Wake to the shimmer of the Indian Ocean and the hum of a city that never truly slows. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, moves to a rhythm shaped by tide, trade, and easy laughter. Along Kivukoni’s waterfront, fishermen haul their morning catch while cafés fill with the scent of cardamom coffee. The city blends island escapes, street art, and coastal calm in effortless harmony. Between coral-stone history and modern energy, Dar Es Salaam invites you to slow your pace, breathe its salt air, and feel Tanzania’s coastal heart come alive.
Quick Facts: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Time ZoneEast Africa Time, UTC+3
Nearby DestinationsZanzibar, Bagamoyo, Mafia Island, Mikumi National Park
Average Temperature24–32°C year round with humid coastal conditions.
Cash or Card?Cards accepted at hotels and malls. Carry cash for markets, taxis, island boats. ATMs are common in the center and Msasani.
Destination Overview
Why Visit Dar Es Salaam?
Dar Es Salaam mixes a natural harbor and ocean breezes with a lively street scene. In a single day you can browse Makonde carvings at Mwenge, eat Ethiopian injera on a leafy terrace, and ferry out to a sand-fringed marine reserve. The city’s core is historic around Kivukoni and the Old Boma, while its lifestyle beats strongest on the Msasani Peninsula with sunset dining and weekend beach time.
Best Time to Visit Dar Es Salaam
- Short Rains, Nov to Dec – Brief afternoon showers, greener city, good surf on windier days, fewer crowds.
- Main Dry, Jun to Oct – Sunny and less humid, best sea conditions for Bongoyo and Mbudya, peak visitor period.
- Long Rains, Mar to May – Heavy showers can disrupt ferries, more traffic and puddles, hotel deals are common.
- Hot Season, Jan to Feb – Hottest stretch, plan early outings, seek shade and hydrate often.
Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration
Difficulty: Moderate, due to heat, humidity, and traffic at rush hours.
Recommended: 3 to 4 days for first timers, 5 to 7 days if adding Zanzibar or Bagamoyo.
Essential Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Most travelers can apply online for a Tanzania eVisa and receive approval by email. Apply through the official portal, upload your documents, then pay the fee. Carry a printout for arrival and keep your passport valid for at least six months. See the government portal for requirements and processing updates here. Official tourism guidance also links to the eVisa from its planning page Plan Your Trip.
Money & Realistic Daily Costs
- Budget: TZS 80,000–150,000, street food, BRT or shared taxis, simple guesthouses.
- Mid-range: TZS 250,000–500,000, sit-down meals, short taxis, mid-scale hotels.
- Luxury: TZS 600,000–1,500,000+, fine dining, private transfers, upscale oceanfront stays.
Language & Communication
Swahili is widely spoken, English is common in tourism. For data, pick up a local SIM at the airport. Vodacom and Airtel kiosks are in arrivals. eSIMs also work on supported phones. Download Google Translate and set Swahili offline.
Getting There & Around
Air: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) sits about 12 km from the center. A taxi to downtown averages TZS 35,000–45,000 depending on the exact area and traffic. Airport taxi guidance lists typical fares. Ride-hail services like Bolt operate citywide info.
Local transport: The DART Bus Rapid Transit runs trunk and feeder routes with posted fares, trunk TZS 750 and feeder TZS 500 official fares. Use taxis or ride-hail at night, and for peninsulas and beach areas. For Zanzibar hops, high-speed ferries run 1.25 to 1.5 hours. Azam Marine displays resident and non-resident fares on its site rates.
Top Things to Do in Dar Es Salaam
Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites
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National Museum and House of Culture
Address: Shaaban Robert Street, Kivukoni
Admission and timing: Typical hours 9:30–18:00 daily, adult tickets often posted at the door, plan TZS 10,000–15,000 for non-residents. Check current details on the National Museum network page here.
Best visiting time: Morning for cooler galleries.
Early human history, colonial era, and modern culture in curated halls beside the Botanic Gardens. -
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Address: Sokoine Drive, city center
Admission and timing: Church visits around services, Mass schedule varies by day. The Archdiocese shares background and Mass times via official channels here.
Best visiting time: Late morning for light on the stained glass.
Neo-Gothic landmark built in the German period with spires facing the harbor. -
Azania Front Lutheran Church
Address: Kivukoni area near Sokoine Drive
Admission and timing: Open for worship and visits outside services. See the cathedral site for current notices Azania Front.
Best visiting time: Early afternoon for photos of the red-tiled bell tower.
One of the city’s signature whitewashed churches close to the waterfront. -
Askari Monument
Admission and timing: Free, open site at the Samora Avenue roundabout near Azikiwe and Maktaba Streets. Background is documented here.
