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.
Dar es Salaam nightlife centres on Masaki, Oyster Bay and the Msasani Peninsula: waterfront bars, rooftop terraces, live music and a few clubs that start after 22:00.
Sunset drinks at Slipway or Karambezi, dinner in Masaki, then bongo flava and amapiano clubs.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Bars 19:00-23:00; clubs from 22:00 to 4:00
- Average drink
- Beer 3,500-6,000 TZS ($1.40-2.40); cocktail 12,000-22,000 TZS ($5-9)
- Dress code
- Smart casual
- Cover charge
- Use Bolt/Uber at night and avoid walking between venues after dark.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Masaki/Oyster Bay
Restaurant-bars on Haile Selassie Road
Best for: Drinks and dinner
Msasani Peninsula
Slipway and Sea Cliff
Best for: Sunset drinks
City centre
Rooftop bars in hotels
Best for: Early evening drinks
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Q Bar
Known for: Bar, live DJs and sports screens
Haile Selassie Road, Masaki, Dar es Salaam
Samaki Samaki
Known for: Seafood restaurant turning into a lively bar
Haile Selassie Road, Masaki, Dar es Salaam
Slipway Waterfront Bars
Known for: Sunset drinks at the marina
Slipway Road, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam
Karambezi Cafe Terrace
Known for: Cocktails above the ocean
Sea Cliff Hotel, Toure Drive, Dar es Salaam
Maru Maru Rooftop Bar
Known for: City-centre rooftop drinks
Maru Maru Hotel, Zanaki Street, Dar es Salaam
Rhapsody's Rooftop
Known for: Rooftop sunset bar
6 Chole Road, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Club Billicanas
Cover: 10,000-20,000 TZS (approx. $4-8)
Hours: Thu-Sun from 22:00
Elements Club
Cover: 10,000-30,000 TZS (approx. $4-12) on event nights
Hours: Thu-Sun from 22:00
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Carry cash for entry fees at clubs.
Do not accept drinks from strangers.
Dress smart-casual; some clubs refuse sandals.