like most Africans, into their own hands. This is largely due to their mistrust of the police and the belief that anyone with money, e.g. rich foreigners, can buy their way out of a problem.

By taxi [ edit ]

Uber and Bolt operate in Dar es Salaam, including from the airport, and it is cheap and safer than other taxis. Just make sure the driver and license plate are the same as what you booked and you should be fine. As of 2022, Uber only operates bodabodas (motorcycles) and tuk-tuks. Bolt has cars as well.

Other than Uber, there are no formal taxi companies in Dar es Salaam nor are there any contact centres reachable the 24 hours of the day (or at any time). Taxi drivers are not associated to any public transport company (they run their own business) but they are regulated by the government. Look for white license plates and a taxi number painted on the side. Taxis also have official receipts. The cars have a recognizable paint job and always stay parked at specific points across the city (in great numbers), some few of them even during the night, but can only be reached via personal mobile phones. Taxi fares are not fixed.

During the night, taxis are still available, but they remain at their usual corners around the city but can only be reached via their personal mobile phones. Since most streets outside the city centre (and even within) lack totally of any type of light source it is totally recommended against to walk to those corners where the taxis stay during the night, then it implies an unreliable service as only if the taxi driver that is usually contacted by the tourist is around can he get a service during the night, therefore risking getting stuck at either, the rented apartment or even worse at any other location around the city (specially if it's not a popular night destination).

A price must be negotiated before your begin travelling, or the price will be considerably higher once you reach your destination. It is not customary to tip your driver. While there are many friendly and honest drivers, some will try their luck and quote an outrageous price to anyone who looks wealthy. Even if you can't see another taxi around, don't agree to it. Another taxi is sure to be just around the corner. It is quite practical to begin walking in the direction you want to go. You'll either find one on the side of the road or one will drive past. Cars owned by drivers are often maintained at a high level; taking a smooth air-conditioned trip around Dar is entirely possible if you know the right driver!

If you plan on hiring a taxi for a long journey, inspect the quality of the tires, which are often extremely worn.

Don't hesitate to tell the driver to slow down. "Pole Pole" in Swahili.

To/from the airport to/from the city centre  – the price is around TSh 30,000. This can sometimes be negotiated down, especially if you pay in US dollars.

To/from city centre to/from Msasani Peninsula  – should run about TSh 7,000, more commonly TSh 10,000.

For a small premium, you can reserve a taxi for the whole day. This can convenient if your visiting a number of places and doing some shopping. You should be able to get it for TSh 60,000.

By autorickshaw (Bajaj) [ edit ]

Small, three-wheeled Indian vehicles, these are popular as they cost approximately half the equivalent taxi fare and are able to travel alongside the roads when blocked by the inevitable traffic jams. They have a reputation for being rather dangerous, and some drivers appear to be too young for a driving licence. Up to three people can fit in the seat behind the driver.

By minibus (daladala) [ edit ]

The most common form of public transportation in Dar are minibuses called "daladalas". These minibuses follow specific routes with the start and ending point clearly marked on the front of the vehicle. At the main stations (Ubungo, Posta, Mwenge) daladalas from each route do stop to collect passengers at the same stop at the station. It's fine to ask someone were to find the daladala you're looking for, the newspaper and phonecard sellers are often quite helpful.

Outside of Dar, and on routes going from the city to smaller places outside of it, daladalas are often old, crowded minivans.

Although nowadays most major streets have designated bus stops, you can often jump on and off anywhere along the route by simply yelling “out”: “ Shusha! ” (pronounced SHOO-sha).

Their popularity is due to their ready availability and low cost, (around TSh 400 per ride. This varies by route, longer rides such as Posta to Mombasa are TSh 600. The fare is indicated on the outside of the daladala, normally painted onto the door). However, drivers will pile in as many people as possible, there is no air-conditioning, some drive like maniacs, and the overall condition of the vehicles is poor, with many frequently breaking down along the way. But travellers should not hesitate to use them for getting around. Watch out for pickpockets as you get into and leave crowded vehicles. Except for early in the day, Daladalas often have change (more than most restaurants/dukas (stores)), so its actually often pretty good place to split a TSh 10,000 banknote.

It helps if you know a little Kiswahili and are at least a little familiar with the city when using daladalas. If you’re trying to get to the city centre, hop onto any daladala marked Posta . They all go to the central post office on Maktaba/Azikiwe St. Since they tend to be very crowded, you should guard your belongings. This is especially true when you are at large bus stations such as Mwenge.

Boarding daladalas in city centre stations (Posta, Kariakoo) is a competitive undertaking during the evening rush. People will climb the bus windows to get in earlier and get a seat. It's wise to avoid leaving the city centre during the peak of the rush hour, 16:30 to 18:30 entirely.

Often, if there are many people waiting for a certain daladala (like the popular Ubungo to Posta route) and there is a scramble to get on, if you just wait for the next one you'll have no problem getting on, and might even get a seat! The same thing will happen on your destination (Ubungo, Posta, Mwenge, ...) and sometimes people will start entering the bus already a couple of stops ahead of your destination to get a seat for the trip back. If you notice so, get off and walk the rest to avoid not being able to get off the bus.

Pickpockets are at work at outlying daladala terminals after the sun sets. Have awareness of your pockets, especially when boarding a bus. Turn that awareness meter up if you are boarding from Mwenge or Ubungo.

The best part of using the daladala system is that locals will often strike up friendly conversations and are always willing to help you with your Kiswahili. Travel by daladala can be quite enjoyable so long as you are on the correct route.

By motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) [ edit ]

Though not as common as Bajajs, there are many motorcycle taxis, called "bodaboda" ("pikipiki" can also be heard, this just means motorcycle). They are even cheaper than Bajajs, and because of their size they can get you to your destination much quicker during rush hour (which is pretty much all day long in Dar) by zigzagging between cars. You sit behind the driver; it is however not common to hold your hands around the driver, instead you hold on to the luggage rack behind you.

Even though the bodabodas are cheap and efficient, they are also very dangerous. Due to their small size other drivers seldom pay much heed to them, and their habit of zigzagging between vehicles can lead to dangerous situations. Also, though they usually have helmets for themselves, it is very rare for bodabodas to keep spare helmets for the passengers. If you request it they may give you their own helmet, but will never offer to do so voluntarily.

By commuter rail [ edit ]

Two commuter rail lines run through the city. One line runs 25 km between the Mwakanga and Tazara railway stations. The second runs 20 km between Ubungo-Maziwa and City railway stations. Both lines operate 05:00-11:00 and 15:00-18:00, with no service during the middle of the day.

Tickets are not sold on the train, but can easily be purchased at the station or through 2000 ticket vending machines city-wide. Ticket prices (Nov 2012) are TSh 400 for adults and TSh 100 for adults, valid for any single trip (regardless of distance) but no transfers.

See [ edit ]

• -6.77584 39.24569 2 Makumbusho Village Museum , ☏ +255 222700437 . 09:00-18:00 daily . All of the houses within the village were constructed in accordance with the types of houses built by various ethnic groups throughout Tanzania. Ngoma dance shows are held from 14:00-18:00 on certain days.  
• -6.8182 39.2896 5 Karimjee Hall . Former parliamentary building. Still in use for seminars.  

Churches [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Massage Try High Care Massage at the Slipway for a very professionally organized place. There are signs for lots of other massage and spa centres around town. Two places favoured by ladies in landcruisers are Lemon on Haile Selassie Road (next to George & Dragon pub) or the Spot on Chole Road (opposite the taxi stand).

Beaches [ edit ]

• Ocean Road Public Park just east of the National Museum and House of Culture is not too enthralling with the way the main sewer line for the city empties into the ocean right there with the smells to go with it.
• Bahari Beach hotel is about 20 km to the north of Dar es Salaam along New Bagamoyo Road. The hotel charges a small fee for non-guests.

• Kigamboni also known as "South Beach", is across the channel from the Zanzibar ferry. You can get to the other side by ferry, not the same as for Zanzibar. Avoid taking pictures on the ferry or at the terminals, even of the skyline. The ferry is on a strict "no photo" rule, and passengers, even tourists have been forced by security forces to delete completey innocent panorama pictures. The ferry station is north of the Zanzibar ferry past the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel near the main fish market. You walk onto the ferry which costs TSh 100. The crossing takes about 5 minutes. Once across, you can hire a taxi to take you to the beaches, most of which are accessed through the various hotels along the coast. Public beaches have all been sold to developers. Hotels, such as the Sunrise, will charge a TSh 5,000 entry fee. TSh 3,000 of which is returned to you in the form of food vouchers. Most hotels are about 5 km from the ferry and you should be able to get there for TSh 10,000-15,000 depending on your negotiating skills. There are also daladalas which ply the road to the beaches.

Islands [ edit ]

• Graham , London . Mikadi Beach Lodge is 1 km from the Kigamboni Ferry and an excellent place to stay or enjoy the beach. Entrance is TSh 3000 but an overnight is recommended  

• Mbudya Island is a smaller island just north of Bongoyo. To visit, take a taxi or bajaji to the White Sands Hotel, near Kunduchi. Two-way tickets can be purchased for TSh 10,000 per person, with a minimum of 4 people per boat, and there is an additional TSh 10,000 park fee when you get to the island. The popular side of the island has beaches, bandas, a small bar, and a food pavilion (though the menu is very limited). Beers go for about TSh 3,000. There is also a somewhat nicer, though more expensive, bar on the northern end of the beach. The rest of the island is mostly rough cliff face, which can make for some interesting hiking, though this is not advised if you don't have good shoes and dependable balance (the rocks are very sharp and scrambling is sometimes required). The last boats back to White Sands leave between 16:30 and 17:00, though you can stay a bit longer if you are willing to take a smaller, overcrowded boat back to the Sea Breeze hotel, which is south of White Sands.

Tours [ edit ]

• Investours [dead link] runs microfinance poverty tours, and you get to meet and talk to local entrepreneurs, see the Mwenge woodcarvers market in a behind-the-scenes experience, and even have a local Tanzanian lunch with some of the craftsmen. Your fee is then used as an interest-free microfinance loan given to the entrepreneur of your choice—out of the ones you met during the day.

Hiking [ edit ]

Hiking is possible in the Pugu Hills, some 12 km west of the airport. Villagers can assist as guide for a hike around the Pugu Hills or to the major cattle market of Dar es Salaam. Arrangements are through the Pugu Hills Nature Centre [dead link] . For directions to Pugu Hills see web site.

Movies [ edit ]

There are modern cinema halls like New World Cinema on Bagomoyo Rd. which hosts the annual European and Asian film festivals ( ☏ +255 22 277 1409 ) and others listed below. You can buy DVDs on every corner but beware, many are defective Chinese counterfeits, poorly produced, and/or lack English translation.

• -6.7718 39.2203 1 Century Cinemax , Sam Nujoma Rd ( inside Mlimani City Shopping Mall ), ☏ +255-715-246-362 , [email protected] . M-F 12:00-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-21:00 . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• -6.8409 39.2567 2 Suncrest Cineplex , Julius K. Nyerere Rd. ( inside Quality Centre Mall ), ☏ +255-684-221-753 . Daily 11:15-23:15 . The largest cinema in Dar es Salaam, featuring full backrest reclining seating with footrests and snap-on trays for armrests ( updated Aug 2019 )

Sports [ edit ]

• The Yacht Club on the Peninsula is a gorgeous place but requires membership fees. You can enter as someone's guest and swim (in safety) or boat. It, and other places around town, offer scuba-diving lessons. Gymkhana, on Gymkhana Road in town, has tennis courts and a nice golf course. Coco Beach is a public beach on the Peninsula which is very busy on weekends. Go any afternoon to see people relaxing, and eat local food. But don't walk on beach as muggings are too frequent. A few people surf here when waves swell a bit around the full moon. You can sometimes surf or kite surf at the beaches south of Dar, e.g. at Kasa Beach Hideaway (fantastic wide beach and surf-able waves in June). There's yoga three times a week (Mondays Golden Tulip Hotel, Thursday and Saturday at Dar Fitness Centre) and capoeira at 18:00 at the Little Theatre (beginners on Mondays, intermediate Wednesdays), and tae kwon do also at the Little Theatre, Wednesdays at 18:00. Kickboxing is also available.

Culture [ edit ]

Read weekly 'What's Happening in Dar' and 'Advertising Dar' to get all the news of what's going on, including weekend get-away specials. There are always events like dance and music performances, artist openings at painting and photography galleries, movie festivals etc. l'Alliance Française , Goethe Institute , Iranian and Russian cultural centres offer special events along with some occasionally sponsored by embassies.

