Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital and the most densely populated city in Tanzania. But it’s also a lively, cross-cultural destination. Africans, Indians, Arabs, Germans and English have all left their marks there. In the city you will find extensive beaches, buildings of colonial architecture and a relaxed urban atmosphere that captivates travelers. Among all the things to do in Dar es Salaam, we also highlight a visit to its most modern glass skyscrapers and art deco buildings.
The city as such is not one of the most popular destinations in the country, however, it is a good strategic place to stay. There you will find a wide range of hotels and restaurants, and many agencies offering tours of the surrounding islands. In addition, Dar es Salaam is home to the Julius Nyerere International Airport, where you will probably start your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting city and the must-see sights you can’t miss. Let’s get started!
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What are the best places to visit in Dar es Salaam?
1. Coco Beach
Dar es Salaam has several beaches along its coastline but none like Coco Beach. There you can relax, sunbathe and practice water sports such as snorkeling. We also recommend you to head to some of the surrounding restaurants to try the local seafood dishes.
If you want to know more about Tanzania’s beaches we invite you to read this post: What are the best beaches in Tanzania?
2. Botanical Gardens of Dar es Salaam
The Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens are a green retreat in the heart of the city and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a pleasant natural space and learn about the local botany. It is a highly recommended place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. In the gardens you will find a wide variety of local and international trees and plants along shady paths. You will also find picnic areas and a beautiful butterfly garden.
3. Kariakoo market
Among all the things to do in Dar es Salaam you can’t miss the Kariakoo Market, the largest market in the city and the commercial center. The market is known for the hustle and bustle of its stalls and the authenticity that every corner has to offer. There you will find a wide variety of products, from fresh food to local handicrafts and colorful textiles. Be aware that bargaining is common.
The market is a reflection of daily life in the city, a perfect place to soak up the local culture and buy some souvenirs of our visit.
4. National Museum of Tanzania
The National Museum of Tanzania is a window into the rich cultural and natural heritage of the country. In this museum you can learn about the history, archaeology and ethnic diversity of Tanzania through artifacts and replicas of tribal structures.
The museum is relatively small, but well worth a visit if you like history. You can also book a guided tour so you won’t miss a thing.
5. Makumbusho Village Museum
At this open-air ethnographic museum you can learn about Tanzania’s diverse cultures through authentic traditional houses and structures of different ethnic groups. In each building you’ll find handcrafts, utensils and artifacts that reflect daily life and offer a deep insight into the country’s traditions and customs. It’s an inverse experience that we recommend you to live.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do and see around Dar es Salaam
1. Bongoyo Island
Bongoyo Island is a perfect destination for a day trip. It is a protected area that belongs to the Dar es-Salaam Marine Reserve. There are no hotels in this area. So if you want to visit it you will have no choice but to rent a boat or hire an organized excursion in Dar es-Salaam to get there. The organized excursion costs a bit less than 10€.
In Bongoyo you’ll find two extensive paradisiacal beaches surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the perfect place to take a day getaway and return in the evening to enjoy the livelier atmosphere of Dar es-Salaam.
2. Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island is another excursion to do when in Dar es Salaam as it is only a 20-minute boat ride away.
It’s an ideal place to explore the coral reefs snorkeling there. There are no lodging options on the island, making it a perfect choice for a temporary retreat.
What to see in 1 day in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam can easily be seen in one day, but if you want to enjoy the surrounding paradise beaches and islands we recommend spending at least 3 days.
In 24 hours you can visit the main sights in Dar es Salaam, such as the Coco Beach, the National Museum of Tanzania, the botanical garden and the markets of the city. We also advise you to visit the city at sunset to enjoy the nightlife.
In the city itself you can book excursions to visit the surrounding islands such as the Mbudya and Bongoyo islands. Study the options well before choosing, there are many tours with different routes.
