dar es salaam travel

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.

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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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Dar es Salaam Is Great For

Eat & drink

Tours & Sightseeing

• Kijiji Beach Resort
• Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
• Sea Cliff Hotel
• Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam
• Bean There Cafe
• The Spice Route Restaurant
• Karambezi Cafe
• The Waterfront Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar
• 305 Karafuu
• Mbudya Island
• Kariakoo Market
• The Slipway Shopping Centre
• Bongoyo Island
• 1 Day Safari to Mikumi National Park
• The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam
• Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday
• Sinda Island Day Trip with Snorkeling
• Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car)

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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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.

Table of Page Contents

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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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.

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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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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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Dar Es Salaam travel guide

Dar es salaam tourism | dar es salaam guide, you're going to love dar es salaam.

Dar es Salaam began as a small fishing village, and has grown to a bustling modern city, major port, and center for business and culture in East Africa. This is a cosmopolitan city where you'll find a range of influences, including Islamic and South Asian elements along with native Tanzanian culture. From enjoying the sights of the harbor to markets and discovering great street food along with fine dining, there's a great deal to explore in Dar es Salaam.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dar Es Salaam

1. life on the water.

From lounging at the beach to exploring scuba diving or deep sea fishing, you'll want to take advantage of the city's picturesque waterfront.

2. Traditional Culture

Experience the city's rich culture at venues like the Makumbusho Village Museum, including dance and other performances.

3. Shopping

Find one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the Wonder Workshop, where disabled artisans create art out of recycled materials, or check out the lively markets.

4. Go on Safari

Enjoy the area's spectacular wildlife with a safari to nearby Mikumi National Park, or a more extensive side trip to Selous Game Reserve.

5. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The city is home to a thriving dining and nightlife scene, with live music and dance clubs a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

What to do in Dar Es Salaam

1. national museum of tanzania: a glimpse into the country's culture.

Located in the heart of Tanzania's capital, Dar es Salaam is the well-known National Museum of Tanzania. It was established by the then governor of Tanganyika, governor Harold MacMichael in 1934. Explore the consortium that consists of five other museums: Dar es Salaam National Museum, Village Museum, National Natural History of Museum, Arusha Declaration Museum and Nyerere Museum. It was opened to exhibit and preserve the gems of the country's natural environment and, of course, the country's rich history.

2. Askari Monument: The Spirit of Liberation

The Askari Monument is situated in the middle of the Maktaba Street and Samora Avenue roundabout in Dar es Salaam. It serves as a memorial to the fallen soldiers (askaris in Swahili) who fought in World War I against the British Carrier Corps and was made open to the public in 1927. "The Askari" is the monument's main feature. It is made entirely of bronze and depicts a soldier holding a rifle. Take captivating photos of the statue, especially during the day when the bronze statue reflects the sun's magnificent rays.

3. Makumbusho Village: A Remembrance of Art and Tradition

Situated within Dar es Salaam's Makumbusho ward in Kinondoni district, Makumbusho Village Museum exhibits 16 traditional houses typical of Tanzania's main ethnic groups. It is commonly referred to as Village Museum and "Kijiji cha Makumbusho" in Swahili. Get a feel for the city's culture through the stunning art on display and organized performances of lively traditional dances and local food tastings.

4. St Joseph's Cathedral: Art in Every Corner

Built by the Germans between 1897 and 1902, The Saint Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral is a Gothic and Roman Catholic cathedral located in Dar es Salaam. It faces the harbor and is situated next to the White Father's House. There are plenty of sights to behold both within and outside of this cathedral, including the pristine white exterior and the stained-glass windows strategically placed behind the altar. Marvel at artistic features such as the carved relief right on top of the altar and German inscriptions etched into the walls.

5. Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens: Gardens with a Purpose

Established in 1893, the Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens were initially used as a cash crop testing ground by the first agriculture director, Professor Stahlman. Today, they harbor the Horticultural Society, which in turn takes care of several species of jacaranda, cycads, and palm. Additionally, it also tends to some of the country's most exotic plants, including the scarlet flame trees. Tour through the shady gardens that provide the dusty, hot city with a cool oasis suitable for plant life survival.

Activities & attractions in Dar Es Salaam

Other activities

Where to Eat in Dar Es Salaam

You'll love the delicious South Asian cuisine at Chapan Bhog, with meals starting at Tsh6,000. Mamboz Corner BBQ offers classic East African barbecue with main dishes starting from Tsh4,000.

When to visit Dar Es Salaam

The weather is warm and humid year round, with daytime temperatures averaging between 82 and 87. Most visitors come during the drier season, between June and October.

How to Get to Dar Es Salaam

The Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Tanzania's main airport, is located about 6 miles west of the city. A taxi ride to the city should cost about Tsh15,000.

There are two train options through Dar es Salaam, including Tanzania Railways Limited, with connections to Dodoma and more. TAZARA Railway runs a scenic route through the Selous Game Reserve and on to Zambia.

Highways connect Dar es Salaam to most major centers in the region and nationally, including the A-7 to Morogoro. The Tanzam Highway runs from Zambia to Dar es Salaam along the the Cairo-Cape Town Highway.

Kilimanjaro Express and Dar Express are two of the largest bus companies with service to Dar es Salaam, offering connections to Arusha and beyond.

Airports near Dar Es Salaam

Airlines serving dar es salaam, where to stay in dar es salaam.

Stay in the conveniently located Hotel Slipway, with value-priced rooms and standard amenities. The Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel offers modern luxury with ocean views.

Popular Neighborhoods in Dar es Salaam

City Center - this is where you'll find the historic part of the city, along with a busy retail area.

Msasani Peninsula - this geographic peninsula is where you'll find many of the city's upscale neighborhoods, along with restaurants, shopping, and dining options.