Buy [ edit ]

Banks & ATMs [ edit ]

All Stanbic Bank, FNB Bank, and DTB Bank offer Mastercard/Visa ATM service. In addition, the Tanzanian banks CRDB, EXIM, NBC Bank also offer Mastercard Visa card service with their ATMs. These banks also offer Mastercard/Visa ATMs:

• I&M Bank Mosque Street
• EcoBank Sokoine Drive
• Equity Bank Ohio Street
• KCB Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road

Malls & supermarkets [ edit ]

• Mlimani City Shopping mall . The largest shopping mall in Dar es Salaam.
• City Mall , corner of Bibi Titi & Morgoro roads , ☏ +255-768-088066 . 09:00-23:00 . Has a large supermarket and a bank and lots of shops not far from downtown. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Aura Mall , Morogoro Road , ☏ +255-22-2774253 . 07:00-23:00 . Has a supermarket. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Kangas [ edit ]

For kangas (or khangas), colourful, sarong-like pieces of cloth with Swahili sayings along the bottom, try Kariakoo market or the cloth market on the streets around it. Check around south end of Jamhuri St., where there are many textile shops. Here you can also buy kitenge, twice the length of kangas and usually cut in half to form a complete outfit, for around TSh 4000 each. Try asking in here if you want something like a dress made to measure. Kariakoo is also a good place for fresh food. Watch out for pickpockets.

The wholesale textile markets are on Uhuru St. in the Mnazi Mmoja district near Kariakoo, although the number of people and the attention can be overwhelming for some visitors. It helps to speak Swahili, and if you can, go during the week rather than on Saturdays. It's a much more enjoyable experience on a weekday, since there are fewer people around you can chat with the sellers and there is less high-pressure haggling. The Uhuru Street sellers are wholesalers, so unless you feel you're being quoted a very inflated price, it is difficult to bargain.

Carvings and crafts [ edit ]

Carvings and other touristy souvenirs can be found all over Dar. Remember that haggling is expected.

There is a fantastic craft market in Mwenge, the Mwenge Carvers' Market. Here you can watch many of the artists make the crafts that are sold throughout the country (although some crafts sold in Tanzania are imported from Kenya). Prices range from expensive to extremely cheap. There are many stalls selling similar things, and if you are savvy, you might be able to pit the vendors against each other. The perk of the Mwenge market is the sheer volume of crafts to choose from. If you like the style of something at a specific store (they tend to carry items made by one or two artists), and you have some time, you can meet the artist and have them custom make something for you. The market closes at dusk. Shopping around this time gets you the best deals.

There is a smaller market at Slipway, which is a good place to get Tinga Tinga paintings and large batiks as well.

Tinga-tinga paintings [ edit ]

Local paintings are often executed in a style unique to Tanzania, "tinga-tinga", named after the artist who founded the style, Edward Said Tinga Tinga. Some good places to find them are at the Slipway market, and in the alley off of Haile Selassie Road on the Peninsula. The alley is to the left of Shrijee's Supermarket – look for the art sellers on Haile Selassie Road, and the alley is on the opposite side of the road. There are also tailors, sandal-makers, and charity/craft/wholefood shops on this alley (not to mention the booze shop). The Tinga Tinga artists' collective itself is at the end of the alley, through a doorway, so don't get too distracted by the smaller art shops outside.

Fancy and imported goods [ edit ]

The Mlimani City shopping complex has a supermarket and a Game department store, open for business seven days a week. Although it is a fair distance from the city centre, it can be reached by taking a Dalla Dalla or taxi to the Mwenge bus terminal, and walking approximately 19 minutes further past the craft market (see below).

If you run out of things to read, there are some surprisingly well-stocked branches of the English language bookshop called A Novel Idea . See the Books section a little further down for a list of stores.

Electronics and appliances [ edit ]

There is a good selection of electronics and appliance vendors on Samora Avenue.

Books [ edit ]

There are book stores near the Askari monument at Samora Ave & the Posta Road, selling mostly academic texts and school books.

• A Novel Idea , Slipway, Oysterbay Shopping Centre, Shoppers Plaza, Steers fast food complex on Ohio Road , ☏ +255 22 601088 . A local chain that sells a wide selection of imported English language books: novels, children's books, reference, non-fiction. A pleasant place to spend a few hours.  
• Mlimani City has a bookstore as well.

Kariakoo [ edit ]

If you're looking for an authentic shopping experience, a visit to Kariakoo market, especially on Saturday morning, could be just the thing. Kariakoo is the cheapest market in Tanzania. If you want to buy cheap souvenirs, this is the place for you. If you're a Muzungu (i.e. white person) shop owners will try to charge you much more that is worth. But that will be cheaper than what you get in the city or everywhere else in Tanzania. General rules: African necklaces should not be bought for more than TSh 2000 (the correct price is TSh 1000 but you won't get that price easily), small drums should be bought for as much as TSh 4-5000 and soft stone products (hearts, plates, small animals, jewellery boxes) should not be purchased for more than TSh 10,000. In Kariakoo you can also find cool yet useful presents, like kerosene lamps or pans (as in pan and brush) made from used metal – look for ones with commercial logos printed all over - or a funnel made from a hair spray container. There are also nice baskets, stools, bowls etc. Warning: This is not for everyone. The market is very crowded and for some the smells and noises can be overwhelming. If you're keen but hesitating, it might be best to find a Tanzanian friend or person familiar with the market to help you navigate. Do not bring any valuables and only bring a small amount of money that you wish to spend, as pickpockets work the area and in the commotion your watch, wallet, or phone can be swiftly stolen, or your nice leather handbag slashed with a razor. Even seasoned Kariakoo shoppers occasionally fall prey to these sophisticated teams of thieves.

Haggling : Haggling is expected when purchasing almost anything in Dar. Although it is true that most merchants quote much higher prices to tourists than locals, sometimes three times the price, negotiations should still be undertaken with respect and good humour. Don't expect to pay the same as a local and don't be insulted when you aren't. The reality is that you probably have more money in your pocket than many Tanzanians see in a year. This also applies if you're a backpacker. Remember the extra dollar or two you paid for that carving will most likely be used to buy food for the family. None of these merchants are rich. If you think it's too expensive leave and look elsewhere, but don’t call them thieves.

Ilala Market [ edit ]

Mitumba is the Swahili word for second-hand stuff, the hand-me-downs of the developed world, and Ilala Market has some of the best and cheapest mitumba you can find in Tanzania. Sweaters, jeans, shoes, bags, etc. With an extra emphasis on that etc . Also you can find handcrafted jewelry (bracelets, anklets, earrings, and such) at good prices, making it a good place to buy simple gifts en masse. There's plenty of street food. Its stalls and kiosks are in tight, narrow quarters and it feels a bit claustrophobic, so it's not ideal for all travelers.

Tanzanite [ edit ]

When it comes to expensive souvenirs, Tanzania has cornered the market with a gemstone that can only be found (mined) in Tanzania, hence the name Tanzanite. Shops selling this exquisite blue stone are found in all major cities and towns, especially those popular with tourists like Zanzibar, Arusha and Dar. Your biggest problem will be knowing that what you're getting is the real thing and worth the money you're shelling out for it.

The rule of thumb is the darker the gem the more expensive it is. Light colored Tanzanite is genuine just not as sought after as the darker stones. But like all things there is much more to a stone's value than just its colour so do your homework if you plan on spending a lot on one of them.

Grading is on an alphabetical scale with AAA being the best and B being the lightest and cheapest. Expect to pay as much as US$450 per carat for AAA. If, like most visitors, you're new to this gem, buying from a reputable shop, such as Lothys at the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski or Tanzanite Dream might be more expensive but you're assured of what you're getting. Nonetheless, there are several other good shops around Dar where you can get nice pieces or simply buy the gems and have them set back home. Like all things, negotiating is key.

Some reputable shops to buy best Tanzanite are Gem Point, Royal Jewellers, Queens Jewellers at Indira Gandhi street, in the center of town.

If you are a serious Tanzanite buyer looking for quality and selection then you should definitely check out the Tanzanite Dream just outside the city centre on the Mataka road behind the fire station.

Eat [ edit ]

Due in part to the growth of the expatriate community and the increasing importance of tourism, the number of international restaurants has risen very rapidly. The city now offers a rich and internationalized diversity of cuisine, ranging from traditional Tanzanian Barbecue style options such as Nyama Choma (Roasted meat – served with rice or ugali) and Mishkaki (Shish kebab – usually barbecued and served with salt, hot peppers, chapati, fries, and rice on the side), and the long-established traditional Indian and Zanzibari cuisine, to options from all corners of the globe including Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Italian, and Japanese food. Restaurants like City Garden, Addis in Dar, and Best Bite are only a few of the most popular restaurants in Dar es Salaam. Even fast food restaurants like Steers and Subway now have prominent places in the restaurant sector of Dar es Salaam. People who prefer neither fast food or traditional restaurants buy their food from street vendors, who usually sell good food for very affordable prices. Samosas are common street food items within the city. Primary and secondary school students are usually more likely to buy food from street vendors than other age demographics.

Tanzanian [ edit ]

Traditional Tanzanian food can be had on almost any street. From grilled meats (mishikaki) to BBQ corn on the cob, and chips and eggs (chips mayai). If you're looking for something a little more sanitary, there are a number of small hotels and restaurants that serve a buffet style meal at lunch time which offers a variety of Tanzanian stews, deep fried fish and chicken, and vegetables. Some good choices:

• Summy's ( aka "Street Chicken" ), Jamhuri Street NE of Morogoro Road. . Grilled marinated chicken, mishkaki, Indian food. ($) .  
• Chef's Pride , Chagga St. . A very popular local eatery with Tanzanian food, plus pizza and Indian. ($$) .  
• Durban Hotel . Two streets past Royal Chef on the right. Excellent selection of Tanzanian, Chinese, and Indian dishes at reasonable prices. Excellent fish fresh daily. At night, however, single men may expect to be approached by prostitutes. ($) .  
• Local "hotelis" or restaurants can be found on just about every major street. Most serve ugali, rice or chapati with beans, meat or fish stews, and mishitaki (grilled kebabs).

For something even more upscale, try the Sunday brunch at the Kilimanjaro Hotel . The restaurant on the ground floor offers a wide variety of Western dishes but also includes several local favourites taken up a notch. It's not cheap, about TSh 30,000 per person, but if you're interested in trying Tanzanian cuisine without risking gastrointestinal complications, it's your best bet. The buffet contains all you can eat smoked salmon of the highest quality, among other delicacies.

Indian [ edit ]

City Center [ edit ]

• Bimbis @ The Badminton Institute (Maratha Club) ($) multi-cuisine budget restaurant, near Elia complex, Zanaki Street, Kisutu, The restaurant is in central Dar, most nights it's busy with both ex-pats and Indians.
• Upanga Club ($) on Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road near Alliance Française (Upanga), is similar in style and cuisine to the Badminton Institute, and you also have to pay TSh 1,000 entrance as a non-member.
• A Tea Shop ($) just off of Libya Street, has great kebabs other Indian snacks. Plus delicious chai. K Tea Shop is also good.
• Alcove on Samora avenue is the place for you if you like Indian and Chinese food and especially if you're vegetarian.
• Red Onion ($$) across Maktaba Street from the YMCA, in the Haidery Plaza building. Has a wide selection of Indian dishes and a nice rooftop dining area. Very cold beers.

Peninsula and around [ edit ]

• Anghiti ($$$) (near the US Embassy) on New Bagamoyo road just after the Kawawa intersection is excellent.
• Khana Khazana , New Bagamoyo Rd , ☏ +255 22 2771313 . Offers excellent choice of Indian food.  

Chinese, Japanese & Southeast Asian [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ].

• Hong Kong Tai Yong Sun Restaurant , ☏ +255 22 2136622 . Serves delicious and authentic Cantonese Chinese dishes. Experts of fresh seafood dishes in town, nice comfortable settings with fast and friendly service.  
• The New Africa Hotel has a popular Thai restaurant on the roof. Some nights it serves all-you-can-eat buffet.
• Oriental ($$$$) at The Kilimanjaro Hotel serves a variety of Japanese, Thai, Mongolian and Malaysian dishes. Still a good restaurant in town.