Where and what to eat in Dar es Salaam
In Dar es Salaam you will find many international cuisine options, but as always, our recommendation is that you try the local cuisine and enjoy its traditions. Among the typical dishes of the area you can’t miss the pilau (spiced rice), Mchuzi wa Pweza (octopus stew), Mishkaki (meat skewers), Nyama Choma (grilled meat) or Samaki Wa Kupaka (fish stew in coconut sauce).
We recommend you to go to these restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine:
- Samaki samaki: is a nice restaurant where you can try local seafood cooked in the local style. You’ll also find vegetarian and international cuisine options.
- Mamboz Restaurant: If you want to try Tanzanian-style barbecue, you can’t miss this restaurant. You’ll eat deluxe for less than 15€.
- The Waterfront Sunset Restaurant & Beach Bar: If you’re looking to eat in an exclusive space with a view, we recommend you visit this seafood restaurant. You’ll eat very well in a unique atmosphere for less than €30.
Where to stay in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania, and although it is not the most touristy destination in the country, it is a good strategic location for discovering the surrounding islands. By this we mean that you will find a wide range of hotels to stay in.
If you’re looking for an exclusive and luxurious experience, we recommend staying at Masaki Peninsula and Msasani, which are close to the beach and nightclubs. It is also a good option to stay in the city center, or in the residential areas of Oyster Bay and Mikocheni, where you will also find lower prices.
Here are some of our favorite places to stay in the city:
- TSA Masaki: For €100 a night you can stay at this pleasant hotel less than 1km from the beach. The accommodation has an outdoor pool, terrace with views, free parking and gym. They also offer fully equipped apartments with kitchen. Breakfast is included in the price.
- CBD Hotel: this amazing 4-star hotel is a perfect choice to make the most of your vacation. The rooms, overlooking the city, are equipped with TV, air conditioning and a minibar. They also have a dining area with an electric kettle and a fridge. The hotel has a swimming pool, terrace, restaurant and a gym. The price per night starts at 70€ and breakfast is included.
- Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel: This is a beautiful three-star hotel located in front of the sea. It has a swimming pool, fitness room, bar and restaurant, and the views are magnificent. The price per night starts at 90€ and breakfast is included in some rooms.
How to get to Dar es Salaam
To get to Dar es Salaam, you have several options depending on where you are coming from:
- Airplane: the closest airport to Dar es Salaam is Julius Nyerere International Airport, located 15km from the city center. From there you can reach the center by bus, cab, or private transfer.
- Ferry: If you are in Zanzibar or the nearby islands, it is a perfect option. The price from Zanzibar is around $35 per person for a one-way ticket.
- Bus: There are bus services connecting Dar es Salaam with neighboring cities. However, be aware that bus journeys can be longer and less comfortable than flights.
- Car rental: keep in mind that driving around the cities in Tanzania is not like driving in Europe, it is much more chaotic. Therefore, it is only recommended to rent a car if you are going to tour the country on your own.
What should I keep in mind before traveling to Dar es Salaam
- In some beaches in Tanzania, there is an entrance fee.
- The official languages in Tanzania are Swahili and English.
- A visa and passport are required to enter Tanzania.
- The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling.
- Although in the more touristy areas it is possible to find places that accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash.
- Tanzania has a tropical climate with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. However, you should be prepared for climatic variations depending on the region you visit and the time of the year.
- Drink only bottled water and avoid consuming raw food from unreliable places to avoid stomach problems.
- Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
- Tanzania is a safe destination, but we recommend you take care with your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen.
- The best time to travel to Tanzania is between May and October.
How to prepare what to see on your trip to Dar es Salaam
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
- Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app to have everything always at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips on the things to do in Dar es Salaam.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Dar es Salaam
The best time to travel to Tanzania is in the dry season, from May to October.
Water is not drinkable throughout the country, and due to the poor safety of water supplies, we recommend you drink only bottled water and avoid ice.
One day is enough to see the city, but we recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days to enjoy the surroundings.
The best areas to stay in the city are downtown, the Masaki Peninsula and Msasan, Oyster Bay and Mikocheni.
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