Mikocheni - this neighborhood in the central area of the city is home to a busy retail area along with some mid-priced bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in popular areas of Dar Es Salaam

Most booked hotels in dar es salaam, how to get around dar es salaam, public transportation.

The city is served by the Dar es Salaam commuter rail service as well as a rapid bus transit system. Fares start at Tsh800.

You'll know taxis by their white license plate, with a taxi number usually painted on the side of the car. Be sure to locate a taxi and get a phone number to call during the day for any evening trips. Typical fare in town costs about Tsh7,000.

The streets are not always in good condition or well lit at night. Combined with dense traffic and you may decide a car isn't worth your while. Companies include Europcar and Solidarity Car Rentals, and a rental starts at Tsh51,000.

The Cost of Living in Dar Es Salaam

Shopping streets.

The Slipway mall offers upscale stores and a craft market. There are other artisan markets in the Msasani Peninsula. The Kariakoo Market, full of bargains, is in the central part of the city.

Groceries and Other

Village Supermarket, Ten to Ten, and TSN Supermarket are located across the city. A dozen eggs costs about Tsh6,900.

Local time Dar es Salaam

Introducing Dar es Salaam

About dar es salaam.

• Weather / Best time to visit
• Images of Dar es Salaam

While you’re there

• Getting around
• Attractions, tours and tickets
• Things to see
• Things to do
• Restaurants

Plan your trip

• Travel to Dar es Salaam

Tanzania Information

• About Tanzania
• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free
• Food & drink

Book your flights

• Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport

Dar es Salaam Travel Guide

Give Dar es Salaam some time and you'll probably fall in love with it. A lively waterfront city that blends African, Indian and Arab influences to create a unique urban culture, Dar has sprawled chaotically in all directions in recent decades, but still has plenty of charm.

With a city centre sprinkled with attractive colonial buildings, streets lined with bougainvillea and a plethora of palm-fringed beaches, Dar has a laidback feel that makes it hard to believe that the population is now over four million.

Despite being located on a coast with centuries of urban history, Dar es Salaam’s story is relatively short: when the Omani Sultan of nearby Zanzibar started building a new city here in 1865, the existing town was little more than a fishing village. Given a grand Arabic name (Dar es Salaam means “haven of peace”), the city later became the capital of the nascent country of Tanganyika (now Tanzania), firstly under the Germans and then under the British.

Following Tanzanian independence in 1961, the country’s capital eventually moved inland to Dodoma, but Dar es Salaam still remains Tanzania’s largest city, and its most prominent commercial and cultural hub.

Today, the city centre (referred to locally as ‘Town’) may have sprouted many steel and glass towers, but it also has many early 20th century art deco buildings.

Add to this a fringe of beaches, with their bars, palm trees and the occasional old sailing boats gliding past, and a lot of its old-world charm still remains among the chaos of a decidedly modern city.

While most non-business visitors only tend to stop briefly en route to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti or Zanzibar, there’s enough on offer to make it worth lingering.

The clean, sandy island beaches at Bagamoyo and Mbudya are superb, while just inland, the Pugu Hills Forest Reserve offer a remarkably pristine tropical forest landscape for a site so close to a major metropolis.

If the way to a man’s heart is through its food, Dar es Salaam’s fine varied restaurants (and decent music scene) will net a few more love-struck travellers yet.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, hotel nikko tower.

Just a short walk to the ferry terminal, Hotel Nikko Tower is great for either a swift stay before heading to Zanzibar or for a longer budget break in Dar. Clean and colourful rooms have large TVs, free Wi-Fi and decent double beds and there is a simple fitness centre on the top floor. The on-site sports bar has a decent happy hour and shows live games on a large screen.

Hotel Sapphire

Centrally located, the Hotel Sapphire is a clean and pleasant budget option with 63 rooms to choose from. All come with either queen-size or twin beds as well as cable TV as standard. Marble floors help cool the sleeping quarters, while large bathrooms, Wi-Fi and coffee and tea making facilities ensure guests have everything they need. Best of all though are the extremely helpful staff and the rooftop bar, which gives great views across the city.

Tiffany Diamond Hotel & Spa

This clean and airy hotel in the centre of the city has much going for it. Spacious air-conditioned rooms come with complementary Wi-Fi satellite TV and great showers while suites have more room and large Jacuzzi baths. The Shaba Lounge on the 10th floor has views of the harbour and a small but fully-equipped gym sauna and spa are good for unwinding.

Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro

Providing a slice of serenity in this busy and bustling city, the 5-star oasis of The Kilimanjaro offer views over the open Indian Ocean as well as an affable, rooftop infinity pool if the beach seems a little too far away. The 180 large rooms mix African and European features and come with refreshing rain showers, king-size beds, satellite TVs and high speed internet. There are also two excellent restaurants on-site that dish up international fare and local specialties, as well as a lively lounge with an outdoor terrace. Its luxury wellness centre offers spa treatments, saunas, steam rooms and a gym.

DoubleTree by Hilton

In the chic Slipway section of the city, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a wonderful waterfront stay that overlooks Oyster Bay. Its spacious, regal-looking rooms are styled with African art and aristocratic furnishings, and all come with complementary internet, LCD TVs, refined bathrooms and the finest Egyptian cotton sheets. With a swimming pool and three restaurants on-site, the whim of every guest should be catered for.

Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel

The Arabic touches and European elegance of this 5-star palace are just a few meandering minutes from the city centre. Its 230 rooms offer luxury in abundance with king-size beds, much needed air-conditioning, cable TV and separate sitting areas. The hotel also has enough bars, lounges and restaurants to form a break away village, but visitors are usually too busy relaxing in the swimming pool and wellness centre to worry about such fantasies.