Peninsula [ edit ]

• Osaka ($$$$) off of Toure, serves Korean and Japanese, including very good sushi, look for the sign on the left when heading towards Sea Cliff.
• Goong ($$$) serves authentic Korean food. On the first dirt road on the left going in to Slipway.
• Thai Kani Restaurant Ltd , Slipway. Large, outdoors, shaded with extensive menu. +255 715 486 014

Italian [ edit ]

Peninsula and surrounding [ edit ].

• Saverio's ($$) has Italian-style pizza, pasta dishes and good calamari and gamberi (calamari and shrimps) fried dish.
• Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant ($$$) You can find here a wide choice of Italian/Mediterranean dishes, homemade pasta and delicious seafood dishes, plus a view of the Indian Ocean. Around 30' by car from Dar es Salaam.
• Zuane ($$$) Italian. Nice atmosphere, indoor (a/c) and outdoor (covered porch) seating in converted house with large garden. Good for family dinners or big groups. Excellent red snapper filet!

Zuane, actually, is the best Italian restaurant in Dar es Salaam. They serve pizzas as good as you can have in Italy, thanks to Cristian's (the Chef) ability, wood oven, choice of first quality food, and last, but not least, the best fresh mozzarella in Dar made in Tanzania! Pasta, meat dishes, and cakes are also delicious.

Ethiopian [ edit ]

• Addis in Dar , Ursino Street, in the Regency Estates neighborhood , ☏ +255 713 266-299 , +255 756 888-488 . A superb little-known and out of the way restaurant is. This Ethiopian restaurant offers excellent food costing about Tsh 13,000 per dish. They serve chicken, beef, lamb and vegetarian dishes (mostly stews, but some come without sauce) on a bed of injera, a moist and springy Ethiopian flatbread. The decor is fantastic and the atmosphere is excellent as well, with a rooftop dining area. Try the Ethiopian honey wine before your meal and the beautifully-presented coffee after. Often fills up so book ahead particularly if you are in a group. ($$$) .  
• Rohobot Ethiopian Restaurant , Ali Bin Said, a side road off of Bagomoyo Road ( Very close to Twiga Pub. You can see the sign for it on Bagomoyo Road, between Namanga/Kimweri and Haile Selassie ), ☏ +255 713 764-908 , +255 784 235-126 . This is a new restaurant. Owned by an Ethiopia/Tanzanian couple. Really good food and simple but pleasant Ethiopian decor, in a kind of garden yard. We finished up with real Ethiopian spiced tea. They also sell Ethiopian clothes and played fantastic Ethiopian music on a good sound system. Teruwork used to cook at Addis in Dar. ($$) .  

Middle-Eastern [ edit ]

• Al-Basha . The best middle-eastern food in Dar. They have two locations. City center on the corner of Morogoro and India Street and at the Mayfair Plaza in Mikocheni near the US Embassy. ($$) .  

Café and bistros [ edit ]

Food courts [ edit ].

SeaCliff Village and Slipway (peninsula), and Harbor View Suites Mall have multiple fast-food type restaurants in one place, and shopping. Limited menus of pizza, burgers, Indian, sandwiches, ice cream, etc.

Upscale [ edit ]

For upscale meals, visit the Dar es Salaam Serena (formerly Mövenpick, and the Royal Palm Hotel), the Holiday Inn , Kilimanjaro Hyatt Regency Hotel in the city centre.

All of these hotels offer excellent fixed-price breakfast buffets, which often include sparkling wine, and can be a good value if you are hungry or want to escape for a while.

• Spurs SeaCliff Village. ($$$) Good burgers, steaks, Mexican food, salad bar (nothing particularly amazing, but quite possibly the only salad bar in Dar), milk shakes, ice cream desserts. Lots of wealthier families bring their (often noisy) children here, as there is a play area.
• Karembezi Cafe Seacliff Village. ($$$) Good salads and soups as well as steaks, excellent fish platter which is for two people but can be shared by 3 if ordering other stuff as well. You have the Indian Ocean views and it can be very pleasant and sometimes windy. Service is good but can be slow over the weekend.
• The Blues Bar & Restaurant ( along Sam Nujoma Road at Mawasiliano Towers, Ground Floor ), ☏ +255 22 212022 , +255 787 254 754 . International cuisine and variety of cocktails $$$ .  

Budget [ edit ]

• Chef's Pride near the budget hotels in the Indian quarter. It caters mostly to tourists, but is very reasonably priced and has a good local menu.
• Subway near the YWCA is air-conditioned, and a nice treat if you're hankering for some food of a western nature. Try the BMT.
• YWCA near the Cathedral, has a delicious and cheap canteen where you can order a traditional Tanzanian meal for under TSh 2,000.
• YMCA the other side of the cathedral from the YWCA. Along the same lines as the YWCA but has a wider range, it does food in the evenings (the YWCA does not), and it serves alcohol in a pleasant garden (it's the only budget place in the city centre that does).

But the best place to eat, both in terms of price and atmosphere, is on the street. Places to try include the corner of Morogoro road and Jamhuri street, or the large open space in front of the Dar Express bus company ticket office. Chipsi mayai (chips in an omelet) should be TSh 1000-1200.

At Slipways, the Waterfront Bar and Grill is decent and is open long hours, but the best dining experience is on The Terrace , which generally opens around 19:00 on weeknights and 18:00 on weekends. The coffee shop next to The Terrace served pretty good food (and excellent coffee) as well.

Drink [ edit ]

You should only drink bottled water. A 1.5-litre bottle will cost you TSh 1,000 in a store or on the street, depending on the brand (and TSh 2000 or more at restaurants), but you can also drink tap water if you've purified it with iodine tablets or boiled it (at least 3–5 minutes at a rolling boil). "Seepage" from the sewer pipes into the water pipes is quite common.

Kilimanjaro , Serengeti , and Safari (the latter being a stronger beer, 5.5% alcohol) are local beers and popular with Tanzanians and foreigners. These are typically TSh 2300-3000 apiece for 500-ml bottles in local spots, but can cost TSh 4000 or more at some bars and restaurants.

Imported beer available in Dar include Tusker , Ndovu , Stella Artois , Castle Lager , and Heineken . The African imports (Tusker, Ndovu and Castle Lager) are not that much more expensive than local beers, but the European beers can be three to four times the price of domestics.

Konyagi is a popular, local gin, and its variant Konyagi Ice is comparable to hard lemonade and other sweet drinks.

Krest , bottled locally by Coca Cola, offer Club Soda, Tonic Water and Bitter Lemon drinks. Stoney Tangawizi (ginger ale but stronger in taste) is one of the more popular soda drinks. Sodas come in glass bottles and you'll usually be asked to return the bottle or pay extra to take it, but they don't usually like that.

All of the large hotels have full bars with air conditioning. Many offer 2-for-1 happy hour specials in the late afternoon/early evening.

There are quite a number of night clubs in Dar es Salaam downtown or on the peninsula.

If you like to have a chillout evening, the Mediterraneo Lounge has a large collection of chill-out music. At the Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant Lounge you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Indian Ocean while sipping your favourite drink, and listening to the best lounge & chill-out music in Dar es Salaam. More in town and therefore somewhat less romantic but still beautiful, on the Peninsula, check out very attractive but expensive Coral Beach restaurant, right on the ocean, from where you can watch the sun set.

Peninsula & around [ edit ]

• Q Bar , ☏ +255 22 211 2667 , +255 754 282 474 . Haille Selassie Road, Oysterbay area. A large bar and restaurant which can get crowded and noisy when major football games are shown on giant screens or on Friday night when there is live music. Daily drink specials. Notorious as a prostitute hangout in the evenings. Large crowd of locals and foreigners (usually men).  

Sleep [ edit ]

The cost of accommodation can vary from TSh 10,000 a night for very basic rooms to hundreds of dollars for the Holiday Inn Hotel . The YWCA and the YMCA are the main place to stay and meet fellow backpackers. They fill up quickly.

City Centre:

• -6.81747 39.281906 1 Econo Lodge , Libya Street , ☏ +255 22-211 6048 , [email protected] . Close to the Safari Inn, has very simple but clean single rooms with private bathroom for TSh 20,000 per night.  
• -6.81844 39.28278 2 Holiday Hotel , Jamhuri Street . An old colonial-era building that has been managed by the same Indian family for three generations. Lot of character but a bit run down and the mattresses are sweaty. Singles with shared bath for around TSh 15,000, en suite doubles for TSh 25,000. . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• -6.81818 39.28123 3 Safari Inn , ☏ +255 22-2138101 . Around Libya Street, has singles with private bathroom from TSh 35,000 per night with simple breakfast. The hotel has an Internet café, and there are restaurants nearby.  
• -6.812835 39.287278 4 YMCA , Kivukoni , ☏ +255 22-213 5457 . Single and double simple rooms. Rooms are cheaper if you are a resident of Tanzania, with a passport stamp to prove it. TSh 20,000-25,000 .  
• -6.814056 39.287587 5 YWCA , Ghana St. , ☏ +255 22 212 2439 . Simple and clean hostel style hotel that is in a very noisy neighbourhood. YWCA offers single rooms with fans and shared bathrooms. All bookings get free breakfast, but the it's not that tasty! A good place for backpackers to stay in the city center. TSh 20,000 .  
• -6.75243 39.24143 6 CEFA Hostel , in Mikocheni B, on Old Bagamoyo Road . If you don't want to spend too much and get a clean room together with a good service, this hostel could serve you well. This hostel offers accommodation, including breakfast. The hostel is run by CEFA, an Italian NGO that helps finance its rural development projects in the inner part of the country with the proceeds. Very kind staff, Wi-Fi connection available free for guests, a wonderful terrace with view on the sea and the possibility to eat excellent Italian food for less than Tsh 9300. The place usually packs up quite quickly so it's better to book with some advance. Tsh 58125 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Passionist Fathers House , [email protected] . In Mikocheni B near the CEFA hostel, [+255 22] 27 80 144, TSh 35,000 for a single, TSh 50,000 for a double inclusive breakfast. Rooms have mosquito nets, showers, air conditioning, wireless internet connection and very friendly staff. They also have a safe car park. Mikocheni B is to the north of Dar es Salaam.  
• Q-Bar and Guest House , ☏ +255 22 211 2667 , +255 754 282 474 , [email protected] . Haille Selassie Road, Oysterbay area. A little further out of town in the Oysterbay area. Q Bar and Guest House has very clean rooms starting at US$15, for a backpacker room. Downstairs a large bar and restaurant which can get crowded and noisy when major football games are shown on giant screens or on Friday night when there is live music.  
• Transit Motel Ukonga , ☏ +255 22 2843300 . Close to the Dar Es Salaam International Airport. Handy for guests with early departure flights. Small but clean houses with private showers, split ACs in each room. Rate from US$30 per room per night, B&B.  
• Transit Motel Airport , ☏ +255 22 2842177 . Also close to the Dar Es Salaam International Airport. Handy for guests with early departure flights. Clean houses with private showers, split ACs in each room. Rate from US$30 per room per night, B&B.  
• New Topland Hotel , Morogoro Road Magomeni Mapipa Konondoni Dar . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Double room with own bathroom. From TSh 30,000 . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Moshi Hotel , Morogoro Road Manzese bridge Kinondoni Dar . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Room with own bathroom. From TSh 35,000 . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Fairasa Inn , Muheza Street Kariakoo Dar . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Double room with own bathroom. From TSh 20,000 . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Nicos Lodge , Njilima Road Morogoro Road Ubungo Dar . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Double room with bathroom. From TSh 24,000 . ( updated Jul 2016 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

There are plenty of expensive hotels in and around Dar but here are some modern hotels which are reasonably priced:

