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About Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam ('haven of peace') sits on the Indian Ocean coast. Visitors come for the National and Village museums, Kivukoni Fish Market, Kariakoo, the Msasani Peninsula dining and nightlife scene, and boat trips to Bongoyo and Mbudya islands. It is also the main departure point for Zanzibar ferries and a hub for SGR trains to Morogoro and Dodoma.
- Capital
- Dodoma (official); Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital
- Largest city
- Dar es Salaam
- Population
- About 5.4 million (2022 census, region)
- Languages
- Swahili, English
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (UTC+3), no daylight saving
Explore Dar es Salaam by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Dar es Salaam
The 17 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Village Museum (Makumbusho ya Kijiji)
Kivukoni Fish Market
Askari Monument
St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral
Azania Front Lutheran Church
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Dar es Salaam Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Dar es Salaam, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Dar es Salaam
- Days 1-2Dar es Salaam city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Dar es Salaam
- Days 1-3Dar es Salaam comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Dar es Salaam, departure
Where to stay in Dar es Salaam
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 75,000-150,000 TZS ($30-60)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 300,000-500,000 TZS ($120-200)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 900,000+ TZS ($360+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
Five-star harbour-front hotel beside the Kivukoni ferry and BRT terminals, popular with business and leisure travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comDar es Salaam Serena Hotel
Established five-star hotel with gardens and a pool, a short walk from the National Museum and Botanical Gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comSouthern Sun Dar es Salaam
Business-oriented four-star hotel about 1.5 km from the centre, next to the Botanical Gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comJohari Rotana
Modern five-star hotel in the business district with a pool and several restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Dar es Salaam
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Mamboz Masaki
Epi d'Or
Karambezi Cafe
Samaki Samaki
Dar Fish Market
Sala Thai
Book a food tour in Dar es Salaam We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Dar es Salaam
The BRT (DART) runs Kimara-Kivukoni and Morocco-Kivukoni; daladalas cover most routes; Bolt/Uber are the easiest way to cross the city; ferries run from Kivukoni.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TZS (approx. 2,500 per USD), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 50,000-100,000 TZS ($20-40) | 150,000-330,000 TZS ($60-130) | 380,000-520,000 TZS ($150-210) |
| Food (per day) | 10,000-25,000 TZS ($4-10) | 50,000-100,000 TZS ($20-40) | 150,000-300,000 TZS ($60-120) |
| Transportation | 5,000-15,000 TZS ($2-6) | 30,000-60,000 TZS ($12-24) | 100,000-200,000 TZS ($40-80) |
| Activities | 10,000-30,000 TZS ($4-12) | 60,000-150,000 TZS ($24-60) | 200,000-400,000 TZS ($80-160) |
| Daily total | 75,000-150,000 TZS ($30-60) | 300,000-500,000 TZS ($120-200) | 900,000+ TZS ($360+) |
Best time to visit Dar es Salaam
Weather through the year in Dar es Salaam
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Dar es Salaam.
Dry, cooler months are best for island trips.
Short rains in November-December are lighter.
Essential travel tips
- Book Zanzibar ferries online at azammarine.com
- Allow extra time for traffic
- Carry TZS cash for markets
- Bring repellent and consult a travel clinic about malaria
Safety information
Use Bolt or Uber rather than street taxis, especially at night.
Do not walk on beaches or isolated streets after dark.
Keep phones and bags out of sight; bag-snatching from vehicles in traffic occurs.
Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and carry the original only when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?
Yes for museums, markets, island beaches and as a gateway to Zanzibar and safaris.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need an e-visa from immigration.go.tz; check the official portal for current fees.
What currency is used?
Tanzanian shillings; about 2,500 TZS per USD.
Explore Dar es Salaam by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.