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Dar Es Salaam Tour Package: 5-Day Tanzanian Discovery

Zanzibar & dar es salaam tour package: 10-day tanzanian explorer, 13-day kenya & tanzania adventure package, 5 days bagamoyo african art & dar es salaam tour package, 14-day the ultimate safari and zanzibar beach excursion, sensational zanzibar package: 7 days of history, culture, and beach bliss, dar-es-salaam travel essentials.

Ideal duration: 1 - 3 days

Best Time: Mid-June to October Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"The House of Peace"

Dar-es-salaam tourism.

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city, located on the east coast of Africa. As a major commercial and financial hub, it is known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse culture, and vibrant markets. Originally a fishing village in the mid-19th century, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination, boasting significant ports and trading centres. The city offers a range of attractions, from its stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean to its historical landmarks and museums and acts as a gateway to Tanzania's famous national parks.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Tanzania's cultural heritage at places like the National Museum and Village Museum. For a taste of authentic local life, the bustling Kariakoo Market provides a colourful and lively experience. Whether it's strolling along the waterfront, exploring the city centre, or venturing into its vibrant neighbourhoods, Dar es Salaam offers a captivating and rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic Tanzanian experience.

Must Know Before You Travel to Dar-Es-Salaam

• Gateway to Zanzibar and Safaris: While not a top destination by itself, Dar es Salaam is a common stopover for travellers heading to Zanzibar, safaris, and nearby islands and activities like scuba diving.
• Safety Warning for Self-Driving: It's not safe to drive in Dar es Salaam due to reckless driving and traffic congestion.
• Transportation Options: Use Uber or Bolt for cheaper and safer rides, or opt for the city's modern Bus Rapid Transit system, autorickshaws, minibuses, or motorcycle taxis.
• Ferry Scam Alert: Be cautious of scams at the ferry dock to Zanzibar, where taxi drivers may take you to the wrong booth, resulting in inflated prices for a slow ferry ride.

Things To Do In Dar-Es-Salaam

National Museum and House of Culture

Bongoyo Island

Kunduchi Wet "N" Wild Water Park

The Slipway

Makumbusho Village Museum

Azania Front Lutheran Church

Top Hotels In Dar-Es-Salaam

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Travel tips for dar-es-salaam.

• Airport Taxis:  To get better prices, avoid paying in USD and opt for Tanzanian Shillings. It will then cost around 30,000TSH.
• Foreign Currency Exchange:  Carry a hard currency that can be exchanged at the airport Bureau de Change, if necessary, but note that it is not available 24 hours.
• Leaving for the Airport:  Factor in heavy traffic, especially during evening rush hour (extends to 08:00 PM), and leave plenty of time for the trip back to the airport.
• Bus Travel Safety:  Keep valuables and bags containing valuables with you during bus travel, as thefts can occur, especially if the passenger steps off the bus.
• Parking Fee:  When parking on the street, lock your doors and leave. A parking attendant may approach you for a 300 TSH fee (per hour) with a ticket on your windshield; pay before leaving.
• Events and Magazines:  Stay informed about events through magazines like 'What's Happening in Dar,' 'Advertising Dar,' and 'Tanzania in Your Pocket,' which feature dance and music performances, art openings, movie festivals, and more.
• City Center Congestion:  Dar's city centre is highly congested from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, particularly around Kariakoo Market, where streets are narrow and traffic lights are scarce.
• Vehicle Safety:  Carjackings are uncommon, but keep windows closed and doors locked to prevent theft of valuables. Choose parking spots carefully and consider secured parking lots for overnight stays.
• Safety at Night:  Walking alone at night outside exclusive areas is not advisable for foreigners unfamiliar with the city.
• Drinking Water: Tap water is not potable. Hence, stick to bottled water for drinking.

History of Dar es Salaam

Nightlife in dar es salaam.

• The biggest party night happens monthly at Mediterraneo Hotel and Restaurant, attracting a lively crowd of around 500-600 people for an all-night festival of drinking, dancing, and fun.
• Runway Lounge at Shopper's Plaza is another hot spot to enjoy drinks, lounge, and dance alongside a flamboyant crowd.
• Sweet Eazy, a vibey restaurant and bar located in a small shopping complex behind The Oyster Bay Hotel, features live music on Saturday nights, providing a cheesy but enjoyable atmosphere.
• Q Bar, located off Haile Selassie Road, draws a diverse crowd and offers live music, pool tables, and a lively ambience.
• For a more nostalgic experience, O'Willies Irish Pub on the Water's Edge hosts live music on weekends and is perfect for a great night of drinking.
• To start the evening early, Level 8 at Kempinski Hotel, down by the waterfront, is an excellent choice.
• For a more relaxed setting, Coco Beach is the go-to spot, with its beachside bars and restaurants offering enchanting views of the Indian Ocean and mouthwatering seafood dishes.

Shopping in Dar es Salaam

• Kariakoo Market: Considered the largest market in Dar es Salaam, Kariakoo Market is a bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, and vibrant fabrics, providing an authentic and lively market experience.
• Uhuru Street (Downtown Dar es Salaam): Known for its huge distribution selection of kangas, a traditional and colourful cloth widely worn and cherished in Tanzanian culture, making it an ideal spot to find authentic Tanzanian textiles.
• Mwenge Woodcarvers Market: A must-visit for intricately crafted woodcarvings and other artisanal products, showcasing the talent and creativity of Tanzanian artisans.
• Slipway Arts and Crafts Market: Located at the Slipway Shopping Complex, this market offers an abundance of beautifully crafted artworks, making it an excellent destination for art enthusiasts and those looking for unique pieces.
• Slipway Sunday Market: Held at the Slipway Shopping Complex every Sunday, this vibrant market offers a wide variety of stalls selling local crafts, artworks, clothing, and more, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs and support local artisans.
• North Beach (Jangwani Area): Ideal for beachside shopping, visitors can find beachwear, beach accessories, and locally made crafts, adding to the beach getaway experience.
• Mlimani City Shopping Mall: A modern shopping destination with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for a contemporary shopping experience.

