Dar es Salaam

Though most visitors to Tanzania only stop in Dar es Salaam en transit to some of the country’s more popular destinations, the city itself, bursting with African, Muslim and Asian culture, is worth a visit in its own right. Dubbed the “Haven of Piece” (in Arabic), Dar, as it is affectionately known, was founded as a fishing village in 1862. Since then it’s become the country’s largest city with a population of nearly 3 million, and one of the most important ports in all of Africa’s eastern coast.

While Dar has not been the capital of Tanzania since 1973, it’s still the center of much of Tanzania’s business and political life. What’s more, a prevalence of diplomatic missions and other nonprofit organizations makes it a great place to settle if you’re looking to do some voluntary work during your stay.



Getting there
Visitors flying in to Dar will likely arrive via Julius K. Nyerere International Airport, located 10 km west of city. Most hotels offer pick-up and drop-off service to the airport on request. Taxi service is also available.

Getting around
One of the first things you’ll notice about Dar is the lack of sidewalks throughout the city. Thus, though Dar is a great place to explore by foot, you’ll most likely find it a bit difficult (if not dangerous) to use walking as your primary method of transportation.

“Daladalas,” which are shared minivans that travel a specific route throughout the day, are the most popular way of getting around the city. Check the front of the vehicle for its route, and get on or off at any of the listed stops. If you have trouble finding them, simply ask a local vendor; they should be able to direct you to the nearest stop.

Taxis are also readily available, but if you use them, be sure to use only trusted or recommended vendors, and determine a price before jumping in.
Rental cars can be arranged via most hotels, but beware that driving in Tanzania is more difficult than other parts of the West. Potholes, traffic, and aggressive taxi-drivers make driving an adventure all in its own; because of a lack of lights, driving at night should be avoided.

Communication (Internet and Phone)
As a political and business hub, Dar offers some of the best connectivity in the entire country. By 2009, there were more than 20 internet cafes in the central business area alone, and phone booths are available at local post offices.

What to see
The National Museum, Makumbusho Village Museum, Askari Monument, State House, Zoological Gardens, Karimjee Hall, and Azania Front Lutheran Church are all great places to explore Tanzanian culture and history. If you’re looking for some bargains (or at least the chance to practice your bargaining skills), head to the Kariakoo Market, just west of the city’s center.

For relaxation, simply try some of the city’s beaches, which can be accessed via various hotels and resorts along the coast. Popular locations include South Beach Resort, Ras Kutani, and Amani. Note that some hotels may charge for beach access if you are not a hotel guest. Some may also have rules regarding children, so check ahead if you’re traveling with family.

Where to eat
Visitors will find that Dar es Salaam offers a diverse range of food options, from Indian and Chinese, to local Tanzanian stews, buffet-style meals, and deep-fried fish and chicken. Street vendors are a popular and economical choice for those on the run, while Western hotels will offer more traditional Western fare.

Where to stay
With the burgeoning finance and business development in Dar, there are also a growing number of modern hotels and boutique guesthouses that would satisfy even the savviest traveler. Still, the most extravagant don’t come cheap. Royal Palm (popular among businessmen), Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, and Oyster Bay are some of the nicest.

Day Trips
Dar es Salaam is a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including Bagmoyo, Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, and Mbudja Island, where you’ll find numerous opportunities for scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing.

The Kigamboni ferry leaves for beaches south of the city at the corner of Ocean Road and Kivukoni Street. A ferry to Zanzibar leaves four times per day. Still, be careful of ticket scams. Purchase your tickets only from verified dealers, and always check the date of your ticket to make sure it’s accurate.
If you’re up for a hike, take a short trip (45 minutes) to the tropical forest of Puga Hills.
Numerous safari and travel operators can also help those interested in organizing a longer trip on one of the country’s safari circuits.