Dar es Salaam

TANZANIA

An African megacity between tradition and future

Tanzania’s former capital, often referred to as “Dar,” is not only Tanzania’s second-largest city but one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Located along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is brimming with activities for anyone. Dar is not only known for its beaches and islands, but it also offers a glimpse into a vibrating African city. We recommend staying a couple more days to enjoy the beach before heading for a safari!

SIGHT SEEING
BEACHES
CITY LIFE
ACTIVITIES

Stuck in rush hour, it took us two hours to arrive at our destination. The house of Joseph, the doctor, was located in a suburban area, giving us the first glimpse of daily life. We were starving by the time we arrived.
We found our first Tanzanian dinner right by the street. Upon entering, we were eagerly greeted and received first instructions to food customs in Tanzania. Food is often shared and eaten with hands. Quite clumsy, we started eating away the first “kuku” with typical ugali. The warm welcome to Dar es Salaam made us even more excited to explore the city the following days!

  • In Dar es Salaam, choose a stay that keeps you connected to the city — through local teams, Tanzanian design, neighbourhood life, independent restaurants and the Indian Ocean culture that shapes Dar beyond the airport and ferry terminal.
Our REcommendations

Best places to stay in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is often treated as a transit city — the place you pass through on the way to Zanzibar, safari or the southern coast. But I would not rush it completely. The city has its own rhythm: Indian Ocean light, ferries, markets, old colonial corners, busy roads, leafy peninsula neighborhoods and a food scene shaped by Swahili, Indian, Arab and coastal influences.
For Dar, I would choose your base carefully. The city is spread out, traffic can be heavy, and where you stay will shape how easy the city feels. For most travelers, Masaki, Oyster Bay, Msasani or the Slipway area make the softest landing — close to restaurants, the sea, cafés and boat departures, while still giving you access to the wider city.

Hotel Slipway is one of the most convenient choices if you want everything within reach: the waterfront, restaurants, shops, boat trips, the marina and easy access to the peninsula. It is not the most intimate stay, but it works well if Dar is your first or last stop in Tanzania and you want comfort without being too far from the water.

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The Amariah is a smaller boutique-style option with African-themed interiors and a quieter city base. I would consider it if you want something more personal than a chain hotel, but still comfortable and practical. The Mikocheni location can work well if you want access to both the peninsula and the wider city without being directly in the busiest areas.

The Oyster Bay Suites are better suited if you prefer space and independence over a classic hotel feeling. With apartment-style accommodation in Oyster Bay, this can be a good option for longer stays, work trips or travelers who want a calmer base with more room to settle in. It is also close enough to Coco Beach, the Slipway and several peninsula neighborhoods to make Dar feel more manageable.

Along Kivukoni Waterfront

Kivukuni is the trading spot for locally caught fish. It”s exciting to watch the vivid hustle of the fishermen. You”ll also find the exotic botanical garden and the Lutheran church Azania Front close by. Just keep looking out for Azania”s striking red bell tower. Many interesting museums are close by, too.

National Museum

The National Museum in Dar es Salaam is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Tanzania.The museum contains two million old bones from the ancestors of Homo Sapiens, making it one of the most important paleontological sites in the world. The museum also has a wealth of other exhibits, ranging from traditional African masks to modern art. The National Museum is a mustsee for anyone interested in the history of Tanzania or the human race. The museum is open every day except Monday, and admission is free. Dar es Salaam is an intriguing city with a lot to offer, and The National Museum is one of its most cherished treasures.

Makumbusho Village Museum

The Makumbusho Village Museum is an open-air museum established in 1967 with the primary goal of acquiring, researching, and preserving Tanzania’s indigenous culture and architecture. The museum features several traditional homes and buildings from various regions of the country and a variety of exhibits on topics such as agriculture, pottery, and traditional medicine. In addition, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. So whether you’re looking to learn more about Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage or want to enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds, the Makumbusho Village Museum is worth visiting.

Kivukoni fish market

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, add the Kivukoni fish market to your Dar-es-salaam itinerary. This lively market is held every morning, with fishers offloading their catch from traditional dhows. Then, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and public members gather to bargain for the best seafood in a raucous auction. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see an impressive range of Indian Ocean fish species and snap some great photos. Throughout the day, you can purchase fresh fish from the market. So if you’re a fan of seafood, make sure to add the Kivukoni fish market to your list of things to do in Dar es
Salaam!

Kariakoo Market – Dar

On our first day, we decided to visit one of the busiest and most vibrant local markets to get an authentic Dar experience right away. On the way to the market, we passed Dar es Salaam”s famous Oyster Bay. Kariakoo market is located at the intersection of Mkunguni and Nyamwezi streets. As soon as we hopped off the bus, we were immediately swallowed by the busy hustle and bustle of the market. You can find virtually anything here: fresh produce, agricultural crops, fresh and dried fish, cloths, even house, and office furniture. We strolled around for quite some time enjoying the bustling streets

Mwenge Carvers Market

Mwenge is one of the most popular tourist markets in Dar es Salaam. It’s located in the city center and is known for its wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures. Mwenge is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. The market is also a great place to bargain for prices on things like clothing, jewelry, and other items.