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WHEN TO GO TO DAR ES SALAAM

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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.

DAR ES SALAAM TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

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.

GUIDE ON DAR ES SALAAM

Dar es Salaam, the peaceful haven of Tanzania, was unceremoniously inaugurated around early 1860's by the Sultan of Zanzibar who initiated the development of a harbor town close to the fishing settlement of Mzizima.

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I booked my safari holiday through AfricanMecca. They were the most helpful company I have ever dealt with and I work within the travel industry. I had the most amazing time. The holiday went as clockwork with no hitches anywhere.

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AfricanMecca Safaris created a remarkable honeymoon tailored to our interests and desires. The quality of service and delivery of experience was unsurpassed. I highly recommend AfricanMecca Safaris to honeymooners, families, or any traveler.

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East africa safari & beach booking trip idea for dar es salaam in eastern tanzania.

When visiting Dar es Salaam, we recommend experiencing some of the surrounding Dar es Salaam attractions and cultural activities after your Northern Tanzania safari to Tarangire , Lake Manyara , Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti ( wildebeest migration ). End your trip with a Swahili cultural tour and beach holiday in Zanzibar . You may optionally extend out to offbeat parks in Southern and Western Tanzania such as Nyerere (Selous) , Ruaha or Katavi ending with a chimpanzee trekking safari at Gombe or Mahale by the relaxing Lake Tanganyika .

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DAR ES SALAAM CITY & BEACH HOTELS

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Dar es Salaam Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

78 dar es salaam trips. compare tour itineraries from 22 tour companies. 161 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating., popular dar es salaam tours.

Victoria Falls & Serengeti Overland: Lakes & Landos

• Track the "big five" across the serengeti and the ngorongoro crater in agile safari vehicles
• Chill out at lake malawi
• Explore victoria falls and zanzibar

Nairobi to Joburg Overland: Craters & Camping

• Spot the "big five" from 4x4 safari vehicles in the serengeti
• Snorkel zanzibar's waters
• Gaze out across victoria falls
• Look for wildlife in kruger national park
• Discover the less-visited zimbabwe

Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches

• Marvel at victoria falls
• Experience wildlife safari drives in serengeti national park and the ngorongoro crater
• Spend three glorious days on exotic zanzibar
• Camp overnight in the okavango delta
• Visit khama rhino sanctuary

Amazing Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Treking & Safaris

• Enables to have wildlife Safari in Katavi national park
• Enjoy Night Game Drive in Katavi national park
• Walking Safari in Katavi national park
• Experience Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains national park
• Enjoy Boat Ride Safari in Lake Tanganyika

Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices

• Spot the "big five" from agile 4x4 safari vehicles
• Feel the mist of victoria falls
• Raft the zambezi river
• Bliss out on the beaches of zanzibar

Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Overland: Sunsets & Safaris

• Search for the "big five" across africa
• Snorkel the turquoise waters of zanzibar
• Get wet at victoria falls
• Cruise the okavango in traditional canoes
• Catch the sunset at the fish river canyon

East Africa: Safari Drives, Mountain Hikes & Chimp Trekking

• Day hike on mt kenya on the sirimon route
• Visit jane goodall's chimp sanctuary at ol pejeta
• Stay at a maasai owned and operated lodge
• Go on a tracking walk with a maasai guide
• Safari drives in the maasai mara

Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness

• Track the "big five" across the serengeti and the ngorongoro crater
• Get close to nature by camping in the wilderness
• Bliss out on the white-sand beaches of zanzibar
• Experience the hustle-and-bustle of stone town

All Dar es Salaam , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Dar es Salaam

Small Group Dar es Salaam Tours

Ultimate East Africa: Mountains & the Masai Mara

• Track the "big five" on wildlife safari drives in the masai mara and serengeti national park
• Meet mountain gorillas
• Raft the white nile river
• Discover zanzibar's crystal-clear waters

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Dar es salaam reviews & ratings.

authentic experience of the trip and a good organisation

A great and fun way to see so many high lights in a short time, leaving me with the desire of going back and continuing the trip

A great and fun way to see so many high lights in a short time, ...

The tour was a fantastic experience and I really enjoyed it

The tour was a fantastic experience and I really enjoyed ...

It was great

It was great!

Everything was a great experience, unforgetable

Everything was a great experience, unforgetable!! Better than what I imag...

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Traveling to Dar es Salaam, an FAQ

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

Join us as we journey together to the most blessed lands of Makkah and Madinah, completing the rites of Umrah, cleansing our souls of accumulated sins and nourishing our hearts with heightened faith. If you’re after an enjoyable, faith- elevating, inspiration-filled trip that promises to deliver an unmatched Umrah experience then choose one of our exclusive packages below:

Safeguarding Your Health on Your Journey is our Priority

Temperature checks will be taken before trips for your safety.

Wearing masks on your journey helps keep everyone safe.

We’re committed to facilitating physical distancing.

All guests and staff are to adhere to sanitizing procedures at all times.

We’re adhering to best practices for cleanliness and disinfection. 