• -6.81803 39.2805 7 Peacock Hotel , Bibi Titi Mohammed St , ☏ +255 222114071 . An air conditioned hotel with a small reception but some luxurious rooms. Overlooking Mnazi Mmoja Park. The hotel has a restaurant/bar with along with swimming pool, gym, and wireless internet access. Tsh 132525 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Bellrose Hotel , Kaluta St Bridge Street ( just off Samora Avenue and near the Zanzibar ferry station ), ☏ +255 752491554 . Multi-story hotel with a restaurant downtown.  
• Rainbow Hotel On Morogoro Road just down the street from Bellrose Hotel. but a little cheaper and less upscale. Clean rooms. Rooms from Tsh 104625; high floor doubles (from Tsh 151125) have excellent harbor views. Second floor restaurant has good Indian meals. Roof deck with panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi. Very friendly staff.
• -6.800053 39.283279 8 Harbour View Suites , Samora Ave ( close to J.M. Mall ), ☏ +255 222124040 , [email protected] . Harbour View Suites on Samora Avenue occupies the top floors of a modern office building. Rooms are large and very comfortable and have a fully fitted kitchen. Excellent breakfast for Tsh 17438. On the ground floor a well stocked supermarket, an Italian pizza and coffee house for take-outs and a subway sandwich shop. Internet access in all rooms and in the business centre. It has a fitness center, and a fine dining restaurant with a bar that is the only jazz club in the city. Tsh 204600 .  
• -6.79666 39.277715 9 Swiss Garden Hotel , Hanna Nassif , ☏ +255 22 215 32 19 , fax : +255 22 215 32 19 , [email protected] . Small hotel in quiet neighborhood. Rooms are very clean, and have air conditioning, free internet, mosquito screens, safes, and refrigerators. Children cost an additional Tsh 34875. US$95-155 .  
• -6.77534 39.24373 10 Seashells Millennium Hotel , Millennium Towers, Bagamoyo Road ( next to Makumbusho Village Museum ), ☏ +255 22 277 3400 . (formerly Millennium Towers Hotel) 4-star hotel with a/c, breakfast, and internet access. Although this beautiful hotel has a swimming pool, a number of bars and restaurants, a small shopping mall right next door, and a cinema within walking distance, be warned that there is nothing else worth seeing or doing within 5 km, and traffic can get so bad at certain times of the day that going anywhere, especially by dalla dalla, requires Herculean patience, copious amounts of water, and a copy of War and Peace, which should be just about right for the ride to and from the hotel. Tsh 127875 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant , is in Kawe about 15 km north of the city centre, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Rooms have: air conditions,television, safe locker in the room. The swimming pool is 10 m. from the beach, and there is a free Internet Point at the reception, and wireless access around the bar & the lounge area.
• -6.75229 39.27272 11 Slipway , ☏ +255 22 260 0893 . On the peninsula. Rooms for US$90. In a small complex of shops and restaurants. Tsh 218550 .  
• Pugu Hills Forest Reserve ( 12 km from Dar es Salaam airport ), ☏ +255 757 057 258 . A 6-hectare nature centre. There is a pool and hiking opportunities. The centre also has a 1 km nature trail on the premises. For overnight stay there are 4 lovely elevated bandas in the forested area which cost US$80-100 including breakfast for 2 persons. Camping with your own tent is possible for US$10 per person.  
• -6.85406 39.36466 12 South Beach Resort , ☏ +255 22 282 0666 . The South Beach Resort is situated in Kigamboni along the South Coast of Dar es Salaam, 8 km from the East Ferry Terminal. Amenities include a/c, a private balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean (every room), satellite tv, and in-room safes. Also swimming pool, 22 seater jacuzzi, pool tables, sheesha, sports and beach bars. Weekends offer great music and great atmosphere. Water Sports such as jet skiing and beach sports such as volleyball are also available. SBR also offers camping facilities and cabanas. Tsh 102300 .  
• Triniti , ☏ +255 755963686 , [email protected] . A few minutes from downtown, you feel a total different vibe, mostly because of their magnificent garden. Next to the Ugandan Embassy. They have 12 rooms which vary from Tsh 75,000 (single), TSh 90,000 (double) or TSh 105,000 (en suite). All rooms include A/C, large and comfy bed, mosquito net, fridge, TV, free internet Wi-Fi all around the site and renovated bathrooms.  

Splurge [ edit ]

Dar also has its fair share of hotels which cater largely to foreigners traveling here for work. The rates for these hotels are typically near (or start slightly above) the maximum per diem accommodation rates for NGOs such as the United Nations or USAID. As with most things in Tanzania, there is often room for negotiation.

• -6.816787 39.293145 13 Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro , 24,Kivukoni Rd , ☏ +255 764 701 234 . On the harbour, in city centre, this luxury hotel offers rooms for US$225 and up. Great breakfast buffet, and a world class spa with Thai masseuses. TSh 369,675 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• -6.81156 39.293791 14 Southern Sun , Garden Ave , ☏ +255 22 213 7575 . Part of the Tsogo Sun hotel chain. Botanical gardens on site. En suite rooms that are large and have mini-bars, safes, coffee makers, and free wifi. There are also two restaurants onsite. A bit far from city centre but still fine to walk during the day. avg US$180 (TSh 418,500) . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• -6.81067 39.28805 15 Serena Hotel , Ohio Road ( at the edge of city centre, across from Barclays Bank ), ☏ +255 22 221 2500 . Has hosted visiting African dignitaries (e.g. Robert Mugabe). Used to billet KLM and British Airways flight crews. TSh 406,875 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• -6.81976 39.28683 16 Johari Rotana Tower , Sokoine Drive , ☏ +255 659070800 . Dar Es Salaam's brand new hotel tower (as of 2019), across from the Zanzibar ferry and the Pspf Twin Towers downtown. Rooftop pool, haute-cuisine experience, and sleek glass exterior. This one is all about class. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• -6.81313 39.28671 17 Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam , Azikiwe St , ☏ +255 222139250 . Compared to some of the other hotels in this category this is fairly economical at only about TSh144,150 (2020). Nice looking tower and downtown location. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Msasani Peninsula:

• Sea Cliff Hotel . Includes a beautiful pool and gym with sea view. It also includes an outpost of the excellent Alcove restaurant, serving food similar to the one downtown. Has a lovely bar with a fairy-tale view of the Indian Ocean.
• Alexander's hotel .  
• Golden Tulip . Along Toure Drive on the way to Sea Cliff. Nice pool-side bistro. Was used by KLM to billet flight crews until one time they got sick and cost the airline a fortune in rescheduling costs.

If you're wanting to escape the city, there are a few upscale hotels just outside of Dar. Just off the road to Bagamoyo , New Bagamoyo road, about a 45-minute drive from the city center, without traffic of course, there is the White Sands Hotel . Some people may like this option as there are several scuba diving schools in and around the hotel.

• Jangwani Sea Breeze Resort , ☏ +255 786 800 870 , [email protected] . Eclipse Group of Hotels.  

There are also some good hotels on the South Coast via the Kigamboni ferry. The beaches here are better than north of the city and have long expanses of white sand next to turquoise waters.

• -6.95646 39.51226 18 Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Amani Beach , ☏ +255 82 41 00 33 , +255 786 77 55 66 , [email protected] . Around 30 km from Dar es Salaam and between a mid price and a splurge and prices start from US$167 per bungalow which sleeps two adults and includes breakfast. There are only 10 beach bungalows so it feels quite exclusive and private and each bungalow overlooks the ocean with a big terrace and hammock. Two extra beds can be put in the bungalow for a small additional fee. Lots of facilities are available on site like a tennis court, petanque, swimming pool and nature walks but you'll need to book horse riding, massages and village walks with a bit of notice. The best thing about Amani Beach Hotel is the environment – beautiful tropical gardens with monkeys running around, fish eagles soaring overhead and there is even turtle hatching on the beach in season.  
• -6.94783 39.51013 19 Ras Kutani , ☏ +255 22 2128485 , +255 22 2134802 , [email protected] . This is part of the Selous Safari Company and is more of a safari lodge on the beach than a hotel. It is within easy reach of Dar es Salaam next to Amani Beach with a private landing strip. It has 9 en suite cottages and some bigger suites on the hill all made with traditional materials. It is a very peaceful and totally relaxing place with an almost deserted long sandy beach in front.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, with a possibility of life imprisonment. Public displays of homosexuality like holding hands or kissing in public places could lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Tanzania is one of the least policed countries in the world. Rapes and murders often go unreported and little data exist to suggest how common these crimes are. Domestic violence and sexual harassment , which often go well beyond verbal cat-calling, are extremely common. Foreign female students have documented multiple accounts of sexual assault and/or rape. These cases often go unreported/under-reported by universities with study abroad programs in Tanzania, and of course by the Tanzanian authorities themselves. Walking alone at night outside the most exclusive areas (such as Oyster Bay, the Slipway, Sea Cliff) is extremely inadvisable for foreigners. Slipway Road has been the site of muggings in late 2015. Men stand a high chance of being mugged, and women of being mugged and/or sexually assaulted. Dar is often very poorly lit. The city experiences a great many power outages. This makes lone women particularly vulnerable.

Most travellers who are in Dar on a short stay will, fortunately, not face these challenges. Similarly, most expatriates who live in Dar are sequestered well enough (with cars, security guards, in upscale neighbourhoods) not to have to worry about this sort of thing.

By far the most common crimes, and the biggest risk for most travelers, will be muggings and petty thefts . Muggings occur very frequently, including sometimes on the street in broad daylight. Sometimes, but not always, the victim gets roughed up. Foreign students at the University of Dar es Salaam have been mugged at machete point. Never carry your wallet anywhere easily accessible (a back pocket, an outside flap of a backpack or purse).

• walking on the beach (like Cocoa Beach) while carrying valuables, as many of these places are invisible from the road. Dar can be a friendly place, and you can certainly have a comfortable time there, but avoid carrying valuables as you may be unlucky. You can walk in the city in the evening but as it gets darker and you see fewer people on the street, exercise real caution. It might be better to take a taxi. If you are noticeably foreign, remember that many people will assume you are rich carrying large amounts of cash, and an easy target.
• Parking on dark sectors in the beach (coco beach) as thieves and junkies crouch in the dark waiting for the unaware foreigner to park, turn-off the engine and leave the car (to have a nice view of the Dar night from the beach) only to come in groups of 4-5 to steal as much as they can (in the case of a male foreigner). In the case of a female foreigner this is an absolute "not to do".
• Parking in a place without a guard runs you the serious risk of having lights or other car parts extracted. It is not uncommon for people to try to steal things through open windows, while you are waiting for lights to change, or to open unlocked doors and either get in or swipe something! Some people have had passersby attempt to snatch purses off their laps while they've been sitting in the back of a taxi at an intersection.

There is a major police station at Salendar Bridge on Ocean Road and other police posts in various other places. If you don't follow the driving rules (or sometimes even if you do) you will spend time and money, either discussing with them their price or more formally in the police station. Police here ask for lifts regularly to get places but you are not obliged to take them if you feel uncomfortable. There is a great deal of corruption in Tanzania. Skin colour, bribes, and connections to known elites in town still hold a lot of sway.

Visitors have reported been pick-pocketed in crowds at the Posta daladala stand. If you're walking past this it's best to cross the road to avoid the crowd. If you're getting a daladala be aware of your possessions, be particularly aware of people stopping suddenly in front of you – this is sometimes done to block you in while someone behind you goes through your bags. Other well known pickpocket sites are the ferry to Kigamboni (not the Zanzibar ferry), the Mnazi Mmoja dala stand, the trinket stalls on Samora Av and Kariakoo market. There's no reason to avoid these area, just be aware of your possessions when you are there, particularly bags. Using razor blades to cut into bags to remove items is quite common – and really annoying.

If you are robbed, you have a few options. None of them are good. You can yell, "mwizi!" This means 'thief' in Swahili. If you do this in a crowded place, you will very likely incite a mob to form. The mob might corner the thief and detain him until the police arrive. They might also beat up the thief very badly, possibly to the point of death. Theft carries huge risks in a culture where people possess very few material goods. The social punishments for stealing can be brutal beatings or, in some cases, death. Weigh the worth of your US$40 cell phone or purse against the potential results of fomenting a stir. If you are in a crowded place (like the downtown Posta daladala stand, for example), you will, at the very least, create a gigantic scene, probably cause someone to be beaten, and have to spend a day dealing with the Dar es Salaam police department in sweltering, inefficient conditions. Much more practical just to exercise extreme care with how you carry your belongings, and to avoid carrying valuables (i.e. anything you can't afford to lose) altogether.

Be careful when taking taxis at night, particularly if you are alone, where possible use a driver you know or ask someone to call a taxi for you. If staying in Dar for an extended period of time, try to get the phone numbers of the first fair, seemingly trustworthy cabbies you encounter. Keep using them. If you are living in Dar without a car, this will greatly increase your safety. Taking buses at night and walking in poorly lit areas alone or in small groups (particularly of women, noticeable foreigners, or other people who might look like 'easy targets') is a great way to increase the risk of something bad happening (mugging, rape). Split taxis when possible. Some travelers have narrowly escaped potentially violent muggings and/or rape and others were not so fortunate.