Uhuru Street – the place to shop kangas

Since we were on the lookout for a traditional African dress, so-called kangas, we visited Uhuru Street (from Mnazi Moja to Samora Avenue). Uhuru street is well known to be one of the best places to shop for fabrics, clothes, and most importantly, kangas. After our little shopping spring, we can only confirm that. Tanzanians and tourists complimented our kangas. While taking in the vibe of the market, our experience from last night was reaffirmed: men and women greeted us warmly, started conversations, and thought us the basics of Swahili. We found the friendliness of the people, the buzzing streets, and the colorful environment exhilarating. We could barely wait to discover more of Tanzania. Thanks to the malaria pills we had
an unrestful night, and we got up early to head to Arusha.

Beaches around Dar es Salaam

Even though Dar es Sallam is not a beach destination per se, the beaches are a very cool place to spend some time around Dar and feel the city’s energy.

Our favorite beaches around Dar es Salaam

Oyster Bay & Cocoa Beach

Oyster Bay is a beautiful stretch of beach on the Msasani Peninsula, located just north of Dar Es Salaam. On weekends, the beach is buzzing with activity as Tanzanians come out to enjoy the food trucks, music, and atmosphere. While Oyster Bay is not recommended for swimming, it’s still a great place to relax and soak up the sun. Cocoa Beach is also nearby if you’re looking for a more traditional beach experience. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the views. Dar es Salaam is a beautiful city with plenty to offer, and Oyster Bay and Cocoa Beach are just two of the many great
places to explore.

Bongojo Island

Bongojo Island is a great place to spend the day if you want to go snorkeling, sunbathing, or dining on fresh fish. It is located off the coast of Dar es Salaam and can be reached by taking a
boat from the Slipway shopping center. To get to Bongojo Island, take a boat from the Slipway shopping center. (Min. 4 people/ $20 roundtrip). Once you’re on the island, there are plenty of  things to keep you busy. If you’re looking to snorkel, there are several spots around the island where you can find some stunning marine life. If you’re looking to relax, there are plenty of beaches where you can soak up the sun. And finally, if you’re looking for some delicious food, several restaurants on the island serve fresh fish caught that day. So whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, Bongojo Island is the place for you.

Jangwani & Mbuja Island

Jangwani is one of the most popular beaches in Dar es Salaam. It’s located north of the city center and is known for its white sand and clear blue water. Jangwani is also a great place to take
a boat to Abuja Island, a small island with beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Jangwani is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the incredible views of the Indian Ocean.

Practical Travel Tips for Dar es Salaam

I would give Dar es Salaam at least one full day, even if you are mainly passing through on the way to Zanzibar or safari. Two days are better if you want to see the city with less pressure: markets, coastal neighborhoods, food, museums, ferry logistics and maybe a slow afternoon by the Indian Ocean. Dar is not always an easy city, but it has far more personality than people give it credit for.

Dar is spread out, busy and very traffic-heavy, so where you stay matters. I would use a mix of hotel-arranged transfers, taxis, ride-hailing apps and walking only within specific neighborhoods such as Masaki, Oyster Bay or the Slipway area. For most visitors, Dar is not a city to explore entirely on foot.

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is used everywhere. Cash is essential — I relied on it daily for transport, food, and small purchases. ATMs exist in cities and larger towns, but they’re not always reliable. Cards work mainly in higher-end hotels and lodges.

Dar es Salaam is generally manageable for travelers, but it is a big city and you need normal urban awareness. I would avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables discreet, use trusted transport after dark and be careful around busy markets, ferry areas and traffic-heavy streets. Dar is friendly in many ways, but it is not a place where I would move around casually without paying attention.

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You don’t need to, but learning basic Swahili changed my experience noticeably. Even simple greetings made interactions warmer and more human, especially outside hotels and safari lodges. English works in tourism settings, but Swahili opens doors elsewhere.

The dry season (June–October) works best for wildlife viewing and easier travel. The short and long rains bring greener landscapes and fewer visitors but require more flexibility. I found shoulder seasons rewarding if plans weren’t too tight.

Yes, if you do not expect it to behave like a polished beach stop. Dar is busy, coastal, imperfect and full of everyday life — markets, ferries, street food, old buildings, ocean air, traffic, music and Swahili culture. I would not necessarily make it the centerpiece of a first Tanzania trip, but I would not dismiss it either. Even one thoughtful day can change the way you understand the country before heading to Zanzibar or safari.

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