Best visiting time: Early morning before traffic builds.
A bronze memorial honoring African soldiers of World War I at the symbolic center of the city. -
Old Boma & DARCH
Address: Sokoine Drive, near City Hall
Admission and timing: Modest entry fee, typically open in business hours, exhibitions rotate. Overview and mission here.
Best visiting time: Late morning, pair with a Kivukoni waterfront walk.
A coral-stone relic from 1866 that now hosts the Dar es Salaam Centre for Architectural Heritage.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- Mwenge Woodcarvers Market – Watch Makonde artisans at work and bargain for ebony carvings. Typical hours 7:00–18:00, Mwenge area details. Budget TZS 30,000–120,000 for small to mid-size pieces.
- Kivukoni Fish Market – Arrive by 7:30 to see the auction, then try a grilled fillet. Location along Barack Obama Drive near the port overview. Expect TZS 5,000–12,000 for a quick seafood plate.
- Coco Beach, Oyster Bay – A lively public shoreline for evening breezes and food stalls. It sits on Toure Drive in Oyster Bay guide. Better for people-watching than swimming.
- Nafasi Art Space – Galleries, film nights, and concerts in Mikocheni. Check program and tours via the official site contact. Entry fees vary by event.
- The Slipway – Waterfront shopping and dining hub on the Msasani Peninsula, ferry point for Bongoyo boats info. Great for sunset and handicraft browsing.
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Bongoyo Island Day Trip – Return boat ticket about TZS 30,000 from Slipway plus marine reserve fee around TZS 50,000 for non-residents. Boats typically run mid-morning and mid-afternoon, 30–35 minutes each way timetable and fees. Bring cash, water, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Mbudya Island Castaway Day – Catch local boats from the northern beaches. Expect a park fee reported around TZS 27,000 for non-residents, boats priced by negotiation or via day tours, some packages about TZS 87,000 per person including lunch recent reports and tour example.
- DART BRT Ride-Along – Experience Africa’s pioneering BRT on a trunk line for TZS 750, clean stations, bus lanes, and city views fares.
- Sunset Dinner at The Waterfront – Wood-fired pizza and seafood at Slipway’s oceanfront terrace, typically open noon to midnight details. Entrees commonly TZS 25,000–55,000.
- Rotating Skyline Meal at Akemi – Tanzania’s revolving restaurant atop Golden Jubilee Towers. Reservations advised for sunset, mains often TZS 40,000–70,000 official site.
Best Photo Spots
- Samora Avenue roundabout for the Askari Monument, shoot wide at 7:30 to catch golden light and light traffic context.
- Slipway Pier at dusk, silhouettes of boats and the Indian Ocean horizon location.
- Azania Front Lutheran Church facade from Sokoine Drive, contrasting sky and bell tower background.
- Old Boma courtyard textures, coral stone and carved doors about DARCH.
- Coco Beach promenade, candid evenings and weekend festivals guide.
Where to Stay in Dar Es Salaam
Best Areas or Neighborhoods
- Kivukoni & City Center – Close to museums, churches, and the ferry terminal. Best for first visits and business, easy taxi access, quieter at night.
- Masaki & Msasani Peninsula – Waterfront dining, Slipway mall, island boats. Great for families and sunset lovers.
- Oyster Bay – Coco Beach, leafy streets, cafés. Relaxed vibe, short rides to Msasani and Mikocheni.
- Upanga & Kisutu – Historic architecture, markets, quick downtown access, value hotels.
- Mikocheni – Residential feel, Nafasi Art Space, mid-range stays with easy access to the peninsula.
Budget Traveler Picks
- Safari Inn – Band Street, Kisutu • TZS 40,000–80,000
- Mediterraneo Boutique Hotel – Tuari Road, Kawe • TZS 140,000–260,000
- Sea Cliff Village budget rooms – Near 10 Toure Drive, Masaki • TZS 160,000–280,000
- Hotel Slipway Standard – Slipway Road, Msasani • TZS 180,000–300,000
- Slipway Guest options – Chole or Slipway Road, Msasani • TZS 180,000–320,000
Mid-Range Favorites
- Hotel Slipway – Slipway Road, Msasani • TZS 280,000–520,000
- Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant – Tuari Road, Kawe • TZS 220,000–480,000
- Dar es Salaam Serena, entry rooms – Ohio Street, Kivukoni • TZS 450,000–700,000
- Sea Cliff mid-tier – 10 Toure Drive, Masaki • TZS 500,000–800,000
- Mediterraneo suites – Tuari Road, Kawe • TZS 300,000–600,000
Luxury Stays
- Sea Cliff Hotel – 10 Toure Drive, Msasani Peninsula • TZS 800,000–1,600,000
- Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel – Ohio Street, Kivukoni • TZS 700,000–1,400,000
- Serena Executive floors – Ohio Street, Kivukoni • TZS 1,200,000–2,000,000
- Sea Cliff suites – Masaki • TZS 1,200,000–2,500,000
Family-Friendly
- Hotel Slipway – Family rooms, on-site playground, island boats at the pier.
