Dar es Salaam
Africa · Tanzania
See also
Stone Town
Tanzania6.17°S 39.18°E
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Nungwi
Tanzania5.73°S 39.30°E
Paje
Tanzania6.27°S 39.53°E
Overview
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and economic hub, with a mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian cultures. It offers a picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings.
Languages: English, Swahili
Why go?
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and economic hub, with a mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian cultures. It offers a picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings. It is a good base for day trips to Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Mafia Island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go?
The best time to visit is June to September, after the rainy season, with milder temperatures and lower humidity. December to February are hot and humid with temperatures in the mid-30s °C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is 10 km from the city center, with flights from many African and international cities. There are also trains from central and Tazara stations, and buses from Ubungo Terminal. Ferries connect to Zanzibar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Daladalas (minibuses) are cheap at TSh 400 per ride within city. Taxis cost about TSh 20,000 from Ubungo to city center. The BRT system is expanding. Walking is possible in city center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget options include YWCA and YMCA for TSh 20,000-25,000, and Econo Lodge for TSh 20,000. Mid-range choices like Safari Inn start at TSh 35,000. There are also luxury hotels like Hyatt Regency.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialties include Nyama Choma (roasted meat) and Mishkaki (shish kebab). Street food like samosas are cheap. International cuisine is widely available. Local beers like Kilimanjaro cost TSh 2,300-3,000. Bottled water is TSh 1,000 for 1.5L.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the National Museum to see the Nutcracker Man skull, the Village Museum for traditional houses and Ngoma dance shows. Enjoy beaches like Kigamboni, or go scuba diving. There are cinemas like Century Cinemax and Suncrest Cineplex.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania. Muggings and petty theft are common, including on streets and beaches. Avoid walking alone at night, especially on beaches. Women face high risk of sexual harassment and assault.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
All cell phone companies offer at least 3G internet service. Internet cafes are available, e.g., CybeBase Internet Cafe in Sinza. BBC World Service broadcasts on 103.3 MHz.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Take a daladala to Bagamoyo (90 min, TSh 2,200) for historical sites and seafood market. Ferry to Zanzibar (US$35, 2 hours) but watch for touts. Mafia Island is a 30-minute flight for diving.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Zanzibar ferry leaves five times daily, US$35. Bagamoyo is a nice day trip. Morogoro is three hours away. Mafia Island for diving. Fastjet flies to Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha from US$50.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Alexander's hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Bellrose Hotel
Multi-story hotel with a restaurant downtown.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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CEFA Hostel
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.
Recorded price: Tsh 58125
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Econo Lodge
Close to the Safari Inn, has very simple but clean single rooms with private bathroom for TSh 20,000 per night.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Fairasa Inn
Double room with own bathroom.
Recorded price: From TSh 20,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Harbour View Suites
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.
Recorded price: Tsh 204600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Holiday Hotel
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.
Recorded price: Singles with shared bath for around TSh 15,000, en suite doubles for TSh 25,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam
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.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget rooms from TSh 15,000. YMCA/YWCA around TSh 20,000-25,000.
Money
Local currency is Tanzanian shilling (TSh). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants.
Safety
Muggings and sexual harassment are common. Avoid walking alone at night. Homosexuality is illegal.
Transport
Daladalas cost TSh 400 per ride. Taxis from Ubungo to city center about TSh 20,000.
Water
Drink bottled water. 1.5L costs TSh 1,000. Tap water is not safe.