After years of facing towards this great city in each and every prayer and learning about the magnificent history of this most blessed place on Earth, you can now finally pray in front of the first house built and dedicated for the worship of Allah – the Ka’bah. You’ll hear, live, the glorious call to prayer from the famous muadhins, calling ‘Allahu Akbar, Allaaaahu Akbar’ as the sound of the adhaan echoes from the speakers and moves your soul and elevates your imaan. As you join the rows, lines straight and hearts upright, seeking to draw closer to Allah, standing before Him in humility and prayer, you realise, Allah has chosen you to be His Guest in this great journey of faith.

Join us as we relive some of the most defining moments in the history of Islam. Experience the DST difference with our immersive historical tour of Makkah delivered by expert guides that will transport you a prophetic era.

A moving and inspiring story of seclusion and revelation, of prophethood and perseverance, it all starts with a trip to Jabal al Noor, the Mountain of Light, where the Prophet (ﷺ) first received revelation.

Learn about the persecution faced by early Muslims and how they were driven out of Makkah whilst holding firmly onto their faith. Learn about the migration of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the remarkable occurrences at Jabal Thawr that instilled within the believers lessons of tawakkul, of absolute, unwavering reliance in Allah SWT.

Visit the iconic Jabal Ar-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy, whereupon the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered his famous last sermon and the site which forms the pinnacle of the rites of Hajj. Journey through Mina, the city of tents, where pilgrims follow the example of the Prophet and stay for several days during the Hajj and pelt the three Jamarat, symbolic of warding off the devil and rooted in the story of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

For the ultimate experience, join us for our unique and exclusive ‘Walking Tour of AlMasjid AlHaram’, where we recount some of the most notable moments and places, delivered by our renowned expert guides.

An immersive experience of the history of Makkah like never before.

Madinah is known and loved for the tranquillity that it brings to our hearts – that feeling that we have finally made it back home – home is definitely where the heart is and our hearts are profoundly connected with a deep love of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his beautiful city. It is city that is filled with stories of love and sacrifice, of prophetic wisdom and illustrious companionship. Madinah is a city that keeps on giving – rich in history and lessons that build our faith and traditions and inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves. Welcome home, welcome to Madinah.

Travel back in time with us as we go back some 1400 years and relive some of the most significant moments in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. Exclusive to DST, a unique and immersive experience that will leave you longing for more.

From the very first masjid built in Madinah, which the Prophet (ﷺ) himself help construct, Masjid Quba, to Masjid Qiblatain – the masjid of two qiblahs – where the companions prayed in two directions as the qiblah changed from Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem to Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. Be prepared to be in awe of the rich history and insights gained from this tour.

You may be tempted to unsheathe your sword as we recount the epic Battle of Uhud where over seventy companions were killed, live and on site. You’ll get to ascend the archers mount as well as visit and pray for the Martyrs of Uhud.

For the ultimate experience, join us for our exclusive ‘Walking Tour of the Prophet’s Masjid’, where we recount some of the most notable moments in what was then the entire city of Madinah, delivered by our renowned expert guides.

An immersive experience of the history of Madinah like never before.

Last 10 Nights of Ramadan

(makkah only), group arrival info, arrival to jeddah: march 30, 2024, departure from jeddah: april 9, 2024, package a - land only.

  Makkah : Fairmont or Jumeirah Hotel

Package C - LAND ONLY

  Makkah : Anjum Hotel

STOP-OVER IN DUBAI

4-star hotel package.

 Occidental Al Jaddaf Hotel or similar

(Enjoy visiting Al Fahidi Fort, Jumeirah Mosque,  Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah,  Dubai Marina, Spice Souks, Dhow boat dinner, Desert Safari, and soo much more)

*Please ask your agent for 5-star hotel price options.

LAND ONLY PACKAGES

Package b -land only.

Makkah : Swiss Hotel

Inclusions/Exclusions

PRICE INCLUDES:

10 Nights accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet Iftar and Suhour at Hotel Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

EXCLUSIONS:

Cost of PCR test on return Cost of Saudi Sim card (if applicable) Optional Tours *In case of any quarantine due to COVID all expenses are not included for any days

Last 14 Nights of Ramadan

Arrival to madinah: march 26, 2024.

Madinah : Movenpick Hotel | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel

Package B - LAND ONLY

Madinah : Dar Al Taqwa Hotel   | Makkah : Swiss Hotel

4 Nights accomodations in Madinah 10 Nights accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet Iftar in Madinah Daily open buffet Iftar and Suhour in Makkh ONLY Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Virtual information session prior to departure Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

Ramadan 14 Nights w/ Madinah

Travel dates, makkah: march 30, 2024 – april 10, 2024, madinah: april 10, 2024 – april 13, 2024.

Madinah : Movenpick Hotel   | Makkah : Swiss Hotel

3 Nights accomodations in Madinah 11 Nights accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet Iftar in Madinah Daily open buffet Iftar and Suhour in Makkh ONLY Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Virtual information session prior to departure Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

April 11 – 20 Package

Travel dates, arrival to madinah: april 12, 2024, departure from jeddah: april 20, 2024, roundtrip international flight not included.

LAND ONLY PACKAGE

4 nights Accommodations in Madinah 4 nights Accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet breakfast at Hotels Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Guided Tour of Madinah – Mazarat Guided Tour of Makkah – Mazarat Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

Lunch & Dinners Cost of PCR test on return Cost of Saudi Sim card (if applicable) Optional Tours *In case of any quarantine due to COVID all expenses are not included for any days

April 26 – May 4 Package (Land Only)

Land only package.