- Mediterraneo – Garden bungalows, pool, relaxed restaurant by the sea.
- Sea Cliff – Large pool, easy access to Sea Cliff Village shops and cafés.
- Serena – Central location, dependable service, quiet rooms.
Alternative Stays
- Apartments in Masaki or Mikocheni – Short-term rentals are common, ideal for longer stays with kitchens.
- Kunduchi beach lodges – Quieter northern strips near Mbudya boat points.
What & Where to Eat in Dar Es Salaam
Must-Try Dishes
- Nyama choma – Chargrilled beef or goat served with kachumbari. Expect TZS 12,000–25,000 per plate at local grills.
- Mshikaki – Marinated meat skewers from street braziers, typically TZS 2,000–4,000 each.
- Chipsi mayai – Omelet with fries, a Dar classic, TZS 4,000–8,000 at kiosks.
- Seafood platters – Prawns, calamari, and fish. TZS 25,000–60,000 at beach restaurants.
- Zanzibar mix – Spiced soup with bhajias and toppings, TZS 3,000–6,000 at market stalls.
Restaurants & Cafés
- Budget Eats – Waterfront Pizza by the slice at Slipway, TZS 8,000–15,000. Kariakoo stalls for Zanzibar mix under TZS 6,000. Mwenge market cafés for grilled fish TZS 10,000–18,000.
- Mid-Range Favorites – Addis in Dar (17 Ursino Street, dinner 18:00–22:30, closed Tue) platters for two around TZS 60,000–90,000; Samaki Samaki Masaki for seafood and live vibes, mains often TZS 25,000–45,000.
- Oceanfront Dining – The Waterfront at Slipway, seafood and grills, noon to midnight, typical mains TZS 25,000–55,000.
- Special Night Out – Akemi Revolving Restaurant for city lights and steaks, mains often TZS 40,000–70,000 with reservations recommended.
- Steak & Contemporary – 305 Karafuu in Oyster Bay, dinner service, phone +255 754 277 188. Many mains TZS 35,000–70,000.
Street Food & Dietary Tips
- Pick busy vendors with hot turnover and visible handwashing. Ask for bottled water without ice.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are easy at Ethiopian restaurants like Addis in Dar, and in Indian cafés downtown.
- Gluten free diners can stick to grilled meats, rice, and sautéed greens. Confirm sauces if celiac.
- Friday evenings see food stalls pop up near Coco Beach during events. Go early for parking and daylight.
- Tipping is appreciated but modest, around 5 to 10 percent for table service.
Local Culture & Etiquette
- Norms – Greet with “Shikamoo” for elders and “Mambo” among peers. Dress modestly in markets and places of worship. Ask before photographing people.
- Do’s & Don’ts – Do bargain politely in markets. Do keep beachwear for the beach. Do not display large amounts of cash. Do respect prayer times in and near mosques.
- Tipping – Restaurants 5–10 percent, porters TZS 2,000–5,000 per bag, guides based on service.
- Festivals & Events – Swahili fashion and music events rotate throughout the year, and art programs run frequently at Nafasi Art Space.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Health & Safety – For emergencies, the Aga Khan Hospital on Ocean Road operates 24 hours and is JCI-accredited. Phone +255 22 211 5151 hospital info.
- What to Pack – Light cottons, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, DEET repellent, a modest cover-up for churches and markets, a small umbrella in rainy months.
- Money Saving – Use DART for cross-city moves, eat a hearty lunch menu at sit-down restaurants, and visit museums on weekdays. Boat to Bongoyo with a group to share costs.
- Emergency Phrases – “Naomba msaada” (Please help), “Wapi kituo cha basi?” (Where is the bus station), “Gharama ni kiasi gani?” (How much is the price).
Dar Es Salaam Itineraries
3-Day Express Itinerary
- Day 1 – Kivukoni and the center: National Museum, Azania Front, St. Joseph’s, Askari Monument. Lunch at a Kisutu café. Sunset at Slipway and dinner at The Waterfront.
