Dar es Salaam Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural attractions, natural sights, food and drink, accommodations, transportation options, and health and safety tips in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.


Introduction to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a bustling city located in the Pembwe Region of Southeast Tanzania, in East Africa. The city is the commercial and economic hub of Tanzania, and it is home to several government institutions and embassies. Dar es Salaam is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to Dar es Salaam.

List of Places to Visit in Dar es Salaam

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of Tanzania
  • Askari Monument
  • St. Joseph’s Cathedral
  • Azania Front Lutheran Church
  • Old Boma Museum

Natural Attractions of Dar es Salaam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mikumi National Park
  • Bagamoyo Beach
  • Pugu Hills Nature Reserve
  • Bongoyo Island
  • Kigamboni Bridge

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dar es Salaam

  • Mbudya Island Trail
  • Kilimanjaro Trail
  • Livingstone Trail
  • Uluguru Mountains Trail
  • Matema Trail

Best Things to Do in Dar es Salaam: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Dar es Salaam Fish Market
  • Explore the city on a Bajaj (three-wheeled taxi)
  • Go on a city tour and visit the cultural and historical sites
  • Take a boat ride to Bongoyo Island
  • Go on a safari at Mikumi National Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Dar es Salaam

| Day | Activities | | — | — | | Day 1 | Visit the National Museum, Askari Monument, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral | | Day 2 | Explore Bagamoyo Beach and the Old Boma Museum | | Day 3 | Go on a safari at Mikumi National Park | | Day 4 | Hike the Uluguru Mountains Trail | | Day 5 | Take a boat ride to Bongoyo Island and relax on the beach | | Day 6 | Visit the Pugu Hills Nature Reserve and Azania Front Lutheran Church | | Day 7 | Enjoy the local cuisine and shop for souvenirs at the Mwenge Carvers Market |

Food and Drink Scene of Dar es Salaam

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ugali and Nyama Choma (grilled meat)
  • Chapati and Njegere (black-eyed peas)
  • Zanzibar Mix (spiced meat and vegetable dish)
  • Fish Curry
  • Swahili Pilau (spiced rice)

Local Beverages

  • Kilimanjaro Beer
  • Konyagi (local gin)
  • Masala Tea
  • Sugarcane Juice
  • Baobab Juice

Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
  • Ramada Encore Dar es Salaam
  • Sea Cliff Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dar es Salaam - Oyster Bay
  • Transit Motel Airport

What to Buy in Dar es Salaam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tingatinga Paintings
  • Maasai Beaded Jewelry
  • Tanzanite Jewelry
  • Kanga and Kitenge (traditional fabrics)
  • Woodcarvings

Local Culture and Customs of Dar es Salaam

Tanzania is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting places of worship. It is also customary to greet people with the phrase “jambo” or “hello” in Swahili. Additionally, bargaining is common when shopping at markets, and it is considered disrespectful to refuse offers of food or drink when visiting someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Dar es Salaam

The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather is mild and comfortable during this time, and it is the perfect season for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dar es Salaam

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting places of worship
  • Greet people with the phrase “jambo” or “hello” in Swahili
  • Bargain when shopping at markets

Don’t:

  • Refuse offers of food or drink when visiting someone’s home
  • Take photos of people or places of worship without permission
  • Engage in public displays of affection

Safety and Health

Safety in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night and to use reputable taxi services.

Health in Dar es Salaam

It is essential to take proper precautions to prevent malaria, which is prevalent in Tanzania. It is recommended to use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. It is also important to drink bottled or purified water and to ensure that all food is cooked thoroughly.

Getting to Dar es Salaam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dar es Salaam

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport

Bus Stations Near Dar es Salaam

  • Ubungo Bus Terminal
  • Mbezi Bus Stand
  • Kariakoo Bus Stand

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Bajajs
  • Dala Dalas (local buses)

How to Get Around in Dar es Salaam

  • Taxis
  • Bajajs
  • Dala Dalas (local buses)

Where to Go Next from Dar es Salaam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Zanzibar Island
  • Bagamoyo Town
  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Saadani National Park
  • Mafia Island

Conclusion

Dar es Salaam is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history, and it is full of stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore the museums and historical sites, go on a safari or hike, or simply relax on the beach, Dar es Salaam has something to offer everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to make the most of your visit to Dar es Salaam and experience all that this incredible city has to offer.

The Bank of Tanzania at dawn The Bank of Tanzania at dawn Julius Nyerere International Airport Julius Nyerere International Airport Tazara railway station Tazara railway station Dar es Salaam before dusk Dar es Salaam before dusk Dar es Salaam waterfront Dar es Salaam waterfront The Nutcracker Man, a 1.75-million-year-old skull at the National Museum The Nutcracker Man, a 1.75-million-year-old skull at the National Museum Kigamboni ferry Kigamboni ferry Kigamboni Beach Kigamboni Beach A crowded downtown street market A crowded downtown street market Mlimani City is good when you are feeling exhausted by the street markets, and homesick for the Cleveland suburbs. Mlimani City is good when you are feeling exhausted by the street markets, and homesick for the Cleveland suburbs. The close view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. The close view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. The bird's eye view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. The bird's eye view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam. A street market in Buguruni A street market in Buguruni St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral A traditional hut at the Village Museum A traditional hut at the Village Museum