Arrival in Madinah: April 26

Departure from Jeddah: May 4

Madinah : Dar Al Taqwa  Hotel | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel

Roundtrip International Airfare Lunch & Dinners Cost of PCR test on return Cost of Saudi Sim card (if applicable) Optional Tours *In case of any quarantine due to COVID all expenses are not included for any days

Madinah : Movenpick Hotel | Makkah : Swiss Hotel

May 7 Nights Special Package

May 10 – May 19, 2024 

Departure from Makkah will be on May 18 evening

PackageDetails

Madinah : Movenpick Hotel | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel or Jumeirah Hotel

Roundtrip International Airfare (For Air & Land Packages) 3 nights Accommodations in Madinah 4 nights Accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet breakfast at Hotels Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Guided Tour of Madinah – Mazarat Guided Tour of Makkah – Mazarat Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

Roundtrip International Flight Included

Departs from New York JFK on Egypt Airlines 

Summer Umrah Packages

July 19 – July 28, 2024 from JFK

August 16 – August 25, 2024 from JFK

August 23 – September 1, 2024 from IAD

Madinah : Hilton Hotel | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel

Roundtrip International Airfare (For Air & Land Packages) 4 nights Accommodations in Madinah 4 nights Accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet breakfast at Hotels Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Guided Tour of Madinah – Mazarat Guided Tour of Makkah – Mazarat Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

on Saudi Airlines 

September Umrah Packages

September 21 – September 29, 2024 from JFK on Egypt Airline

Package Details

Roundtrip International Airfare (For Air & Land Packages) 3 nights Accommodations in Madinah 4 nights Accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet breakfast at Hotels Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Guided Tour of Madinah – Mazarat Guided Tour of Makkah – Mazarat Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Tourist Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

Umrah with Stopover in Cairo

September 21 – October 1, 2024 from JFK on Egypt Airline

Madinah : Movenpick Hotel or Similar | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel or Similar |  Cairo: Movenpick Media Center or Similar

Trip At a Glance

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs

• Meet and assist service at the airport.
• Transfer to the hotel and check-in.
• Review itinerary with guide. Overnight stay in Cairo.

Day 2: Pyramids and Museum Sightseeing

• Explore the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
• Enjoy lunch at a renowned local restaurant.
• Visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. Overnight stay in Cairo. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Cairo Sightseeing Tour

• Pickup from the hotel to visit Salah El Din Citadel, Alzhar, and Hussein Mosques, and Khan El Khalili.
• Lunch included during the tour. Transfer back to the hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Cairo – Fly Back Home

• Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
• Free time in Cairo.
• Transfer to the airport for departure.
• Daily breakfast buffet
• Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
• Assistance from our guest relations team during your stay
• All transfers provided in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles
• Accommodation for 3 nights in a Cairo hotel with breakfast included
• Local English-speaking tour guide during your tours
• Complimentary bottled water during outings outside of the hotel
• Admission fees to the sights included in the itinerary
• Applicable taxes for all hotels included in the price
• International airfare to Egypt
• Entry visa to Egypt
• Personal expenses such as water, drinks during meals, laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Entrance fees inside any of the Pyramids
• Optional activities

Fall Umrah Packages

October 11 – October 20, 2024 from JFK

November 8 – November 17, 2024 from JFK

November 7 – November 16, 2024 from IAD

Madinah : Hilton Hotel | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel or Jumeirah Hotel

Thanksgiving Break Umrah

November 21 – 30, 2024

Madinah : Dar Al Taqwa | Makkah : Fairmont Hotel

November 22 – December 1, 2024

Madinah : Hilton or Dar Al Taqwa | Makkah : Fairmont or Hyatt

on Saudi Airlines from Washington, DC IAD Airport

Additional Gateways are available at an extra charge:

Roundtrip International Airfare (For Air & Land Packages) 4 nights’ Accommodations in Madinah 4 nights of Accommodations in Makkah Daily open buffet breakfast at Hotels Ground Transport to Hotels and Airports Haramain train/Bus transfer from Madinah to Makkah Guided Tour of Madinah – Mazarat Guided Tour of Makkah – Mazarat Virtual information session prior to departure Umrah Lecture and Khatirahs on-site Visa processing and visa fees and Saudi health insurance

Lunch & Dinners Cost of PCR test on return Cost of Saudi Sim card (if applicable) Optional Tours *Umrah visa with an additional $225

on Egypt Airlines from New York City JFK Airport

I’m deeply thankful for all your kindness in assisting and guiding through this journey. May Allah bless you and all your loved ones with the best in this world and the next Ameen JAK.

Columbus, OH

Thank you Dar El Salam for everything you have been amazing in every way and may Allah bless you and jazakom Allah Khairan .

Los Angeles, CA

For more information please contact us at (866)327-7252

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Safaris From Dar es Salaam - Compare 372 Tours

Dar es Salaam is a fabulous gateway for going on a Tanzania safari. Because of its geographical location, it’s a popular starting point for parks and reserves in the country’s south. But if you’re willing to fly, you could go almost anywhere in the country. Choosing where to go will probably be the hardest decision you make on your whole safari, simply because there are so many incredible possibilities. Take your time to plan carefully, think about which animals you’d like to see, and then approach a tour operator (or a number of different operators) to ask them what your options are. As long as you’re on safari in Tanzania, it’s sure to be an amazing trip.