- Day 2 – Island escape: Morning boat to Bongoyo. Swim, snorkel, and a grilled fish lunch. Back to Msasani for gelato and shopping. Steak dinner at 305 Karafuu.
- Day 3 – Crafts and culture: Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, Nafasi Art Space, and a stroll at Coco Beach. Ethiopian dinner at Addis in Dar.
7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary
- Day 1 – Old Boma and DARCH, Botanic Gardens walk, sunset harbor views.
- Day 2 – Museum morning, Kivukoni Fish Market breakfast, city churches, coffee on Ohio Street.
- Day 3 – Bongoyo Island full day, Slipway evening.
- Day 4 – Mbudya Island from the northern beaches, seafood shack lunch in a thatched banda.
- Day 5 – Kariakoo market tour, fabric shopping, tailor visit. Afternoon art crawl at Nafasi.
- Day 6 – Bagamoyo day trip for UNESCO-listed histories and coastal ruins, back by evening.
- Day 7 – Leisure morning at Coco Beach and spa or pool day at your hotel, farewell dinner at Akemi.
Off the Beaten Path Route
Loop north along the peninsula to Kawe and Kunduchi, then back through Mikocheni to Upanga. Stop at neighborhood cafés, visit a small fish smoker in Kunduchi, and detour to craft studios. Plan departures after 9:30 to avoid rush hour, and return before sunset to beat traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Dar Es Salaam?
June to October is the most comfortable stretch, with lower humidity and calmer seas for island boats. November brings short rains and greener parks. March to May sees long rains that can slow traffic and disrupt ferries, though hotel deals improve.
How many days do I need in Dar Es Salaam?
Three to four days cover key sights, Slipway sunsets, and one island day. Add two to three days for Mbudya, Bagamoyo, or a food-focused neighborhood crawl across Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Kisutu.
Is Dar Es Salaam safe for solo travelers?
Use standard big-city habits, avoid walking with phones visible, and take taxis at night. Stick to busy streets like Ohio, Samora, and Toure Drive. In emergencies dial 112 and consider the Aga Khan Hospital on Ocean Road for 24-hour care.
What is the best area to stay in Dar Es Salaam?
Masaki and Msasani for oceanfront dining and island boats, Kivukoni for easy museum access and business meetings, Oyster Bay for Coco Beach and leafy streets, and Upanga for value and central transport links.
How do I get around Dar Es Salaam without a car?
Use DART BRT for cross-city moves, taxis or ride-hail for door-to-door trips, and ferries for Zanzibar. DART trunk fares start at TZS 750 and feeder at TZS 500, with frequent services along Morogoro Road.
What foods should I try in Dar Es Salaam?
Start with nyama choma, mshikaki skewers, chipsi mayai, and coastal seafood. For dining, book Addis in Dar for Ethiopian platters, Samaki Samaki for seafood, or The Waterfront for pizza and sunsets.
How much is the Zanzibar ferry from Dar Es Salaam?
Economy seats for residents are listed from TZS 35,000. Non-resident fares are posted in USD by class. Crossing time is about 1 hour 15 to 30 minutes depending on boat and sea conditions.
What are typical taxi or airport transfer costs?
Airport to central districts usually runs TZS 35,000–45,000 depending on traffic and the exact neighborhood. Confirm the fare before boarding and consider ride-hail for transparent pricing.
Which islands are easiest for a day trip from Dar Es Salaam?
Bongoyo is the simplest from Slipway, about 30–35 minutes each way with posted return times. Mbudya is quieter and reached from northern beaches or via tour. Carry cash for park fees and boats.
Where can I buy good local crafts?
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market for Makonde ebony carvings, beadwork, and masks. Bargain kindly and check for sustainably sourced woods. Many stalls can pack for flights.
Don’t Miss
- A morning loop of Kivukoni, from the National Museum to the Askari Monument, ending with coffee near Ohio Street.
- Slipway at sunset with wood-fired pizza while bands warm up and boats bob in the harbor.
- Bongoyo Island’s first boat out and a shaded banda for a swim and seafood lunch.
- Mwenge Woodcarvers Market for live carving and artisan talk, then a custom packing job for your suitcase.
- Dinner at Akemi as the room slowly completes its rotation over the lights of the city.
Your Dar Es Salaam Story Starts Here
Dar Es Salaam rewards unhurried travelers. Map a morning among coral-stone relics and palm shade, trade smiles in markets, then follow the sea breeze to a terrace where the horizon goes gold. Choose a base near Msasani for island boats or Kivukoni for museums and ferry links. Sketch your days around early starts and slow sunsets. Pick dates, book those first nights, and let the city set your pace.