Generally speaking, the more you stand out, the higher your risk factor will be. It is possible to have a wonderful time in Dar, if you make yourself aware of these risks and adapt accordingly. Guide books neglect a great deal of information when it comes to Tanzania.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies and high commissions [ edit ], connect [ edit ].

There are quite a number of Internet cafes in Dar in different places, But this particular one is the most popular especially for visitors CybeBase Internet Cafe' on Shekilango Road in Sinza +255 787-000157 or +255 719-924389, [email protected]

However, all cell phone companies offer at least 3G internet service, which is quickly making internet cafes go the way of typewriters and carbon paper.

BBC World Service broadcasts in Swahili and English on 103.3MHz.

Go next [ edit ]

• Zanzibar : There is a ferry to Zanzibar [dead link] which leaves five times a day (07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 15:30, 16:00; check for updates). The price is US$35 for non-residents and the ferry takes about 2 hours. Arrive earlier at the terminal for security checks and buy your ticket in advance esp. when travelling around weekends or holidays. Although it is improving, watch out for touts, scams , and pickpockets in this area. For buying a ticket, you’ll need your passport. Buy your tickets only from the ticket window of the ferry operator you’ll be using, otherwise you’ll pay a commission.
• A nice daladala day trip is from town to Bagamoyo , about a 90-minute trek north of the city. It's easiest to catch the yellow-striped bus from Mwenge (see #By_bus . From the stand in Bagamoyo you can take a bajaji (think 3-wheeled golf cart) to historical sites including 13th century ruins, a 19th-century German garrison, and a very colorful seafood market on the beach. Getting back to Dar es Salaam, you'll be pushing your luck if you delay much past 17:00.
• Morogoro : About three hours from Dar es Salaam, one can visit the NGO APOPO in Morogoro (on the way to Mikumi National Parc). This organization started in 1998 to train giant rats to help remove land mines in Mozambique and has started investigating the potential use of this low-cost "technology" for the detection of TB pathogens.
• Mafia Island : About 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam domestic airport, Mafia Islands host antiquities dating back to the 11th century its reefs, and known for excellent diving and snorkelling.

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23 Fun Things to do in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest and most influential city.

However, Mount Kilimanjaro, the northern circuit of African wildlife and the island of Zanzibar , are the reasons why many tourists that visit Tanzania, miss the largest city altogether.

With 4 – 6 million inhabitants, Dar Es Salaam is a vibrant East African city that includes lots of excitement and plenty of character.

Culture, beaches, shopping and food – Dar Es Salaam has a little slice of adventure for you to enjoy.

Here are 23 fun things to do in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

1. kariakoo market.

One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market.

This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. If you plan to go shopping, make sure you do some bargaining to get the best deals.

As a quick word of warning, be careful with your money and possessions when you walk around Kariakoo, mostly because it’s a bustling crowded market. Don’t bring something with you that you’re too attached to.

2. Dar Es Salaam Fish Market

One of my favorite things to do in Dar Es Salaam is wake up early in the morning and wander around the Dar fish market .

People gather from around the city to purchase the fresh catch of the day. Climb the flight of stairs leading towards to the official offices for a lovely bird’s eye view of the fish market.

Arrive at around 6:30 am to catch the most energized fish auctions taking place. The last time I went to the market, we came home with a red snapper, and a few kilos of fresh prawns and crabs. We had a few delicious meals after that.

3. View of Dar Es Salaam

Located near the Azania Lutheran Church, you can go to the New Africa Hotel and navigate your way to the Sawasdee  Thai food  restaurant for a great view of Dar Es Salaam and the harbor.

Otherwise, in a number of other building, including the newly built revolving restaurant, you can get a nice view of the city.

4. Askari Monument

One of the most well known historical statues of significance in Dar Es Salaam is Askari Monument . Depicting a soldier with his bayonet pointing to the harbor, the monument is a reminder of the soldiers that fought as the Carrier Corps in World War I.

The cast bronze Askari Monument is supposedly located in the precise center of Dar, in the middle of the roundabout that bisects Samora Avenue with Maktaba Street.

5. Azania Lutheran Church

Originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania, the Azania Lutheran Church is an iconic structure located at Dar Es Salaam’s harbor front. From the cathedral you’ll have easy access to other tourist attractions around town.

When you enter the church, someone will probably approach you and start to guide you around, even without your asking. If you’re alright for this, just let me show you around, and at the end, they might ask for a donation to the church.

You can go up to the top of the Azania Lutheran Church, and see the bell tower.

6. National Museum of Dar Es Salaam

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tanzania or see some of the fossils that have been uncovered in the country, you’ll be interested in visiting the National Museum .

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The museum is not setup in the most entertaining way, but if you are willing to read, you’ll learn quite a bit.

One of my favorite exhibits at the National Museum of Dar Es Salaam was a functional bicycles made entirely out of wood – everything from the frame to the wheels was all wooden – amazing.

Open hours : daily from 9:30 am – 6 pm Price : Adults – 6500 TZS, Students – 2600 TZS

7. Temple Road

If you are walking around downtown Dar Es Salaam, take a stroll down Temple Road where you’ll find a selection of religious temples. There’s not much else to do, but you can visit a few of the temples and have a look around.

8. Pugu Hills Nature Reserve

Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats.

You can either get to Pugu Hills on your own or take a tour.

9. Coco Beach on the Weekends

Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is a stretch of beach located on the Msasani Peninsula of Dar Es Salaam. If you are looking for fun things to do in Dar Es Salaam , head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians and Asians.

There are plenty of street food snacks and sometimes live music. The open area is also a place where frequent concerts and parties take place – check the city events guide.

Swimming is not really recommended at Coco Beach, though some choose to wade in the water.

10. Bagamoyo Town

Similar to Mombasa or Lamu, Bagamoyo town located north of Dar Es Salaam, is an ancient East African trade port. The town has been influenced by Arabs and Indians to create a uniquely Swahili culture.

On a day trip to Bagamoyo, you can visit ancient ruins, old churches and mosques and tour one of Tanzania’s only college of arts known as  Chuo Cha Sanaa .

11. Bongoyo Island

One of the most entertaining  things to do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean – but not right in Dar itself – there are a few locations that aren’t far that are much better (and cleaner).

Bongoyo Island is a small island off the coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day trip of lazying on the beach, snorkeling and dining on fresh fried fish and chips.

Since becoming a marine reserve a few years ago, fees have severely increased, but it’s still worth it. Get to the island by taking a boat from The Slipway shopping center .

Price:  $20 per person roundtrip (but minimum of 4 people)

12. North Beach – Jangwani and Mbuja Island

North of Dar Es Salaam there are a few lovely beaches and islands to enjoy as well.

From  White Sands hotel in Jangwani , you can take a boat to Mbuja Island , a great place to unwind and eat freshly caught Indian Ocean seafood.

13. South Beach – Kigamboni

Seclusion, peace and quietness is how I would describe the South Beach area of Dar Es Salaam. There are a number of hotels that you can visit, or you can rent your own personal banda thatch covered hut for the day.

The lanky palm trees rustling in the breeze and the rythmic wash of waves makes spending a day at South Beach one of the most relaxing things to do in Dar Es Salaam.

Get there by personal vehicle or by local dala dala minivan. You’ll need to cross to the Kigamboni side of Dar by taking the ferry across the port – the ferry ride alone is an awesome Dar experience.

14. Village Museum

More of a hands on than the National Museum, the Village Museum offers a chance to observe a number of typical style Tanzanian traditional huts and learn more about the tribes of the country.

Dance and drum performances are available upon request if you pay a little extra for the ticket. It’s a just a little extra, and the dance is pretty much available whenever you’re ready.

When I visited, the museum was quite quiet with just a few other there.

15. Mwenge Wood Carvers’ Village

Located on the outskirts of town, Mwenge Carvers’ Village is a great attraction in Dar Es Salaam if you are in the market for Tanzanian souvenirs.

Though there is a lot of the same same type of things, if you take the time to browse around you’ll come away with some unique and quality Tanzanian handicrafts.

16. Tingatinga Art Center

Tanzanian’s have long been famous around Africa for their artwork (even on the streets of Dar ). The modern movement of Tingatinga painting is one my my favorite styles of Tanzanian art.

An artistic movement that began with Edward Said Tingatinga, the style is characterized by extremely bright oil colors and cartoon imaginative figures.

The Tingatinga center is a rainbow of color and artistic inspiration. You can browse around and buy anything you see.

17. Kanga Shopping – Uhuru St.

A popular thing to buy in Dar Es Salaam are the colorful pieces of wrap around cloth known as kangas. These brightly dyed rectangles of fabric are available in infinite colors, with infinite patterns and often include a message written in Kiswahili.

Head over to Uhuru Street in downtown Dar Es Salaam for a huge distribution selection of kangas.

18. Nyama Choma

Just like in neighboring Kenya, nyama choma (roasted meat – often goat) is wildly popular – and incredibly delicious. Go to a local restaurant, order your choice of meat and wait for it to slowly roast.

In Tanzania, nyama choma is served with a few chillies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Many Tanzanians choose to wash down their nyama choma with a few beers.

As soon as I arrive in Tanzania every time, I make sure I get my fill of nyama choma .

Price : 8000 TZS per kilo

19. Mishkaki

There aren’t too many things better in this world than grilled meat on stick, and in Dar Es Salaam, they really know how to do it well.

Mishkaki is the Tanzanian version of skewered meat – street style shish kebabs. The meat, usually beef or chicken, is first marinated in some spices and I think a bit of tomato sauce (depending on the recipe of course), cooked on a bed of hot coals, and served with hot chili and lime juice.

Mishkaki makes a wonderful dinner, and is often paired with a plate of chips to make the meal complete. If you’re looking for a great place to eat mishkaki in downtown Dar Es Salaam, try this place .

20. Indian Food

With a sizable population of Indians, there’s a decent selection of delicious Indian food available in Dar Es Salaam (just like with Kenyan food ).

The Upanga area, in central Dar, is one of the best areas of town to locate good Indian food. You’ll find everything from whole in the wall Indian restaurants to more upscale Indian restaurant.

Here are few of the most famous Indian restaurant in Dar Es Salaam:

• Delhi Dar Bar
• Patel Grounds (sports club with a restaurant in the evening)
• Chapan Bhog

In Dar, there are also many Tanzania restaurants that serve Indian influenced food, like grilled tandoor chicken.

21. Zanzibari Mix

There is one dish in Dar Es Salaam that is rare, but is a gem of an example of an expertly prepared dish that sums up the realm of cultures and traditions of the city: Zanzibari Mix.

The makeshift Mama Mumtaz restaurant is not easy to find – in fact, you’ll probably have to walk to Kariakoo market and ask someone to direct you to it. Zanzibari mix is incredible – a comforting combination of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce.

My new favorite afternoon spot, is this place in Upanga .

22. Tanzanian Street Food

Whether it’s roasted maize or mama cooked Tanzanian chapatis , you won’t want to miss a few meals and snacks of Tanzanian street food when you visit Dar Es Salaam!

23. Tanzanian Beverages

Everywhere you travel you’ll encounter a new and unique set of local beverages. When you are in Tanzania you may want to sample the selection of locally brewed beer, have a few cups of Dar street coffee and especially guzzle a pungent Stoney Tangawizi .

After spending a few days in Dar Es Salaam you may want to visit the famous island of Zanzibar for a relaxing holiday. Be sure to read about how to get from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar and then check out these top things to do in Zanzibar .

Most important, have fun in Dar Es Salaam!

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4 months ago

nice food very testy so healthi

nice food very testy

Kosher Certification

2 years ago

i would love to travel here really nice place

3 years ago

What I would like to say about your post is that you only need to have a look, at first glance, you understand how hard people have worked to write your post, you have not put any useless content at all. . Wrote my post in beautiful words.

5 years ago

Thanks for giving sharing ideas!

Alfaj Ahmed

I m coming Tanzania on 28the December..