3-Day Nyerere NP (Selous) with Boat & Bush Walk Safari

$682 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Nyerere NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Connect African Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  33 Reviews

4-Day Nyerere and Mikumi National Parks

$959 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Mikumi NP, Nyerere NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Bujo Tours   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  55 Reviews

1-Day Trip Mikumi Safari

$330 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Day tour Private tour

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Mikumi NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Swahili Paradise Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.1 /5  –  85 Reviews

6-Day Mikumi and Nyerere Classic Adventure Safari

$1,155 pp (USD)

Kima Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.7 /5  –  20 Reviews

2-Day Excellent Nyerere National Park

$418 pp (USD)

Widman Tours & Safari   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.7 /5  –  24 Reviews

5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara Tour

$1,562 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Camping & Lodge

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

Psalms Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

2-Day Mikumi Budget Adventure

$381 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Banda

Kasaka Tours   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  29 Reviews

8-Day Serengeti Safari & Chimpanzee Trekking

$2,684 pp (USD)

Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania & Uganda: Private tour Budget Camping & Tented Camp

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Gombe NP, Arusha (End)

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

5.0 /5  –  157 Reviews

2-Day Budget Safari Dar Es Salaam to Selous (Nyerere NP)

$440 pp (USD)

Uwanda Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  132 Reviews

2-Day Mikumi-Once in Lifetime Experience

$319 pp (USD)

Obag African Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.8 /5  –  37 Reviews

3-Day Mikumi National Park + Udzungwa NP Safari

$693 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Lodge & Banda

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Mikumi NP, Udzungwa Mountains, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Smile With Us Tours In Africa   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.8 /5  –  153 Reviews

3-Day Midrange Tarangire, Coffee Test& Cultural Insights

$810 pp (USD)

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Arusha (City) , Tarangire NP, Materuni (Highlight) , Dar Es Salaam (End)

Mercy Yetu Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  8 Reviews

3-Day Nyerere Wildlife Safari-Explore Tanzania's Best

$1,115 pp (USD)

Safari 56   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  15 Reviews

2-Day Budget Safari to Ngorongoro from Dar Es Salaam

$740 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Heavenly Laugh Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  4 Reviews

2-Day Stunning Safari to Mikumi National Park

$352 pp (USD)

Imara Tours Zanzibar   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  19 Reviews

5-Day Safari Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Manyara

$1,870 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

Faithfull Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  9 Reviews

6-Day Southern Circuit - Southern Highland Safari

$1,920 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Hotel & Banda

You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start) , Mikumi NP, Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)

Kitonga Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  21 Reviews

2-Day Dar Es Salaam to Nyerere National Park Adventure

$589 pp (USD)

Daily Expeditions   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  53 Reviews

3-Day Selous (Nyerere NP)Boat, Game Drive&Walking Safari

$462 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Lodge

Kihindo Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  207 Reviews

2-Day Mikumi Wildlife Adventures

$347 pp (USD)

Asante Bibi Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

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5 Questions About Safaris From Dar es Salaam

Answered by

Anthony ham.

Where can I go on a safari from Dar es Salaam?

“In general, the most popular safaris out of Dar es Salaam focus on the country’s south. Most often, this means Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), with its unique mix of incredible wildlife and boat excursions on the stunning Rufiji River. Almost as popular is a visit to Mikumi National Park, which is often compared to the Serengeti for both its wildlife and landscapes. A little farther away but still within reach, Ruaha National Park is a massive park filled with lions and other fantastic wildlife. One final option for a short excursion from Dar is Saadani National Park, which has less wildlife than other parks but has the special attraction of being able to see the animals alongside the coast. If you are willing to fly farther afield, you could visit the parks of northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks and the Ngorongoro Crater), but most safaris to these places begin in Arusha. Longer flights could also take you out west to Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks, which are Tanzania’s best parks for chimpanzee trekking.”

How much time do I need for a Tanzania trip from Dar es Salaam?

“There are so many different ways to answer this question because of the many possible safaris you can do from Dar. The simplest answer is that the more time you can spend on safari, the more parks you’ll be able to visit and the more wildlife you’ll get to see. If you only have a day or 2, then Saadani National Park is the best and easiest option. With 3 days you could easily visit Nyerere, and if you fly there and back you can have the best part of 3 days in the park. Add a couple of extra days and you could also spend time in Mikumi. If you prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace, then 1 week spread across Nyerere and Mikumi is ideal. With 10 days you could also visit Ruaha. Of course, if you’re driving to and between these parks, you may need to factor in more time.”

Can I see the Big Five animals on a safari from Dar es Salaam?

“Seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) on a safari from Dar es Salaam is possible but difficult. The problem is likely to be rhino: most parks have the other four members of the Big Five, but there are very few rhinos in southern Tanzania. Nyerere National Park may be the exception, with a few black rhinos, but they’re very rarely seen. It’s usually easier to see the Big Five in the north, if you visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on the same trip. Remember that the Big Five is not the only way to think about the best animals to see. The idea of the Big Five was actually invented by colonial hunters to list the five most dangerous animals to hunt. Seeing the Big Five is always a highlight, but these days many safari travelers get just as excited by seeing a cheetah, African wild dog, giraffe or zebra, all of which are easily seen in the parks of the south.”

Should I go for a road or fly-in trip from Dar es Salaam?

“There are advantages to both kinds of safari, so how you answer this question all comes down to deciding what kind of safari you’d like to enjoy. A fly-in safari is the quickest way to get to and between the parks you’ll visit on safari. This means that you’ll spend less time getting from A to B, which frees up more time for actually looking for animals on the ground. Flying into a park is also like taking a scenic flight, with so many incredible views on the way in and out. You’ll never forget the first time you see a herd of elephants from the air! The problem with flying is that it can be expensive, meaning that it can push some safaris out of reach for those seeking a cheap and affordable trip. Driving also has the advantage of letting you see more of the country and local life up close as you travel around.”

What is the cost of a Tanzania trip from Dar es Salaam?

“There are many different answers to this question. A 3-day budget camping safari in which you travel by road could start at around US$150 per person per day; it could cost less per day the longer you travel. If, on the other hand, you go on a fly-in luxury safari, the price could start at US$350 to US$400 per person per day and could go much higher. Apart from accommodation, the main variables when it comes to cost include whether you travel in high or low season, whether you’re on a private, group or self-drive safari, and how long you’re traveling for. There will be lots of different tour operators to choose from, and all of them will offer different packages. Whichever one you go for, always make sure that you understand what is (and what isn’t) included. Quoted prices should include all accommodation, meals, some drinks, park entry fees, transfers, guide, driver, game drives and vehicle.”

