Dar es Salaam Travel Guide - Visit Tanzania's Former Capital
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Travel Notes: Destinations: Africa: Tanzania - Dar es Salaam Travel Guide.
Short URL: https://tnot.es/DAR
Travel Guide For Visitors to Dar es Salaam
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From bustling markets and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and world-class seafood former capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, is still its beating heart. Share on Facebook
Unique East African Energy
With over six million residents, 'Dar' (as locals call it) pulses with an energy that's distinctly different from anywhere else in East Africa.
Visiting Dar es Salaam
Why Put Dar es Salaam on Your Tanzania Itinerary
Most visitors to Tanzania treat Dar es Salaam as a brief stopover en route to the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro, but Tanzania's sprawling coastal metropolis deserves far more than a quick airport transfer.
This Indian Ocean port city seamlessly blends Swahili culture, colonial history, and modern African urban life.
Whether you're sampling street food in Kariakoo Market, admiring German-era architecture, or catching a sunset dhow cruise, Dar es Salaam offers authentic experiences that safari lodges simply can't match.
Getting Your Bearings - Dar es Salaam's Key Areas
City Centre
The compact downtown area houses most historical sites, government buildings, and the main ferry terminal.
Key attractions include the National Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the iconic Azania Front Lutheran Church.
Kariakoo
This bustling district centres around one of East Africa's largest markets.
It's where locals shop for everything from fabric to spices, making it perfect for cultural immersion (and practice your Swahili bargaining skills).
Masaki Peninsula
Home to upmarket hotels, restaurants, and the diplomatic quarter.
The peninsula offers excellent Indian Ocean views and houses the popular Slipway shopping complex.
Oyster Bay
A trendy neighbourhood popular with expats and wealthy locals, featuring beach clubs, international restaurants, and the city's best nightlife.
Must-See Attractions and Activities
Discover Colonial Architecture
Dar es Salaam's German and British colonial periods left behind impressive architectural landmarks.
The Old Boma (former German administrative building), now housing cultural events, showcases distinctive colonial design with its wide verandas and coral stone construction.
Explore Kariakoo Market
Navigate the organised chaos of Tanzania's largest market, where vendors sell everything from colourful kanga fabrics to aromatic spices.
The market's towering central building, constructed in the 1970s, creates a maze of stalls that can easily consume half a day.
Top Tips
Visit early morning (8-10am) when it's cooler and less crowded
Bring small denomination Tanzanian shillings for easier transactions.
Take a Traditional Dhow Cruise
These traditional wooden sailing vessels offer sunset cruises along the coast, providing spectacular views of the city skyline.
Many operators include fresh seafood dinners and local music performances.
Visit the National Museum
Tanzania's premier museum (Shaaban Robert St) houses important archaeological finds, including fossils from Olduvai Gorge, ethnographic collections, and exhibits on the country's independence struggle.
The museum's gardens provide a peaceful respite from the city's heat.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
Luxury Options
Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam (Azikiwe Street & Sokoine Drive) - Modern international standard hotel with excellent Indian Ocean views.
The Oyster Bay Hotel (Toure Drive and Ghuba Road) - Boutique property popular with business travellers and diplomats.
Mid-Range Choices
Hotel Slipway (Slipway Road) - Charming waterfront property with dhow-style architecture.
Southern Sun Dar es Salaam (1 Garden Avenue) - Reliable chain hotel with good facilities and central location.
Budget-Friendly Stays
Dar es Salaam has a number of backpacker hostels popular with budget conscious, overland travellers.
Popular Hotels in Dar es Salaam
Eating and Drinking Like a Local
Recommended Restaurants
Addis in Dar (17 Ursino St) - Outstanding Ethiopian cuisine in an atmospheric setting.
Mama's Kitchen (Mahiwa St) - Authentic Swahili dishes in local neighbourhood setting.
The Waterfront (The Slipway) - Excellent seafood with harbour views.
Seafood Specialities
Being a coastal city, fresh seafood dominates local menus in Dar-es-Salaam.
Samaki wa kupaka (fish in coconut curry) and kamba wa kupaka (prawns in coconut sauce) showcase the city's Indian Ocean bounty.
Street Food Essentials
Dar es Salaam's street food scene rivals anywhere in Africa.
Try urojo (spicy soup with various toppings), chipsi mayai (chips omelette), and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers) from roadside vendors.
Getting Around Dar es Salaam
Public Transport
Daladalas (shared minibuses) provide cheap transport throughout the city but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system offers more comfortable travel along major routes.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Uber and Bolt operate in Dar es Salaam and offer reliable, reasonably priced transport.
Traditional taxis are available but negotiate prices beforehand.
Walking
The city centre is walkable, though pavements can be uneven.
Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in less touristy areas.
Day Trips from Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo
Tanzania's former capital (90 minutes north) features fascinating history as a former slave trading port, with German colonial architecture, and traditional dhow-building yards.
Bongoyo Island
This uninhabited island, just 2.5km offshore, offers pristine beaches, snorkelling, and escape from city crowds.
Regular boat transfers operate from Msimbazi Centre.
Pugu Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve
A short drive south-west of Dar-es-Salaam brings you to this wonderful forest reserve, offering hiking trails through indigenous coastal forest.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Dar es Salaam enjoys a tropical climate year-round.
The dry season (June-September) offers the most comfortable weather, while the short rains (October-December) bring occasional afternoon showers, but fewer crowds.
Currency and Costs
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted.
Budget travellers can manage on £15-20 daily, while mid-range visitors should budget for £40-60 per day.
Getting There
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) serves the city, with direct flights from major European, Middle Eastern, and African cities.
The airport lies 12km south-west of the city centre.
Health and Safety
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Stick to bottled water and avoid raw foods from street vendors until your stomach adjusts.
Rewarding Visitors
Dar es Salaam rewards visitors who venture beyond the typical tourist trail.
This dynamic city offers genuine cultural experiences, excellent cuisine, and insights into contemporary East African urban life.
Whether you're starting your Tanzanian adventure or adding urban flavour to a safari itinerary, Dar es Salaam provides memories that extend far beyond wildlife photographs.
The city's warmth lies not just in its tropical climate, but in its people's genuine hospitality.
Take time to engage with locals, sample street food, and embrace the organised chaos that makes Dar es Salaam uniquely captivating.
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