Really wish i come all this places

NIHIR PANCHAL

I am a indian but i can say also i am half Tanzanian Because i have spend almost my half life (18 years) years there. So mimina kumbhuka sana sana sana bongo nakupenda sana bongo……

6 years ago

Chips Ltd Resto is must a visit.! authentic local food, beautiful crowds , location Uhuru Street off Libyan Street

Beryl Ajwang

Oooh I must try and come to there its seems mind blowing I don’t want to miss out

Umesahau kuweka zege au chipsi mayai

Ussein mweze

I love Tanzania

7 years ago

I recently visited Dar in December 2017. Its a bustling city and generally safe. I preferred to stay in Kariokoor at HongKong Hotel and I got to visit the museum, Coco Beach and took a ferry to Kigamboni. There are tuk tuks to ferry you around at really friendly prices. I travelled back by bust to Nairobi at the ned of my trip though its a really long ride and it would be preferable to break it up into two with a stop over in Moshi or Arusha. Tanzanians are generally polite, helpful and welcoming.

yeah thats our crazy tanzania. karibu tena

Will like to visit it

Hello! your blog has been helpful for our upcoming Tanzania trip. Thank you! Would you know the best budget place or area to stay in Dar which is like the middle of everything? we’ll move from zanzibar and the south and north. Is it okay to stay in the kariakoo area? Thanks again!

yes and very safe. karibu sana tanzania

Chealsea Hotel, Uhuru Street

Muhidin Shifa

what a beautiful city .I have visited dar esalam twice .Wow beautiful beaches and Nature along the cost of the indian ocean and the entire city makes me so excited .Great country and great people.

kariu sana. thats our tanzania. peace for all and to all

This list is fantastic!!!! I will be visiting Dar soon on a solo trip in August. Trying to experience as much of the day and night life as I possibly can. Any local bars / clubs you can recommend. Thank you so much

wow karibu sana. most welcomed dear

Kitwala Nginilla

I was born and live in Dar es Salaam. You do me proud. Hongera!

Pierre Bernard

Very very interesting. A great job. Very well documenté.

H.P.Terbeck

Nice surprise to see the development of Dar. We lived there from 1977 til 1984 near Yacht Club, our sons went to IST, we loved it and still remember the days, weeks, month and years with all the friendly Tanzanians !

Nice country Tanzania n Tanzanian people dar id heart of Tanzania i like so much Beach n N many mor funn available here so. I love This country

Great work! you really give me the information I want for my trip to Dar es Salaam. I will definitely try at least 10 of them 🙂

Mustafa Vejlani

I got much benefit from this site. it is very very helpful. thanks

akugizibwe Lawrence

8 years ago

This is so good . Beautiful city to visit with hospitable people

Hi 🙂 It’s a wonderful and useful post! I can see its been a while since it was posted, but perhaps you have any posts about preparation for going to Tanzania, like things that should be considered etc. thanks in advance 🙂

Jangwe A. Kakopa

You realy did good job. Be blessed. I work at the hospital in Tanzania in a rural area and i hav been coming in dar for various official tasks but i couldn’t explain clearly what is happening on the ground to that much. For sure receive my appreciation

Hahaha. I laughed at the church tour is it really that they take you around and ask for contribution.

I would love to visit village museum, national museum, go on a ferry to zanzibar, coco beach, bongogo island and kanga shopping. How do I plan this by distance. I mean visit close by locations same day. I have just four nights to spend in Dar es salaam.

I like dar ad salam vry much

Great list! I find myself using it – and I’m a local! Just one thing though, number 7, thats actually Mosque Street. However there is a Temple Street in Dar.

Raymond Majengo

9 years ago

Hi Mark! You have about Dar es Salaam just like a local resident not a foreigner..Bravo ! thump up. I grew up in Dar es Salaam and i can say it change alot. Come again and am sure you will have a lot to cover

Hey Raymond, great to hear from you, thank you for reading. I actually visited about 1 year ago and I’ve been meaning to update this post with some new info and photos. Will try to do that soon. Are you still living in Dar now?

I love this list! Thank you so much! I will definitely use it to visit Dar Es Salaam!

Hey Cindy, you’re welcome, thank you very much, and hope you have a great trip to Dar!

Manisha Pandey

Wow nice to read this… actually I’m shifting to Dar es salaam as my husband has got job there… I was wondering if I can find someting to see there and I think your article will help me a lot.. Thanks 🙂

Hi Manisha, good to hear from you, and glad that you’ll be moving to Dar Es Salaam. Glad this post is helpful. All the best with the move.

Rachel Temu

Hello Mark my name is Rachel A. Temu, I am a Tanzania native. I studied in Wartburg college Waverly, Iowa perusing International Relations and Politics minor in Sociology then I moved to Scotsdale, Arizona and continued my Barchelor degree at Arizona State university at the main campus in Tempe. I worked in hotels such as Whyndham Hotel in Phoenix Dowton at the 1st street and and Van Buren then I also worked at the Holiday inn at the Scottsdale. Also I worked at the USA as the legal affair officer. Hospitality has been my passion since then. I left Arizona and come home 2008 after I lost my farther with chronic bronchitis then I resume back in the the USA 2009. When I returned back to the states I decided to return home and take care of my mother who was left alone. In 2009 I joined the the Kilimanjaro Kempinski hotel as the VIP and lodge manager, only worked for 3 months and I later joined the agriculture company in Israel Kibutz and never liked it I came home and joined the New africa hotel as the assistant sales manager for about 8 months then I landed a new job at the Singita Grumeti reserve at Serengeti national park which is the number one hotel in the world owned by an American Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones working as the Guest relations manager and assistant lodge manager to Sasakwa lodge. Later I moved back to Dar and joined the Motisun group of companies and worked for the Whites sands hotel as the PR and the communication manager. For about two years and ahalf. Now I am currently joined the Ramada Encore the new hotel in downtown soon to be opened as the reservation and revenue manager. One thing I will like to tell you I have been thrilled with your blog and you have been inspiring me immensely. I love food and I am thinking to take culinary classes to practice a professional executive chef Both in the kitchen and bakery. Kindly let’s keep in touch my email adress is [email protected] looking forward to hear from you. Go team ASU.

Hey Rachel, great to hear from you, thank you so much for sharing. I’m going to write you back at your e-mail address.

10 years ago

I am Tanzanian and I just came across your website whilst looking for a restaurant concert and I was I impressed, especially after I read the comments (yes I am that particular not counting the other words my friends use! ;)), but I was impressed by the fact that whilst you love my country (hear, hear!), you were very honest in telling people to be careful. As they should in any busy city. Missed out on a lot though, especially in the new Masaki/Msasani Dar, karibu tena!

Btw, this is just to you,no need to post online, just wanted to give kudos.

Mark Shaterton

uhh! back from the trip to Tanzania, to be honest, Dar-es Salaam is a very boring city, people here, specially the taxi drivers, the sellers, even the airport staff’s dig for money, they will be staring blank so that you may give them some shillings out of your pocket, i would prefer Nairobi better…

Moving to Dar next week…. staring off my exploring with this list. Thank you 🙂

Good to hear that Najda, have a great time in Dar.

Great article, Dar has changed a lot since 2012, but still all these places mentioned are great to visit, you can also get new information on what to do in Dar by asking on team tanzania on facebook, highly recommended. I will add also bicycle tour by afriroots.co.tz/

Thank you Karoli. Thank you for sharing about the bicycle tour, sounds great.

hey! how is the safety in dar es salaam and zanzibar? I am heading there for a humanitarian trip i was SO excited until i read the government warnings about increasing terrorism, bombing, acid attacks and mugging/pickpocketing/kidnapping tourists.

Hey Mariam, yah the increase in crime is true, but I think it’s still about using common sense – dressing appropriately, acting appropriately, be careful with belongings. Another thing you should do if you’re walking around streets is – if you carry a should strap bag or backpack – you should make sure it’s not tightly wrapped around you. There have been quite a few incidents where motorbikers have whizzed passed and grabbed bags, with the person still attached. So it’s best to not carry a bag walking around, but if you do, just make sure it’s not too attached to you. Don’t worry too much, just use some common sense and you’ll have a wonderful time. Hope this helps! – Mark

Hi Mark, you make the place come alive, thanks! Would you know why swimming is not advised at Coco beach; is the water dirty, is it swift currents, or dangerous animals like yellyfish or sharks 🙂 ?? Have a good one, Henri.

Hey Henri, thanks for reading! As for Coco Beach, mostly just because the water isn’t very clean – it’s just too close to the city where sewage is often dumped into the ocean.

So, I know its a bit late to comment on here, but hey, better late than never. 🙂 I’m an Indian-Tanzanian, Indian by looks, but otherwise I’ve been born and bred Tanzanian.. I just want to say that you’ve missed out on a lot of places..and food: -All the seafood that is offered around and on the ferry, such as shrimps, octopus, sea horse, etc. -The “Mama mtilie” food, a whole meal at the cheapest price, usually served food is ugali with kidney beans in a gravy with spinach on the side -The food found in Oysterbay – Cassava/Banana/Potato crisps, roasted/deep fried sweet potatoes/cassava, and the delicious salad they serve it with.

Hi Batul, thank you so much for all that suggestions, I appreciate it. Will check them out on my next visit!

This is a great help for me. Since, I will be working on Dar Es Salaam. Thank you and Be safe

No problem Carmel, thank you for reading!

This is the best guide to Dar Es Salaam that I’ve found on the internet (and believe me, I’ve been looking). I’m also completely obsessed with street food and will be in Dar in July this year so was wondering if you could give me some specific streets or areas of Dar that sell some of the dishes you mentioned? We’re staying around Oyster Bay.

Thanks again for the brilliant guide!

Hey Suzy, good to hear from you and glad you’ll be going to Dar Es Salaam. Downtown Dar is probably the best area for good street food, and at night about you’ll find restaurants along Morogoro and Zanaki and also Kisutu street.

Also, be sure to check out these places: http://migrationology.com/2013/10/barbecue-house-restaurant-consistently-delicious-food-in-dar-es-salaam/ http://migrationology.com/2013/12/grace-home-style-tanzanian-food-one-of-the-best-lunches-you-can-eat-in-dar-es-salaam/ http://migrationology.com/2013/11/mishkaki-tanzania-alis-restaurant/

Tingatinga – what a cute name! LOL I would love to visit the museum, go to the beach and shop for Kanga. Is Kanga like Balinese sarongs? I like it that it’s cotton, with beautiful colors and patterns and not see through. The view was so beautiful and some places have striking resemblenece to the Virgin Islands. Cocos beach – why would you not go into the water? Are you concerned about the safety?

Speaking of safety, it would be nice if you make a posting about safety caution in Africa, i.e. how to safeguard your possessions, what shots you need to get before you travel ( I heard you need to get shots before you travel, like malaria etc. Also you need to be careful of Dengue fever).

I try not to be so uppity here, but how are the bathrooms when you go around the town? In Thailand you just need to go to the closest mall. What happens when you’re traveling in the town, markets, etc and nature calls you?

Hey, thanks for the suggestions. I’ll try to write up a safety guide!

11 years ago

Spot on mark, missed home badly just feel trapped in the western, feels gotta something to give before sijarudi for good, what can I do to my people in tz? Kind of charity? But I have to narrow who need most, thanks mark nimekumbuka bongo home sweet home

Headed there next month! This was a great read and I am even more excited now! 🙂

Glad to hear that Asia, hope you have a great time in Dar!

Thank you Mark. I was born in TZ and studied in Dar in 1979, but it’s been 31 years since i’ve been back, and am going back on 13/07. Oh yes!! Really looking forward to the mishkaki, nyama choma. ugali, makai, mogo, kahawa, and fresh fish and fruit!!

Hey Divyesh, great to hear you’ll be going back to Dar, enjoy the food!

mambo ! wonderful, upbeat, esp the food section 🙂 may i add a 24th (to music lovers).. the radio tanzania with its amazing amount of recordings of tanzanian music from the last several decades, near tazara

http://tanzaniaheritageproject.org/

safi sana 🙂

Hey Martyn, great, thanks a lot for sharing!

Me and some family are going to the Island 0f Zanzabar for a week for my daughter’s wedding. After that i wanted to stay in Dar for a few days and tour the city. My exwife is afraid it might not be safe. Is it a safe city and will it be easy to navigate around only speaking english? thank you for any answers.

Hi Anthony, as for safety, it’s not the safest in the world, but at same time being careful (like not wearing anything too flashy, or carrying your wallet in your back pocket, or not going out too late) are all great ways to keep safe. As for language, some people can speak a little English, but not too many. That being said, people are friendly and willing to help and point you in the right direction. Hope you have a great visit!

I have tried all the 23 Fun things u mentioned while i visited Dar Salaam!!!!! It is such a great article!!!! Thanks!!!

Hey Jiti, wow, fantastic you’ve done all these things too!