Tanzania Safari Reviews

Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.

Tanzania – Classic African Safari Destination

Few areas of the continent offer the amount, variety and accessibility of wildlife that Tanzania does, against such a scenic backdrop. Wildlife is abundant, species diversity excellent, and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes...

Full Review

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

The capital of safari in word and deed

If I think about everything that I imagined safari to be before I moved to South Africa and began travelling Africa, it turns out that what I imagined was Tanzania. For me, the striking variety of landscapes and the staggering density of...

Tanzania is great, even in the rainy season

Tanzania is very friendly, not dangerous, and has amazing wildlife. We spent two nights in a camp in Tarangire, two nights in a camp in the Serengeti, and two nights in a lodge in Ngorongoro. Tarangire has lots of elephant and giraffe,...

Bucket List Trip

Travelling the Serengeti should be on everyone's bucket list. You will not find anything else like it in the world. There are multiple sleeping accommodations depending on how much you want to spend and how close to the animals you want to...

Fabulous 2 wks in Tanzania

Our Safari Soles experience in Tanzania and Zanzibar was simply amazing, extraordinarily well organized with superb local guides. We designed a two-week trip combining the great migration with 5 days on Zanzibar. Magreth helped us design...

A trip to Tanzania truly is a trip of a lifetime

Tanzania is a place where you feel most welcome the minute you step onto its African soil. The people are abundant in their warmth and are quick to let small talk turn into real conversations about their lives and families. The guides and...

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Air Tanzania Flies Its New Boeing 737 MAX 9 On First Service From Dar es Salaam To Dubai

• Air Tanzania has launched flights from Dar es Salaam to Dubai with its new Boeing 737 MAX 9.
• Flights will be operated four times a week, joining Emirates on the route.
• Air Tanzania aims to connect Tanzania to major markets internationally by expanding its network.

Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Dubai, marking the inauguration of its third intercontinental destination. The first flight was operated with the airline's brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 9 , which arrived in Tanzania last week.

Flights from Tanzania to the UAE

Air Tanzania's non-stop service to the UAE started on March 31, 2024. The inaugural flight departed Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) at 20:10 local time and landed at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 02:30. Flights between the two cities will be operated four times a week with the following schedule:

The 737 MAX 9 has a total of 181 seats, with 165 in economy and 16 in business. Launching flights to Dubai is part of the airline's strategy to connect Tanzania to major markets worldwide. ATCL held an event at Dar es Salaam Airport's Terminal 3 to celebrate the inaugural flight. Speaking about the new route, Air Tanzania CEO Ladislaus Matindi said,

"As part of our strategy to increase the range of travel, we are pleased to join the world's major airlines in facilitating flights to Dubai because it is a long-term strategy that expands the range of travel and provides more options for our passengers. Our passengers will have a unique experience during the trip as well as seeing the value of their money."

Under 100 Miles: The World's Shortest Widebody Flights This Month

Flights between east africa and the uae.

With the launch of its new service, Air Tanzania has become the second airline operating passenger flights from Dar es Salaam to Dubai. It follows Emirates, which launched flights to the Tanzanian capital in October 1997, operating via Nairobi at the time. The Dubai-based carrier currently has six weekly Boeing 777 flights on the route.

According to data from Cirium , an aviation analytics company, there are a total of 17 weekly flights from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates. Flydubai is the third carrier flying between the two countries with daily flights from Dubai to Zanzibar with the 737 MAX 8.

This month, more than ten airlines have scheduled passenger flights from East Africa to the UAE. They offer over 174 weekly flights from about 14 airports to Abu Dhabi (AUH), Dubai International (DXB), and Sharjah (SHJ). Emirates is the top carrier from East Africa to the UAE with up to 58 weekly flights . Etihad will resume Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights in May , adding another connection between East Africa and the UAE.

Air Tanzania's second 737 MAX 9

Air Tanzania launched DAR-DXB flights with its brand new Boeing 737 MAX 9, registration 5H-TCQ. It is the second of two ordered by the Tanzanian government from Boeing in November 2021. The aircraft arrived in Dar es Salaam on March 26 after a long ferry flight from Seattle (BFI). The aircraft is named Ruaha National Park.

South Africa's FlySafair Doesn't Expect To Fly The 737 MAX In The Next Couple Of Years

The airline received its first MAX 9 (5H-TCP) in October 2023 and remains the sole operator of the type in Africa. The aircraft primarily operates flights from Dar es Salaam to Mumbai (BOM) and a few domestic and regional destinations. With the arrival of the second MAX 9, Air Tanzania now has a fleet of 14 aircraft, comprising five DHC-8-Q400, four Airbus A220s, two 737-9s, two 787-8s, and one 767F.

What are your thoughts on Air Tanzania's route to Dubai and the new 737 MAX 9? Please let us know in the comment section.

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PHD SCHOLARSHIP: HIMILI PAMOJA

PHD SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: ''HIMILI PAMOJA''– GENDERED ENCOUNTERS IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, TANZANIA, UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM (UDSM)

The University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with project partners, hereby announces PhD positions offered under the research project “Himili Pamoja – Gendered Encounters in Climate Change Adaptation”, funded by Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA). The project is developed and implemented in collaboration between the University of Dar es Salaam (Centre for Climate Change Studies), the State University of Zanzibar (Department of Geography), and the University of Copenhagen (Department of Public Health). The PhD students will be registered at the University of Dar es Salaam and will have the possibility of taking PhD courses abroad.

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