Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main port, a hot Swahili coastal metropolis of markets, museums, harbour life and island beaches, and the gateway to Zanzibar and Tanzania's safari circuit.
Accommodation overview
Dar es Salaam's accommodation spreads along the Indian Ocean coast, from business hotels around Kivukoni and the city centre to the embassy-and-restaurant belt of Masaki and Oyster Bay, the waterfront hotels of the Msasani Peninsula, and beach resorts at Kunduchi and Kigamboni. Rates run from about 50,000-100,000 TZS ($20-40) for guesthouses to 380,000-520,000+ TZS ($150-210+) for five-star hotels, and many properties quote in US dollars. City-centre hotels suit travellers catching the 7:00 Zanzibar ferry or using the BRT, while Masaki and Msasani offer calmer streets with easy access to restaurants and boats to Bongoyo Island. Traffic can turn the 12 km airport transfer into 45-90 minutes, so location matters. Book two to four weeks ahead for June-October and the December holidays.
- Budget
- 50,000-100,000 TZS ($20-40) per night for guesthouses and simple city hotels
- Mid-range
- 150,000-330,000 TZS ($60-130) per night for 3-4 star hotels
- Luxury
- 380,000-520,000+ TZS ($150-210+) per night for 5-star city hotels
- Where to stay
- Masaki/Msasani for restaurants and calm; city centre/Kivukoni for the ferry, BRT and museums
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Mikadi Beach Resort
Beachside resort and campground south of the harbour, reached by ferry or bridge.
Check rates on Booking.comKipepeo Beach and Village
Relaxed beach village with bandas and camping, popular for weekend escapes from the city.
Check rates on Booking.comJambo Inn Hotel
Budget downtown hotel on Libya Street, popular with backpackers heading to the Zanzibar ferry.
Check rates on Booking.comEconolodge Dar es Salaam
Simple, affordable hotel in the downtown area close to the BRT and ferry terminals.
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Southern 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.comDelta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam
Waterfront hotel beside the Slipway complex, with boat departures for Bongoyo Island within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Plus Peninsula Hotel
Mid-range chain hotel in the Masaki embassy district, close to restaurants on Haile Selassie Road.
Check rates on Booking.comCrowne Plaza Dar es Salaam
IHG-branded upscale hotel with competitive rates and a pool near the city centre.
Check rates on Booking.comGolden Tulip Dar City Center
Four-star hotel in the central business district, convenient for Kariakoo and the BRT.
Check rates on Booking.comOnomo Hotel Dar es Salaam
Contemporary design hotel from the Onomo chain with good-value rooms and a central location.
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Historic city-centre hotel with a long record as a business and government-visitor address, near Askari Monument.
Check rates on Booking.comPeacock Hotel
Long-running mid-priced hotel in the downtown area favored by business travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comKunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort
Beachfront resort north of the city with a large pool and access to Mbudya Island boats.
Check rates on Booking.comWhite Sands Hotel
Family-oriented beach resort north of the city, next to the Wet n Wild water park.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
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.comJohari Rotana
Modern five-star hotel in the business district with a pool and several restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comSea Cliff Hotel
Clifftop resort-style hotel with Indian Ocean views, a shopping village and Karambezi Cafe.
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Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Kivukoni / City Centre
Ferry terminal, BRT, museums; busy on weekdays, quiet on weekends.
Best for: All travelers
Masaki / Oyster Bay
Embassies, restaurants and bars; the most popular expatriate and visitor area.
Best for: All travelers
Msasani Peninsula
Slipway, Sea Cliff and waterfront hotels; boats to Bongoyo Island.
Best for: All travelers
Kunduchi
Beach resorts north of the city.
Best for: All travelers
Kigamboni
Beach camps and bandas south of the harbour.
Best for: All travelers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
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.comSea Cliff Hotel
Clifftop resort-style hotel with Indian Ocean views, a shopping village and Karambezi Cafe.
Check rates on Booking.comDelta Hotels by Marriott Dar es Salaam
Waterfront hotel beside the Slipway complex, with boat departures for Bongoyo Island within walking distance.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for June-October and the December holidays; business-travel weekdays fill the city-centre hotels.
Compare rates on Booking.com and the hotel's own site; some hotels quote USD while others quote TZS.
Choose a hotel near the Kivukoni waterfront if you plan to take the Zanzibar ferry at 7:00.
Confirm airport transfer pricing: the airport is about 12 km from the centre but traffic can make it 45-90 minutes.
Ask whether breakfast, VAT (18%) and service charges are included in the quoted rate.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.