I was born and raised in Dar, before I migrate to Texas 10 years ago. Thanks for sharing, I am determine to return home for good. Dar is one of the best place on this earth. I love the place and I love the people. You nail every area from Bagamoyo to Kigamboni (KG). I miss home.

Hey Iddy, great to hear you’re from Dar, hope you can get back. I agree, I love Dar, such a great mixture!

Amazing! Done some of it and will do some more in it. Thanks!

Great to hear that Giang, thanks for checking this out!

12 years ago

well reading all this seems dar a salaam is safe but recent new tells us otherwise,lots of tourists getting robbed everyday,its a shame the very people tanzania needs are being robbed,i just wondered if the government is doing anythinf about it,i hope so before they destroy the economy,WONDERING!!!!

Hi Abby, thanks for the comment. It is unfortunate that there is a lot of crime in Dar lately, but I still think it’s a great city. I hope the government will be able to increase security and crack down on the recent theft and muggings.

Awesome Storm

Right up until about 20 years ago, thieves were dealt with, very severely, by the people of Dar themselves and they learned their lesson by getting a good thrashing! Not like now, where they steal even your car mirror with a smirk on their faces as you watch them do it and even the police do nothing about it! I hope it improves too, possibly with a new govt. Otherwise the people should start sorting it themselves again lol 😉

AYSHA MAHMOUD BURNETT

COOL STUFF!!!!!!!!! AFTER MOVING TO ZIMBABWE AND LIVING THERE FOR DONKEY YEARS, AND THEN IMMIGRATE TO TEXAS SINCE 2001, WHEN I SEE SUCH THINGS, I START WISHING THAT I WOULD GROW WINGS AND FLY WAY UP, UP HIGH BACK TO MY BONGOLAND!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha, thanks so much for the comment Aysha. Growing wings and being able to go wherever we would like would be great!

sayid mukadam

pls b informed on temple street there r masjid (which is in the picture ) n temples

Even at the seemingly bustling city, like Dar, there will always be interesting things only to be discovered by those who explore deep into the heart of it. Thanks for this list, Mark! Btw that bowl of Zanzibari Mix just looks so delicious!

No problem Bama, you’re right, there are so many things to discover in any city!

Azad Poptani

Left Tanzania 32 years ago. Visit family on regular basis. Excellent presentation. Also there is a restaurant called Khana Khazana who present variuos dishes and excellent atmosphere. Also when visiting Bagamoyo must visit Crocodile farm where you are able to hold a small one in your hands and experience the strength of this reptile. Love Tanzania.

Hey Azad, yes, I’m been to Khana Khazana a number of times as well and have fully enjoyed it! Thanks!

Mariam Meghjee

Do not miss Naima for the exotic fresh fruit drink of Mabungo, Khungu etc and nearby there is a resturant Retreat for typical Indian vegiterial food it is amazing ummh masala dhosa and idli sambhar etc.

While in Bagamoyo the museum is brilliant and the green turtle park amazing we saw a tutle which swam from Bagamoyo to Australia and back came to lay its eggs it is characteristic for a green turtle to come back to its orginal birthplace to lay its eggs.

Hi Mariam, thanks a lot for Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo suggestions!

I left Dar es Salaam over 32 yrs ago and your delightful pictures etc brought the memories flooding back, tempting me to return for a visit. Thank you soooooooooo much!

No problem Maria, I’m glad you enjoyed this and thank you for taking a look. Hope you can make a trip back to Dar soon!

Robert Hamilton

Quote”……head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians and Asians.” Ahh! Tanzanians and who? How does the author know all these Asians are not Tanzanians?

Hey Robert, I don’t think Asian doesn’t mean Tanzanian – sure plenty of the Asians in Tanzania are Tanzanian, but doesn’t mean they’re not Asian as well.

Fully agree with you. Lots of Asians & almost all are Tanzanians. I was born & grew up there but left almost 40 yrs ago. Visit my family & friends every other year. Heading back in June for 2-3 months. I have been to & seen most places you suggest & also have eaten everything you have suggested. Next time around try their BBQ Jumbo shrimps/prawns from restaurants, sweet BBQ Yams & BBQ Cassava from street vendors. Try the “heart of Palm” sold at the Oysterbay beach. They sell them by slices & don’t forget the coconut popularly known in Kiswahili as “Madaafu”…sold on the streets & at Oysterbay too.

Thanks for stopping by F.K and for the added input. Cool to hear that you grew up in Tanzania and still make frequent visits. I’m drooling right now for some of those jumbo BBQ Indian Ocean prawns and the hearts of palm!

nice list, you missed out the other type of mishkaki known as sururu! it’s best when its straight off the grill and then dipped into a tomato n chilli chutney 🙂

Mmm, thanks for sharing Sa, that sounds really good too!

As always, lovely photos!

Thanks Lane!

Hello Saif!

after 35 years of living abroad i was overwhelm happy and anxious to once again visit my birth country.it reminds me of my childhood thought it was a taught time.tears of joy and sadness went down my chicks while the plane was descending. at 48 i was looking forward to visit my mothers grave for the first time.i was surprised to see the development which has taken place.the first thing i wanted is to visit the Kariakoo market fish,the very next morning i went there, feel free and started to speak the broken Swahili.each day i make sure i visit the market and admire the local people in the routine bussness. i missed Dar than any places in the world. As i say home sweet home.

Hey Jane, thank you very much for sharing, it’s really good to hear from you. Dar really is a great city.

Fantastic article, Mark. This is the first time I ever REALLY wanted to travel in Africa, thanks to this very article and beautiful photos. The food in Dar looks delicious. Thank you!

Cool to hear that Colleen! Thanks for checking out this article!

WOW, this is a great list! I would have settled for 10 but 23.. you really did a rocking job! Im using this post once I find my way to Tanzania;)

Thanks Ciki! Cool, I really hope you make it to Tanzania soon!

I love the list, but I like the fact that you talked about these places. I live here in the states, from Tanzania, and no one arround me can ever hear me when I talk the elements you mentioned here! Good job, and more pics will be great. My fellow Americans, visit Tanzania for good music,food, lodging, fun and mind blowing activities,including trekking Kilimanjaro, Ruwenzori, the Ngorongoro crater and sleeping in warm, cozy cottages up the mountains! ha! ha! ha! Karibuni sana.

Asante Paul! Tanzania is an amazing country with so much to offer!

Hey Mark, Thanks so much for such great insights. It so amazing to find your extremely useful posts here and it’s even more satisfying for me as a Tanzanian living in Tanzania to find such lovely stories and experiences by people from elsewhere in the world about my country.

Please visit our website http://www.maskanipride.com/ and see if you can help us grow , we are just starting up.

Hi Ramadhan, great to hear from you, thank you for reading this. Nice to see your website as well, fantastic!

One Day in Dar es Salaam Itinerary

Have one day in Dar es Salaam and wondering what to do in this big African city?  Maybe you have a long layover or just an extra day in Dar es Salaam before or after your safari.  Well here’s your perfect 1 day itinerary!

Where is Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam is a large bustling African city of over 4 million people .  While no longer the capital of Tanzania, it is still the country’s main economic hub and major financial centre of East Africa.  Despite its size, it is a friendly city , if not a bit chaotic at times.

Being our first time in Africa, we were not sure what to expect when we landed in Dar es Salaam and set off to explore the city on our first day.  However, wandering around the downtown area, we quickly felt at ease and never once felt unsafe .

Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam

We booked ourselves into the Protea Dar es Salaam Courtyard Hotel .  Protea hotels are part of the Marriott family, so we were able to book using our Marriott points – yay!  The hotel is rated highly on TripAdvisor and rightly so.

Although not located right in the centre of town , it was easy and inexpensive for us to hop into a taxi into the city centre and be there within 10 minutes (depending on traffic, of course).  The location was also nice since it felt a lot more peaceful and was a few steps away from the ocean .

The hotel also has a shuttle to pick you up from DAR airport but it is quite pricey ($40 US).  However, we felt it was worth it after our 24 hour journey to get to Tanzania.  We arrived late at night, were super tired and not in the mood to haggle with taxi drivers.

Check out our Dar es Salaam Airport: Arrival and Departure Guide

Things to do in dar es salaam, breakfast at your hotel.

The highlight of the Protea Dar es Salaam Courtyard hotel was the breakfast buffet!  Honestly, this is one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever had around the world.  Lots of selection, both African and Western , for a good price, attentive service and comfortable atmosphere.

Normally when we travel we venture outside the hotel in search of local food but this was definitely a good choice.  Enjoy a little sleep in, wander over to the dining room and indulge in this fantastic breakfast spread.  Then you’ll have energy to wander around and explore Dar es Salaam in one day!

Pick up any necessities at City Mall

After breakfast, take a taxi (about $5) to City Mall .  If you didn’t have a chance to pick up a SIM card at the airport, you can do so here.  Don’t just stop at any cell phone shop (which there are many of at this mall) because surprisingly most do not sell SIM cards.  You need to head all the way to the third floor , to the back corner and look for an orange Halotel sign.  If you have any issues finding it, ask at any of the mobile shops.

SIM Cards here cost only 2000 TSH !  And you can get 1GB data plus talk and text for a measly 10,000 TSH.  Make sure you bring your passport with you.   It can’t be a photocopy, either (I learned this the hard way).  Regular photo IDs or drivers licenses won’t work.

On the bottom floor of the mall there is a grocery store called Maisha Supermarket where you can pick up some necessities.  We stopped there to get deodorant, tooth paste (the airline left behind our luggage) and insect repellent in preparation for our safari.  I don’t know about you guys, but we love checking out grocery stores around the world to pick up local snacks !  So this is a great place to do so.

Another thing to do at City Mall is take out cash !!  If you are exploring further around the country you may not see an ATM for awhile so you will want to ensure you have enough cash on you.  We were told Tanzania ATMs are known for running out of cash.  And we did experience this twice!  Luckily, the ATMs at Barclay’s on the bottom floor of City Mall had enough cash and had guards standing outside.

If you’re not too full from your buffet breakfast, you can pick up some lunch at the cafeteria on the top floor of the mall.  We wandered up there and it looked like they had some interesting choices but we were too full.

One last thing, use the bathrooms in the mall before you set out exploring because you may not be able to find a public toilet for awhile.

Wander downtown Dar es Salaam

Once we picked up our necessities at City Mall we set off on foot to explore the downtown area.  We headed in the direction of the water with no particular destination in mind.

One thing we noticed was for such a big city, it was pretty clean .  Dusty, but clean, with no litter on the streets.

There’s not really anything special to see in downtown, but it was just cool walking around for the first time in a big African city and seeing locals going about their day.

Try the Fruit Vendors

There were many people selling fruit from carts on pretty much every block downtown.  We couldn’t help but purchase some.  There were carts of jackfruit, pineapple, bananas, watermelon, etc . and they cut it all up for you so you can eat it with a toothpick while walking around the city.

We ended up going for a cup of jackfruit.  Initially we had no idea what it was but it looked interesting so we had to try it!  It was only 1000 TSH for the cup and was pretty refreshing to eat as we walked around.

Check out St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Once you reach the seafront head toward your left and you will come to St. Joseph’s Cathedral.   We stopped and took some nice photos but did not go inside.

View the Azania Front Church

Keep on walking down Sokoine Drive and you will come to Azania Front Church, which also makes for some nice photos.

Looking for a full Tanzania itinerary? Check out our 12 Day Tanzania Itinerary

Explore the National Museum

Head to the National Museum to pass an hour or 2 of your time.  It is a good place to learn about the history and culture of Tanzania.  The entrance fee is 6500 TSH .  There are also some modest botanical gardens next door.

Shop at Kariakoo Market

If you are looking for local things to do in Dar es Salaam and are up for the chaos, catch a taxi to Kariakoo Market.  Here you will experience hectic, exhilarating local market life! You will find everything from exotic fruits to spices to knock off electronics.  As with any busy place around the world, beware of pickpockets!

We were advised not to head there late as it is supposedly not safe to walk around after dusk , unless accompanied by a local.

Unfortunately we had to skip Kariakoo altogether due to having to spend extra time sorting out our lost luggage.  We really regret not making it there!

Have dinner in downtown Dar es Salaam

Time for a fantastic local feast!  Walk back towards City Mall to find a little gem of a place called Mamboz BBQ .  Located on Morogoro Street , this little sidewalk eatery is just the kind of place any street food enthusiast will love!  Honestly eating here was one of my favorite things to do in Dar es Salaam.

Make sure you don’t head there too early.  We arrived there around 6pm but they were still setting up and the food was still marinating.  I think our food was ready closer to 7pm.

Their specialty is bbq chicken , of course, and it is delicious!  They have a lot of the menu – we wanted to try many different things so it was hard to choose!

The smell of the charcoal and grilled chicken wafting through the air was so tantalizing .  If you don’t see Mamboz Bbq at first you will surely smell it from a block or 2 away.

There’s something about dining on the sidewalk, sitting on plastic chairs – it just feels more authentic and local.  We really love it.  But then again we are street food-lovers so this isn’t for everyone!

The great thing about Mamboz is the price was good!  Not as dirt cheap as street food can come, but it was good for the amount of food we got!  It was some of my favorite food we ate in Tanzania.

One Day in Dar es Salaam Itinerary Map

If you have any other favorite things to do in Dar es Salaam let us know in the comments below!

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23 comments

Crazily enough, I’d never even really considered visiting Dar es Salaam (until now!) so thank you for the wonderful post, beautiful photos and ideas!

Thanks so much, Sierra! Most people I talked to were like “Get out of Dar as quick as you can, there’s nothing to see there” but I thought it would be nice to spend at least a day. I’m glad we did. I probably wouldn’t suggest spending more than a day or 2 there, but there’s enough interesting things to fill at least a day before heading off on safari or Zanzibar!

That street food looks so good! I’ve never seen much written about Dar es Salaam so it’s great to see such a detailed post about this city!

Thanks Lisa!! Ya, most people are eager to get out of Dar and off to their safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar. When we were researching what to do in the city there really wasn’t much I could find online. So I thought it would be helpful to share what we found to do to occupy a day 🙂

I never considered Dar es Salaam unless a drop off point to get to Zanzibar but this makes me reconsider it at least for a stopover to explore. Hoping to go to Tanzania soon so this post will come in handy!

Thanks for your comment Annika! Yes, most people seem to dismiss Dar and try to get out of there as quickly as possible. But we felt it was worth exploring for a day 🙂 Enjoy Tanzania!!

I haven’t been to Africa yet so but city looks so interesting. There’s so much to do even for just 1 day!

It was always my dream to visit Africa and I highly recommend it to everyone! Dar es Salaam is a big African city and it was interesting to compare it to cities back home in North America. Definitely worth exploring for a day before heading off to see the rest of the country 🙂

Thanks for these really practical tips for Dar Es Salaam! Seems like a nice place to visit – will keep in mind if I make it over there!!

No problem! It is worth exploring if you find yourself with some time in Dar 🙂

I wish that I had seen your post before I went to Dar Es Salaam. I was there for a day after a visit to Zanzibar as well, but many years ago. Looks like I need to go there again. That street food looks sooo good!

Aw, did you get to see some of the city when you were there? It seems like a lot of people get stuck with a day or half a day there due to the flight/ferry schedules so I thought it would be good to share some of the things we found to do there! The street food was really good!

So glad you found Mamboz, the best BBQ in the city centre. There are some interesting exhibits in the museum too… but the mosques, temples and churches are a nice wander.

Thanks Annie! Yes, we were glad we found it! It was so good. There were a bunch of other little restaurants we wanted to try but had no room to eat anymore haha

I knew next to nothing about Dar Es Salaam until I read this post. Great tips for a day in the city before exploring elsewhere.

Thanks Jayne! We didn’t know anything about it before we went so it kind of surprised us.

What is jackfruit? That market is calling my name! I would absolutely want to try some of that BBQ chicken, it looks so good!

Jackfruit is this huge, funny looking fruit! Try Googling a photo of it 🙂 The first time I ever saw one was in the Philippines. Omg yes, the BBQ chicken is definitely recommended!

Gosh, I didn’t know anything about Dar es Salaam before reading your post! It’s definitely on my radar now and I would love to see that beautiful cathedral!

haha I didn’t know anything about it before we booked our trip to Tanzania! It’s worth a day of exploring 🙂 Yes, the cathedral was so pretty.

I’ve never read much about this city, so this was a great post. And that street food looks so good, and looks like you covered a lot of ground in one day!

Thanks so much Dee! We hadn’t read a lot about it either so figured it would be good to share a post about it to help other travelers 🙂 The food was definitely really good!

[…] Wondering what to do in Dar es Salaam?  Check out our Dar es Salaam One Day Itinerary […]

Travel Guide to Dar es Salam Tanzania: Things To Know Abo

Planning a trip to Tanzania? this travel guide to Dar Es Salam Tanzania will give you an idea of what to expect in the financial hub of Tanzania.

The United Republic of Tanzania is located in East Africa. Boarding so many countries including Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The capital city is Dodoma, but Dar es Salaam is the largest city and financial hub as well as the old capital. with a 55 million population, it’s one of the most populous countries in Africa.

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Visa to Tanzania

When I planned my African tour, Tanzania was not included in that. because I selected a single route by road which included Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and then Zambia in the South.

The second reason was evisas and visas on arrival for the mentioned countries. I was not sure whether Tanzania offer visa on arrival or not (for Pakistani passport).

However, when I went to Nairobi Kenya , I was told by many people not to miss Mombasa in Kenya which is a city along the border with Tanzania.

Therefore, I decided to visit Mombasa, and so the plan changed to Tanzania. the simple reason for changing my plan to Tanzania was the cost involved in traveling by air which is shockingly expensive in East Africa.

I checked flights from Mombasa to Kampala (Uganda) which was more than $300 for a one-way flight and then $300 more from Uganda to Zambia. that’s why I decided to go to Tanzania by road from Mombasa.

Also read: Visas to East African Countries

When I reached the border of Tanzania, I was still unsure whether I’ll obtain a visa on arrival or not, but I got a visa on arrival which was stamped in my passport.

I paid $50 USD for that. the border immigration was friendly but they did ask so many questions and delayed processing the visa. the payment is to be made only in $USD so make sure to have USD.

Update: Tanzania has stopped visa on arrival for Pakistani passport. Therefore, please obtain a visa in advance prior to visiting Tanzania to avoid any hassle.

Journey to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Since travel by air was not an option due to expensive flights. I decided to go by road from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam.

I went to a bus station in Mombasa a day earlier and purchased one ticket from Mombasa to Dar which was around $15.

The Bus company’s name was “ Tahmeed ” and there are other companies as well at the same place. The bus had very comfortable seats and it was clean as well. the bus leaves three times in the morning to Dar i.e 6 am, 6:30 am and 7:00 am.

I was told that it’ll take 8 hours to reach Dar, but eventually, it took 11 hours to reach Dar es Salaam. on the way, it makes a few stops at different cities in Tanzania and at least one hour stop at the Kenya-Tanzania border for the immigration procedure.

Accommodation in Dar es Salaam

I had a room booked online in Dar which was just $15 a day, but when I reached Dar city it was nighttime. and I found out that the place is out of the city where I had booked my room in a basic guest house.

Finding low-cost accommodation was not easy in the center of Dar es Salaam. I went to many hotels but all were in the range of $50 to $60 per night, while I was looking for some $20 room per night.

After some struggles, I found a shared room in the center of Dar Es Salaam city for $25. I stayed there for almost 3 nights. and luckily, I was the only one in that shared room, because nobody else had booked that during my stay. the hotel was a very good 2 or 3 star hotel called “Rainbow hotel”.

so in general, you should expect a $50 room in the city center, while if you go outside the city center then you can easily find a room for $20 or less.

I usually do booking online on Agoda.com which gives me cheap options almost everywhere in the world. and I recommend using AirBNB in countries where hotels are expensive.

Transport in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam has good transportation. Taxis are available in the city and cost around $5 to $10 for a ride. Uber is also available and will cost less than normal taxis.

There is a Metro Bus in Dar es Salaam which runs in the city and cover many areas. the ticket is just like .20 cents or 600 shillings per ride.

Food in Dar es Salaam

The food scene is good in Dar es Salaam. There are fast food restaurants such as Subway, KFC and many others which you can mostly find in the city center because I stayed at the city center.

The price of fast food is normally within $5 for a single meal. Indian restaurants are many in Dar Es Salaam which I found on the “Jamhoriat Street” in Dar Es Sallam, that also cost around $7 to $8 for a good quality meal including soft drinks.

Local food is vastly available on the streets of Dar Es Salaam which cost as little as $1 for lunch or dinner. Local food is the cheapest among all.

A guy who became my guide in Dar Es Salaam was always having that local food for $1, local food included some rice and daal on it.

Much other local food including seafood was also served on the streets and in small restaurants.

What to See in Dar Es Salaam

One important thing to be noted here is that Dar es Salaam is not a popular tourist attraction in Tanzania. it’s just a stop or arrival city.

The Island of Zanzibar is the place where tourists go and spend their time. one can go to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam using a cruise or boat.

The second popular activity in Tanzania is wildlife which can be seen in different parts, and the most popular place for that is Masai Mara which is located in both Tanzania and Kenya.

However, I didn’t go to Zanzibar due to some undisclosed reasons. I stayed for two days and three nights in Dar Es Salaam only.

I was staying in the city center, so I went to many places by walking myself. Dar es Salaam is sometimes called the “New York of East Africa” because of the high rise towers in the city center.

If you want to see the skyline of Dar Es Salaam from the top then head on to “Tulip Hotel” in the city center, go to the 20th floor of that hotel where you can have a tea or coffee (because on the top there is a restaurant), and you’ll also see the whole city from there including the sea.

There are two main places in Dar es Salaam where you can stay and hang around. the one is the city center which is the main place, the other place is called “Kariako” which is just next to the city center.

there are many shopping malls in Dar es Salaam and local markets which are nice places to visit.

The Dar es Salaam waterfront is also a few minutes walks from the city center, and you’ll find ferries going to Zanzibar from there.

there are also very big cruises going to Kigamboni which is another area in Dar es Salaam, that’s a very interesting cruise because thousands of people travel in that after every 10 minutes. the Kigamboni is a type of Island within the Dar es Salaam city.

There is a Fish Market near the Ferry station, that’s a very interesting market. you’ll find hundreds of species of fish in that market and many of them live in water.

be cautious that recording video or filming is not allowed in that market. However, visiting the market was a great experience.

I also went to Kigamboni using the big cruise, it cost me only a few cents. on the other side, you’ll find beautiful small villages and beaches which have nice clean water.

from there, you’ll clearly see the skyline of Dar es Salaam and city center Dar which is a wonderful scene. it looks like Toronto harbor from there.

Overall, Dar es Salaam is a beautiful and clean city. and the crime rate is also low compared to other cities in the region. let me know if you have any questions and have a safe journey to Tanzania 🙂 and don’t forget to watch my travel videos from Tanzania.

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Beach vacationing in dar es salaam.

Dar es Salaam's coastal metropolis has three distinct beach areas. The first in the north e.g Kunduchi, the second in the south e.g. Ras Kutani and the third is within the city limits of Oyster Bay e.g. Coco.

WHERE TO STAY IN DAR ES SALAAM

Some Dar es Salaam hotels offer you great views of the Indian Ocean, and others might offer you its proximity to the city's commercial center, a factor that is much suited for business or transit travelers.

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Dar es Salaam with her many charms, has much to offer. For an in-depth look into her past, go to the National Museum and House of Culture for cultural ethnographic collections, artifacts and colonialism vestiges.

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Dar has the ideal climate for you through most of the equatorial seasons of the year. Temperatures are more or less stable, but they might vary according to monsoon winds that affect its rainy and dry seasons.

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M. M. Hotel

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Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Dar es Salaam, M. M. Hotel is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its proximity to great restaurants and attractions, M. M. Hotel makes it easy to enjoy the best of Dar es Salaam.

Guest rooms offer a flat screen TV, a desk, and a mosquito net.

You can also take advantage of some of the amenities offered by the small hotel, including a 24 hour front desk. In addition, guests can enjoy a lounge during their visit. As an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.

Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Darkhana Jamat Khana (1.4 mi) and Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat (1.4 mi), guests of M. M. Hotel can easily experience some of Dar es Salaam's most well known attractions.

Dar es Salaam has plenty of pubs. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Oceans 171, Indian Chaats, and Onyx Lounge, which are serving up some great dishes.

During your visit, be sure to check out popular attractions like Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha temple (0.0 mi), Manyema Mosque (0.9 mi), and Makonde Mosque (0.8 mi), which are all within walking distance of the small hotel.

M. M. Hotel is sure to make your visit to Dar es Salaam one worth remembering.

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